Podcasts about equally

Celt In A Twist proudly presents Brogeal,a 5 piece from Falkirk, Scotland (home to the giant kelpies). Their new album Tuesday Paper Club is a revelation of contemporary Celtic stomp with punk attitude. Equally adventurous, comes Woodlands Backfall, fusing Swedish midsummer with the spirit of an Irish pub. Boldly taking fiddle and fife into the future. Join Patricia Fraser this week.   Brogeal - Tuesday Paper Club  Woodlands Backfall - Bonnet Reels  Jocelyn Pettit - Keidas Oasis  CANCON The Peelers - Savannah  CANCON Culann's Hounds - Helvic Head  The Rumjacks - Rhythm Of Her Name ROS - Cremem-ho tot Soulsha - Isle Of Skye Reel  The Duhks - Lazy John  CANCON Baltic Crossing - Goodnight Salonkyia Flogging Molly - Welcome To Adamstown Flook - Jig For Sham/The Dawn Wall/Timeweaver  Sketch - The Earthship  Peatbog Faeries - Jesster    59:29

Why foreign “hammers” fail and what leaders must do differently in 2025 For decades, foreign companies entering Japan have repeated the same mistake: dispatching a “change agent” from HQ to shake things up. The scenario often ends in disaster. Relationships are broken, trust collapses, and revenues fall. In 2025, the lesson is clear—Japan doesn't need hammers. It needs builders who listen, localise, and lead with respect. Why do foreign change agents so often fail in Japan? Most fail because they arrive as “hammers,” assuming Japanese organisations are nails to be pounded. They issue orders, demand compliance, and move quickly to replace “uncooperative” staff. Within months, good people leave, clients are alienated, and HQ is asking why nothing has improved. In Japan's relationship-driven culture, trust and precedent matter more than speed. What works in the US or Europe—shock therapy and rapid restructuring—backfires badly in Tokyo. Mini-Summary: Change agents fail because they impose foreign models on Japan, destroying relationships and trust in the process. What makes Japan's business environment unique? Japan's corporate culture is deeply relationship-based. Employees and clients alike expect stability, respect for hierarchy, and long-term partnership. Leaders who ignore these norms are seen as reckless and disrespectful. Imagine if a Japanese executive were sent to New York or Sydney with no English, no knowledge of local clients, and an eagerness to sack your colleagues. How would staff react? That's how many Japanese employees feel when foreign hammers arrive. Mini-Summary: Japan values stability, respect, and trust. Ignoring cultural context guarantees resistance to foreign-led change. How does poor localisation damage performance? Foreign leaders often fail because they don't understand Japanese customers, laws, or working styles. Policies designed for HQ markets rarely fit Japan. When imposed, they drive away clients and demoralise employees. Losing even a handful of senior staff can devastate sales because relationships with clients are personal and long-standing. Unlike in Silicon Valley or London, relationships in Japan cannot be quickly replaced. Mini-Summary: Poor localisation alienates both staff and customers. Once key relationships are broken in Japan, they are almost impossible to rebuild quickly. What should leaders do differently before landing in Japan? Preparation is everything. Leaders should study Japanese language, culture, and business practices before stepping on the plane. They must also build “air cover” at HQ—support for localisation and patience with results. Quick wins help: small, visible improvements that build credibility. Equally important is identifying influencers inside the Japanese office to champion necessary changes. Instead of dictating, leaders must co-create solutions with the local team. For a comprehensive roadmap, leaders should read Japan Business Mastery and Japan Leadership Mastery, which remain the most up-to-date guides on how to succeed in Japan's unique and complex business environment. Mini-Summary: Leaders should prepare deeply, secure HQ support, and pursue small wins with local influencers. Japan Business Mastery and Japan Leadership Mastery are the definitive playbooks for succeeding in Japan. Why is listening more powerful than ordering in Japan? Successful leaders in Japan listen first. They try to understand why processes exist before changing them. What seems inefficient to outsiders may serve a hidden purpose, such as preserving harmony with partners or complying with local regulations. Listening builds credibility and signals respect. Staff become more open to change when they feel heard. By contrast, ordering without listening provokes silent resistance, where employees nod in meetings but fail to execute later. Mini-Summary: Listening creates buy-in and reveals hidden logic. Ordering without listening triggers silent resistance in Japan. How can foreign leaders build rather than wreck in Japan? The answer is to be a builder, not a wrecker. Builders respect relationships, cultivate influencers, and adapt global practices to local realities. They hasten slowly, introducing sustainable changes without blowing up trust. Executives at firms like Microsoft Japan and Coca-Cola Japan have shown that localisation, patience, and humility create long-term growth. Change agents may deliver in other markets, but in Japan, only builders succeed. Mini-Summary: Builders succeed by respecting trust, localising global models, and moving at Japan's pace. Conclusion The “change agent” model is a repeat failure in Japan. In 2025, foreign companies must abandon the hammer approach and embrace a builder mindset—listening, localising, and cultivating trust. Japan's market is rich, stable, and full of opportunity, but only for leaders who respect its unique culture. For executives who want a practical roadmap, Japan Business Mastery and Japan Leadership Mastery remain the most relevant and up-to-date books on how to win in this demanding environment. About the Author Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie “One Carnegie Award” (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have also been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban “Hito o Ugokasu” Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). In addition to his books, Greg publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offering practical insights on leadership, communication, and Japanese business culture. He is also the host of six weekly podcasts, including The Leadership Japan Series, The Sales Japan Series, The Presentations Japan Series, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews. On YouTube, he produces three weekly shows — The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews — which have become leading resources for executives seeking strategies for success in Japan.

Send us a textDid you know that 82% of businesses fail due to cash flow problems? As entrepreneurs, we often focus intensely on generating revenue while neglecting the critical financial foundations that sustain our businesses through inevitable challenges. Drawing from hard-won personal experience, I'm sharing the five essential financial rules that transformed my approach to business finances.The entrepreneurial journey typically doesn't come with a financial manual. When we start out, accepting payments through personal accounts feels natural, but this mixing creates dangerous blind spots. Building a proper financial structure starts with separation – creating dedicated business accounts through an LLC and EIN number forms your first line of defense. But protection doesn't stop there. The financial "moat" around your business castle requires a three-to-six-month emergency buffer that shields you when clients leave unexpectedly or market conditions shift.Perhaps the most painful lesson many entrepreneurs learn is around tax obligations. Without proactive management, tax season becomes a crisis rather than a planned event. By automatically directing 25-30% of incoming revenue to a dedicated tax account, you transform tax time from crisis to routine. Equally important is resisting lifestyle inflation as your business grows. Those $700 monthly car payments for vehicles sitting unused 98% of the time represent opportunity costs that could instead fund business growth. The final rule might seem counterintuitive – strategic investment in your personal and professional growth, even when finances feel tight, often delivers the highest returns by compressing years of learning into months.The brotherhood and sisterhood of entrepreneurship is built on sharing hard-won wisdom. What personal finance strategy has made the biggest difference in your business journey? Comment below with your experiences – your insight might be exactly what another entrepreneur needs to hear today. To Reach Jordan:Email: Jordan@Edwards.Consulting Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ejFXH1_BjdnxG4J8u93Zw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.edwards.7503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanfedwards/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanedwards5/ Hope you find value in this. If so please provide a 5-star and drop a review.Complimentary Edwards Consulting Session: https://calendly.com/jordan-edwardsconsulting/30min

"I believe when I sleep at nighttime I die. Then when I wake up I got a new life." These powerful words from Ai Kihara set the tone for a profound conversation about finding meaning through Japanese wisdom traditions.Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Ai brings a unique perspective to mental health practice, drawing from her heritage as a descendant of both spiritual practitioners and samurai. She offers refreshing insights into concepts that have become misunderstood in Western culture—particularly Ikigai. Far from being merely a "dream job" formula as popularized in Western books, authentic Ikigai can be something as simple as enjoying ice cream or seeing a friend smile. This flexibility makes it a remarkably effective tool in suicide prevention, where Ai has witnessed how redirecting attention to even the smallest source of meaning—like remembering to feed a pet cat—can create the crucial connection needed to choose life.The conversation delves into several Japanese therapeutic approaches that challenge Western assumptions. Where Western treatment for depression often emphasizes activity ("do something, work hard, exercise"), Morita therapy takes the opposite approach—rest, do nothing, don't think, until natural motivation returns. Central to this practice is Arugamama—accepting things exactly as they are without judgment. This radical acceptance creates the foundation for genuine healing by acknowledging reality rather than distracting from it.Equally fascinating is Ai's personalized Naikan practice, which she's maintained for over 30 years. Each night before sleeping, she reflects on what she did for others, how others helped her, and what she learned from her experiences—a simple yet profound practice that maintains her connection to purpose. Her integration of Zen concepts like Ichienso (perfect circle) into art therapy helps clients visualize wholeness while acknowledging life's impermanence.Whether you're interested in alternative approaches to mental health, seeking deeper meaning in your own life, or simply curious about Japanese philosophy, this conversation offers valuable insights into how ancient wisdom can address very modern problems. Listen now to discover how small moments of meaning might transform your perspective on what makes life worth living.

To be without hope is discouraging - even exhausting. Equally, a message of hope is such welcome news. Perhaps you need that right now. This is #1 in a series on hope. So, stay tuned! Read More ... For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

Mystical Messages host and veteran astrologer Hilary outlines the planetary energies for October 2025.  With the double eclipses behind us now, decisions await.  October is Libra season, a time of choices that shape our future.  Libra does not relish choosing between one or more options.  She sees value and downsides in every direction, often debating until the cows come home. It is the consequences of choosing Libra demurs from.  The ripple effect of Libra's decisions loom in front of her.  With both Sun and Messenger Mercury in Libra as October begins, we face myriad choices.  Spicing up our selective process, Valuable Venus cycles through Virgo, where she strives for perfection.  She shrinks from making a single mistake. Watch that you don't get caught on a hamster wheel of indecision. Help arrives as Generous Jupiter in compassionate Cancer urges self-care, nurturing and soul nourishment.  Dive into its warmth. Equally helping out is Pluto aligning to Uranus and Neptune prompting us to change our environment, the groups and individuals we surround ourselves with and how we communicate, all for the better.  Step out of your comfort zone to try something new. No better time than the first Monday, October 6th.  Under the bright spotlight of the Full Moon in Aries, our initiative sparkles. Feeling eager and edgy?  Leap and the net will appear.  Messenger Mercury joins Mars in Scorpio:   Change your thoughts, change your life, they say.  Mercury-Mars invite us to step into our power, be it our talents, influence, or finances.  Make sure to use your power wisely now.  Especially as Pluto, the ruler of Scorpio turns direct motion on Monday, October 13th.  This is one potent stretch and you do not want any karmic blowback.  Off-setting this intense energy, Valuable Venus enters Libra on October 12th.  Here, Venus comfortably designs her own life, choosing relationships that feel balanced. Enter the New Moon on Tuesday, October 21st in Libra, this New Moon invites us to design our lives as we desire.  Carefully craft 3-5 intentions that you seek to manifest over the next month or season.  Plant in the earth or set safely alight. The Sun turns into Scorpio on Thursday, October 23rd, challenging Pluto.  The more things change, the more we are required to adjust to these changes. How can you transform your will to meet this moment?  Remember:  Insistence is resistance. Messenger Mercury shifts into Sagittarius on Wednesday, October 29th.  Our minds turn toward education, travel and spirituality.  October unearthed only more questions for us to answer. See where they lead.  For it is only through the quest to learn and our willingness to be taught that we may begin to understand.   To reach Hilary Harley: www.hilaryharley.com http://www.hilaryharley.com/ Hilary@hilaryharley.com Facebook:  hilary harley. https://www.facebook.com/hilary.harley.3 hilary harley astrology https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057501487642  holistic healing https://www.facebook.com/hilaryharley714 Instagram:  hilary.harley https://www.instagram.com/hilary.harley    

We're excited to welcome Shari A. Rivkind and Morgan J. Weil, co-founders of Bride Lawyer and the women behind Hoboken Bride Guide. There'snothing else like it in Hoboken—a true community created just for brides. While online groups can be helpful, real-life connections matter most. Hoboken Bride Guide brings brides together to mix, mingle, build friendships, and share openly about their planning journeys. Hoboken Bride Guide not only connects brides to each other but also curates uniqueexperiences - walking tours, mixers, and seminars - while linking them withwedding professionals right in their neighborhood, from bridal salons and florists to shops and studios. Equally important, Hoboken Bride Guide makes existingresources more accessible and visible, benefiting both brides and vendors. Because weddings aren't just about one day - they're about the journey and the people who make it unforgettable.Join the conversation. We love your questions, comments, and requests! We also love guests! Past brides, grooms, vendors, and venues contactus! We offer host read advertisement as well. Contact us for more information! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠andrea@thisjoyous.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contact us through social media: Facebook, Instagram or website all are titled: New Jersey Wedding PodcastListen for free wherever you get your Podcasts.Links to this week's vendors:Our intro music is by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jonathanrusso_guitarist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrea Purtell ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.forthisjoyousoccasion.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@weddingofficiant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Celia Milton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.njvowsnow.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @njvowsnow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@hobokenbrideguide

Guest post by Paul Grant, who is a serial entrepreneur, a leading expert on personality diversity and co-author of Personalities Remixed. In today's connected world, the ability to understand others isn't just a soft skill - it's a crucial part of effective leadership, communication, and collaboration. Tools such as the E-Colours and Personal Intervention offer practical frameworks that promote self-awareness, empathy, trust and stronger relationships. The E-Colours framework identifies four core personality styles; each linked to a colour: Red (Doer): Action-oriented, direct, decisive Yellow (Socialiser): Outgoing, enthusiastic, optimistic Blue (Relator): Loyal, caring, empathetic Green (Thinker): Analytical, detail-focused, cautious Personalities Remixed Most people have two dominant colours that shape how they think, act, and communicate. For example, a Red/Yellow may be fast-moving and persuasive but prone to overlook details. A Green/Blue, in contrast, might be detail focused and empathetic but hesitant in fast-changing situations. The power of this model lies in creating a nonjudgmental language for understanding differences. Instead of labelling behaviours as right or wrong, personality diversity helps teams recognise and value diverse strengths - and potential limiters. The Value of Personality Diversity When teams understand each how each other ticks, collaboration improves. For instance, a Red or Yellow manager may prefer quick decisions, while a Green or Blue employee might need time for planning. With mutual awareness, both can adjust their approach to work better together. This awareness reduces conflict and enhances communication. People stop reacting out of misunderstanding and start communicating with intention and respect. Personal Intervention: Pause Before You React Knowing personality styles is only part of the equation. Emotional intelligence also means managing your own behaviour - especially under stress. That's where Personal Intervention comes in. This tool encourages a pause before responding, helping individuals choose a thoughtful action instead of reacting impulsively. It involves three key steps: 1. Pause - Notice your emotional trigger. 2. Think - Consider what's driving your reaction. 3. Choose - Respond in a way that reflects your values and goals. For example, a Red leader receiving critical feedback might usually become defensive. With Personal Intervention, they pause, reflect, and choose a respectful, growth-minded response instead. This creates trust and psychological safety. Understanding yourself and others Building self-awareness, as well as awareness of those around you, is critical for mutually-respectful relationships. Understanding your own E-Colours helps you predict how you might behave under pressure. For example, a Red may dominate conversations, while a Blue might withdraw from conflict. Personal Intervention allows you to regulate those tendencies and choose more productive behaviours. Equally, knowing someone else's E-Colours helps you tailor your message. A Yellow speaking to a Green can slow down and focus on structure. A Blue communicating with a Red can be more direct while staying kind. When both parties use these tools, communication becomes intentional, respectful, and far more effective. Challenges and Culture Shift Though simple to understand, applying these tools consistently requires practice, reflection, and humility. People must be willing to confront potential limiters - like a Yellow's tendency to dominate conversations or a Green's hesitation to act. Importantly, our personality makeup should never be used as an excuse - 'That's just my Red!' - but as a guide for self-awareness and empathy. Success comes when the framework becomes embedded in daily culture through ongoing reinforcement. Conclusion Personality diversity is a strength, not a problem to solve. With E-Colours and Personal Intervention, individuals and teams gain practical tools to understand th...

