Podcasts about Far East

fWotD Episode 3377: Russian battleship Petropavlovsk (1894) Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Monday, 3 August 2026, is Russian battleship Petropavlovsk (1894).Petropavlovsk (Russian: Петропавловск) was the lead ship of her class of three pre-dreadnought battleships built for the Imperial Russian Navy during the last decade of the 19th century. The ship was sent to the Far East almost immediately after entering service in 1899, where she participated in the suppression of the Boxer Rebellion the next year and was the flagship of the First Pacific Squadron.At the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905, Petropavlovsk took part in the Battle of Port Arthur, where she was lightly damaged by Japanese shells and failed to score any hits in return. On 13 April 1904, the ship sank after striking one or more mines near Port Arthur, in northeast China. Casualties numbered 27 officers and 652 enlisted men, including Vice Admiral Stepan Makarov, the commander of the squadron, and the war artist Vasily Vereshchagin. The arrival of the competent and aggressive Makarov after the Battle of Port Arthur had boosted Russian morale, which plummeted after his death.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:55 UTC on Monday, 3 August 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Russian battleship Petropavlovsk (1894) on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm long-form Gregory.

Dan Rolinson is joined by John Townley to report back on pre-season so far as the tour of the Far East kicks off, plus detail of Leon Bailey's move to Hull City potentially being off. Live show tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aston-villa-2627-season-preview-claret-blue-live-tickets-1996327141219

The British Army in the Second World War is often judged through the lens of manpower shortages and a sense of being overstretched. Critics point to a force spread across too many theatres and suggest that this inevitably limited its effectiveness. But is that a fair assessment of an army that expanded from a few hundred thousand men into a global fighting force of over eight million, operating across Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Far East? In this episode, I am joined by Brian Walter to explore his argument that the British and Commonwealth armies emerged from the legacy of the First World War as a reduced force, entered the Second World War underprepared, but went on to adapt, expand, and ultimately play a decisive role in defeating Germany, Italy, and Japan across multiple theatres of war. Brian is the author of The Thin Khaki Line: An Operational History of the British and Commonwealth Armies during World War II.

What does it take to build a luxury tented lodge in the middle of the Okavango Delta? To engineer a fabric structure that withstands a category five cyclone on the Australian coast? To convince a Swiss banker to walk away from a 20-year career and move to Bali to manufacture tented villas? Or to take a chance on a stretch tent made from horse-riding trouser fabric on a film set in Namibia, and turn that into one of the most innovative tent architecture firms in the world? It takes the kind of people you're about to meet. This is Titans of Tents... a brand new series inside the Glamping Business Podcast... and this first episode is where it all begins. I'm Sarah Riley, and I've spent years watching this industry grow from a niche curiosity into a globally recognised asset class. But one conversation I've never heard - not once - is the one where the people who actually build the foundations of this industry sit down together and speak honestly about how they got here, what they've learned, and where they think it's all going. Until now. In this episode, I'm joined by four of the world's leading glamping structure founders: Brendan O'Molony of Tenthouse Structures in South Africa, Ueli Wick of Escape Nomade in Bali, Tom Butterfield of Eco Structures in Western Australia, and David Patrick Court of Bushtec Creations, operating across Africa and the Middle East. Between them, they have delivered tented structures in over 55 countries, worked with some of the world's most prestigious hospitality brands, and built their reputations in some of the most remote and challenging environments on earth. What makes this conversation different isn't just their collective experience... it's the combination of genuine competitive respect, deep friendship, and a shared mission to raise standards across the industry that brings them together. They are four founders with hard-won knowledge, strong opinions, and the kind of honesty that only comes from having actually done the work. In this first episode, we hear their origin stories, and they are not what you'd expect. We talk about whether glamping is truly a global industry or a collection of very different regional stories. We explore what COVID really did to the outdoor hospitality sector, why an AI-disrupted world might be the best thing that ever happened to tented structures, and what is still... even now... misunderstood about what these buildings can actually do. This is the conversation the industry has been waiting for. Welcome to episode one of The Titans of Tents.  ____________ Who are the Titans? Brendan O'Molony - Tenthouse Structures (South Africa / Singapore) Brendan founded Tenthouse Structures in 2010, and over the past 15 years it has evolved into one of the industry's most innovative full-service tent architecture firms, delivering luxury tented camps and lodges across Africa, the USA, the Middle East, Europe and Australia. Headquartered in South Africa with an international sales and marketing office in Singapore, Tenthouse has developed over 60 international properties, and Brendan leads a 40+ strong team of tent-tensile architects, engineers, technicians, and lightweight building specialists. His personal mission is engineering superior wilderness fabric structures that are optimised to site... low-impact, high-comfort, and built for some of the world's most remote locations https://www.tenthousestructures.com/  Ueli Wick - Escape Nomade (Bali, Indonesia) A Swiss national who spent most of his professional life in private banking with UBS and Credit Suisse, Ueli made a dramatic career pivot and now leads Escape Nomade, designers and manufacturers of luxury tented villas based in Bali, with a mission to bring the "living without walls" lifestyle to a global audience. Under his leadership, Escape Nomade has delivered more than 450 luxury tented structures across 55 countries. Their product sits at the haute couture end of the market... large, semi-permanent, fully furnished tented villas used in resorts, wellness centres, and private residences worldwide https://escapenomade.com/  Tom Butterfield - Eco Structures (Western Australia) Tom has been driving product and concept at Eco Structures Australia since 2012, and has since completed over 85 glamping projects worldwide. His international portfolio spans locations including the US Virgin Islands, Saudi Arabia, China, and several Class A World Reserves. Eco Structures specialises in cost-effective, environmentally sustainable glamping accommodation engineered for remote and challenging terrain... including their patented concrete-free eco anchors and prefabricated bathroom pods... and exports globally from their Western Australia base https://www.ecostructures.com.au/  David Patrick Court - Bushtec Creations (South Africa / Middle East) David heads up Bushtec Creations as an Independent Executive Consultant, bringing over 25 years of safari and tourism/hospitality expertise across Botswana, Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. Bushtec holds a current range of 1,300+ tent designs... more options than any other tent manufacturer... with a fully owned manufacturing plant covering all canvas and steel components. Their work spans luxury safari lodges, award-winning tented resorts (including Sharjah's Kingfisher Retreat), and turnkey solutions across Africa, the GCC, and the Far East https://bushtec.net/our-tents/   Sarah Riley - Inspired Courses ☆ The Glamping Academy ☆ Inspired Collective Sarah Riley is the founder of The Glamping Academy... part of Inspired Collective Ltd. With over 15 years of experience in the glamping, retreat, and unique hospitality industry, Sarah has supported more than 2,000 business launches across 18 countries. She hosts the Glamping Business Podcast and Glamping Americas Podcast. She is also the Conference Director for the Glamping Show Americas.

In this episode of The Expeditors Podcast, I delve into the key developments from our weekly briefing for July 22nd to 28th. We explore the recent implementation of Section 301 forced labor tariffs, affecting imports from 60 economies, and the implications of new regulatory frameworks. I also examine the surge in Far East to U.S. ocean freight rates amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and the gradual easing of congestion in global supply chains. Additionally, I discuss how air freight rates are responding to shifting demand and the evolving landscape of ground transportation, including recent legal rulings impacting brokers. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of the current state of global trade and logistics, featuring insights from our Senior Vice President of Global Ocean, Adam Kord.

Hello Beautiful, I'm so grateful you're here with me.

Brett Forrest, The Lost Son: An American Family Trapped Inside the FBI's Secret Wars. The final segment of Forrest's account explores the dark possibilities of Billy's fate and the FBI's high-level awareness of the case. While some contacts suggested Billy might have simply disappeared into Russia or traveled to the Far East, Anastasia Mikhailovska offers a much bleaker theory: that Billy was taken into custody, tortured for information, and his body disposed of in a lake in one of the breakaway republics of Eastern Ukraine. This blunt assessment stands in contrast to more optimistic theories but aligns with the brutal reality of the Donbas conflict. Back in Washington, Forrest attends a retirement party at the Department of Justice, where he encounters Paul Abate. At the time Billy went to Russia, Abate was the Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit field office—the man who would have overseen Billy's handlers and the investigation into his disappearance. By 2018, Abate had risen to become the third-highest-ranking official in the entire FBI. When Forrest approaches him, Abate reveals that he already knows who Forrest is and is intimately familiar with the Riley case, despite no stories having been published yet. This high-level recognition suggests that the "secret wars" the Rileys felt trapped inside were well-known and carefully monitored at the top of the American intelligence apparatus. (4)1867 MOSCOW

Far East Taste 018 Show: Far East Taste Artist: You Liang Air Date: 18 July 2026 Genre: House / Melodic House / Trance / UK Garage Far East Taste 018 opens with a bright run of vocal and groove-led house, moving through Meddie Fercury, EchoStorms and Selina Baron, Joel Corry, Dan McKie, Chris Giuliano and Sakari, Benleh, and Jan & Paris. The first half builds through immediate vocal hooks, rolling percussion, and increasingly energetic club records. The middle of the episode moves into a more personal studio-focused section, beginning with my remix of deadmau5's “Science” before continuing into some of my own productions. From there, Georgio Safo, ALPHA 9, Kevin D'Angello and Doppenberg, and Semblance Smile take the mix further into progressive and trance territory. The closing stretch returns to house with a saxophone techno hybrid - my collaboration with HORATIO, followed by an extended blend of Grant Nelson's “Sunshine” and Katermurr's “What Is.” Another ID closes the episode and completes a set that moves from accessible vocal house into personal productions, melodic peak-time energy, and a warm house finish. Tracklist: 1. Meddie Fercury - Right Before Your Eyes (2026 Club Edit) 2. EchoStorms & Selina Baron - Free Your Mind (Radio Edit) 3. Joel Corry - Whisper (Radio Edit) 4. Dan McKie - El Lion 5. Chris Giuliano & Sakari - Breathe In 6. Benleh - Keep Going (Radio Edit) 7. Jan & Paris - Feel It Now 8. deadmau5 - Science (You Liang Remix) 9. You Liang - ID 10. You Liang - Never Walk Alone 11. Georgio Safo - In Space 12. ALPHA 9 - Dark Matter (Radio Edit) 13. Kevin D'Angello & Doppenberg - Tranceformation (Radio Edit) 14. Semblance Smile - Freedom (Radio Edit) 15. HORATIO & You Liang - Git It 16. Grant Nelson - Sunshine 17. Katermurr - What Is 18. ID - ID

The early Church grew up in the firm expectation of the near return of Christ. The fact that He's delayed for 2000 years doesn't diminish the power of the promise nor the power of the message that Jesus gave, “Go preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely you have received, freely give.” Jesus said, “Give! You don't have to provide the money, or take extra coats, shoes or anything… What I tell you in darkness, speak in light… And don't fear those who can kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul, but fear Him, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matt 10:7ff,26ff. Jesus is offering a Gospel that changes men. I'll never forget the simplicity of this Gospel when I was invited to preach in a high-security prison in Siberia in 1994. They allowed 30 minutes for worship, then I was to speak. The commanding officer told me, “200 of these men are serial murderers, 400 are serious sex offenders, the other 800 men are criminals of every kind. I beat them, I shoot them. What can your God do to change these men?” He could only offer brutality, no change. But Jesus brings life! I called on the Lord to tell me what to say. I preached love and forgiveness, a Gospel of change and power. The world today talks about violence, brutality, punishment. But I called on those men to repent. When I had finished, all 1,400 men were on their knees, and the guards with them too – crying out for God's forgiveness! The miracle was so great, 140 of those men, when they were released, became pastors and evangelists, and 30 years later, they're still working, still preaching Christ in the prisons in the Far East of Russia! Christian, preach the Gospel. God offers a message of hope, of love, of power to forgive sin, power to heal the sick. You see, God gives us Power! Jesus today has more Power on earth, more Authority, than any ruler or emperor! His Power is not to coerce and control, not to punish and destroy, but to bring healing and salvation of both body and soul. Reach out to Jesus! The Power is in His Gospel! Watch the YouTube version: https://youtu.be/cvkPaIfTqqM  For more information on the Ministry of David Hathaway https://www.eurovision.org.uk 

GB2RS News Sunday the 19th of July 2026 The news headlines: Spy transmitter activities at the RSGB National Radio Centre Which RSGB partner museum will you be visiting this summer? RSGB Outreach Team supports the WINGS Jamboree Following last year's success, the ‘Find the spy transmitter' events are back for Summer 2026 at the RSGB National Radio Centre. This family-friendly activity will turn you into spy hunters as you explore Bletchley Park looking for hidden transmitters. The event will be running on Tuesday the 28th of July and Thursday the 30th of July.  Each date has two start times, one at 10.30am and another at 1.30pm. Spaces are limited to 12 groups per session and are available via rsgbspytransmitter.eventbrite.co.uk  The activity is free to take part in, however entry to Bletchley Park is required. Don't forget that RSGB members get free access to the historic site as a membership benefit. Download your voucher at rsgb.org/bpvoucher Last year, the RSGB introduced a new membership benefit offering its members discounted entry at six fascinating museums. Following positive feedback from members, this offer continues and RSGB members can receive between 20 and 50 percent off admission fees at Amberley Museum, Bawdsey Radar Museum, Internal Fire Museum of Power, PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications, the Royal Signals Museum and the National Museum of Computing. You can make the most of this offer by incorporating a visit to one, or all, of the museums this summer. Whether you are organising a club visit, looking to entertain the children over the summer holidays, or planning for a day out by yourself, there is lots to keep you busy. Visit rsgb.org/partner-museums  for details on how to receive your personalised discount voucher. Members of the RSGB Outreach Team will be attending the WINGS Jamboree in Windsor between the 26th and 30th of July. The team will be showcasing amateur radio to Scouts and Girlguiding members aged 6 to 14, who will have the opportunity to test their Morse skills through the ever-popular Morse Battleships game. The team will be activating special event callsign GB1WINGS over the period, and the youngsters will have the opportunity to make supervised on-air contacts across the UK and internationally. The team welcomes your support and encourages you to make QSOs on the HF bands and via the QO-100 satellite. Please check the DX Cluster for frequency details. QSL will be via QRZ, eQSL and Logbook of the World after the event. Revalidating your licence is required every five years, however Ofcom recommends doing it annually. The process requires licence holders to confirm or update their details on the Ofcom licence database. Whether you have recently moved, have a new email address, or all your details remain the same, use this as a reminder to log in and tick the job off your list. You can find guidance on the process by selecting ‘Licence Revalidation' at rsgb.org/licensing  As well as FAQs, you'll also find a link to a step-by-step video by Ofcom, which shows you the process of revalidating your licence using the online licensing portal. The first of this year's International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekends will run from 0001UTC on Saturday the 15th of August to 2400UTC on Sunday the 16th of August. The event usually attracts more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. Registration for the event is open at illw.net Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 19th, Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Radio Rally is taking place at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors open at 10am and admission costs £3. This in an indoor event and ample free car parking is available. For more information email m5zzz@outlook.com On Saturday the 25th, the Wiltshire Radio Rally Electronics Fair and Car Boot Sale takes place at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Fields, Church Road, Kington Langley, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 5NJ. The doors open at 7.30am for traders and at 9am for visitors. Hot and cold refreshments and ample parking are available on site. For more information visit chippenhamradio.club/rally Now the Special Event news Radio amateurs using Bawdsey Radar Museum's callsign GB2GRS will be on the air today, Sunday the 19th. Visit the museum to hear where in the world they are contacting. More information is available at bawdseyradar.org.uk Special callsign HF170TESLA is active to mark the 170th anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla. Look for activity on various bands and modes until the 31st of July. For details of awards that are available for working the station, visit tinyurl.com/teslaSES To celebrate the centenary of Romania's first amateur radio club, special callsign YR100RC is active until the 30th of September. Find out about awards that are available at tinyurl.com/yr100rc2026 Now the DX news Didier, F6BCW has been active as FO/F6BCW from Tikehau Atoll, OC-066, in French Polynesia until tomorrow, the 20th. He operates CW and SSB on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via FO/F6BCW, Logbook of the World and OQRS. Aldir, PY1SAD is active as 8R1TM from Guyana until Sunday the 26th of July. He operates CW, SSB and digital modes on the 160 to 6m bands and via satellite. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, QRZ.com  or directly to Aldir's home call. The IP1X team will be active from Gallinara Island, EU-083, on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of July. They will be operating using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via the Bureau, OQRS or directly to IU1JCZ. For more details and updates see QRZ.com Now the contest news Today, the 19th, the RSGB International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and transmitter power. On Tuesday the 21st, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 23rd, the RSGB 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The RSGB IOTA Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 25th and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 26th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference. On Sunday the 26th, the UK Microwave Group High Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 16th of July 2026. Last week was characterised by a falling solar flux index. Over the past week it has gone from 116 to 100, but the good news is that we have only had one M-class solar flare in that time and a multitude of lesser C-class flares that haven't amounted to much. As a result, the Kp index remained low, certainly below 4, other than one excursion to 4.67 on Sunday the 12th of July. This means propagation has been stable rather than outstanding. But as the winners of the World Radiosport Team Championship showed last week, it was still possible to make 5,800 QSOs in 24 hours. An analysis shows that the best scoring band was 20m, closely followed by 15m and 40m. The predominant mode was CW. Maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path have been peaking at around 19 to 23MHz at midday, according to the Dourbes DigiSonde. Major DXpeditions to be worked this week include RT25AA, the Arctic Legends IOTA DXpedition; TY5FR from Benin; VP5G in Turks and Caicos; and HP1/LA5IIA operating from Panama. The 20m band remains good for contacts across the Northern Hemisphere during daylight, while the 15m band offers better opportunities for north-south paths. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may increase, perhaps to 135. Geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be good for the first half of the week, but a Kp index of 4 is forecast for Wednesday the 22nd and Thursday the 23rd of July so expect declining MUFs and poorer HF conditions around that time. There are currently no coronal holes to worry about. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The coming period of weather feels very much like what we've been getting in the last week or so. High pressure dominates the chart and, since it's placed just west of Great Britain, this implies a north-westerly flow over the country, with a chance of tropo for many areas. Last week saw northerly paths worked from the UK up to the Faroe Islands, Norway and Sweden on both 144 and 432MHz. The high-pressure part of the story suggests not much, if any, rain to speak of and therefore rain scatter is unlikely. The auroral prospects are not especially great in radio terms. There are about three meteor showers currently giving a broad period of activity for meteor scatter operators and providing long-lived ionisation as fuel for sporadic-E. In view of the links between Sporadic-E and jet streams, the upper air jet stream patterns suggest favouring paths to the southeast into the Balkans round to the northeast and Scandinavia for Sporadic E. Don't ignore the options for multi-hop paths into the Far East in the morning on the 6m band and later in the day to the United States, which have been very good lately. For EME operators, Moon declination is falling again and passed perigee on Monday the 13th of July so Moon window lengths will shorten and path losses increase. 144MHz sky noise is low, increasing to moderate on Thursday the 23rd of July. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