Your genius is that you make the impossible possible through creativity, compassion, and unshakable faith. In the words of your spiritual master, you have devised ways to organize, empower, and unite devotees in their service. The Bhadra campaign is your gift to the Vaiṣṇava world, a visionary plan to flood households with the jewel of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam sets by a date blessed by the scriptures themselves. With each passing year, the campaign grows, and thousands of devotees in dozens of countries now thrill at the transcendental challenge of placing these sacred volumes into eager hands. Truly, this campaign has become one of the defining legacies of your life—a revival of Śrīla Prabhupāda's dream on a global, global scale. But your greatness extends beyond numbers and strategies. It lies in your deep absorption in the śāstra, your steady practice of devotional service, and your ability to communicate the timeless truths of Kṛṣṇa consciousness in a way that touches the hearts of all. Your mastery of ślokas, both in memory and in realization, makes your lectures shine like the sun, illuminating both the philosophical depths and the practical applications of bhakti. Many testify that your talks are among the finest in our movement: clear, systematic, rich with scriptural authority, and delivered with genuine love for Śrīla Prabhupāda and his followers. Equally inspiring is the way you embody the role of an ideal householder. You and your esteemed wife, Nirukulā Dāsī, have shown how a family life can be fully centered on Kṛṣṇa service. Together, you have nurtured not only yourselves but an entire community of Vaiṣṇavas in Silicon Valley and beyond. The devotees under your care are deeply attached to you because they know your heart beats only for their spiritual welfare. You care for them like a true father, guide them all with wisdom, encourage them with affection, and set the perfect example of balance between personal sādhanā preaching and family life. Dearest Vāiseṣika Prabhu, you are beloved not only in Silicon Valley but throughout the ISKCON world. When devotees speak your name, it is with affection, admiration, and gratitude. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

TALK TO ME, TEXT ITThe power of public faith declarations takes center stage as we reflect on the Charlie Kirk Memorial service. What struck me most wasn't just the five-hour duration or the assembly of political figures, but the bold proclamation of biblical truth from people we rarely hear speak so openly about their spiritual convictions.Marco Rubio's segment stands as a testament to unapologetic faith in the public square. His seven-minute speech—particularly the final moments—articulates core biblical principles with remarkable clarity and conviction. For anyone seeking to understand how faith and public service can intersect authentically, these two minutes offer a masterclass. When was the last time you heard a politician speak with such spiritual directness? The answer for most of us is likely "never."Equally moving was Erica Kirk's extraordinary demonstration of forgiveness toward her husband's killer. In our retribution-focused culture, this act of grace transcends normal human capacity, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of deep faith. Witnessing such moments reminds us that even in our most devastating losses, forgiveness remains possible—though certainly not easy.The podcast takes an unexpected turn toward mystery with the story of two young, experienced hunters found dead in Colorado wilderness without signs of trauma. Their disappearance and the circumstances surrounding their deaths raise troubling questions about what might have happened to these "resourceful outdoorsmen." Similarly puzzling is the tragic death of a tiger handler associated with Joe Exotic—a stark reminder of life's unpredictability.These stories of faith, forgiveness, and mortality ultimately point to our shared human experience—navigating between moments of profound spiritual insight and everyday concerns like car maintenance and Bible reading routines. Join me in contemplating how we might incorporate more grace and truth into our own lives, regardless of the challenges we face.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE Thanks for listening! Liberty Line each week on Sunday, look for topics on my X file @americanistblog and submit your 1-3 audio opinions to anamericanistblog@gmail.com and you'll be featured on the podcast. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREESupport the showTip Jar for coffee $ - Thanks Music by Alehandro Vodnik from Pixabay Blog - AnAmericanist.comX - @americanistblog

Send us a textDespite our lack of new content for a month or two, it's been lovely to still have people tuning in and discovering what we are all about.Equally, the recording has continued and there's even been a bit of editing too - Season 7 is in progress! For now though, allow us to entertain you with details of our recent trip to Goodwood Revival. A great event, with brilliant historic racing.This prompts a discussion on the 100th episode (we're currently on 86) and Andy being the guest on the show... However Jon suggests we should get Jenson, or Ian Wright!! We hope you enjoy this bit of chatter, and please sit tight for season 7 dropping this side of Christmas... hopefully October 2025.Please leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts. Support the showWe'd love you to hear and share your stories, please tag and follow us on social media. www.instagram.com/mydadscar_podcastwww.Facebook.com/mydadscar podcastwww.buymeacoffee.com/mydadscarIf you'd like to support the podcast and are able to, you can ‘buy us a coffee' which will help towards costs of hosting and purchasing equipment to allow us to record guests in person, rather than just on zoom. Get in touch with us direct - MyDadsCarPodcast@gmail.com

Essential listening for anyone loving someone with PTSD, parents wondering how trauma is affecting their kids, and family members who feel like they're walking on eggshells but don't know how to help.More info, resources & ways to connect - https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/dr-michelle-shermanDr. Michelle Sherman spent 17 years in the VA system watching families sit in waiting rooms while their loved ones received treatment. Those families looked lost, confused and isolated. That observation launched her career specializing in how trauma and PTSD impact entire family systems, not just the person with the diagnosis.The biggest misconception? That trauma automatically equals PTSD. Most people experience some form of trauma in their lives, but most don't develop PTSD. Sherman survived a serious car accident at 70 mph that easily could have killed her. That was trauma. But like most people, she processed it naturally without developing PTSD. The distinction matters because it removes the automatic assumption that experiencing something terrible means you're broken.For those who do develop PTSD, there's reason for hope. Sherman emphasizes that PTSD can actually be cured, not just managed. Evidence-based treatments exist that can eliminate symptoms entirely. The challenge is getting people to stick with treatment since avoidance is a core symptom of the condition.Families often don't realize they're dealing with trauma's ripple effects. They might feel like they're walking on eggshells around someone who's become irritable and quick to anger. Or they experience what researchers call "ambiguous loss" when their loved one is physically present but emotionally unavailable. Kids especially struggle with this, often blaming themselves for the changes in their parent's behavior.Sherman's advice for families is straightforward but powerful: keep asking. If someone with PTSD declines social invitations or family activities, don't stop inviting them. Unless they explicitly tell you to stop, keep reaching out. They may say yes on the 50th invitation, but knowing you're still there matters enormously.Equally important is what not to do. Don't pry for details about the trauma. Don't take their emotional distance personally. And critically, don't make your entire life about being their caregiver. You need your own hobbies, friends and support system to avoid burnout.The family impact extends beyond spouses and partners. Sherman's passionate about children living with parents who have mental illness or PTSD. About 20% of kids live in these situations, yet they remain largely invisible to healthcare systems. Other countries provide legal rights and supports for these children, but the US lags behind significantly.Sherman co-authors books with her mother specifically addressing this gap. Their latest releases include resources for both teens and adults navigating these family dynamics. The books are interactive, community-reviewed efforts designed to feel like "a support group in a book" for people who might never seek traditional therapy.Her message throughout is hopeful. Trauma can be life-impacting but doesn't have to be life-defining. Recovery is possible. Families can heal together. The key is understanding that healing often happens in relationship with others, whether through therapy, support groups or simply having people who keep showing up even when you push them away.The stigma around PTSD is decreasing, treatments are improving and awareness is growing. Sherman's magic wand wish would be comprehensive recognition of how mental health issues affect children in these families, but her realistic advice is simpler: stay curious, keep caring and remember that showing up consistently matters more than saying the perfect thing.

Scenario planning often sounds like a board retreat buzzword, but in this Nonprofit Power Week episode it becomes a practical playbook with receipts. Director Tesa Piccioni of Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC) reframes uncertainty as a routine operating condition, not a meteor strike. Her thesis is disarmingly simple: “Let's take the un out of uncertainty and accept that certain things are going to happen. Let's prepare.” Preparation, she argues, isn't about predicting every storm—it's about building a habit of visibility and fast pivots.We start with the kitchen-table finance questions: What do you have? What do you owe? What's promised in and promised out? From there, the “boring” stuff—clean records, timely allocations, grant restrictions, and a rolling forecast—becomes the organization's superpower. As Tesa puts it, “If you have good information in, you get good information out—and that lets you act, not just react.” She expands the aperture beyond budgets: think balance sheet integrity, a just-in-case line of credit, and board fluency in financials so decisions don't stall during turbulence.The clever twist: scenarios aren't just bad-news drills. Tesa insists on planning for lucky breaks too—unexpected windfalls, mergers, or a connector board member who opens doors. That $1.5M surprise check? Without a plan, it's chaos with confetti. With a plan, it's momentum.Her practical framework pairs SWOT with three starter lenses: revenue up, revenue down, and environmental change. Master those, and you're not memorizing scripts; you're training reflexes. Equally important, it's not a finance-only sport. Program leads, executives, and boards need shared situational awareness so services continue even if the lights don't.Tesa links this directly to strategy: strategic planning sets the destination; scenario planning keeps the route open when reality tosses detours. Review cadence? Not annually—responsively. The moment regulations shift, funds lag, or opportunities appear, open the playbook and adjust. That rhythm replaces anxiety with calm, which is precisely what constituents deserve.The payoff is cultural: organizations stop operating in crisis posture and start operating with poise. Think FEMA's checklists, but for food banks, youth programs, and arts orgs—quiet competence that protects the mission on ordinary Tuesdays and extraordinary Thursdays alike.#TheNonprofitShow #ScenarioPlanning #NonprofitFinanceFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Every masterpiece you've ever consumed likely passed through a licensing agreement first. That catchy song in your favorite commercial? Licensed. The superhero logo on your coffee mug? Licensed. The technology powering your smartphone? Licensed hundreds of times over. Licensing represents the hidden architecture behind innovation empires, allowing creators to extend their reach without surrendering control. Unlike selling your intellectual property outright, licensing lets you maintain ownership while granting permission for others to use it under specific conditions – essentially renting out a room while remaining the landlord.The potential of licensing spans virtually every form of intellectual property. Patents enable inventors to collect royalties from global manufacturers without running factories. Trademarks allow fashion brands and sports teams to appear on merchandise worldwide. Copyrights drive music, publishing, and streaming industries. Even carefully protected trade secrets can be licensed as valuable know-how.But successful licensing requires methodical preparation. You must clearly establish ownership, precisely define scope, protect confidentiality during negotiations, package assets for seamless transition, establish defensible royalty models, and determine governance structures. Finding the right licensees demands strategic targeting – from identifying companies in similar patent classes to exploring industry standards programs and attending specialized trade shows.The negotiation process benefits from structured frameworks: separating positions from interests, understanding your alternatives, presenting multiple equivalent offers, and stress-testing deals through financial modeling. Equally important is recognizing red flags: licensees who overpromise, resist transparency, fight performance standards, demand excessive exclusivity, or operate in challenging regulatory environments.Remember that licenses exist in dynamic markets with changing conditions. Know when to renegotiate (when fundamental assumptions shift), when to walk away (when partners consistently underperform), and when litigation becomes necessary (when your rights are genuinely threatened).Want to develop your own IP protection strategy? Check out "Protection for the Inventive Mind" – available now on Amazon in print and Kindle formats.Get the book!Send us a textSupport the show

It's raining runs in Aussie cricket - hundreds from Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, and more!But as Ed asks: are all runs created equal?We dive into the recent run frenzy, update our race to open the batting standings, size up the old enemy, and check in on Captain Pat's back worries.

At the time of writing, it's suicide awareness month, and typically whenever we think about suicide, we only think about the signs and symptoms that a person is suicidal. Equally, we think about the loss, heartbreak and sadness that follows a successful suicide attempt. However, the majority of suicide attempts are not successful and the aftermath of a suicide attempt can be difficult, distressing and heartbreaking for everyone involved. As someone who's survived three suicide attempts, I want to explore the facts and findings of what happens after surviving a suicide attempt whilst I bring the subject to life with my own experiences. Therefore, by the end of this clinical psychology podcast episode, you'll learn what happens after surviving a suicide attempt, how to support someone after a suicide attempt and what to do if you've survived a suicide attempt. If you enjoy learning about mental health, psychotherapy and suicide risk, then this will be a great episode for you.In the psychology news section, you'll learn how depersonalisation changes how we see ourselves, how the DREAM database aims to answer burning questions, and who successfully rekindles old friendships?LISTEN NOW!If you want to support the podcast, please check out:FREE AND EXCLUSIVE 8 PSYCHOLOGY BOOK BOXSET- https://www.subscribepage.io/psychologyboxsetHealing As A Survivor: A Personal and Clinical Psychology Guide To Healing From Sexual Violence- https://books2read.com/u/mKOYkE Available from all major eBook retailers and you can order the paperback and hardback copies from Amazon, your local bookstore and local library, if you request it. Also available as an AI-narrated audiobook from selected audiobook platforms and libraries systems. For example, Kobo, Spotify, Barnes and Noble, Google Play, Overdrive, Baker and Taylor and Bibliotheca. Patreon- patreon.com/ThePsychologyWorldPodcast#suicide #suicideawareness #suicideattempt #suicideawarenessmonth #suicidal #clinicalpsychology #mentalhealth #clinicalmentalhealth #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthadvocate #psychology #psychology_facts #psychologyfacts #psychologyfact #psychologystudent #psychologystudents #podcast #podcasts

In this episode of High Value Discussions, I was  honored to host the one and only Frankie Berlanga. He is a man committed to shaping lives through leadership, faith, and discipline. As the visionary behind Authorized Leadership, he has built a mentorship platform that develops individuals to step confidently into roles of responsibility and impact. His work as a Dean for students places him on the frontlines of education, where he balances structure, accountability, and compassion to help young people thrive. In his role as a Care Pastor, Frankie provides spiritual guidance, healing, and encouragement, helping people find hope and direction through Christ centered leadership. Equally, his journey in martial arts as a brown belt and BJJ instructor at Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu reflects his belief that leadership requires both mental resiliency and physical discipline. Off the mats and beyond the podium, he is deeply committed to his family as a devoted husband and father, living out the principles he teaches in his home. His story reminds us that leadership is not confined to titles or positions, it's a way of life, carried into every arena where people are watching, learning, and being inspired.High Value Discussions is produced/edited by: https://assetmediaproduction.com/If you could be so kind and subscribe to my Youtube channel, like, comment, and share.As well as giving a 5 star rating followed by a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify.This helps the show grow tremendously, and I would greatly appreciate the support as I promise to continue to give value to each and every one of you.Connect with Frankie Berlanga: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-berlanga-06b66021Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankieberlanga_Follow High Value Discussions Socials:YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@HighValueDiscussions/videosApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-value-discussions/id1704921472Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55cxAJO4lPphznNGTTo1A8Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highvaluediscussions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highvaluediscussionsX: https://x.com/hvanalysisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gonzalez-4b21a72b1/

My single, non-negotiable rule is simple: listen more than you speak. Equally important for anyone entering business is to understand that government is typically not an ally. Speaking from years of experience buying and selling a wide range of businesses — car washes, gas stations, convenience stores, development and operating companies, trucking firms, woodworking shops, and more — I've found government involvement often creates friction for entrepreneurs. Its focus tends to be on compliance and oversight, not on fostering individual business success.

With almost 15 years active paranormal investigation experience, Beth stands as a wealth of knowledge and a pivotal contributor for the field of interest. Her journey commenced in the UK before she made her way back to Australia where she became a part of a paranormal investigation team. Fueled by her unique vision to elevate the skills of the intermediate-level investigator, Beth decided to branch out on her own as an independent paranormal investigator and Access Paranormal was created. Originating as a website for the Australian paranormal community, its has since evolved into a well known hub for online learning among investigators. Equally passionate about events, Beth has hosted intimate information-sharing nights to hosting international guests (The Klinge Brothers) alongside the Australian Paranormal Society. She's an accomplished international speaker (Paracon Australia, Scarefest, Las Vegas Paracon and Skepticon Australia, ASSAP Seriously Strange) and a featured author and Podcaster. In addition to her role as a qualified Trainer and Assessor she has delved into advanced studies with institutions such as the Rhine Institute and the School of Parapsychology. Her involvement extends to memberships in esteemed organizations, including the Society of Psychical Research where she currently serves on the Spontaneous Case Committee. She is also an accredited Paranormal Investigator with ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) and a member of the Ghost Club and ASSAP. She currently lives in Kent in the UK with her husband.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media. 