In Dornoch, on the far north-east coast, Links House began life in 1843 as a manse for a Free Church minister. It served as officers' quarters in the war and stayed a private home for generations after. Today it stands a short pitch from the first tee at Royal Dornoch, one of the world's great links courses, and holds a Michelin Key as the most northerly five-star hotel in the country.In today's episode, Molly sits down with managing director Phil Scott - Aberdeen-born, returned home by way of the Far East - to hear what it takes to run a luxury hotel at the very top of the map. From its 15 rooms to MARA, the restaurant named for the Gaelic word for the sea, this is a conversation about remoteness as an asset, building a reputation far from the central belt, and hospitality as warmth rather than formality.Head to Curated, the world's first travel platform powered by tastemakers with soul, style and story at its heart to discover and book a collection of soulful stays curated by tastemakers you trust https://curatedspaces.club/Curated Spaces is the podcast on a mission to reignite real world connection. What started as a project to share the stories behind spaces has snowballed into something a little bit bigger. From founders sharing their stories of burnout and loneliness to the spaces leading the charge in rewilding and sustainable food production, Curated Spaces is about living life in full colour and connecting deeply with the spaces and faces around us.https://www.instagram.com/curatedspacesclub/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're joined by Natasha Caller, Head of Category at Halfords, whose buying career proves that the best buyers aren't defined by what they buy - they're defined by how they think.Natasha's journey into buying didn't follow a traditional path. She started on the shop floor at John Lewis when she was just 17 and quickly realised she wanted to be more involved in the products customers were buying. Before long, she'd talked her way into creating a new fine jewellery range, helping transform the department's performance and sparking a career that's taken her across some incredibly varied categories.Since then, she's bought everything from cookers and cameras to chocolate, hampers, entertainment merchandise and now car parts. Along the way she's worked at Argos, Comet, Hotel Chocolat, Not On The High Street, Harvey Nichols, RWS Global, Moonpig and now leads the servicing category at Halfords.What we loved about this conversation is that it's a brilliant reminder that buying isn't about becoming an expert in one category - it's about understanding customers, being endlessly curious and having the confidence to throw yourself into something new.We also chat about what it was really like developing products at Hotel Chocolat (including how a visit to the V&A Museum inspired one of their bestselling ranges), why Far East sourcing trips are still some of the best learning experiences a buyer can have, and how moving into leadership taught Natasha that managing people is a completely different skill to buying products.As always, it's packed with honest career advice, brilliant stories and plenty of reminders about why we all fell in love with buying in the first place.Three Key Takeaways1. Great buyers can buy almost anything.Natasha's career has taken her from jewellery to chocolate, cameras to car parts - and every move has reinforced the same lesson. While product knowledge is important, the skills that make a great buyer are incredibly transferable. Understanding your customer, asking the right questions, spotting opportunities and making sound commercial decisions are skills that can be applied to almost any category. Sometimes the biggest career opportunities come from saying yes to something completely outside your comfort zone.2. The best learning happens when you're given the chance to get stuck in.One of the things Natasha reflects on is how much of her career was shaped by managers who invited her into supplier meetings, trusted her with projects and gave her opportunities long before she felt completely ready. Whether it was building her first jewellery range at John Lewis or spending time on production lines at Hotel Chocolat, those hands-on experiences taught her far more than any training course ever could. It's a great reminder that the best leaders don't just manage buyers - they help create the next generation of them.3. Some of the best ideas happen when you step away from your desk.In a world of AI, trend platforms and endless data, Natasha is a huge believer in getting out into the real world. From factory visits in the Far East to museum exhibitions and shopping trips, she shares why some of her best product ideas have come from experiences she never expected. Inspiration doesn't always come from your own category - it comes from staying curious about the world around you.Support the showIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you! It honestly really helps to keep this going and growing!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM or email hello@buyingandbeyond.co.ukWe also have a retail buyers membership @jointhebuyersclub  Find out more at www.jointhebuyersclub.co.ukIf you'd like to show a little more love, then head here to give us just a little bit *extra* and show us your support :) thank you!https://www.buzzsprout.com/2300060/support