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Ken Yates are answering a question about God's love for believers. Does he show more love to some than others? Does God love all believers in the same amount and the same way? Is the issue more about how or even whether we experience

TALK TO ME, TEXT ITWords have consequences – a truth that echoes through the shocking headlines of our current media landscape. The indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show by ABC serves as a stark reminder that even established personalities face repercussions for inflammatory statements. After Kimmel's controversial comments about Charlie Kirk's murder, suggesting "the MAGA gang was trying to score political points," the network took decisive action, replacing his show with Family Feud reruns.This isn't simply another chapter in so-called "cancel culture." As Dave Portnoy astutely observed, there's a critical distinction between digging up decades-old statements to target someone versus facing immediate consequences for current remarks. Private companies have always maintained the right to enforce standards among their representatives – a reality that extends from corporate offices to entertainment studios. While some celebrate this development and others decry it, the situation reflects our evolving understanding of speech's power and impact.Meanwhile, two devastating stories highlight the tragic consequences when compassion fails. The identification of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas's dismembered body in singer David's Tesla trunk presents a horrifying mystery. Missing since age 13, with reports of "a boyfriend named David," her discovery raises urgent questions about protection of vulnerable teens. Equally heartbreaking is Jesse Mobley Jr.'s death outside a Texas steakhouse after staff assumed he was homeless and moved him outside instead of calling for medical help – a fatal misunderstanding that cost a family their third child in 13 years. These stories share a common thread about responsibility, consequences, and our collective humanity. How might we navigate accountability while preserving dignity and compassion for all? That remains our most crucial question.Join us in reflecting on these developments and share your thoughts. Will you be watching Charlie Kirk's upcoming memorial service in the stadium? Your perspective matters in these complicated conversations.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE Thanks for listening! Liberty Line each week on Sunday, look for topics on my X file @americanistblog and submit your 1-3 audio opinions to anamericanistblog@gmail.com and you'll be featured on the podcast. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREESupport the showTip Jar for coffee $ - Thanks Music by Alehandro Vodnik from Pixabay Blog - AnAmericanist.comX - @americanistblog

Could your morning routine be secretly sabotaging your chronic pain and illness recovery? In this illuminating episode, we explore how those critical first moments after waking profoundly impact your nervous system's regulation and pain processing throughout the entire day.When you first open your eyes, your brain is in a uniquely vulnerable state—actively scanning your environment and asking: "Am I safe today, or am I in danger?" The signals you send during this transition period can either trigger fight-or-flight responses that amplify pain or create safety cues that begin a cascade of healing. We break down exactly which common morning behaviors are keeping you locked in pain and symptom cycles and which practices can rewire your brain for relief.Many of us unknowingly start our days with habits that spike dysregulation—immediately checking phones, rushing frantically, consuming caffeine on empty stomachs, or engaging in negative self-talk about symptoms. These seemingly innocent behaviors trigger stress responses that directly increase pain and symptom sensitivity. Equally problematic are patterns that promote freeze responses: staying in bed scrolling, avoiding movement, and remaining isolated. We share personal examples of how these patterns affected our own healing journeys and how we transformed them.The good news? Simple, intentional morning practices can dramatically shift your pain experience. We provide a comprehensive toolkit of healing morning rituals including somatic movement, specific breathwork techniques, embodiment practices, thought work, and nature exposure—all designed to send powerful safety signals to your nervous system. You'll learn practical implementation strategies that don't require massive time commitments or dramatic lifestyle overhauls.Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, persistent symptoms, or simply want to optimize your nervous system regulation, this episode offers a roadmap for creating morning routines that support lasting healing. Start tomorrow with even one small change, and begin transforming your relationship with pain from the moment you wake up.Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

From Overcharged to Death Penalty: Luigi Mangione & Tyler Robinson Updates Breaking true crime developments are shaking two high-profile cases, with prosecutors and investigators moving decisively on both fronts. First, Luigi Mangione, accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, saw his controversial murder-one charge dismissed in New York. Prosecutors had originally pursued a terrorism-linked charge after Mangione shot Thompson in the back, but critics long argued this was an overreach. Under New York law, first-degree murder is tied to the victim's status, not premeditation, and prosecutors' attempt to frame the attack as a terrorist act was widely viewed as a stretch. While the top charge has been thrown out, Mangione still faces second-degree murder charges in New York and, more significantly, a federal murder case where the death penalty is already on the table. Crossing state lines to commit murder solidifies federal jurisdiction, and experts say the case should have been federal from the start. Mangione's fate now rests with the federal system, where conviction could mean death row. Meanwhile, shocking new details have emerged in the case of Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative political figure Charlie Kirk during a public event. Prosecutors outlined seven serious charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and firearm-related offenses. The aggravating factors cited were chilling: Robinson allegedly opened fire from 150 yards away in a crowded public space, putting numerous lives at risk, including children present at the scene. Prosecutors compared the setting to other high-profile assassination attempts, underscoring the public danger and trauma inflicted. Equally disturbing are the obstruction charges, which center on Robinson's attempts to silence his partner and erase incriminating text messages. Forensic investigators recovered those communications, which prosecutors described as eye-opening evidence of intent and cover-up. In a powerful press conference, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray emphasized that this case strikes at the core of American values — the right to free speech and public discourse without fear of being murdered for one's beliefs. Comparing the assassination of Kirk to historic political violence, he warned of the chilling effect on democracy if such acts go unchecked. With a preliminary hearing scheduled, the government will now begin laying out its case in court, step by step, against Robinson. From Mangione's federal death penalty exposure to Robinson's calculated public attack, these true crime cases highlight the dangerous intersection of ideology, violence, and justice. Both cases will continue to dominate national headlines as courts determine the fate of two accused killers. #TrueCrime #CharlieKirk #TylerRobinson #LuigiMangione #BreakingNews #MurderTrial #DeathPenalty #FederalCase #JusticeSystem #CrimeNews Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

From Overcharged to Death Penalty: Luigi Mangione & Tyler Robinson Updates Breaking true crime developments are shaking two high-profile cases, with prosecutors and investigators moving decisively on both fronts. First, Luigi Mangione, accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, saw his controversial murder-one charge dismissed in New York. Prosecutors had originally pursued a terrorism-linked charge after Mangione shot Thompson in the back, but critics long argued this was an overreach. Under New York law, first-degree murder is tied to the victim's status, not premeditation, and prosecutors' attempt to frame the attack as a terrorist act was widely viewed as a stretch. While the top charge has been thrown out, Mangione still faces second-degree murder charges in New York and, more significantly, a federal murder case where the death penalty is already on the table. Crossing state lines to commit murder solidifies federal jurisdiction, and experts say the case should have been federal from the start. Mangione's fate now rests with the federal system, where conviction could mean death row. Meanwhile, shocking new details have emerged in the case of Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative political figure Charlie Kirk during a public event. Prosecutors outlined seven serious charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and firearm-related offenses. The aggravating factors cited were chilling: Robinson allegedly opened fire from 150 yards away in a crowded public space, putting numerous lives at risk, including children present at the scene. Prosecutors compared the setting to other high-profile assassination attempts, underscoring the public danger and trauma inflicted. Equally disturbing are the obstruction charges, which center on Robinson's attempts to silence his partner and erase incriminating text messages. Forensic investigators recovered those communications, which prosecutors described as eye-opening evidence of intent and cover-up. In a powerful press conference, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray emphasized that this case strikes at the core of American values — the right to free speech and public discourse without fear of being murdered for one's beliefs. Comparing the assassination of Kirk to historic political violence, he warned of the chilling effect on democracy if such acts go unchecked. With a preliminary hearing scheduled, the government will now begin laying out its case in court, step by step, against Robinson. From Mangione's federal death penalty exposure to Robinson's calculated public attack, these true crime cases highlight the dangerous intersection of ideology, violence, and justice. Both cases will continue to dominate national headlines as courts determine the fate of two accused killers. #TrueCrime #CharlieKirk #TylerRobinson #LuigiMangione #BreakingNews #MurderTrial #DeathPenalty #FederalCase #JusticeSystem #CrimeNews Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shattered America's political landscape, leaving many wondering how to process the tragedy and what comes next. As our nation grapples with this shocking act of violence, the most revealing aspect isn't just who pulled the trigger—it's how half the country responded.While grief and outrage have united many conservatives, disturbing celebrations from certain corners of the political left expose the dangerous division at America's core. Can a nation survive when political opponents see each other not just as wrong, but as enemies deserving elimination? This question looms over every aspect of this tragedy.The fog of conflicting narratives exemplifies what military strategists call "fifth generation warfare"—a battle for information that creates such confusion that citizens become paralyzed, unable to determine what's true. "You don't know what to believe, so you sit there and don't act," as one host explains. "You don't unite with the people you should unite with. You don't fight against the people you should fight against." This information chaos serves those who benefit from a fractured, inactive populace.Equally concerning is how some conservative figures have responded by adopting progressive frameworks they once opposed. When ex-Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi declared "There's free speech and then there's hate speech," she undermined long-standing conservative principles—the same principles that protected religious liberty in cases like the famous wedding cake controversy. This inconsistency suggests a troubling opportunism that could backfire dramatically when political winds shift.As Catholics and people of faith navigate this tragedy, we face profound questions about balancing free expression with moral imperatives. While absolute free speech may not align with traditional Catholic teaching, defining boundaries requires wisdom to avoid partisan traps that ultimately harm everyone.Support the show"Protect Catholic Kids" Shirt Fundraiser for Victims of Annunciation Shooting: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/protect-catholic-kids ********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

From Overcharged to Death Penalty: Luigi Mangione & Tyler Robinson Updates Breaking true crime developments are shaking two high-profile cases, with prosecutors and investigators moving decisively on both fronts. First, Luigi Mangione, accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, saw his controversial murder-one charge dismissed in New York. Prosecutors had originally pursued a terrorism-linked charge after Mangione shot Thompson in the back, but critics long argued this was an overreach. Under New York law, first-degree murder is tied to the victim's status, not premeditation, and prosecutors' attempt to frame the attack as a terrorist act was widely viewed as a stretch. While the top charge has been thrown out, Mangione still faces second-degree murder charges in New York and, more significantly, a federal murder case where the death penalty is already on the table. Crossing state lines to commit murder solidifies federal jurisdiction, and experts say the case should have been federal from the start. Mangione's fate now rests with the federal system, where conviction could mean death row. Meanwhile, shocking new details have emerged in the case of Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative political figure Charlie Kirk during a public event. Prosecutors outlined seven serious charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and firearm-related offenses. The aggravating factors cited were chilling: Robinson allegedly opened fire from 150 yards away in a crowded public space, putting numerous lives at risk, including children present at the scene. Prosecutors compared the setting to other high-profile assassination attempts, underscoring the public danger and trauma inflicted. Equally disturbing are the obstruction charges, which center on Robinson's attempts to silence his partner and erase incriminating text messages. Forensic investigators recovered those communications, which prosecutors described as eye-opening evidence of intent and cover-up. In a powerful press conference, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray emphasized that this case strikes at the core of American values — the right to free speech and public discourse without fear of being murdered for one's beliefs. Comparing the assassination of Kirk to historic political violence, he warned of the chilling effect on democracy if such acts go unchecked. With a preliminary hearing scheduled, the government will now begin laying out its case in court, step by step, against Robinson. From Mangione's federal death penalty exposure to Robinson's calculated public attack, these true crime cases highlight the dangerous intersection of ideology, violence, and justice. Both cases will continue to dominate national headlines as courts determine the fate of two accused killers. #TrueCrime #CharlieKirk #TylerRobinson #LuigiMangione #BreakingNews #MurderTrial #DeathPenalty #FederalCase #JusticeSystem #CrimeNews Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

With almost 15 years active paranormal investigation experience, Beth stands as a wealth of knowledge and a pivotal contributor for the field of interest. Her journey commenced in the UK before she made her way back to Australia where she became a part of a paranormal investigation team. Fueled by her unique vision to elevate the skills of the intermediate-level investigator, Beth decided to branch out on her own as an independent paranormal investigator and Access Paranormal was created. Originating as a website for the Australian paranormal community, its has since evolved into a well known hub for online learning among investigators. Equally passionate about events, Beth has hosted intimate information-sharing nights to hosting international guests (The Klinge Brothers) alongside the Australian Paranormal Society. She's an accomplished international speaker (Paracon Australia, Scarefest, Las Vegas Paracon and Skepticon Australia, ASSAP Seriously Strange) and a featured author and Podcaster. In addition to her role as a qualified Trainer and Assessor she has delved into advanced studies with institutions such as the Rhine Institute and the School of Parapsychology. Her involvement extends to memberships in esteemed organizations, including the Society of Psychical Research where she currently serves on the Spontaneous Case Committee. She is also an accredited Paranormal Investigator with ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) and a member of the Ghost Club and ASSAP. She currently lives in Kent in the UK with her husband.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media. 

In this week's Flagship Flashback episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast from ten years ago (9-15-2015), PWTorch editor Wade Keller and ProWrestling.net's head honcho Jason Powell discussed the previous night's dismal Raw with equally awful ratings, is a John Cena heel turn more likely, Bella heel/face nonsense, ROH PPV preview, and much more.Then, in the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, they discussed the Divas "Beat the Clock Challenge," why not Charlotte Flair, ROH-New Japan dynamic, NXT Takeover Wednesday edition, Cody's future, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Juliet Ewing is rapidly becoming known as an exciting, masterful interpreter of the Great American Songbook. Equally at home in jazz clubs and on concert stages, she is following in the footsteps of Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee in that she can swing when she so desires, yet always stays connected to the rich and musically diverse songbook singing tradition that these great ladies of song exemplified. Fun yet elegant, Juliet enjoys singing the full spectrum of popular song, from the musical chestnuts of George Gershwin and Cole Porter to the contemporary stylings of Sting, Laufey, and Sade. Perhaps the word that best exemplifies Juliet's artistry is “timeless.” Juliet regularly performs as a soloist or with her trio “The Juliet Set” in and around NYC in jazz clubs and private events. marked by a golden voice that resonates with warmth and clarity, captivating audiences with every note. On September 12, she released her album Simply 'S Wonderful-The Magic of Gershwin.

Send us a textBreaking through the invisible barriers holding your business back requires recognizing the habits that secretly sabotage your success. In this powerful five-minute session, I share the five critical habits that stunted my own business growth for years – and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.Perfectionism might seem like a virtue, but it's actually a growth killer. I spent too long polishing products in isolation when I should have been gathering real client feedback to guide improvements. Similarly, failing to document systems forced me to constantly reinvent processes instead of building on previous work. The documentation doesn't need to be fancy – simple notes or templates can transform your efficiency and make delegation possible.As your business grows, opportunities multiply. Without clear criteria for what deserves your attention, saying "yes" becomes a default response that spreads you too thin. I learned that understanding your core values and mission provides the framework for strategic decisions about where to invest your time. Equally important is embracing difficult conversations rather than avoiding them. Contrary to what many fear, challenging discussions don't destroy relationships – they strengthen them by building trust and demonstrating commitment to honest communication.Perhaps most critically, what you don't measure, you can't improve. I discovered that consistently tracking key performance indicators – from sales calls to conversion rates – naturally drives improvement simply through awareness. This principle applies universally: monitor your weight and it tends to normalize; track your sales activities and they typically increase.Ready to break free from these limiting patterns? Start by identifying which of these habits is most holding you back right now. Even small changes in these five areas can unlock remarkable growth potential in your business. Which habit will you transform first? To Reach Jordan:Email: Jordan@Edwards.Consulting Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ejFXH1_BjdnxG4J8u93Zw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.edwards.7503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanfedwards/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanedwards5/ Hope you find value in this. If so please provide a 5-star and drop a review.Complimentary Edwards Consulting Session: https://calendly.com/jordan-edwardsconsulting/30min

Japan devastated the United States' fleet with a surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7th, 1941.  The Japanese followed up on their Pearl Harbor attack by seizing Guam, Wake Island, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines.  The Japanese seemed almost unstoppable while the United States asked itself, “What are we going to do, or what can we do, now?”  With direction from President Roosevelt to strike Japan, the United States came up with a plan.   On April 18, 1942, sixteen U.S. Army bombers took off from the USS Hornet on a one-way mission to bomb Japan.  James Scott explains how this raid was planned and executed in “Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and the Raid that Avenged Pearl Harbor.”  Equally important, Scott explains the outsized impact of the raid on United States' morale and Japan's sense of security.