https://youtu.be/uePyn0u75sY Staff Sheehan, CEO of Project Omega, is driven by a mission to strengthen America’s energy independence and national security by rebuilding the nation’s nuclear fuel cycle and scaling a culture-first business rooted in exceptional leadership and execution. With a career spanning energy, sustainable fuels, hydrogen, and chemical physics, Staff is leading the development of technologies that transform spent nuclear fuel into long-lasting power sources while helping usher in a new era of reliable, abundant nuclear energy. We explore Staff Sheehan’s Scaling Framework — Build the Best C-Suite, Due Diligence Your Investors, Build Things, and Execute, Execute, Execute. Staff explains why exceptional leadership is the foundation of every successful company, why founders should carefully vet their investors, and why hardware startups must prioritize building real products over ambitious concepts. He also discusses how AI-driven energy demand is fueling a nuclear renaissance, why restoring the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle is essential to energy independence, and what it takes to scale both advanced nuclear technologies and a high-growth company. — Scale a Culture-First Business with Staff Sheehan  Hi, everyone. Steve Preda here with the Management Blueprint Podcast. My guest today is Staff Sheehan, the CEO of Project Omega, an advanced nuclear recycling company with a mission to rebuild America’s nuclear fuel cycle end-to-end and unlock a new era of energy abundance for the United States. Wow. What a mission. Welcome to the show, Staff.  Thanks so much for having me, Steve. Great to be here.  Wow. You really are not playing small. Rebuilding America’s nuclear fuel cycle and unlocking a new era of energy abundance. Tell me about your personal “Why.” How are you manifesting it through the business? Well, I’ve been working in the energy industry, or adjacent to the energy industry, for a long time. This is the fourth business that I’ve started. Prior to this, I was in sustainable fuels. Prior to that, I was in metals and hydrogen. Before that, I did a Ph.D. in chemical physics. And before that, I was in software, but it was in something that was energy-intensive. So I've always been focused on how we can improve the energy industry in the United States. More recently, especially, that has become more and more intertwined with national security.Share on X  So I would say that for the last 10 years, I’ve spent a lot of time focused not just on energy, but also on national security. Right at the intersection of energy and national security is the nuclear industry. Over the last year, especially since four executive orders on nuclear power were signed, I’ve been focused on the nuclear industry. This has really been the resurgence of nuclear power in the United States over the last year or so. Yeah, it’s super fascinating. So, I mean, stupid question: why is this important?  Well, now I think we’re learning—and we’re having an acute learning experience, especially in the United States—that energy is a key bottleneck. And I think the thing that woke us up to that, in a lot of ways, is AI and the need for compute. But it’s not been only AI. We’ve been exporting manufacturing. We’ve been exporting a lot of things from the United States that rely on electricity or rely on energy in one way or another. Our exporting of that has caught up to us, and we now have to reshore a lot of things that maybe in the ’80s and the ’90s we decided to export out to China, for example. Now that we’ve realized that was not the greatest idea, we now are realizing that we need the energy to power it.  And so energy has become a key talking point, and the infrastructure behind energy has become a key talking point, especially in the United States. People’s electricity prices have gone up, so it’s not just industry and not just the folks who are building AI and data centers. It’s really everybody who’s now feeling the pain of our energy crunch. It’s crunched a little bit now, and I think people see that also because of what’s going on in the Middle East and the high price of gas. But the crunch is continuing because we know we have a high energy demand for all of the AI build-out that we’ve been doing for the last handful of years. Yeah, that is so interesting. And I remember in the 1990s, there was this phenomenon that actually the energy demand was falling, at least in Europe, where I come from, and there was overcapacity, and there was approval of overbuilding capacity. And the discussion was, “Okay, why do we need this? How do we slow this down?” And now the opposite thing is happening, which is pretty fascinating.  There’s a big question as to how idle assets are used, right? Because a lot of people don’t understand how electrical grids work. Everywhere in the world, energy is pretty much generated as you use it. So the energy that we’re using to talk on this podcast is being generated, depending on where you are located in the United States. From my location, it’s probably being generated by a natural gas power plant because it’s 2:10 in the afternoon, and this is around the time when a lot of natural gas peaker plants start to get going.  Depending on where you’re calling in from, those electrons are being generated live as we’re speaking. There’s not much storage on the grid. We do have some storage on the grid. California uses pumped hydro. They’re building battery infrastructure in places like Texas, but they’re not quite there yet. Grids don’t operate by just making the energy and then using it later. No. Grids operate by putting energy into the grid as demand is increasing. So the energy that you use is being generated live. You have to think about it that way.  Historically, back in the ’80s and the ’90s, there were not a lot of sinks for that live energy that was being generated, and people were also really bad at predicting demand. Another thing that happened in the ’80s and the ’90s, as I said right before, is that we were outsourcing a lot of our manufacturing to China. So China was building energy capacity because they saw all this manufacturing demand coming in. Their cost of labor was cheaper than what you guys had in Europe and what we had in the United States.  Robotics was not a thing, so everything was pretty manual. And the energy wasn’t needed here. It was needed, but Europe and the US were outsourcing, so we didn’t have the need for the energy here because we were sending all the jobs over to the Far East. They needed the energy there, so they built a bunch of coal-fired power plants. They built a lot of energy capacity while those conversations were happening in Europe. And now I think we’ve realized that it was a mistake to outsource so many things—and, in a sense, outsource your energy generation as well.  We need to find ways of either storing energy or converting that energy and using it productively. So rather than storing it, you could convert it into chemical products. You could convert it into a variety of different things. I think we've learned a lot since the '80s and the '90s, and I think that ties into the original learning experience: don't outsource everything. You need to learn how to be self-sufficient.Share on X Yeah. Yeah, don’t outsource your key competencies and your key resources. And energy is clearly one of those. Just a quick side question: How much energy is being wasted because it’s not able to be stored?  It depends on where you are. A lot of energy gets wasted in places where you have high hydroelectric utilization. But the cost to produce it is very cheap because hydro is indirect solar. The water evaporates, comes down, and it’s very dependent on the landscape where you can deploy hydroelectric power. In other places where you have power plants that follow load, like natural gas, for example, then you’re probably not wasting quite as many electrons as you are in places where you could potentially overproduce.  But I think we’re generally pretty efficient. We don’t waste too much, and a lot of that is because of the way grids work, where we predict how much electricity is needed, and we ramp production up and down as required.  Okay. Let’s talk about frameworks that you may have in your business. This podcast is about frameworks—the processes that are maybe unique to your business or that you discovered as you were building your business. Anything come to mind that can be explained in three to five steps, or as approaches or perspectives?  Yeah, I mean, I guess the learnings that I've had over all of my businesses. I think the first learning is: hire the right people.Share on X As a CEO, you have to spend an inordinate amount of your time on hiring, recruiting, and finding the right people. It’s super important to make sure that you have the best team. So that was my number one job when I started Project Omega: to hire the best possible team that I could hire.  And that was really, like, I told my investors that your first KPI is: build the best C-suite that you can. And I think I did that. I have a really incredible team of folks at Project Omega who are subject area experts in the parts of the business that they lead, and so I’m really happy with how I did it in this business. I’ve had stumbling blocks in prior businesses, and that’s how you learn. You call them learning experiences for a reason. My biggest stumbling block in my prior company was investors.  I didn’t do proper due diligence on investors. There’s ongoing litigation that I’m a part of that has to do with investors where you may not know where their money comes from. I think the number two thing is: make sure that you do a lot of diligence on who’s backing you. Typically, investors do diligence on founders, but founders don’t do quite as much diligence on the investors. And we need to flip that narrative. It’s especially true in national security. In national security, you have to be very sensitive to foreign actors. And this, again, was the issue that I ran into in my last business.  You can’t accept money from people who have significant backing from groups that are adversarial to the United States. A lot of those groups are U.S.-based funds. They’re not foreign funds, but they just get their money from foreign sources, and you have to be very careful about that when you’re in the national security world. It may not be as important if you’re making, like, a consumer app.  But if you’re doing things in energy and you’re doing things in national security, those are places where those people could seriously cause problems for your business down the line. And it comes out years after they invest in you. It’s not like they invest in you and then middle around two days later. All of these groups, including adversaries to the United States, are playing the long game. It’s not a next-week thing. It’s a several-years-from-now thing.  Interesting. Interesting. Okay. So that’s good advice. So build the best C-suite you can, and make sure you do your due diligence on your investors. What’s the next important lesson that you learned about building a business?  Focus on execution. Execution is the challenge. I think there are a lot of businesses out there that exist on paper, and when you’re a hardware company, that’s not the way to do things. I think there are a lot of on-paper businesses that, for better or for worse, have been very successful. Some of them have had IPOs and SPACs and things like that. There are businesses that exist on paper—at least in the nuclear industry, the energy industry, and the fuels industry—that have gone very far for on-paper businesses. But I think a very large portion of those—and I haven’t done all the statistics, but I’m sure Claude or Grok or GPT could—a lot of those businesses don’t do very well because they don’t have any actual experience building things in the real world.  So I think it's extremely important to execute, to get steel in the ground, and to focus on actually building things when you're in the hardware space.Share on X Now, of course, in software, that’s a little bit different. So it depends on whether you’re running a hardware or software business. In software, you may be able to keep going for a lot longer without a product or without having things in market because you’re building something that you know is going to have a huge splash when it comes out. But that’s not necessarily the way hardware businesses are able to be put together.  So give me an example of a business that’s on paper and not in the real world. Give me a hypothetical example.  A hypothetical example would be a business that has put together a number of contracts and a number of marketing materials about what they’re going to do, but they’ve never actually gone out and done it. Whether that’s at a small scale, like the lab scale, or at a larger scale, the point is they haven’t actually built it. My business—we’re very public about this. There are photographs and things like that of our lab out there. My business is at the lab scale. We’re working on going up to the pilot scale right now.  So that’s grams and kilograms of material. We’re not recycling metric tons of nuclear material. No business is doing that in the Western world except the one in France. So no business is doing that in the United States currently. But we’re public about where we are and what scale we’re at. A lot of businesses out there say they’re going to go out and operate XYZ widget, let’s say, and get a lot of traction around that before they’ve actually operated any sort of widget. And I think hardware is different than software.  Some venture markets have learned that, and some are probably going to learn that. But it’s been my experience over the last 12 years of running hardware businesses. My prior two businesses—Catalytic Innovations and Air Company—were both hardware businesses. And before I went to college and graduate school, I was in the software world, so I’ve kind of seen it from both sides.  Yeah. That’s interesting. So I saw your LinkedIn post about these underwater unmanned vehicles—UUVs, I think you call them. Is this like an underwater drone? Yeah. So, a UUV is an unmanned underwater vehicle. If you're trying to do something underwater, like do reconnaissance or try to find out what's going on under there with your adversaryShare on X or even a neutral party using a UUV is a way to do that without putting service members in harm’s way and a way to do that in a low-cost environment. So that’s one of the major applications for UUVs. But one of the big challenges for them is: how do you power them? You could use fuel to power them, but then they could run out of fuel, and then you have a stranded asset.  You could use electricity to power them with a battery, but the battery also runs out, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. It’s very hard to recover these. You’re not going to go down to the bottom of the sea to recover your UUV. The other option is to use—and we already do this, right, with our manned underwater vehicles, or our nuclear submarines in the United States—we already use nuclear power to power those submarines. And so that’s been the way that we've historically been able to operate underwater for long periods of time, and that's the way that I think we're probably going to go for these unmanned vehicles as well.Share on X  And that’s what my business focuses on. So we not only do this for UUVs but for space applications as well as terrestrial applications by building power sources. Those power sources are made using material that we recycle from spent nuclear fuel. Those power sources are called radiovoltaics, and you could imagine them as like an AA battery that lasts 30 years. And that’s really, I would say, the next step for operational energy. So we’re focused on using those as replacements for batteries in these small applications. You could think of it as a much broader application in the future—not just operational energy for the military, but beyond that. We actually use these sorts of materials in our everyday lives.  You’re sitting in a room, I’m sitting in a room, and I’m looking up at the smoke detector in my room. You’re sitting in a room with a smoke detector in it as well, and that smoke detector has a little piece of americium-241. Americium-241 is an isotope recovered from nuclear waste. We don’t recover it in the United States because we haven’t recycled nuclear waste in probably a little north of 50 years. But you can get these isotopes from places like France, where they recycle nuclear waste today. So all of us are sitting in a room with a radioisotope-powered device. Americium-241 specifically powers the detector in your smoke detector. Americium spits out alpha particles.  Those alpha particles are little helium nuclei. They hit a detector continuously, and that generates a current. Now, if smoke goes up into your smoke detector, those alpha particles hit the smoke instead of hitting the detector, and you won’t get that same current generation in your smoke detector. So that’s how we detect smoke, and right now, nuclear waste is sitting in all of our houses, keeping us safe. But that’s not really a mainstream part of the narrative yet.  Yeah. And what about the radiation? Is it not dangerous?  No. So for americium, there are different types of radiation. Well, not all radiation is created equal. There’s alpha radiation, which is what americium-241 emits predominantly, and those are little helium nuclei. Those can’t go through a piece of paper. Alpha radiation stops very easily. Like, your skin will very easily stop alpha radiation. Beta radiation, which is different from alpha radiation, is an electron that is flung out of a nucleus. So beta radiation is also stopped relatively easily.  Like, if you ingest it, then it could cause problems, but again, your skin can stop it. Gamma radiation is the one that we’re concerned about from a health perspective. Now, gamma radiation can be used for medical treatments and is very effective when it’s used in medical treatments, like to treat cancer, but gamma radiation is generally pretty bad because it goes straight through you. Gamma rays are little photons, and they’re very high-energy photons, so they can fly through you and they can cause damage to your DNA.  A lot of the, I would say, like, negative effects of any nuclear incident are really caused by gamma radiation more than anything else. Like Chernobyl, which is the famous one, had cesium-137 polluting a lot of the countryside around Chernobyl, and cesium-137 is a very strong gamma emitter. So gamma is what we try to avoid. At Project Omega, we don’t use gamma emitters for our power sources, and so all of our power sources use the safer types of radiation. That’s fascinating. So, Staff, I’d like to switch gears here a little bit and go back to business. So what drives growth in a business like yours—or specifically, your business?  A lot of things drive growth. Our business right now works together with a lot of groups in national security.Share on X We’re driven by the growth of the United States, and we’re driven by the growth of our economy. But beyond that, the demand for nuclear electricity has been very high, and that’s driven a lot of growth for us as well. How do you generate enough electricity to power data centers and power compute? That’s a huge problem in the world right now.  A lot of people who initially invested in AI are pivoting to invest in energy, actually, because they’re realizing the bottleneck for AI is not the chips. It’s the energy that’s needed to power the chips. As people are building these new assets that require all this energy, they’re quickly realizing that nuclear is one of the best ways to fulfill all of these energy requirements. As the nuclear industry grows, we’re seeing the need to reshore and bring the nuclear fuel cycle back to the United States.  We stopped doing commercial enrichment, for example, a long time ago, and there are a lot of great companies working on commercial enrichment. We stopped doing recycling and reprocessing back in the 1970s, and we’re bringing that back. We’re one of the groups working on bringing recycling and reprocessing back to the United States in a more responsible way than we did back then because technology is undoubtedly and unarguably better today than it was in the 1960s and 1970s.  That’s fascinating. So you’re helping all these old economies, which are obviously in a new skin, recover here—manufacturing and energy. So what’s one thing that you’re trying to figure out in your business right now?  So one of the challenges that everybody in the nuclear industry faces right now is scale. There’s a whole new group of reactors called small modular reactors, and another colloquial term for those is advanced reactors. Figuring out how to scale those is one of the challenges. So we’re working right now on scale. We're focused very heavily on scaling up our process so that we're able to build these true infrastructure projects that will ensure that the United States has a domestic nuclear fuel cycle going into the future. So that's really the main focus…Share on X  Being able to not only scale our technology but also execute at the current scale that we operate. On the execution side, we work together with two really great national labs: Idaho National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Execution in the nuclear industry is historically challenging, and working together with the government and the national labs is a big value-add because those national labs have the institutional memory, and they have the experience of working with radioactive materials and nuclear materials that we’re able to piggyback off of. They also have a lot of infrastructure that we’re able to work with.  Yeah. And when you say scale, is it about scaling energy generation, energy transmission, or the manufacturing of equipment that utilizes the recovered nuclear fuel? Or is it also about scaling the organization in terms of managing the organization? All of the above. All of the above. This time last year, we were pretty much one person. Or, this time last year, we were still a concept, and we started the business in July last year. So this time last year, we were pretty much one person, and now we’re close to 20. We’ve already scaled by a lot in just the last year. But we probably need to scale by another order of magnitude by the time we get to next year. So a big part of it is managing the growth of a high-growth and rapidly moving organization.  But a big piece of it is also scaling energy in the United States—scaling transmission, scaling generation, and scaling the production of nuclear fuel. Right now, we get a lot of our nuclear fuel from overseas. Twenty percent of the United States electrical grid is nuclear. So today, we use a lot of nuclear electrons to power, as I mentioned, based on our locations, we’re probably not using too many nuclear electrons right now. Or, Steve, I don’t know where you’re calling in from.  I’m in Virginia, the capital of data centers.  I take it back. You’re actually probably using nuclear electrons as we speak. So we need to scale that generation, but we also need to scale the fuel for those reactors. The nuclear electrons that you’re using to talk with me right now are most likely coming from Russian uranium that we buy from Russia.  I think your home country and many folks in Europe have learned that relying on Russia for your energy resources is not the greatest idea. We still, to this day, rely on Russia for a lot of our commercial uranium for our commercial reactors, and that’s something that we need to change. So scaling our nuclear fuel cycle in the United States is a key aspect of what we’re doing.  So what’s really fascinating is we were on vacation in Moab, Utah, just a few weeks ago, and we noticed that there was a lot of mining of nuclear materials there. Is this something that happened in the past and essentially the industry wound down in the U.S., or is there still mining of nuclear materials here?  So there’s very little actual mining of uranium in the United States. I think something like 99% of our uranium comes from foreign sources. So there’s not a lot of uranium mining. The management of nuclear resources in the United States… There is a good amount of nuclear work that’s being done in Utah, but there are a handful of states that actually do the majority of the nuclear-material legwork. Utah is one of them, I think. Idaho is the birthplace of nuclear energy, and so Idaho is doing a lot of work on the nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear materials management.  Idaho is where all of the spent fuel from our naval fleet goes at the end of the life of aircraft carriers and submarines. That’s public knowledge. You can look it up. There’s a lot of work that’s been done to make sure all of that material is managed completely safely and very effectively. So Idaho is the birthplace of nuclear energy, and it’s also where a lot of work on the nuclear fuel cycle is happening. That’s actually the other state where we operate at Project Omega. So Idaho is, I would say, one of the leaders in the nuclear renaissance that’s happening right now.  Okay. So that’s a really good point. So you’re in Idaho. Where else are you in the United States, and what would you like our listeners to do when they hear about you? Who are the people that you would like to get in touch with you?  Well, I’m calling in from Newport, Rhode Island, right now. So Newport, Rhode Island, is our headquarters. We have a laboratory that we operate that’s down the street from here. So we have some operations in Rhode Island, and that’s our headquarters. We also have operations in Idaho, and that’s where we’re building some of our infrastructure. We have a small contingent in the DC area as well. We have other facilities as well, but we keep those confidential. Publicly, we’re headquartered in Rhode Island, and we do a lot of work in Idaho and in the DC area. That’s fascinating. So if people get interested in what you’re doing and would like to get in touch with you or learn more about Project Omega, where should they go, and where can they learn more? They would go to projectomega.com. info@projectomega.com is our main inbox. We do a pretty good job of staying up to date with it. That’s also what we use for careers and hiring. As I mentioned, hiring is one of my top jobs. So we’re always interested in finding the best candidates out there who want to revolutionize the nuclear fuel cycle in the United States. That’s fantastic. So if you’re interested in the nuclear industry, recycling nuclear fuel, and driving the UUVs of the next generation, then definitely check out the Project Omega website and reach out to Staff. And if you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you follow us and subscribe on YouTube. Stay tuned, because every week there’s an exciting entrepreneur coming on the show. Staff, thanks for coming and sharing your wisdom and unique knowledge. And thanks for listening.  Awesome. Thank you so much for having me, Steve. This was great. Important Links: Staff's LinkedIn Staff's Website Staff's email: info@projectomega.com