Ever wondered why, despite trying countless treatments, your chronic pain and illness persists? The answer might be hiding in your daily habits. Tanner and Anne reveal how our lifestyle patterns can keep us trapped in cycles of pain and symptoms—even when we're doing everything else "right."The MindBodyCouple hosts dive deep into three critical habits that maintain chronic pain. First, they explore high-intensity living—that relentless cycle of overworking, perfectionism, and ignoring basic needs that keeps our nervous systems stuck in fight-or-flight. Tanner shares his personal experience of how this pattern preceded his own chronic pain journey, feeling initially productive but eventually crossing a threshold where his body couldn't sustain it. The solution isn't abandoning intensity altogether but finding balance—slowing down, creating space for play, and blending purpose with safety.Equally problematic is low-intensity living—withdrawal, isolation, and avoidance that many fall into when pain and illness becomes overwhelming. While it seems protective, this pattern actually sends danger signals to the brain, perpetuating symptoms. Anne and Tanner offer practical strategies for mobilizing a shut-down system through purposeful action, reconnection, and gradual exposure to movement and the outside world.Perhaps most fundamental is the third habit: lack of embodiment. This disconnection from bodily sensations keeps many stuck in chronic pain cycles, constantly thinking rather than feeling and viewing the body as an unsafe place. Both hosts relate personally to this pattern, acknowledging how threatening it can feel to tune into a body experiencing pain and illness. Through gentle somatic practices and daily embodiment exercises, we can rebuild a compassionate relationship with our physical selves.Ready to transform your relationship with chronic symptoms? Start by identifying which habits resonate most strongly with you and make one small shift today. Remember, healing isn't just about removing pain—it's about changing how you live, feel, and relate to yourself.Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health! The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/ Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy Discl...

Be sure to come back every Tuesday for new episodes and Thursday for bonus content, and find us on the following platforms as well: Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneanotherpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@oneanotherpodcast?si=7-JJ9raR9Fr0cQ9b Find us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RGIMhed26LZsl9TI56yPN?si=2924a1be839549b9 Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-another/id1797190030

Many Americans struggle with the rising cost of healthcare. Analysts Terence Flynn and Erin Wright explain how AI might bend the cost curve, from Morgan Stanley's 23rd annual Global Healthcare Conference in New York.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Terence Flynn: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Terence Flynn, Morgan Stanley's U.S. Biopharma Analyst.Erin Wright: And I'm Erin Wright, U.S. Healthcare Services Analyst.Terence Flynn: Thanks for joining us. We're actually in the midst of the second day of Morgan Stanley's annual Global Healthcare Conference, where we hosted over 400 companies. And there are a number of important themes that we discussed, including healthcare policy and capital allocation.Now, today on the show, we're going to discuss one of these themes, healthcare spending, which is one of the most pressing challenges facing the U.S. economy today.It is Tuesday, September 9th at 8am in New York.Imagine getting a bill for a routine doctor's visit and seeing a number that makes you do a double take. Maybe it's $300 for a quick checkup or thousands of dollars for a simple procedure.For many Americans, those moments of sticker shock aren't rare. They are the reality.Now with healthcare costs in the U.S. higher than many other peer countries on a percentage of GDP basis, it's no wonder that everyone – not just investors – is asking; not just, ‘Why is this happening?' But ‘How can we fix it?' And that's why we're talking about AI today. Could it be the breakthrough needed to help rein in those costs and reshape how care is delivered?Now I'm going to go over to you, Erin. Why is U.S. healthcare spending growing so rapidly compared to peer countries?Erin Wright: Clearly, the aging population in the U.S. and rising chronic disease burden here are clearly driving up demand for healthcare. We're seeing escalating demand across the senior population, for instance. It's coinciding with greater utilization of more sophisticated therapeutics and services. Overall, it's straining the healthcare system.We are seeing burnout in labor constraints at hospitals and broader health systems overall. Net-net, the U.S. spent 18 percent of GDP on healthcare in 2023, and that's compared to only 11 percent for peer countries. And it's projected to reach 25 to 30 percent of GDP by 2050. So, the costs are clearly escalating here.Terence Flynn: Thanks, Erin. That's a great way to frame the problem. Now, as we think about AI, where does that come in to help potentially bend the cost curve?Erin Wright: We think AI can drive meaningful efficiencies across healthcare delivery, with estimated savings of about [$]300 to [$]900 billion by 2050.So, the focus areas include here: staffing, supply chain, scheduling, adherence. These are where AI tools can really address some of these inefficiencies in care and ultimately drive health outcomes. There are implementation costs and risks for hospitals, but we do think the savings here can be substantial.Terence Flynn: Great. Well, let's unpack that a little bit more now. So, if you think about the biggest cost buckets in hospitals, where can AI help out?Erin Wright: The biggest cost bucket for a hospital today clearly is labor. It represents about half of spend for a hospital. AI can optimize staffing, reduce burnout with a new scribe and some of these scribe technologies that are out there, and more efficient healthcare record keeping. I mean, this can really help to drive meaningful cost savings.Just to add another discouraging data point for you, there's estimated to be a shortage of about 10,000 critical healthcare workers in 2028. So, AI can help to address that. AI tools can be used across administrative functions as well. That accounts for about 15 to 20 percent of spend for a hospital. So, we see substantial savings as well across drugs, supplies, lab testing, where AI can reduce waste and improve adherence overall.Terence Flynn: Great. Maybe we'll pivot over to the managed care and value-based care side now. How is AI being used in these verticals, Erin?Erin Wright: For a healthcare insurer – and they're facing many challenges right now as well – AI can help personalize care plans. And they can support better predictive analytics and ultimately help to optimize utilization trends. And it can also help to facilitate value-based care arrangements, which can ultimately drive better health outcomes and bend the cost curve. And ultimately that's the key theme that we're trying to focus on here.So, I'll turn it over to you, Terence, now. While hospitals and payers could see notable benefits from AI, the biopharma side of the equation is just as critical here. Especially when it comes to long-term cost containment. You've been closely tracking how AI is transforming drug development. What exactly are you seeing?Terence Flynn: Yeah, a number of key constituents are leaning in here on AI in a number of different ways. I'd say the most meaningful way that could help bend the cost curve is on R&D productivity. As many people probably know, it can take a very long time for a drug to reach the market anywhere from eight to 10 years. And if AI can be used to improve that cycle time or boost the probability of success, the probability of a drug reaching the market – that could have a meaningful benefit on costs. And so, we think AI has the potential to increase drug approvals by 10 to 40 percent. And if that happens, you can ultimately drive cost savings of anywhere from [$]100 billion to [$]600 billion by 2050.Erin Wright: Yeah, that sounds meaningful. How do you think additional drug approvals lead to meaningful cost savings in the healthcare system?Terence Flynn: Look, I mean, high level medicines at their best cure disease or prevent people from being admitted to a hospital or seeking care to doctor's office. Equally important medicines can get people out of the hospital quicker and back to contributing or participating in society. And there's data out there in the literature showing that new drugs can reduce hospital stays by anywhere from 11 to 16 percent.And so, if you think about keeping people out of hospitals or physician offices or reducing hospital stays, that really can result in meaningful savings. And that would be the result of more or better drugs reaching the market over the next decades.Erin Wright: And how is the FDA now supporting or even helping to endorse AI driven drug development?Terence Flynn: If companies are applying for more drug approvals here as a result of AI discovery capabilities without modernization, the FDA could actually become the bottleneck and limit the number of drugs approved each year.And so, in June, the agency rolled out an AI tool called Elsa that's looking to improve the drug review timelines. Now, Elsa has the potential to accelerate these timelines for new therapies. It can take anywhere from six to 10 months for the FDA to actually approve a drug. And so, these AI tools could potentially help decrease those timelines.Erin Wright: And are you actually seeing some of these biopharma companies actually investing in AI talent?Terence Flynn: Yes, definitely. I mean, AI related job postings in our sector have doubled since 2021. Companies are increasingly hiring across the board for a number of different, parts of their workflow, including discovery, which we just talked about. But also, clinical trials, marketing, regulatory – a whole host of different job descriptions.Erin Wright: So, whether it's optimizing hospital operations or accelerating drug discovery, AI is emerging as a powerful lever here – to bend the healthcare cost curve.Terence Flynn: Exactly. The challenge is adoption, but the potential is transformative. Erin, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us.Erin Wright: Great speaking with you, Terence.Terence Flynn: And thanks everyone for listening. If you enjoy Thoughts on the Market, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share the podcast with a friend or colleague today.

Thank you to Ahrefs for sponsoring this episode. Use Ahrefs for Competitive Intelligence. You can get started with Ahrefs for free today!https://ahrefs.com/use-cases/competitive-intelligence?utm_source=CarolynHolzman&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=partnerships&utm_content=Q2_2025This week's topic is about where Google stops and Chrome begins and much like the judge in the antitrust case brought by the DOJ, its not clear.What actually IS the relationship between Google, Chrome, paid ads and search??? Equally not that clear. Google has to share and in that sharing they will get to keep custody of "Thor's hammer" also known as Chrome.Mentioned in the show:https://www.vanderbilt.edu/jetlaw/2025/05/25/googles-chrome-antitrust-paradox/https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/google-must-pay-425-million-class-action-over-privacy-jury-rules-2025-09-03/https://www.seobythesea.com/2013/06/google-patents-on-author-signature-values-and-authority-scores/Last week's episode - ⁠https://www.confessionsofanseo.com/podcast/the-google-crawler-crisis-of-august-2025-season-5-ep-35/Looking for a TOC wordpress plugin that does NOT "confuse" Googlebots. We're close. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://carolynholzman.com/fix-the-canonical-scoring-in-helpful-content/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Indexation Research - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Crawl Or No Crawl ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tools that I use and recommend:Indexzilla -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.indexzilla.io⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (indexing technology)GSC Tool -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/gsctool⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ahrefs Marketing Platform -⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://ahrefs.com/use-cases/competitive-intelligence?utm_source=CarolynHolzman&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=partnerships&utm_content=Q2_2025Youtube Channel -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Confessions of An SEO®⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://g.co/kgs/xXDzBNf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------- Crawl or No Crawl Knowledge panelInterested in supporting this work and any seo testing?Subscribe to Confessions of an SEO® wherever you get your podcasts. Your subscribing and download sends the message that you appreciate what is being shared and helping others find Confessions of an SEO®An easy place to leave a review ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/confessions-of-an-seo-1973881⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can find me on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Carolyn Holzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠American Way Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Google Directly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmericanWayMedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consulting AgencyNeed Help With an Indexation Issue? - reach out Text me here - 512-222-3132Music from Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/fugue-stateLicense code: HESHAZ4ZOAUMWTUA