Welcome back to Young Hot Guys! Killian returns from Japan claiming he's reached a 'higher level of human consciousness,' but Tony and Shane know it's just a textbook case of the Marseille Effect. Fresh from the "Far East" with gifts, Killian tells the story of getting an awkward massage from a 90 year old woman. Meanwhile, Tony recounts a dramatic naked confrontation at a Moroccan spa, and Shane's feelings are hurt after the GCN Roast Battle Royale. To get extra bonus content and much more you can sign up at ⁠⁠https://headstuffpodcasts.com/membership/⁠⁠  Shane's Tickets: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/shanedanbyrne⁠⁠⁠ Killian's Tickets: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/killiansundermann⁠⁠⁠ Tony's Tickets: ⁠https://linktr.ee/tonyhorror⁠ Shane Daniel Byrne, Tony Cantwell, and Killian Sundermann are Young Hot Guys. This is a HeadStuff podcast produced by Hilary Barry. Artwork by Shane Kenna Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest BioWilliam “Will” Blair is the manager of Best of the Wild, a pioneering explorer, conservation-minded fly-fishing guide, and destination developer whose career has been shaped by remote rivers, wild fisheries, and a deep respect for places few travelers ever reach. Through his work with Best of the Wild and Best of Kamchatka, Will has spent decades helping anglers experience some of the world's most extraordinary wilderness destinations, from Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula to the southern Bahamas and the Amazon Basin.Will is best known for his long history in Kamchatka, a volcanic peninsula in Russia's Far East where unroaded wilderness, native rainbow trout, Pacific salmon, brown bears, and active volcanoes define the landscape. After first being drawn to Kamchatka through the fly-fishing world in the 1990s, he went on to help establish and manage programs on legendary waters such as the Ozernaya and Two Yurt rivers, as well as flyout programs based from Two Yurt Lake. His approach has always combined adventure with stewardship, including catch-and-release practices, careful access, and a long-term commitment to protecting fragile wild fisheries.Will's work eventually expanded beyond Russia to the Jumento Cays and Ragged Island chain in the southern Bahamas, where he helped create access to one of the Caribbean's most remote flats fisheries. In Brazil, his travels and guiding connections opened another chapter among Amazonian river systems known for species such as peacock bass, arowana, and pacu. Across every destination, Will's work is grounded in immersion, strong local partnerships, and the belief that the world's last wild places are worth experiencing with humility, patience, and care.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Will Blair about a life spent following fish into some of the most remote corners of the planet. Will shares how a childhood shaped by boats, rivers, lakes, and curiosity eventually led him from the Midwest to Alaska, and then to the far reaches of Kamchatka, where he found a wilderness fishery unlike anything he had experienced before.The conversation explores what makes Kamchatka so unique, from its active volcanoes and vast salmon runs to its native rainbow trout, brown bears, helicopters, hot springs, and deep sense of solitude. Will explains how travel to the region has changed over the years, why misconceptions about Russia have affected demand, and what it means to guide in a place where anglers may fish rivers that have seen little or no pressure for years.Jason and Will also talk about the realities of building adventure travel programs in wild places, including logistics, aviation, food, cultural relationships, and the importance of earning trust with local partners. Will's stories offer a rare look at what it takes to create meaningful wilderness experiences while honoring the people, landscapes, and fisheries that make those journeys possible. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

It's Tuesday, June 30. Here are today's top stories around Central Indiana. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org and follow us on social media to get local news every day. WFYI News Now is hosted by Barb Anguiano and produced by Zach Bundy. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

June 2026 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks. Includes articles on the best fuel cell stocks and Canada's most sustainable companies. By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 168, June 26, 2026 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 168, published on June 26, 2026, titled "June 2026 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks." Now, before I begin, I want to apologize if my voice at any time sounds a little rough! This podcast is presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your go-to site for vital global, ethical, and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content, including stock symbols and bonus material, on this episode's podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don't receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. I have a great crop of 16 articles for you in this podcast! Note: Sometimes companies are covered more than once. Now with so many articles to potentially cover, I've chosen 4 to quote from. Titles and links to the other 12 can be found on the webpage for this podcast edition. ------------------------------------------------------------- Fuel cell stocks have attracted considerable investor attention recently, particularly for their potential to power AI data centers. Here is the first of two articles concerning their extraordinary rise in 2026. You could glean from these articles if investing in them still makes sense for you. Which Fuel Cell Stock Has Dominated in 2026: Plug Power, FuelCell, or Bloom Energy? The first article is titled Which Fuel Cell Stock Has Dominated in 2026: Plug Power, FuelCell, or Bloom Energy? From finance.yahoo.com. It's by David Moadel. Here are some key quotes from Mr. Moadel. "Fuel cell stocks have been one of 2026's loudest comeback trades, but the leaderboard isn't close. Bloom Energy stock has crushed its two main peers year to date (YTD), riding AI data center demand and a string of earnings beats. FuelCell Energy stock sits in a distant second, and Plug Power stock rounds out the trio… Bloom Energy: (NYSE:BE) The Clear 2026 Leader Bloom Energy stock is up 219% YTD in 2026, far ahead of its fuel cell peers. Shares trade at around $278, and the company carries a market cap of roughly $79.09 billion, which dwarfs Bloom Energy's rivals. FuelCell Energy: (NASDAQ:FCEL) A Distant Second FuelCell Energy stock is up 135% YTD in 2026, a strong rebound but well behind Bloom Energy stock. Shares trade at $17 and change, with a market cap near $1.16 billion. Plug Power: (NASDAQ:PLUG) Third Place Plug Power stock is up 42% YTD in 2026, the weakest finish among the three names. Shares trade at $2.81, making PLUG stock a low-priced name that could swing hard on news. What to Watch From Here The 2026 scoreboard for Bloom Energy, FuelCell Energy, and Plug Power tells a clear story. Bloom Energy leads on both share-price performance and underlying business momentum, while FuelCell and Plug Power are riding sector enthusiasm off low bases. Investors weighing their exposure may want to moderate their position sizes given how far these names have already run." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Bloom Energy vs. FuelCell Energy: Which Clean Energy Stock Leads The second of the two articles on the fuel cell stock boom is this one. It's titled Bloom Energy vs. FuelCell Energy: Which Clean Energy Stock Leads. It's by Jewel Saha at Zacks. Now some top quotes from the article. "Key Takeaways Bloom Energy shows bigger 2026-2027 EPS estimate gains over 60 days than FuelCell Energy. Bloom Energy's return on invested capital is 5.67% versus FuelCell Energy's -14.9%, showing a wide efficiency gap. FuelCell Energy has lower debt-to-capital, but Bloom Energy led in 1-year share price gains. Bloom Energy (BE - Free Report) is well positioned to benefit from rising demand for reliable, low-carbon and on-site power solutions. Its solid oxide fuel cell technology delivers highly efficient and ultra-clean electricity, enabling businesses to reduce dependence on increasingly stressed power grids. FuelCell Energy (FCEL - Free Report) also offers investors exposure to the growing market for clean, reliable and distributed energy solutions. The company stands to benefit from increasing adoption of hydrogen production, carbon capture technologies and on-site energy systems designed to reduce grid pressure while supporting decarbonization goals Bloom Energy & FuelCell Energy's Earnings Estimates The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Bloom Energy's earnings per share in 2026 and 2027 implies an increase of 50.39% and 38.19%, respectively… The same for FuelCell Energy's earnings per share in 2026 and 2027 remained unchanged. Return on Invested Capital Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) measures how effectively a company uses debt and equity to generate profits. It shows the return earned on each dollar invested and helps investors evaluate how efficiently management allocates capital to value-creating opportunities. ROIC of Bloom Energy is currently pegged at 5.67% against FuelCell Energy's negative 14.9%. Debt to Capital & TIE Ratio These firms need substantial funding for research and development, production expansion and large-scale project builds. FuelCell Energy's current debt to capital is 17.54% compared with Bloom Energy's 73.3%. The Times Interest Earned (TIE) ratio, commonly referred to as the Interest Coverage Ratio, evaluates a company's ability to meet its regular interest obligations using operating earnings. At present, Bloom Energy's TIE ratio is 1.3 against FuelCell Energy's TIE of negative 16.6. Valuation Bloom Energy's shares are trading at a premium compared with FuelCell Energy's shares on a Price/Sales F12M basis. Bloom Energy's shares are presently trading at P/S F12M of 17.86X compared with FuelCell Energy's 6.85X. Price Performance In the past year, shares of FuelCell Energy have gained 377.3% compared with Bloom Energy's rally of 1470.2%. Summing Up Based on the above discussion, it is evident that Bloom Energy has a marginal edge over FuelCell Energy based on better earnings estimate movement, healthier price performance in the past year and much better return on invested capital. Bloom Energy currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while FuelCell Energy has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold)." End quotes ------------------------------------------------------------- 7 Best Socially Responsible Funds This next article provides a good overview, with recommendations, of funds that many of you might be interested in. It's titled 7 Best Socially Responsible Funds from money.usnews.com. It's by Jeff Reeves. Here are some quotes by Mr. Reeves on each of his picks. "For those who care about socially responsible investing, this list of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can help investors vote with their wallets by supporting companies that align with their values. Fund Expense ratio Assets under management iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ticker: ESGU) 0.15% $17.4 billion Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) 0.09% $12.4 billion State Street SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF (EFIV) 0.10% $1.1 billion iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) 0.20% $11.6 billion iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) 0.25% $7.1 billion iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) 0.39% $3.1 billion State Street SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF (SHE) 0.20% $322 million 1. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) This iShares fund is the largest ETF that invests in companies that prioritize environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. It's also an index fund with an affordable expense ratio. 2. Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) Though slightly smaller than iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF in terms of assets, this Vanguard ESG ETF is significantly larger when it comes to its portfolio, with more than 1,200 companies across the U.S. stock market. 3. State Street SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF (EFIV) This fund starts with the popular S&P 500 benchmark, then excludes stocks that don't align with ESG criteria, including companies involved with tobacco, coal and other less savory business lines. 4. iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) A variant on this theme, iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF offers exposure to overseas investments with a focus on developed markets in the EAFE region – that is, Europe, Australasia and the Far East. 5. iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF (ESGE) For investors looking to tap into growth overseas while avoiding morally questionable businesses, this ETF offers emerging market exposure as well as peace of mind. 6. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) Moving toward companies with a direct stake in making a difference in the world, iShares Global Clean Energy ETF is the largest clean energy ETF on Wall Street. 7. State Street SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF (SHE) This gender diversity ETF seeks to prioritize U.S. companies that lead their sector in their commitment to promoting and supporting gender diversity throughout all levels of the organization." End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Magnificent Green ETFs to Buy in 2026 This last article follows on from the previous one on various ESG ETFs. It's titled 3 Magnificent Green ETFs to Buy in 2026 found on the website theglobeandmail.com. It's by Dana George at The Motley Fool. Here are some quotes from the article. "Key Points 'Green' refers to assets that work toward environmental sustainability. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF is one of the oldest, most popular clean energy ETFs. While Invesco has the highest expense ratio of the three ETFs, it has experienced significant gains. 1. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (NASDAQ: ICLN) The iShares Global Clean Energy ETF tracks the S&P Global Clean Energy Transition Index, which comprises global equities across solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable energy sources. With a portfolio of 105 holdings (as of June 8), the fund is one of the oldest and most widely purchased clean energy ETFs… The fund may be right for you if: You're seeking broad, diversified exposure to global clean energy. You're looking for an investment that's generally less volatile than a solar-only ETF. You're willing to hold it for the long term. If you're uncomfortable with the higher volatility often associated with emerging sectors, such as clean energy stocks, this may not be right for you. And if you're seeking income, this ETF probably won't be ideal, as many clean energy companies reinvest profits for growth rather than paying regular dividends. 2. Invesco Solar ETF (NYSEMKT: TAN) The Invesco Solar ETF is a highly focused, industry-specific fund that tracks the MAC Global Solar Energy Index. Specifically, Invesco Solar is interested in solar power equipment, solar project development and installation, and related solar technology and components… This ETF offers heavy representation of U.S., Asian, and European solar companies and may be a good fit if you're specifically seeking targeted exposure to solar. However, [it] may be more volatile than you initially expected. Invesco Solar typically fits best as a single spoke in a well-balanced portfolio. 3. SPDR® S&P 500 ESG ETF (NYSEMKT: EFIV) This ETF tracks the S&P 500 Scored & Screened Index (formerly known as the S&P 500 ESG Index). The fund starts with the traditional S&P 500 and excludes companies that don't meet certain ESG criteria. The index goes further by tilting its weighting toward higher-scoring ESG companies. Because the fund aims to maintain a sector and risk profile similar to the S&P 500, it's not necessarily a clean-energy or climate-only product but rather a broad, large-cap U.S. equity fund. End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 more articles from around the world with Sustainable Investment Picks for June 2026. 1. Title: Top Wind Energy Stocks to Watch Amid Increased Adoption of Clean Energy from theglobeandmail.com. By Zacks Investment Research. 2. Title: 2 AI Infrastructure Stocks That Could Rise 25% and 80% Despite Overdone Spending Fears from fool.com. By Geoffrey Seiler. 3. Title: Forget Apple: This Unstoppable Digital Infrastructure Monopoly Is Begging to Be Bought Hand Over Fist Instead from 247wallst.com. By Alex Sirois. 4. Title: How to invest sustainably and still generate big returns with ASX ETFs from fool.com.au. By Aaron Bell. 5. Title: AI Infrastructure Scorecard: Which of These 3 Stocks Is Delivering on Triple-Digit Growth Promises from finance.yahoo.com. By Trey Thoelcke. 6. Title: Prediction: This Artificial Intelligence (AI) Infrastructure Stock Will Skyrocket in June (Hint: It's Not Micron Technology) from finance.yahoo.com. By Harsh Chauhan, The Motley Fool. 7. Title: Top Performing Green Penny Stocks from mexc.com. Source Benzinga News. 8. Title: Why the AI Infrastructure Wave Will Mint More Millionaires Than the Chatbot Phase: 3 Stocks to Own. From fool.com. By Justin Pope. 9. Title: Barron's | The 10 Most Sustainable Companies of 2026. Their Stocks Happen to Be Flying from webreprints.djreprints.com. By Karen Hube. 10. Title: Is First Solar Dirt Cheap Amid the AI Boom? From fool.com. By Marc Guberti. 11. Title: 3 Highly Ranked Alternative Energy Stocks to Buy Now - June 22, 2026 – from Zacks.com. By Shaun Pruitt. 12. Title: Amid trade upheaval, Canada's most sustainable firms embrace resilient growth from corporateknights.com. Introduction by Tristan Bronca. ------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Comment These are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips for this podcast, "June 2026 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks." Please click the like and subscribe buttons wherever you download or listen to this podcast. That helps bring these podcasts to others like you. And do click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. Let's promote ethical and sustainable investing as a force for hope and prosperity in these tumultuous times! Contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for listening. Again, I want to apologize for my voice sounding, at times, a little rough! My next podcast will be on July 31st. See you then. Bye for now.   © 2026 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul

Send me a messageJust after midnight on the 22nd October 1904, Russian warships opened fire on British fishing trawlers in the North Sea.Why?Because, as they sailed towards the Far East during the Russo-Japanese War,  they thought that they were Japanese torpedo boats.Chris Green is The History Chap; telling stories that brings the past to life.Get my Free weekly newsletterSupport My Work - Make A Donation - Buy Me A CoffeeSupport the show

Three stories on a faster, more digital, and cautiously expanding cruise industry. The Port of Vancouver has processed its one millionth cruise passenger through facial biometrics, cutting per-passenger screening from minutes to about 10 seconds and embarkation from two hours to 30. Carnival Cruise Line completes its rollout of Konami's SYNKROS casino system — branded SURF onboard — across all 29 ships, enabling cashless wagering and personalized rewards. And Vladivostok resumes cruise calls after a six-year pause, as South Korea's Eastern Cruise brings the Eastern Venus to Russia's Far East on a Busan roundtrip.