Last time we spoke about the surrender of Japan. Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender on August 15, prompting mixed public reactions: grief, shock, and sympathy for the Emperor, tempered by fear of hardship and occupation. The government's response included resignations and suicide as new leadership was brought in under Prime Minister Higashikuni, with Mamoru Shigemitsu as Foreign Minister and Kawabe Torashiro heading a delegation to Manila. General MacArthur directed the occupation plan, “Blacklist,” prioritizing rapid, phased entry into key Japanese areas and Korea, while demobilizing enemy forces. The surrender ceremony occurred aboard the Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, with Wainwright, Percival, Nimitz, and UN representatives in attendance. Civilians and soldiers across Asia began surrendering, and postwar rehabilitation, Indochina and Vietnam's independence movements, and Southeast Asian transitions rapidly unfolded as Allied forces established control. This episode is the Aftermath of the Pacific War Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, 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 world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two 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 you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  The Pacific War has ended. Peace has been restored by the Allies and most of the places conquered by the Japanese Empire have been liberated. In this post-war period, new challenges would be faced for those who won the war; and from the ashes of an empire, a defeated nation was also seeking to rebuild. As the Japanese demobilized their armed forces, many young boys were set to return to their homeland, even if they had previously thought that they wouldn't survive the ordeal. And yet, there were some cases of isolated men that would continue to fight for decades even, unaware that the war had already ended.  As we last saw, after the Japanese surrender, General MacArthur's forces began the occupation of the Japanese home islands, while their overseas empire was being dismantled by the Allies. To handle civil administration, MacArthur established the Military Government Section, commanded by Brigadier-General William Crist, staffed by hundreds of US experts trained in civil governance who were reassigned from Okinawa and the Philippines. As the occupation began, Americans dispatched tactical units and Military Government Teams to each prefecture to ensure that policies were faithfully carried out. By mid-September, General Eichelberger's 8th Army had taken over the Tokyo Bay region and began deploying to occupy Hokkaido and the northern half of Honshu. Then General Krueger's 6th Army arrived in late September, taking southern Honshu and Shikoku, with its base in Kyoto. In December, 6th Army was relieved of its occupation duties; in January 1946, it was deactivated, leaving the 8th Army as the main garrison force. By late 1945, about 430,000 American soldiers were garrisoned across Japan. President Truman approved inviting Allied involvement on American terms, with occupation armies integrated into a US command structure. Yet with the Chinese civil war and Russia's reluctance to place its forces under MacArthur's control, only Australia, Britain, India, and New Zealand sent brigades, more than 40,000 troops in southwestern Japan. Japanese troops were gradually disarmed by order of their own commanders, so the stigma of surrender would be less keenly felt by the individual soldier. In the homeland, about 1.5 million men were discharged and returned home by the end of August. Demobilization overseas, however, proceeded, not quickly, but as a long, difficult process of repatriation. In compliance with General Order No. 1, the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters disbanded on September 13 and was superseded by the Japanese War Department to manage demobilization. By November 1, the homeland had demobilized 2,228,761 personnel, roughly 97% of the Homeland Army. Yet some 6,413,215 men remained to be repatriated from overseas. On December 1, the Japanese War Ministry dissolved, and the First Demobilization Ministry took its place. The Second Demobilization Ministry was established to handle IJN demobilization, with 1,299,868 sailors, 81% of the Navy, demobilized by December 17. Japanese warships and merchant ships had their weapons rendered inoperative, and suicide craft were destroyed. Forty percent of naval vessels were allocated to evacuations in the Philippines, and 60% to evacuations of other Pacific islands. This effort eventually repatriated about 823,984 men to Japan by February 15, 1946. As repatriation accelerated, by October 15 only 1,909,401 men remained to be repatriated, most of them in the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, the Higashikuni Cabinet and Foreign Minister Shigemitsu Mamoru managed to persuade MacArthur not to impose direct military rule or martial law over all of Japan. Instead, the occupation would be indirect, guided by the Japanese government under the Emperor's direction. An early decision to feed occupation forces from American supplies, and to allow the Japanese to use their own limited food stores, helped ease a core fear: that Imperial forces would impose forced deliveries on the people they conquered. On September 17, MacArthur transferred his headquarters from Yokohama to Tokyo, setting up primary offices on the sixth floor of the Dai-Ichi Mutual Life Insurance Building, an imposing edifice overlooking the moat and the Imperial palace grounds in Hibiya, a symbolic heart of the nation.  While the average soldier did not fit the rapacious image of wartime Japanese propagandists, occupation personnel often behaved like neo-colonial overlords. The conquerors claimed privileges unimaginable to most Japanese. Entire trains and train compartments, fitted with dining cars, were set aside for the exclusive use of occupation forces. These silenced, half-empty trains sped past crowded platforms, provoking ire as Japanese passengers were forced to enter and exit packed cars through punched-out windows, or perch on carriage roofs, couplings, and running boards, often with tragic consequences. The luxury express coaches became irresistible targets for anonymous stone-throwers. During the war, retrenchment measures had closed restaurants, cabarets, beer halls, geisha houses, and theatres in Tokyo and other large cities. Now, a vast leisure industry sprang up to cater to the needs of the foreign occupants. Reopened restaurants and theatres, along with train stations, buses, and streetcars, were sometimes kept off limits to Allied personnel, partly for security, partly to avoid burdening Japanese resources, but a costly service infrastructure was built to the occupiers' specifications. Facilities reserved for occupation troops bore large signs reading “Japanese Keep Out” or “For Allied Personnel Only.” In downtown Tokyo, important public buildings requisitioned for occupation use had separate entrances for Americans and Japanese. The effect? A subtle but clear colour bar between the predominantly white conquerors and the conquered “Asiatic” Japanese. Although MacArthur was ready to work through the Japanese government, he lacked the organizational infrastructure to administer a nation of 74 million. Consequently, on October 2, MacArthur dissolved the Military Government Section and inaugurated General Headquarters, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, a separate headquarters focused on civil affairs and operating in tandem with the Army high command. SCAP immediately assumed responsibility for administering the Japanese home islands. It commandeered every large building not burned down to house thousands of civilians and requisitioned vast tracts of prime real estate to quarter several hundred thousand troops in the Tokyo–Yokohama area alone. Amidst the rise of American privilege, entire buildings were refurbished as officers' clubs, replete with slot machines and gambling parlours installed at occupation expense. The Stars and Stripes were hoisted over Tokyo, while the display of the Rising Sun was banned; and the downtown area, known as “Little America,” was transformed into a US enclave. The enclave mentality of this cocooned existence was reinforced by the arrival within the first six months of roughly 700 American families. At the peak of the occupation, about 14,800 families employed some 25,000 Japanese servants to ease the “rigours” of overseas duty. Even enlisted men in the sparse quonset-hut towns around the city lived like kings compared with ordinary Japanese. Japanese workers cleaned barracks, did kitchen chores, and handled other base duties. The lowest private earned a 25% hardship bonus until these special allotments were discontinued in 1949. Most military families quickly adjusted to a pampered lifestyle that went beyond maids and “boys,” including cooks, laundresses, babysitters, gardeners, and masseuses. Perks included spacious quarters with swimming pools, central heating, hot running water, and modern plumbing. Two observers compared GHQ to the British Raj at its height. George F. Kennan, head of the State Department's Policy Planning Staff, warned during his 1948 mission to Japan that Americans had monopolized “everything that smacks of comfort or elegance or luxury,” criticizing what he called the “American brand of philistinism” and the “monumental imperviousness” of MacArthur's staff to the Japanese suffering. This conqueror's mentality also showed in the bullying attitudes many top occupation officials displayed toward the Japanese with whom they dealt. Major Faubion Bowers, MacArthur's military secretary, later said, “I and nearly all the occupation people I knew were extremely conceited and extremely arrogant and used our power every inch of the way.” Initially, there were spasms of defiance against the occupation forces, such as anonymous stone-throwing, while armed robbery and minor assaults against occupation personnel were rife in the weeks and months after capitulation. Yet active resistance was neither widespread nor organized. The Americans successfully completed their initial deployment without violence, an astonishing feat given a heavily armed and vastly superior enemy operating on home terrain. The average citizen regarded the occupation as akin to force majeure, the unfortunate but inevitable aftermath of a natural calamity. Japan lay prostrate. Industrial output had fallen to about 10% of pre-war levels, and as late as 1946, more than 13 million remained unemployed. Nearly 40% of Japan's urban areas had been turned to rubble, and some 9 million people were homeless. The war-displaced, many of them orphans, slept in doorways and hallways, in bombed-out ruins, dugouts and packing crates, under bridges or on pavements, and crowded the hallways of train and subway stations. As winter 1945 descended, with food, fuel, and clothing scarce, people froze to death. Bonfires lit the streets to ward off the chill. "The only warm hands I have shaken thus far in Japan belonged to Americans," Mark Gayn noted in December 1945. "The Japanese do not have much of a chance to thaw out, and their hands are cold and red." Unable to afford shoes, many wore straw sandals; those with geta felt themselves privileged. The sight of a man wearing a woman's high-buttoned shoes in winter epitomized the daily struggle to stay dry and warm. Shantytowns built of scrap wood, rusted metal, and scavenged odds and ends sprang up everywhere, resembling vast junk yards. The poorest searched smouldering refuse heaps for castoffs that might be bartered for a scrap to eat or wear. Black markets (yami'ichi) run by Japanese, Koreans, and For-mosans mushroomed to replace collapsed distribution channels and cash in on inflated prices. Tokyo became "a world of scarcity in which every nail, every rag, and even a tangerine peel [had a] market value." Psychologically numbed, disoriented, and disillusioned with their leaders, demobilized veterans and civilians alike struggled to get their bearings, shed militaristic ideologies, and begin to embrace new values. In the vacuum of defeat, the Japanese people appeared ready to reject the past and grasp at the straw held out by the former enemy. Relations between occupier and occupied were not smooth, however. American troops comported themselves like conquerors, especially in the early weeks and months of occupation. Much of the violence was directed against women, with the first attacks beginning within hours after the landing of advance units. When US paratroopers landed in Sapporo, an orgy of looting, sexual violence, and drunken brawling ensued. Newspaper accounts reported 931 serious offences by GIs in the Yokohama area during the first week of occupation, including 487 armed robberies, 411 thefts of currency or goods, 9 rapes, 5 break-ins, 3 cases of assault and battery, and 16 other acts of lawlessness. In the first 10 days of occupation, there were 1,336 reported rapes by US soldiers in Kanagawa Prefecture alone. Americans were not the only perpetrators. A former prostitute recalled that when Australian troops arrived in Kure in early 1946, they “dragged young women into their jeeps, took them to the mountain, and then raped them. I heard them screaming for help nearly every night.” Such behaviour was commonplace, but news of criminal activity by occupation forces was quickly suppressed. On September 10, 1945, SCAP issued press and pre-censorship codes outlawing the publication of reports and statistics "inimical to the objectives of the occupation." In the sole instance of self-help General Eichelberger records in his memoirs, when locals formed a vigilante group and retaliated against off-duty GIs, 8th Army ordered armored vehicles into the streets and arrested the ringleaders, who received lengthy prison terms. Misbehavior ranged from black-market activity, petty theft, reckless driving, and disorderly conduct to vandalism, arson, murder, and rape. Soldiers and sailors often broke the law with impunity, and incidents of robbery, rape, and even murder were widely reported. Gang rapes and other sex atrocities were not infrequent; victims, shunned as outcasts, sometimes turned to prostitution in desperation, while others took their own lives to avoid bringing shame to their families. Military courts arrested relatively few soldiers for these offenses and convicted even fewer; Japanese attempts at self-defense were punished severely, and restitution for victims was rare. Fearing the worst, Japanese authorities had already prepared countermeasures against the supposed rapacity of foreign soldiers. Imperial troops in East Asia and the Pacific had behaved brutally toward women, so the government established “sexual comfort-stations” manned by geisha, bar hostesses, and prostitutes to “satisfy the lust of the Occupation forces,” as the Higashikuni Cabinet put it. A budget of 100 million yen was set aside for these Recreation and Amusement Associations, financed initially with public funds but run as private enterprises under police supervision. Through these, the government hoped to protect the daughters of the well-born and middle class by turning to lower-class women to satisfy the soldiers' sexual appetites. By the end of 1945, brothel operators had rounded up an estimated 20,000 young women and herded them into RAA establishments nationwide. Eventually, as many as 70,000 are said to have ended up in the state-run sex industry. Thankfully, as military discipline took hold and fresh troops replaced the Allied veterans responsible for the early crime wave, violence subsided and the occupier's patronising behavior and the ugly misdeeds of a lawless few were gradually overlooked. However, fraternisation was frowned upon by both sides, and segregation was practiced in principle, with the Japanese excluded from areas reserved for Allied personnel until September 1949, when MacArthur lifted virtually all restrictions on friendly association, stating that he was “establishing the same relations between occupation personnel and the Japanese population as exists between troops stationed in the United States and the American people.” In principle, the Occupation's administrative structure was highly complex. The Far Eastern Commission, based in Washington, included representatives from all 13 countries that had fought against Japan and was established in 1946 to formulate basic principles. The Allied Council for Japan was created in the same year to assist in developing and implementing surrender terms and in administering the country. It consisted of representatives from the USA, the USSR, Nationalist China, and the British Commonwealth. Although both bodies were active at first, they were largely ineffectual due to unwieldy decision-making, disagreements between the national delegations (especially the USA and USSR), and the obstructionism of General Douglas MacArthur. In practice, SCAP, the executive authority of the occupation, effectively ruled Japan from 1945 to 1952. And since it took orders only from the US government, the Occupation became primarily an American affair. The US occupation program, effectively carried out by SCAP, was revolutionary and rested on a two-pronged approach. To ensure Japan would never again become a menace to the United States or to world peace, SCAP pursued disarmament and demilitarization, with continuing control over Japan's capacity to make war. This involved destroying military supplies and installations, demobilizing more than five million Japanese soldiers, and thoroughly discrediting the military establishment. Accordingly, SCAP ordered the purge of tens of thousands of designated persons from public service positions, including accused war criminals, military officers, leaders of ultranationalist societies, leaders in the Imperial Rule Assistance Association, business leaders tied to overseas expansion, governors of former Japanese colonies, and national leaders who had steered Japan into war. In addition, MacArthur's International Military Tribunal for the Far East established a military court in Tokyo. It had jurisdiction over those charged with Class A crimes, top leaders who had planned and directed the war. Also considered were Class B charges, covering conventional war crimes, and Class C charges, covering crimes against humanity. Yet the military court in Tokyo wouldn't be the only one. More than 5,700 lower-ranking personnel were charged with conventional war crimes in separate trials convened by Australia, China, France, the Dutch East Indies, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Of the 5,700 Japanese individuals indicted for Class B war crimes, 984 were sentenced to death; 475 received life sentences; 2,944 were given more limited prison terms; 1,018 were acquitted; and 279 were never brought to trial or not sentenced. Among these, many, like General Ando Rikichi and Lieutenant-General Nomi Toshio, chose to commit suicide before facing prosecution. Notable cases include Lieutenant-General Tani Hisao, who was sentenced to death by the Nanjing War Crimes Tribunal for his role in the Nanjing Massacre; Lieutenant-General Sakai Takashi, who was executed in Nanjing for the murder of British and Chinese civilians during the occupation of Hong Kong. General Okamura Yasuji was convicted of war crimes by the Tribunal, yet he was immediately protected by the personal order of Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-Shek, who kept him as a military adviser for the Kuomintang. In the Manila trials, General Yamashita Tomoyuki was sentenced to death as he was in overall command during the Sook Ching massacre, the Rape of Manila, and other atrocities. Lieutenant-General Homma Masaharu was likewise executed in Manila for atrocities committed by troops under his command during the Bataan Death March. General Imamura Hitoshi was sentenced to ten years in prison, but he considered the punishment too light and even had a replica of the prison built in his garden, remaining there until his death in 1968. Lieutenant-General Kanda Masatane received a 14-year sentence for war crimes on Bougainville, though he served only four years. Lieutenant-General Adachi Hatazo was sentenced to life imprisonment for war crimes in New Guinea and subsequently committed suicide on September 10, 1947. Lieutenant-General Teshima Fusataro received three years of forced labour for using a hospital ship to transport troops. Lieutenant-General Baba Masao was sentenced to death for ordering the Sandakan Death Marches, during which over 2,200 Australian and British prisoners of war perished. Lieutenant-General Tanabe Moritake was sentenced to death by a Dutch military tribunal for unspecified war crimes. Rear-Admiral Sakaibara Shigematsu was executed in Guam for ordering the Wake Island massacre, in which 98 American civilians were murdered. Lieutenant-General Inoue Sadae was condemned to death in Guam for permitting subordinates to execute three downed American airmen captured in Palau, though his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 1951 and he was released in 1953. Lieutenant-General Tachibana Yoshio was sentenced to death in Guam for his role in the Chichijima Incident, in which eight American airmen were cannibalized. By mid-1945, due to the Allied naval blockade, the 25,000 Japanese troops on Chichijima had run low on supplies. However, although the daily rice ration had been reduced from 400 grams per person per day to 240 grams, the troops were not at risk of starvation. In February and March 1945, in what would later be called the Chichijima incident, Tachibana Yoshio's senior staff turned to cannibalism. Nine American airmen had escaped from their planes after being shot down during bombing raids on Chichijima, eight of whom were captured. The ninth, the only one to evade capture, was future US President George H. W. Bush, then a 20-year-old pilot. Over several months, the prisoners were executed, and reportedly by the order of Major Matoba Sueyo, their bodies were butchered by the division's medical orderlies, with the livers and other organs consumed by the senior staff, including Matoba's superior Tachibana. In the Yokohama War Crimes Trials, Lieutenant-Generals Inada Masazumi and Yokoyama Isamu were convicted for their complicity in vivisection and other human medical experiments performed at Kyushu Imperial University on downed Allied airmen. The Tokyo War Crimes Trial, which began in May 1946 and lasted two and a half years, resulted in the execution by hanging of Generals Doihara Kenji and Itagaki Seishiro, and former Prime Ministers Hirota Koki and Tojo Hideki, for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes against peace, specifically for the escalation of the Pacific War and for permitting the inhumane treatment of prisoners of war. Also sentenced to death were Lieutenant-General Muto Akira for his role in the Nanjing and Manila massacres; General Kimura Heitaro for planning the war strategy in China and Southeast Asia and for laxity in preventing atrocities against prisoners of war in Burma; and General Matsui Iwane for his involvement in the Rape of Nanjing. The seven defendants who were sentenced to death were executed at Sugamo Prison in Ikebukuro on December 23, 1948. Sixteen others were sentenced to life imprisonment, including the last Field Marshal Hata Shunroku, Generals Araki Sadao, Minami Hiro, and Umezu Shojiro, Admiral Shimada Shigetaro, former Prime Ministers Hiranuma Kiichiro and Koiso Kuniaki, Marquis Kido Koichi, and Colonel Hashimoto Kingoro, a major instigator of the second Sino-Japanese War. Additionally, former Foreign Ministers Togo Shigenori and Shigemitsu Mamoru received seven- and twenty-year sentences, respectively. The Soviet Union and Chinese Communist forces also held trials of Japanese war criminals, including the Khabarovsk War Crime Trials, which tried and found guilty some members of Japan's bacteriological and chemical warfare unit known as Unit 731. However, those who surrendered to the Americans were never brought to trial, as MacArthur granted immunity to Lieutenant-General Ishii Shiro and all members of the bacteriological research units in exchange for germ-w warfare data derived from human experimentation. If you would like to learn more about what I like to call Japan's Operation Paper clip, whereupon the US grabbed many scientists from Unit 731, check out my exclusive podcast. The SCAP-turn to democratization began with the drafting of a new constitution in 1947, addressing Japan's enduring feudal social structure. In the charter, sovereignty was vested in the people, and the emperor was designated a “symbol of the state and the unity of the people, deriving his position from the will of the people in whom resides sovereign power.” Because the emperor now possessed fewer powers than European constitutional monarchs, some have gone so far as to say that Japan became “a republic in fact if not in name.” Yet the retention of the emperor was, in fact, a compromise that suited both those who wanted to preserve the essence of the nation for stability and those who demanded that the emperor system, though not necessarily the emperor, should be expunged. In line with the democratic spirit of the new constitution, the peerage was abolished and the two-chamber Diet, to which the cabinet was now responsible, became the highest organ of state. The judiciary was made independent and local autonomy was granted in vital areas of jurisdiction such as education and the police. Moreover, the constitution stipulated that “the people shall not be prevented from enjoying any of the fundamental human rights,” that they “shall be respected as individuals,” and that “their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness shall … be the supreme consideration in legislation.” Its 29 articles guaranteed basic human rights: equality, freedom from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, sex, social status or family origin, freedom of thought and freedom of religion. Finally, in its most controversial section, Article 9, the “peace clause,” Japan “renounce[d] war as a sovereign right of the nation” and vowed not to maintain any military forces and “other war potential.” To instill a thoroughly democratic ethos, reforms touched every facet of society. The dissolution of the zaibatsu decentralised economic power; the 1945 Labour Union Law and the 1946 Labour Relations Act guaranteed workers the right to collective action; the 1947 Labour Standards Law established basic working standards for men and women; and the revised Civil Code of 1948 abolished the patriarchal household and enshrined sexual equality. Reflecting core American principles, SCAP introduced a 6-3-3 schooling system, six years of compulsory elementary education, three years of junior high, and an optional three years of senior high, along with the aim of secular, locally controlled education. More crucially, ideological reform followed: censorship of feudal material in media, revision of textbooks, and prohibition of ideas glorifying war, dying for the emperor, or venerating war heroes. With women enfranchised and young people shaped to counter militarism and ultranationalism, rural Japan was transformed to undermine lingering class divisions. The land reform program provided for the purchase of all land held by absentee landlords, allowed resident landlords and owner-farmers to retain a set amount of land, and required that the remaining land be sold to the government so it could be offered to existing tenants. In 1948, amid the intensifying tensions of the Cold War that would soon culminate in the Korean War, the occupation's focus shifted from demilitarization and democratization toward economic rehabilitation and, ultimately, the remilitarization of Japan, an shift now known as the “Reverse Course.” The country was thus rebuilt as the Pacific region's primary bulwark against the spread of Communism. An Economic Stabilisation Programme was introduced, including a five-year plan to coordinate production and target capital through the Reconstruction Finance Bank. In 1949, the anti-inflationary Dodge Plan was adopted, advocating balanced budgets, fixing the exchange rate at 360 yen to the dollar, and ending broad government intervention. Additionally, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry was formed and supported the formation of conglomerates centered around banks, which encouraged the reemergence of a somewhat weakened set of zaibatsu, including Mitsui and Mitsubishi. By the end of the Occupation era, Japan was on the verge of surpassing its 1934–1936 levels of economic growth. Equally important was Japan's rearmament in alignment with American foreign policy: a National Police Reserve of about 75,000 was created with the outbreak of the Korean War; by 1952 it had expanded to 110,000 and was renamed the Self-Defense Force after the inclusion of an air force. However, the Reverse Course also facilitated the reestablishment of conservative politics and the rollback of gains made by women and the reforms of local autonomy and education. As the Occupation progressed, the Americans permitted greater Japanese initiative, and power gradually shifted from the reformers to the moderates. By 1949, the purge of the right came under review, and many who had been condemned began returning to influence, if not to the Diet, then to behind-the-scenes power. At the same time, Japanese authorities, with MacArthur's support, began purging left-wing activists. In June 1950, for example, the central office of the Japan Communist Party and the editorial board of The Red Flag were purged. The gains made by women also seemed to be reversed. Women were elected to 8% of available seats in the first lower-house election in 1946, but to only 2% in 1952, a trend not reversed until the so-called Madonna Boom of the 1980s. Although the number of women voting continued to rise, female politicisation remained more superficial than might be imagined. Women's employment also appeared little affected by labour legislation: though women formed nearly 40% of the labor force in 1952, they earned only 45% as much as men. Indeed, women's attitudes toward labor were influenced less by the new ethos of fulfilling individual potential than by traditional views of family and workplace responsibilities. In the areas of local autonomy and education, substantial modifications were made to the reforms. Because local authorities lacked sufficient power to tax, they were unable to realise their extensive powers, and, as a result, key responsibilities were transferred back to national jurisdiction. In 1951, for example, 90% of villages and towns placed their police forces under the control of the newly formed National Police Agency. Central control over education was also gradually reasserted; in 1951, the Yoshida government attempted to reintroduce ethics classes, proposed tighter central oversight of textbooks, and recommended abolishing local school board elections. By the end of the decade, all these changes had been implemented. The Soviet occupation of the Kurile Islands and the Habomai Islets was completed with Russian troops fully deployed by September 5. Immediately after the onset of the occupation, amid a climate of insecurity and fear marked by reports of sporadic rape and physical assault and widespread looting by occupying troops, an estimated 4,000 islanders fled to Hokkaido rather than face an uncertain repatriation. As Soviet forces moved in, they seized or destroyed telephone and telegraph installations and halted ship movements into and out of the islands, leaving residents without adequate food and other winter provisions. Yet, unlike Manchuria, where Japanese civilians faced widespread sexual violence and pillage, systematic violence against the civilian population on the Kuriles appears to have been exceptional. A series of military government proclamations assured islanders of safety so long as they did not resist Soviet rule and carried on normally; however, these orders also prohibited activities not explicitly authorized by the Red Army, which imposed many hardships on civilians. Residents endured harsh conditions under Soviet rule until late 1948, when Japanese repatriation out of the Kurils was completed. The Kuriles posed a special diplomatic problem, as the occupation of the southernmost islands—the Northern Territories—ignited a long-standing dispute between Tokyo and Moscow that continues to impede the normalisation of relations today. Although the Kuriles were promised to the Soviet Union in the Yalta agreement, Japan and the United States argued that this did not apply to the Northern Territories, since they were not part of the Kurile Islands. A substantial dispute regarding the status of the Kurile Islands arose between the United States and the Soviet Union during the preparation of the Treaty of San Francisco, which was intended as a permanent peace treaty between Japan and the Allied Powers of World War II. The treaty was ultimately signed by 49 nations in San Francisco on September 8, 1951, and came into force on April 28, 1952. It ended Japan's role as an imperial power, allocated compensation to Allied nations and former prisoners of war who had suffered Japanese war crimes, ended the Allied post-war occupation of Japan, and returned full sovereignty to Japan. Effectively, the document officially renounced Japan's treaty rights derived from the Boxer Protocol of 1901 and its rights to Korea, Formosa and the Pescadores, the Kurile Islands, the Spratly Islands, Antarctica, and South Sakhalin. Japan's South Seas Mandate, namely the Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, and Caroline Islands, had already been formally revoked by the United Nations on July 18, 1947, making the United States responsible for administration of those islands under a UN trusteeship agreement that established the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. In turn, the Bonin, Volcano, and Ryukyu Islands were progressively restored to Japan between 1953 and 1972, along with the Senkaku Islands, which were disputed by both Communist and Nationalist China. In addition, alongside the Treaty of San Francisco, Japan and the United States signed a Security Treaty that established a long-lasting military alliance between them. Although Japan renounced its rights to the Kuriles, the U.S. State Department later clarified that “the Habomai Islands and Shikotan ... are properly part of Hokkaido and that Japan is entitled to sovereignty over them,” hence why the Soviets refused to sign the treaty. Britain and the United States agreed that territorial rights would not be granted to nations that did not sign the Treaty of San Francisco, and as a result the Kurile Islands were not formally recognized as Soviet territory. A separate peace treaty, the Treaty of Taipei (formally the Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty), was signed in Taipei on April 28, 1952 between Japan and the Kuomintang, and on June 9 of that year the Treaty of Peace Between Japan and India followed. Finally, Japan and the Soviet Union ended their formal state of war with the Soviet–Japanese Joint Declaration of 1956, though this did not settle the Kurile Islands dispute. Even after these formal steps, Japan as a nation was not in a formal state of war, and many Japanese continued to believe the war was ongoing; those who held out after the surrender came to be known as Japanese holdouts.  Captain Oba Sakae and his medical company participated in the Saipan campaign beginning on July 7, 1944, and took part in what would become the largest banzai charge of the Pacific War. After 15 hours of intense hand-to-hand combat, almost 4,300 Japanese soldiers were dead, and Oba and his men were presumed among them. In reality, however, he survived the battle and gradually assumed command of over a hundred additional soldiers. Only five men from his original unit survived the battle, two of whom died in the following months. Oba then led over 200 Japanese civilians deeper into the jungles to evade capture, organizing them into mountain caves and hidden jungle villages. When the soldiers were not assisting the civilians with survival tasks, Oba and his men continued their battle against the garrison of US Marines. He used the 1,552‑ft Mount Tapochau as their primary base, which offered an unobstructed 360-degree view of the island. From their base camp on the western slope of the mountain, Oba and his men occasionally conducted guerrilla-style raids on American positions. Due to the speed and stealth of these operations, and the Marines' frustrated attempts to find him, the Saipan Marines eventually referred to Oba as “The Fox.” Oba and his men held out on the island for 512 days, or about 16 months. On November 27, 1945, former Major-General Amo Umahachi was able to draw out some of the Japanese in hiding by singing the anthem of the Japanese infantry branch. Amo was then able to present documents from the defunct IGHQ to Oba ordering him and his 46 remaining men to surrender themselves to the Americans. On December 1, the Japanese soldiers gathered on Tapochau and sang a song of departure to the spirits of the war dead; Oba led his people out of the jungle and they presented themselves to the Marines of the 18th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Company. With great formality and commensurate dignity, Oba surrendered his sword to Lieutenant Colonel Howard G. Kirgis, and his men surrendered their arms and colors. On January 2, 1946, 20 Japanese soldiers hiding in a tunnel at Corregidor Island surrendered after learning the war had ended from a newspaper found while collecting water. In that same month, 120 Japanese were routed after a battle in the mountains 150 miles south of Manila. In April, during a seven-week campaign to clear Lubang Island, 41 more Japanese emerged from the jungle, unaware that the war had ended; however, a group of four Japanese continued to resist. In early 1947, Lieutenant Yamaguchi Ei and his band of 33 soldiers renewed fighting with the small Marine garrison on Peleliu, prompting reinforcements under Rear-Admiral Charles Pownall to be brought to the island to hunt down the guerrilla group. Along with them came former Rear-Admiral Sumikawa Michio, who ultimately convinced Yamaguchi to surrender in April after almost three years of guerrilla warfare. Also in April, seven Japanese emerged from Palawan Island and fifteen armed stragglers emerged from Luzon. In January 1948, 200 troops surrendered on Mindanao; and on May 12, the Associated Press reported that two unnamed Japanese soldiers had surrendered to civilian policemen in Guam the day before. On January 6, 1949, two former IJN soldiers, machine gunners Matsudo Rikio and Yamakage Kufuku, were discovered on Iwo Jima and surrendered peacefully. In March 1950, Private Akatsu Yūichi surrendered in the village of Looc, leaving only three Japanese still resisting on Lubang. By 1951 a group of Japanese on Anatahan Island refused to believe that the war was over and resisted every attempt by the Navy to remove them. This group was first discovered in February 1945, when several Chamorros from Saipan were sent to the island to recover the bodies of a Saipan-based B-29. The Chamorros reported that there were about thirty Japanese survivors from three ships sunk in June 1944, one of which was an Okinawan woman. Personal aggravations developed from the close confines of a small group on a small island and from tuba drinking; among the holdouts, 6 of 11 deaths were the result of violence, and one man displayed 13 knife wounds. The presence of only one woman, Higa Kazuko, caused considerable difficulty as she would transfer her affections among at least four men after each of them mysteriously disappeared, purportedly “swallowed by the waves while fishing.” According to the more sensational versions of the Anatahan tale, 11 of the 30 navy sailors stranded on the island died due to violent struggles over her affections. In July 1950, Higa went to the beach when an American vessel appeared offshore and finally asked to be removed from the island. She was taken to Saipan aboard the Miss Susie and, upon arrival, told authorities that the men on the island did not believe the war was over. As the Japanese government showed interest in the situation on Anatahan, the families of the holdouts were contacted in Japan and urged by the Navy to write letters stating that the war was over and that the holdouts should surrender. The letters were dropped by air on June 26 and ultimately convinced the holdouts to give themselves up. Thus, six years after the end of World War II, “Operation Removal” commenced from Saipan under the command of Lt. Commander James B. Johnson, USNR, aboard the Navy Tug USS Cocopa. Johnson and an interpreter went ashore by rubber boat and formally accepted the surrender on the morning of June 30, 1951. The Anatahan femme fatale story later inspired the 1953 Japanese film Anatahan and the 1998 novel Cage on the Sea. In 1953, Murata Susumu, the last holdout on Tinian, was finally captured. The next year, on May 7, Corporal Sumada Shoichi was killed in a clash with Filipino soldiers, leaving only two Japanese still resisting on Lubang. In November 1955, Seaman Kinoshita Noboru was captured in the Luzon jungle but soon after committed suicide rather than “return to Japan in defeat.” That same year, four Japanese airmen surrendered at Hollandia in Dutch New Guinea; and in 1956, nine soldiers were located and sent home from Morotai, while four men surrendered on Mindoro. In May 1960, Sergeant Ito Masashi became one of the last Japanese to surrender at Guam after the capture of his comrade Private Minagawa Bunzo, but the final surrender at Guam would come later with Sergeant Yokoi Shoichi. Sergeant Yokoi Shoichi survived in the jungles of Guam by living for years in an elaborately dug hole, subsisting on snails and lizards, a fate that, while undignified, showcased his ingenuity and resilience and earned him a warm welcome on his return to Japan. His capture was not heroic in the traditional sense: he was found half-starving by a group of villagers while foraging for shrimp in a stream, and the broader context included his awareness as early as 1952 that the war had ended. He explained that the wartime bushido code, emphasizing self-sacrifice or suicide rather than self-preservation, had left him fearing that repatriation would label him a deserter and likely lead to execution. Emerging from the jungle, Yokoi also became a vocal critic of Japan's wartime leadership, including Emperor Hirohito, which fits a view of him as a product of, and a prisoner within, his own education, military training, and the censorship and propaganda of the era. When asked by a young nephew how he survived so long on an island just a short distance from a major American airbase, he replied simply, “I was really good at hide and seek.”  That same year, Private Kozuka Kinshichi was killed in a shootout with Philippine police in October, leaving Lieutenant Onoda Hiroo still resisting on Lubang. Lieutenant Onoda Hiroo had been on Lubang since 1944, a few months before the Americans retook the Philippines. The last instructions he had received from his immediate superior ordered him to retreat to the interior of the island and harass the Allied occupying forces until the IJA eventually returned. Despite efforts by the Philippine Army, letters and newspapers left for him, radio broadcasts, and even a plea from Onoda's brother, he did not believe the war was over. On February 20, 1974, Onoda encountered a young Japanese university dropout named Suzuki Norio, who was traveling the world and had told friends that he planned to “look for Lieutenant Onoda, a panda, and the abominable snowman, in that order.” The two became friends, but Onoda stated that he was waiting for orders from one of his commanders. On March 9, 1974, Onoda went to an agreed-upon place and found a note left by Suzuki. Suzuki had brought along Onoda's former commander, Major Taniguchi, who delivered the oral orders for Onoda to surrender. Intelligence Officer 2nd Lt. Onoda Hiroo thus emerged from Lubang's jungle with his .25 caliber rifle, 500 rounds of ammunition, and several hand grenades. He surrendered 29 years after Japan's formal surrender, and 15 years after being declared legally dead in Japan. When he accepted that the war was over, he wept openly. He received a hero's welcome upon his return to Japan in 1974. The Japanese government offered him a large sum of money in back pay, which he refused. When money was pressed on him by well-wishers, he donated it to Yasukuni Shrine. Onoda was reportedly unhappy with the attention and what he saw as the withering of traditional Japanese values. He wrote No Surrender: My Thirty-Year War, a best-selling autobiography published in 1974. Yet the last Japanese to surrender would be Private Nakamura Teruo, an Amis aborigine from Formosa and a member of the Takasago Volunteers. Private Nakamura Teruo spent the tail end of World War II with a dwindling band on Morotai, repeatedly dispersing and reassembling in the jungle as they hunted for food. The group suffered continuous losses to starvation and disease, and survivors described Nakamura as highly self-sufficient. He left to live alone somewhere in the Morotai highlands between 1946 and 1947, rejoined the main group in 1950, and then disappeared again a few years later. Nakamura hinted in print that he fled into the jungle because he feared the other holdouts might murder him. He survives for decades beyond the war, eventually being found by 11 Indonesian soldiers. The emergence of an indigenous Taiwanese soldier among the search party embarrassed Japan as it sought to move past its imperial past. Many Japanese felt Nakamura deserved compensation for decades of loyalty, only to learn that his back pay for three decades of service amounted to 68,000 yen.   Nakamura's experience of peace was complex. When a journalist asked how he felt about “wasting” three decades of his life on Morotai, he replied that the years had not been wasted; he had been serving his country. Yet the country he returned to was Taiwan, and upon disembarking in Taipei in early January 1975, he learned that his wife had a son he had never met and that she had remarried a decade after his official death. Nakamura eventually lived with a daughter, and his story concluded with a bittersweet note when his wife reconsidered and reconciled with him. Several Japanese soldiers joined local Communist and insurgent groups after the war to avoid surrender. Notably, in 1956 and 1958, two soldiers returned to Japan after service in China's People's Liberation Army. Two others who defected with a larger group to the Malayan Communist Party around 1945 laid down their arms in 1989 and repatriated the next year, becoming among the last to return home. That is all for today, but fear not I will provide a few more goodies over the next few weeks. I will be releasing some of my exclusive podcast episodes from my youtube membership and patreon that are about pacific war subjects. Like I promised the first one will be on why Emperor Hirohito surrendered. Until then if you need your fix you know where to find me: eastern front week by week, fall and rise of china, echoes of war or on my Youtube membership of patreon at www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel.

Geoff and Marie's Good Life: Part 10Technology and Medicine.Advancements can be good and bad.Based on posts by Only In My Mind, in 15 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.I was standing in front of another of Lucy's works, 'The Girls', trying to decide which element was Marie when I felt an arm slide around my waist. I looked to find my favorite artist alongside me. I bent down, intending to kiss her forehead but she had other ideas. Her arm snaked around my neck and pulled me into a full on passionate kiss. Marie looked on from across the gallery, amused."There," Lucy said, sounding slightly frustrated. "I suppose that will have to keep me going until Wednesday." She strode off to talk to my wife.Jen, who had been admiring the work next to me gave me an old fashioned look. "I'm definitely not going to ask, but if you ever feel the need to explain?""I'm not sure that I can," I admitted. "If you really want to know, then ask the artist," I pointed to Lucy, still chatting to my wife. "to explain the meaning behind that work." I pointed to the one I'd found so compelling. "Be sure to tell her who you and Peter are first though."I moved on. Now that I'd realized the symbolism behind the older paintings, I found the dystopian themes of an abusive marriage disturbing. Great for a goth student bedsit. Not for our living room. I loved the other stuff though, and tried to find one that was still for sale.I found my wife examining some of the other artists' works on display. Even to my untrained eyes, none were in the same league as Lucy's. I put my arm around Marie's waist and kissed her cheek. "Hi. I'm an artist's muse. Fancy a coffee? If I ever get any etchings you'll be the first to get an invitation to come up and see them.""You should be ashamed of yourself," she protested. "You're wearing a wedding ring.""It's fine. My wife is a beautiful, successful, confident woman. She knows that I'd never abandon her for an art gallery groupie.She checked her watch. Yes, we're both that old. "Well this groupie wants her caffeine fix, and you're paying. Let's round the others up and we'll go. I'll see if Lucy wants to join us too."She did, and fifteen minutes later found the five of us round a table in our favorite little café. Lucy was fascinated by pictures of First Nation art that Peter had taken in Toronto. I could see her absorbing the way the indigenous artists portrayed movement and space. I suspected that a disentangled Lucy might be open to expanding her geographical horizons shortly.Then Jen asked about 'that' picture, Friday, four thirty. Lucy looked to me and then Marie. "They know," she said quietly. "It was the day and time of my release." Marie and I both saw the double entendre, even if Lucy didn't intend it.Lucy looked at my wife, who just smiled and nodded. She took a deep breath. "My husband has changed. He drinks, gambles and lies to me. He treated me like his whore for a while but at least I got laid. Now he can't even have sex with me. He blamed me for being too old and wrinkly, you know, down there, to be sexually attractive." Jen gasped in surprise. Today Lucy was wearing heels, a mid-thigh skirt and a blouse that only just hinted at uncontained tits beneath it. In short, she was a knockout.Our son looked at her in disbelief. "Your husband says that You are the reason he can't get it up?" Lucy nodded. "Then the man's an idiot," Peter concluded."But what does that have to do with the painting?" Jen asked, still confused.Glancing at me, Lucy explained. "I told Geoff, in the pub, what Eddie had said when he rejected me: 'Who'd want to stick their cock in a wrinkly old snatch like yours?' And Geoff told me to show him and he would tell me, honestly, if it was true. So I did; I showed him. He told me that my snatch was perfect and then he touched it. And he cuddled me, and I came. All my best friends were there and they saw me have the best orgasm I can remember, just sitting on Geoff's lap as he touched me. That happened one Friday at four thirty. That's what I painted."Jen stared open mouthed for a full minute as she unpacked Lucy's story. "Jesus!" She eventually exclaimed, "I'm going to the wrong pubs.""Lucy omitted to tell you we were with a small group of friends in a private room," Marie explained."Then I need new friends," Jen decided out loud. Peter just laughed.He looked at me. "In a way, I can understand. She was hurting. You knew it wasn't her fault. You did what you needed to do to make it better. Weren't you worried that mum would;” He stopped in mid-sentence. "But she was there; wasn't she? She could have stopped you. But she didn't because;” He thought it through. "Because she doesn't care. No! That's the wrong word. She does care about you and her friends but she isn't threatened by Angie or Lucy so she just didn't mind."Jen broke in. "That explains the kiss in the gallery. You were aiming for a platonic kiss and Lucy turned it into a full-on lip-smacker. But I saw Marie had seen you and wasn't a bit bothered. I did wonder."My wife added her contribution. "I didn't want to have to tell him, but I suppose he ought to know: it's his super-power. He just likes women; not lusts after, he just genuinely likes them, and most women respond. He's so used to it that he's never really noticed. For example; when we went to any of his company's staff parties, leaving do's or awards nights, all his female colleagues would hug him. No-one else really, just him. Not 'making a point in front of his wife' hugs, just real affection. So, when Lucy was sad, he had to help. It took nothing from me and he made my friend happy. It was actually quite moving."I find, at times like this, silence is an effective strategy. Apparently, Lucy doesn't. "My husband had rejected me," she said, wistfully. "My friends were there for me, but Geoff just held me. He treated me like a person. Not damaged, but lied to. He showed me that I was still desirable, but not in a predatory way. I fell in love with him then."I admit to being a little taken aback, even though Marie had told me how much Lucy, and the others, had appreciated what I'd done. But looking at Lucy, I couldn't reject her the way that Eddie had. I reached across the table for her hand. "I love you too, Lucy," I told her, truthfully. She squeezed my hand and smiled in reply"Bloody Hell, mum." Peter laughed. "Just how many of your friends has he worked his super-power on?"Marie looked thoughtful. "Well, Angie and Lucy obviously, there's Jo and Samantha, not Kate so much, or Megan; probably Sue and Margie and of course Jane." She looked at me for confirmation. That sounded about right. "That would be seven then," she concluded.Jen and Peter shared a stunned look. Our son recovered first. "I have so many questions that I honestly don't know where to start.Jen butted in. "I've no idea who these women are, but why not Kate and Megan?"Marie looked at me for support. I just held my hands up. After all, I'm only the empath with a cock. My wife replied thus, "Well, Kate admitted that while she really enjoyed the spooning afterwards, mainly it was the sex that made her day rather than romance; and Megan's already happily married."Peter was struggling to catch up. "You mean you've actually had sex with all seven of these women?""Not exactly," I protested. "I've only touched Lucy that once and I've done nothing with Jane.""You kissed her in the sex shop," Marie pointed out, unhelpfully to my way of thinking. "And again in the car when you dropped her off at home. I think you suggested that it was to give her some motivation when she tried out the polyurethane cock you bought for her." I cringed at the look Peter gave me."Oh, yes." added Lucy as I winced in anticipation at whatever she was going to contribute next. "I've already agreed to do a cast of his thingy so that Jane can have a full size replica. We thought a signed limited edition run would be fun. I'll definitely want one too. I can make the initial mold when it's my turn on Wednesday." She squeezed my hand. "I could feel it in your pants when I sat on your lap. I can't wait to actually see it," she added, excitedly.I looked up and noticed the café was starting to fill up. So far no-one appeared to have noticed the bizarre conversation at our table but that was unlikely to continue, so I suggested that we leave before we were evicted. Of course, Pete and Jen needed to see the painting again, now that they understood its genesis, so we trooped back to the gallery, the younger couple giving me odd sideways glances when they thought I wasn't looking. I sighed. There would be more questions tonight.The questions, of course, started much earlier than that. As we walked back home Peter strolled alongside me while Marie dropped back to keep Jen company."Is this a kind of mid-life crisis?" he asked."I hope so," I replied. "That would mean that I'd survive to about a hundred and thirty or so.""But dad: eight women.""Peter. This wasn't my idea. I'd never cheat on your mum so, when she suggested that we do this, I refused. I can't deny that they are lovely women, each different in their own way, but I refused because I was convinced this insane idea could wreck our marriage."Our son didn't look convinced.I continued. "Look. There are things that I can't tell you; personal things that the girls shared with each other and then with me. It broke your mum's heart to compare their lives with hers. But the one thing that was missing for all of them was sex. They don't expect it every night; just often enough to reassure them that they're still sexual beings. But they are independent too; Megan being a special case. They didn't want to accommodate to new partners sharing their lives and their beds, so your mum came up with this idea.""And you get to have sex with them all," Peter observed. "Isn't mum going to get jealous eventually?""Do you think that never occurred to me?" I replied. "We think we've found a solution. Ask your mum if you really need to know. But." I stopped walking and turned to him. "I truly don't regret what we have done. If, at some time in the future I realize this was what ended our marriage, that will be the time for regret. But you were there; you heard Lucy's story; you saw the painting that our shared experience inspired in her. Do you want me to wish that had never happened? That she stayed with that drunken, abusive idiot? Because now I guarantee she will have moved out before this year is over. Because another man, one that actually cared about her, told her the truth. She's lovely and she deserves to be happy and I'm glad that your mum was selfless enough to make that happen." I took a deep breath. I wasn't angry at Peter, but my passionate outburst surprised even me.By now Marie and Jen had caught up with us. "Thank you darling." Marie took my hand and kissed it. "After all of your fretting, I'm glad that you finally understand how much you've helped my friends already." She addressed Peter and Jen. "We weren't sure whether to share the whole story with you, but Linda knows, and you accepted Angie so readily that it seemed only fair that you should know too."We started walking again. Jen spoke next. "I'm sorry if this sounds judgmental, Marie, but I can't imagine knowing that Peter was sleeping with one of my friends. I think it would destroy me.""Oh, I understand, dear," my wife replied gently. "I would have felt the same at your age. Geoffrey still does." She squeezed my hand affectionately. "But you have to realize; these aren't just casual acquaintances. These women, 'the girls', are my closest friends; almost family. Seeing Geoff with them doesn't threaten me. It's beautiful. Watching them respond to my man, knowing the pleasure they are feeling but never, for a second, believing that they would try to steal my husband or that he would abandon me for one of them.""But you said one of the other women was happily married?" Jen reminded us. I decided to let my wife take that one."She is," Marie replied, her eyes filling up. "To a really wonderful man too." She glanced at Jen. "He knows and approves of his wife's visits but, again, he knows she won't leave him for Geoff. But that's all I'm prepared to say; and that's probably too much."We carried on walking, closer together, as my wife continued. "Perhaps I can explain it like this." She sighed. "Imagine you are struggling to cope financially; you see family and friends in the same straits. But you can't afford to share what little you have. That's how fidelity felt when we were younger. Other women threatened my security." She lifted my hand in hers and pressed it to her tit. "But now, I feel secure. It's as though your dad represents stability rather than a potential loss. The women he's with aren't taking anything from me; it's more like they are just guests at our table. They arrive, we chat, they dine and, at the end of the evening, they leave, content. We all cherish the time together and I've lost nothing." She looked intently at Jen. "Does that make sense?""When you say that you all cherish your time together;” Jen ventured. Peter seemed reluctant to hear his mum's reply."Yes, that was our solution. Geoff, quite understandably, had no interest in sharing me with his male friends, and nor will I ever ask, but he was probably correct about one thing: I don't think that I would have been able to cope with him sleeping with my friends while I sat alone. So we share. Sometimes in the same bed, sometimes in separate rooms." She gave one of her brilliant smiles. "I'd forgotten just how good it felt to be with another woman."Peter groaned. "So it's not just Angela then, mum?""No," she replied brightly. "In fact, Angie's a special case. We've decided that, as our betrothed, either of us can have sex with her whenever we want. With the others it always has to be as part of our regular evenings when we share." She giggled. "We call them our language classes."The rest of the walk home was subdued. Peter and Jen walked together talking quietly while Marie and I cheerfully discussed taking them out for a meal that evening.We picked up some farmhouse bread and a selection of cheeses from the deli on the way home for a quick and simple lunch. As we settled around the kitchen table Peter asked if he could add one observation to the chat we'd had walking home. We agreed, of course."Jen and I discussed what you'd told us, and we're honored that you trusted us to be open. You're my parents and I love you and Jen loves you both too. What you are doing sounds insane but, dad made it obvious you haven't done this lightly, on a whim. And, more than anything, Lucy's story really touched the pair of us. So, while I have no plans to follow in your footsteps, dad, Jen and I both pray that we are as secure in our love for each other at your age as you two obviously are."Marie reached across and touched both of their hands. "Thank you, both of you, for not judging us. We love you too," she told them, sincerely. I stood and walked round the table pulling Pete up for a man hug, finding that Jen was stood waiting for her turn when we'd finished.We spent most of the afternoon chatting about Canada and how much they had enjoyed their time there. By the time I got back from collecting Colin from school, Angie had returned and was sitting on the sofa talking to Jen."Grandad. Mum knows about Aunty Angela doesn't she?" He asked as we walked through the front door."Yes. She was surprised at first, but she seems okay with it now," I told him. His face lit up with mischief."Hi Uncle Pete, Aunty Jen, grandma." He called, walking in from the hall. He gave a wicked grin. "Hi Grangie," he yelled, throwing himself onto her lap. She hugged him, stunned at first by her new title, then burst into tears."Bloody Hell," I heard Peter mutter. "Dad's super-power seems to have skipped a generation. But Colin's definitely got it.""It hasn't skipped anything," Jen whispered, just loud enough for me to hear. "You have it too. Your only problem is that I'm not the woman your mum is." I resolved to speak to Marie about that. Peter does take after me in build, and male pattern hair loss and yes, we share nerdy interests. But Jen is a wonderful woman. She is intelligent, elegant, attractive rather than classically beautiful and with a warm personality that fills the room. I love her like one of my own and I won't have her belittle herself like that.I stood and watched as Colin reassured himself that 'Grangie' was crying happy tears, thinking to myself that the little charmer was probably more likely to get an Aston Martin than I was. Good for him. He'd probably deserve it too.I packed him off to do his homework: Photosynthesis tonight. He showed me his worksheet. His task was to use the words in the box to fill the gaps in the description of the process. He went through it as we talked, noticing that Carbon Monoxide was in there as a trap for the unwary. He was back in ten minutes and straight into deep discussion with his uncle.I gestured to Marie to follow me into the kitchen and told her what Jen had said. "Silly girl," my wife said. "She's perfect for Peter. Bullying my husband into screwing my mates hardly qualifies me as a role model for women in general." Her voice softened. "She's right though about one thing; Peter is a lot like you were at his age. The lucky girl." Marie kissed me gently on the lips and went back to our guests.I couldn't be bothered to start cooking that afternoon so I sent a text to Linda to meet us at the pub at half past five and I'd treat us all to a bar meal, but she replied to say that she would come straight to ours so we would only need two cars. That's a logistics planner at work.We had just finished off our meals when two young people greeted us. It was Adrian and Emily. She noticed me glancing at her neck and shook her head, smiling. Tonight she was here as his girlfriend, not his submissive sex slave.Adrian explained that they had waited until we'd finished eating but would understand if we felt that they were still intruding on a family moment. When we explained to Peter and Jen that our two young friends were part of our wedding planning team; they were keen for them to join us.Emily sat with Marie and Peter to talk about fabricating some lightweight body armor for my wife's costume. Colin joined them; partly as a fan of the Mandalorian, partly because I think he had an instant crush on Emily.Meanwhile, Angie and Jen were in deep discussion with Adrian about their own costumes. In both groups phones were brandished, numbers exchanged and images shared. I saw Adrian examine one picture quite closely, look over at me thoughtfully and smile. Linda, who was sitting next to me, was intrigued. "What was that?""Well, love. As far as I can tell, my outfit selection has been approved. Have you and Mike discussed costumes? I did tell you it was a Star Wars themed celebration."She shrugged dismissively. "We'll pop into that fancy-dress shop in town. They'll have something that will do."Not a chance," I told her. I leant across the table to check something with Marie and then turned back to my daughter. I showed her a picture of Bo Katan, my wife's character, on my phone. "This will be your mum's outfit. She'd like you to wear something similar, as her supporter.""Where the hell will I find something like that?" She exclaimed.I pointed across the table. "Adrian's actually in his second year of a costume design course. Angie has agreed to underwrite all the materials costs for our ceremony so he's been able to persuade several of his course mates to take part because we have a range of amazing outfits for them to design and create but at no cost to them." I patted Linda's hand. "Tell Mike to pick anything he thinks looks cool, subject to some constraints; No bad guys and full face coverings and masks are probably impractical. Other than that, we'll get him measured for whatever takes his fancy.""X-Wing pilot.""What?" I didn't see that coming."Obviously, I'll ask him but I'm absolutely sure that's what he'll choose." Linda seemed very certain. "Does it meet your criteria?"I considered. Simple, colorful flight-suit and a helmet. "If that's what he wants, I'm sure it will be fine. Can Colin and Mia choose their own outfits or do you want to be involved?"

It's another episode of Drunk-ish in your feed but we thought you'd all be interested in hearing Elby Taylor discuss her experience with drinking in high school and with the college drinking culture on campus and in sororities and frats. Equally parts disturbing and compelling but also slightly reassuring because these girlies seem to have each other's backs!Feel free to watch the episode on YouTube And please subscribe to Drunk-ish in your feed!!

What does real creativity produce in Silicon Valley and how does it fuel lasting success? In today's episode of The Valley Current®, Jack Russo welcomes serial entrepreneur Marc Canter for a wide-ranging conversation that fuses tech history with personal legacy. Marc revisits the early days of Alcatel switches powering stadium Wi-Fi, the launch of the Macintosh era, and his pioneering drive to make software more accessible and visual. Equally compelling are the roots that shaped him, his family's activist tradition in Chicago, a rebellious streak that pushed him to defy convention, and the bold visions that carried him from Apple and Microsoft collaborations to today's interactive media frontiers.   Jack Russo Managing Partner Jrusso@computerlaw.com www.computerlaw.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackrusso "Every Entrepreneur Imagines a Better World"®️

Thriving in Uncertainty: Leadership, Learning, and Performance Science with Dr. Carla FowlerIn an unpredictable world, leaders and professionals need more than strategies—they need resilience, adaptability, and insight. In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Dr. Carla Fowler, Founder and Managing Director of THAXA®, to explore how high performance, deliberate learning, and science-backed leadership approaches can help individuals not just survive, but thrive in uncertainty.Mastering Learning and Leadership in UncertaintyDr. Carla Fowler brings a unique perspective, combining human biology, immunology, medicine, and over a decade of executive coaching to offer a research-backed approach to performance and learning. She emphasizes that adult skill acquisition is a marathon requiring both engagement and rigor, with fun and motivation playing a crucial role in long-term success. Leaders must balance immersive, playful learning with targeted, high-impact methods for urgent challenges.Equally important is reframing uncertainty as a source of opportunity rather than stress. Dr. Fowler explains that while uncertainty is inevitable, our perception and response define the outcome. By carving out time for continuous learning and deliberately shifting from reactive to proactive thinking, leaders can leverage ambiguity to drive growth and innovation.Finally, deliberate thinking and internal control are essential for effective leadership. Dr. Fowler underscores the importance of creating intentional moments for reflection, practicing self-awareness, and reclaiming control over one's decisions and priorities. This allows leaders to operate from a proactive mindset, rather than being driven by external pressures or constant mental chatter.About Dr. Carla FowlerDr. Carla Fowler is the Founder and Managing Director of THAXA®, combining expertise in human biology, immunology, and medicine with over ten years of executive coaching experience. She helps leaders and professionals apply performance science to thrive under uncertainty, fostering both personal and organizational growth.About THAXA®THAXA® is a performance science and executive coaching firm dedicated to helping leaders develop practical skills, resilience, and self-awareness. The company provides research-backed strategies to improve decision-making, learning, and leadership effectiveness in complex and unpredictable environments.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeTHAXA® WebsiteDr. Carla Fowler on LinkedInKey Episode HighlightsDr. Fowler emphasizes the importance of balancing fun and rigor in learning, embracing uncertainty as a growth opportunity, practicing deliberate reflection, and reclaiming internal control to lead effectively. Leaders can apply these insights immediately by scheduling focused learning, prioritizing tasks aligned with their goals, and developing skills to transform ambiguity into advantage.ConclusionNavigating uncertainty requires more than reactive strategies—it demands intentional learning, self-awareness, and proactive leadership. Dr. Carla Fowler's insights provide a roadmap for leaders to cultivate resilience, improve decision-making, and harness the power of performance science for both personal and professional growth.

In a time of low commodity prices, late season soybean disease management is important as growers make decisions to help reduce plant stress and potentially increase or simply preserve soybean yield potential. Equally important is knowing when a treatment is no longer necessary and when it may actually be a waste of money and time. Diseases such as septoria brown spot, downy mildew, white mold, and many other foliar diseases such as frog eye leaf spot can often be observed as the long hot summer days fade into cooler fall weather. Dr. Horacio-Lopez Nicora, OSU Extension Soybean Pathologist and Nematologist visits with Dusty to discuss the current growing conditions in Ohio's soybean fields, and factors that growers should consider before making a late season fungicide application to their crop. They also discuss the great resources available to farmers at the Crop Protection Network.

Carren Strock, has often been called a Renaissance woman. Equally at home with a paintbrush and canvas, a needle and thread, or a hammer and nails, she is as eclectic in her writing as she is in her other interests. While best known for her ground-breaking book Married Women Who Love Women and more, her writing style lends itself to many different genres, both fiction and nonfiction. In addition, her articles and essays have appeared in Newsweek, Woman's Day, Ms. the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, PBS's Next Avenue and AARP's The Ethel.Married Women Who Love Women,  because of its enduring cultural relevance, is being recognized as a classic, 25 years after its debut.  "Until I was forty-three, I would have said with absolute certainty, 'I am not, nor could I ever become, a lesbian. I know exactly who and what I am,' says Carren. One year later, after 25 years of a contented heterosexual marriage, I fell in love with another woman. I experienced more passion, pain, isolation and turmoil than I ever thought possible and I began to question who I really was. My journey from denial to self awareness, understanding and acceptance was not an easy one.I wrote Married Women Who Love Women as a way to deal with my own discovery and to help other women deal with theirs. By interviewing more than 100 women, as well as their husbands and children, and through additional research as well, I found that this phenomenon—married women loving women—was not as uncommon as I had believed.I also realized that no woman, single or married, is automatically exempt from the frightening possibility that she too might one day realize a dormant sexual awareness that she is lesbian or bisexual."Learn more: http://www.carrenstrock.comhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064718108918Twitter: @CarrenStrock

Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein did not operate in isolation—they relied on a network. Their crimes were made possible by a web of enablers, facilitators, fixers, and bystanders who either helped directly or looked the other way. From private pilots to personal assistants, house managers to recruiters, there were people in their orbit who scheduled, transported, housed, and in some cases, groomed young girls for abuse. These weren't random helpers—they were staff, associates, and colleagues who made Epstein and Maxwell's operation function like a well-oiled machine. Yet, most of them have never faced a single charge. Their silence, compliance, and active participation were just as essential as the actions of Epstein and Maxwell themselves.Equally complicit were the institutions that protected them. Wealth managers, elite schools, banks, law firms, and even prosecutors played roles—some by omission, others by design. Doors opened for Epstein and Maxwell that would have slammed shut on anyone without money and connections. Social circles embraced them long after rumors had become accusations, and long after accusations had become evidence. And still, they were given platforms, invitations, and cover. This wasn't a case of two people fooling the world—it was a case of the world choosing not to care. The myth of the “lone predator” serves power well, but the truth is always more uncomfortable: predators thrive in systems that help them.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10332169/Underage-orgies-possible-pregnancy-key-moments-Ghislaine-Maxwells-sensational-trial.htmlBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Equally beloved at office boardrooms and toddler birthday parties, Colin the Caterpillar - a £7 swiss roll cake with white and milk chocolate and buttercream - was launched at an unsuspecting public by Marks and Spencer on 26th August, 1990. At the product development stage, he was going to be a fish - even though fishcake is a TOTALLY different foodstuff. Luckily, the Colin we know and love made it to M&S shelves, where he has since sold more than 15 million units, and spawned dozens of high street imitators. (And an infringement claim against Aldi.) In this episode, Olly, Rebecca and Arion explain how Colin's popularity coincided with the trend for ‘illusion cakes'; dig up the horrifying sweet/savoury pile-up that is Jane Asher's ‘Mary Mary' cake; and consider Colin's enduring place in British popular culture... Further Reading: • ‘Colin the Caterpillar: A brief history' (New Statesman, 2018): https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/food-drink/2018/12/colin-caterpillar-brief-history • ‘This is the original M&S Colin the Caterpillar cake back in 1990' (Good Housekeeping, 2020): https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/a33631942/original-colin-the-caterpillar-cake-1990/ • ‘Colin v Cuthbert The Caterpillar: Can M&S Sue Aldi For Copyright Over A Cake?' (Good Morning Britain, 2020): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZrjPL8p874 This episode first aired in 2021 Love the show? Support us!  Join 

AI is changing the way we work—and fast. But beyond the headlines, how are people really using it in the workplace? And how do they feel about it?In this special bonus episode of Invested at Work, host Rodney Bolden checks in with guests from across the season to explore how AI is being adopted on the ground—from equity administration to customer service—and the emotions it's stirring up along the way.Visit MorganStanley.com/atwork for more insights on workplace financial benefits.Invested at Work is brought to you by Morgan Stanley at Work, hosted by Rodney Bolden. Our executive producers are Fiona Kelsey and Lisa Boyce. Our production partner is Sequel Media Inc.This material is not a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument or to participate in any trading strategy.Artificial intelligence (AI) is subject to limitations, and you should be aware that any output from an AI-supported tool or service made available by the Firm for your use is subject to such limitations, including but not limited to inaccuracy, incompleteness, or embedded bias. You should always verify the results of any AI-generated output.The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management or its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.Morgan Stanley at Work services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley.Information contained herein is based on data from multiple sources considered to be reliable and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley.This material may provide the addresses of, or contain hyperlinks to, websites. Except to the extent to which the material refers to website material of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, the firm has not reviewed the linked site. Equally, except to the extent to which the material refers to website material of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, the firm takes no responsibility for, and makes no representations or warranties whatsoever as to, the data and information contained therein. Such address or hyperlink (including addresses or hyperlinks to website material of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management) is provided solely for your convenience and information and the content of the linked site does not in any way form part of this document. Accessing such website or following such link through the material or the website of the firm shall be at your own risk and we shall have no liability arising out of, or in connection with, any such referenced website. © 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.CRC# 4675136 07/2025Source: Pew Research Center, U.S. Workers Are More Worried Than Hopeful About Future AI Use in the Workplace. 2025.

If you're fascinated by the intersection of deep human connection and legendary entrepreneurship, this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different with Brad Feld is a masterclass. Brad Feld, co-founder of Techstars and Foundry Group, unpacks the profound philosophy at the heart of his new book, "Give First: The Power of Mentorship," offering both tactical wisdom and hard-won personal perspective. This is not the typical “give-back” story, but a look at how true mentorship and generosity fuel the careers and lives of those willing to embrace a different approach. You're listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let's go.   Brad Feld on Mentorship: More Than the “Guru on the Mountaintop” Myth Brad Feld's journey with mentorship began in his youth, encountering influential figures before “mentoring” was even part of the social lexicon. Like many from the 1970s and 1980s, he didn't realize the people shaping his trajectory were mentors, but the relationships he had changed everything. Critically, Feld draws a distinction between mentors and gurus: the former guide, question, and encourage self-discovery; the latter simply impart answers from a higher level. He notes that over time, truly powerful mentorship evolves: “There's a magic trick where mentors become peers." - Brad Feld Real mentoring relationships become two-way streets—everyone learns, everyone grows.   Give First: Non-Transactional Generosity as a Superpower At the heart of his philosophy is a core principle: "Give First" means putting energy into a system without a required transactional expectation of return. This, Feld insists, is not simple altruism nor traditional “pay it forward,” which often feels obligatory or limited to later stages of a career. Instead, giving first is a chosen mindset, accessible at any stage and open to anyone: students, new grads, and seasoned executives alike. A key insight: “Pay it forward is obligatory," Feld explains, "Give First is non-transactional. There's no obligation.” This liberation from expectation creates space for unexpected returns in relationships and opportunities, often arriving from unrelated directions and on unpredictable timelines.   Brad Feld on the Art (and Challenge) of Being Accessible: Random Days and “Assignments” As an influential figure in the startup world, Feld faces a deluge of requests from aspiring entrepreneurs and peers alike. Balancing generosity and boundaries is an evolving practice. His solution was to create “Random Day”: a designated day each month packed with 15-minute meetings open to anyone interested. This provided structure, scale, and protection from being overwhelmed, while also ensuring he could still make a meaningful impact and learn from every encounter. Equally important is Feld's email “assignment” technique. Rather than simply agreeing to every meeting, he requests more specificity from senders, an effortful response that immediately filters for genuine intent. Feld's data is telling: about 50% of people simply never reply to the assignment, allowing him to focus energy on the truly motivated, engaged few. To hear more from Brad Feld and how Giving First is a Superpower, download and listen to this episode. Bio Brad Feld is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and author with more than three decades of experience in investing and building startups. He is a co-founder of Foundry Group, a Boulder-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology companies. In addition to his work with Foundry Group, Brad co-founded Techstars, one of the world's most successful startup accelerators, helping thousands of entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses. He is also deeply involved in fostering entrepreneurial communities worldwide. An avid writer, Brad has authored several books on startups and venture capital.

In this episode we take to the air once more, but this time on the trail of one of the unsung heroes of the great war - the carrier pigeon. Equally vital for communication on the frontlines, maintaining unit cohesion in battle, or as a handy snack, we'll explore their role and the stories of a few famous birds who took to the skies above the western front.  Join Our Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://not-so-quiet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Do you like our podcast? Then please leave us a review, it helps us a lot! E-Mail: ⁠nsq@battleguide.co.uk⁠ Battle Guide YouTube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@BattleGuideVT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our WW2 Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://battleguide.co.uk/bsow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to keep your finger on the pulse of what the team at Battle Guide have been getting up to, why not sign up to our monthly newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://battleguide.co.uk/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: @historian1914 @DanHillHistory @BattleguideVT Credits: - Host: Dr. Spencer Jones & Dan Hill - Production: Linus Klaßen - Editing: Hunter Christensen & Linus Klaßen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Pain demonstrates the body must be real. ²It is a loud, obscuring voice whose shrieks would silence what the Holy Spirit says, and keep His words from your awareness. ³Pain compels attention, drawing it away from Him and focusing upon itself. ⁴Its purpose is the same as pleasure, for they both are means to make the body real. ⁵What shares a common purpose is the same. ⁶This is the law of purpose, which unites all those who share in it within itself. ⁷Pleasure and pain are equally unreal, because their purpose cannot be achieved. ⁸Thus are they means for nothing, for they have a goal without a meaning. ⁹And they share the lack of meaning which their purpose has. Sin shifts from pain to pleasure, and again to pain. ²For either witness is the same, and carries but one message: “You are here, within this body, and you can be hurt. ³You can have pleasure, too, but only at the cost of pain.” (https://acim.org/acim/en/s/311#1:1-2:3 | T-27.VI.1:1–2:3)Visit the website for information on these meetings, the online community and information on paid private mentoring with Keith:https://www.acimwithkeith.com/You can watch many older meetings on the YouTube Channel here:https://www.youtube.com/@acimwithkeithOur meetings are organised in the Facebook group, "A Course In Miracles With Keith" Please ensure you read and agree to the group rules on application to have membership approved. This is the link:⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/384802770144828⁠If you'd like to donate, you can do so with paypal here:⁠https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/keithkav⁠Or you can donate with credit card here:⁠https://www.mypos.com/@keith⁠

By the time you see this episode, I'll be in Tanzania, petting lions and riding zebras.(Ok, I KNOW, that's not likely to happen, but I wish it could!)This week marks a lot of milestones.It's the one-year anniversary of my father's passing, and part of my reason for visiting Tanzania is to honor his memory and express gratitude for making sure he left behind the funding I'd need for the trip.It's also the 200th episode of Fine is a 4-Letter Word – and as I was doing my last-minute packing and thinking about what I'd share, what immediately came to mind are the many valuable friendships and connections I've made through interviewing our amazing guests, working with our production team, and having the chance to dialogue with you – the listener – about what we share here.Thus the topic of this very short (just 12 minutes and 50 seconds) episode, which is all about valuing yourself equally in friendships.I've been around long enough to see friendships come and go – and stay – and am convinced of the validity of the saying “Some are for a season, some are for a lesson, and some are for life.” In today's episode, YOU are the subject.When you tune in now, you'll discover a simple but powerful blueprint that helps you determine which of your friendships serve you equally with the other person, which don't, what you may be able to do to correct it, and what happens if you can't.At the very end, I have two very short “asks” of you – one is about the podcast, and one is about the status of your friendships.I only ask if you could please give each one of them their due – it will take but a couple minutes – because the benefits you gain may astound you.Lori's hype song as she records this special episode is “Raise Your Glass” by Pink.Resources:My Website: https://ZenRabbit.com/ LinkedIn: https://zenrabbit.com/linkedin/ Facebook: https://zenrabbit.com/facebook/ Instagram: https://zenrabbit.com/instagram/Visit the “FINE is a 4-Letter Word” store at https://zenrabbit.printful.me Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?! If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade...

Send us a textProcess manufacturing stands out as one of the most intricate and fragmented domains in the ERP landscape, largely because of the wide-ranging product types and production methods that differ—even among companies that may look similar at first glance. Unlike discrete manufacturing, which focuses on standardized components and assemblies, process manufacturing is driven by formulas and recipes that demand both precision and adaptability. Industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals operate in environments where even the slightest change to an ingredient can trigger ripple effects across product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This diversity in formulations and processes makes it nearly impossible for a single ERP system to fit all needs seamlessly. To address this complexity, ERP evaluations must go beyond feature checklists, weighing factors like vendor market share, acquisitions that enhance process-specific functionality, long-term product roadmaps, and the strength of the community ecosystem. Equally important are considerations such as win rates, investor confidence, and technological vision, since only platforms that combine deep process capabilities with strategic commitment to the space can deliver sustainable value to manufacturers navigating this demanding landscape.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Process manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these process manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each process manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.