Far East Taste 017 Show: Far East Taste Artist: You Liang Air Date: 20 June 2026 Genre: Dance & EDM / Melodic House / Melodic Techno / Dance / Pop / Techno Far East Taste 017 introduces a new format for the series, giving the episode more structure while still keeping the core Far East Taste flow. The set moves freely across melodic, progressive, tech-driven, festival-facing, and vocal-led sounds, without being tied to one fixed genre. The focus is on building a journey that feels natural in the moment, moving between deeper melodic tension, bigger club energy, and emotional peak-time moments. The episode features music from Noana, Eemeli Repo, Dennis Sheperd, Woo York, Adem Bogoceli, Darude, Jay Hardway, HORATIO, Freak The Disco, and more, alongside several You Liang-related tracks and IDs. The later section brings in my own productions, including “You've Got Me” and “Feel Addicted,” adding a personal studio-focused stretch to the mix. The final minutes close with a tribute to Oliver Tree following his passing, alongside a few pop-leaning tracks that I felt belonged in the moment. It is a looser and more personal ending, stepping outside strict club-programming logic to end the episode with something familiar, emotional, and human. Tracklist: 1. Noana, Eemeli Repo - Push 2. DJ Leslieson - The Rhythm Is All You Need 3. Dennis Sheperd x Daniel Simon x Luke Coulson - Rescue Me (Aldor Remix) 4. Woo York - Lightfall 5. Adem Bogoceli - Wild Water (Radio Edit) 6. Darude - Sandstorm (Terry Golden Remix - Radio Edit) 7. Jay Hardway - Lights Out (Radio Edit) 8. Anton By - Let Me Fall 9. Jules Brand ft. ANTICALM - The Moment (Radio Edit) 10. HORATIO & PEEJAY VINCENT & ALEX IOVITA - The Choli Song 11. Freak The Disco, You Liang - ID 12. Alcazar - CRYING AT THE DISCOTEQUE (Matned Edit) 13. David Givens - Ghost 14. Asaba - Winner 15. Cristian Marchi - Summer Is Magic (feat. Solea) 16. You Liang - You've Got Me (Radio Edit) 17. You Liang - Feel Addicted 18. Robin Schulz, Oliver Tree - Miss You (Bonus Track) Originally broadcast on Data Transmission Radio. Listen live and explore the archive: https://radio.datatransmission.co

Last fall, I traveled to Oman for the World Inclusive Sailing Championships. It was an incredible experience. The inaugural event brought together many of the best adaptive sailors in the world, all competing to be world champion in one of three different classes – the RS venture connect - a two person boat, the Hansa 303 - a one person boat, and the Far East with three visually impaired sailors and three sighted sailors per boat.  Beyond the racing and crowning world champions, the event had a larger mission: to showcase the skill, passion, and level of competition of the international parasailing community, in an effort to get sailing back into the Paralympics after it was dropped following the 2016 Rio Games. Over 100 sailors from 36 different countries competed. In addition to enjoying the wonderful warmth of the Omani people, culture, landscape and weather, and mixing it up on the racecourse, my highlight was meeting the other sailors from around the world. In the quiet moments in between racing and exploring, I spoke with three of them to hear their stories.Guest info:@pintobp05Additional Resources:https://www.sailing.org/world-sailing-inclusion-championships/Contact us: Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypodEmail: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com Hosted and produced by Tim BrownEditing and sound design by Louis ArevaloOriginal theme music by Jesse LaFountaineEpisode cover art by Lewis Falconer Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer

In Memory of Les Frazier - Far East

Silicon Bites Ep351 | 2026-06-14 | OUT OF GAS: Russia Day 2026 Arrived with Empty Pumps, a 230-Drone Raid That Destroyed Samara's Kuibyshev Refinery, the Worst Crimean Fuel Crisis Since the 2014 Annexation, and a War That Has Stopped Being Something Russians Could Ignore. Happy Russia Day, swamp empire. Your days are numbered, as are those of the killer Putin. Breaking: 11–13 June 2026 — The Crimea fuel crisis hits its tourist-season inflection point on Russia Day; Ukraine's Russia Day raid lands 230 drones on Samara, Tatarstan, and Tolyatti and destroys AVT-4 and AVT-5 at the Kuibyshev refinery; the 13 June Kotovo and Tamanneftegas strikes extend the campaign into the Volgograd pumping network and the southern LPG export terminals; the Institute for the Study of War describes the dual-strike doctrine — and Russia's army runs out of momentum at the same moment its fuel system runs dry.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SOURCES:Associated Press via US News & World Report — "Ukraine Hits Fuel Supplies to Crimea, Sparking a Fuel Crisis on the Russian-Held Peninsula" (11 June 2026) Washington Times via AP — "Ukraine strikes fuel supplies to Crimea, sparking a fuel crisis on the Russian-held peninsula" (12 June 2026) The Moscow Times — "Annexed Crimea's Largest Gas Station Chain Suspends Fuel Vouchers as Shortage Worsens" (1 June 2026) AP via AOL — "Parts of Russia run dry as Ukraine's drone strikes hit oil refineries" — Far East and Crimea most affected; A-95 ~50% above January levels on St Petersburg Mercantile Exchange; Primorye 78 rubles/liter; online resellers 220 rubles/liter; Kuril Islands A-92 halt; Crimea coupon-only sales; gas-station rationing landscapeKyiv Post — "Ukraine Marks Russia Day With Massive Drone Raid on Key Oil Refineries in Tatarstan and Samara" (12 June 2026)Kyiv Post — "Deep Pipeline Strike: Ukraine's Drone Campaign Cripples Vital Volgograd Oil Hub" (13 June 2026)Ukrinform — "War | Daily situation report" (13 June 2026) Kyiv Independent — "Ukraine strikes Russia's oil depot, radar station, other military targets, General Staff confirms" (10 June 2026)BBC Verify / BBC Russian — "Surge in Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries sparks Russian fuel shortages" (2025-2026) Kyiv Independent — "Key Russian oil pipeline node hit in massive Ukrainian drone barrage" (May 2026) Reuters / Yahoo via AOL — "Russia's Saratov oil refinery erupts in flames as Ukraine drone attacks intensify" (May 2026)----------

2026-06-14 | UPDATES #214 | The Institute for the Study of War has formalised the analytical framework that explains why the campaign is achieving its current operational tempo. ISW's June 2026 analysis, as cited by the AP wire reporting: the long-range strike campaign is therefore reducing Russia's production capacity, while the midrange strike campaign is hurting Russia's ability to transport the gasoline Russia is still able to produce.This is what that doctrine means operationally. Long-range strikes — like the 1,500-kilometre reach to Salavat in Bashkortostan, the 1,700-km reach demonstrated against southern Russian targets, the Kotovo and Saratov-region pumping nodes — destroy production capacity. The refinery cannot be quickly rebuilt. The AVT units take months to replace. The destroyed production is gone from the market for the duration of the rebuild.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES:Associated Press via US News & World Report — "Ukraine Hits Fuel Supplies to Crimea, Sparking a Fuel Crisis on the Russian-Held Peninsula" (11 June 2026) Washington Times via AP — "Ukraine strikes fuel supplies to Crimea, sparking a fuel crisis on the Russian-held peninsula" (12 June 2026) The Moscow Times — "Annexed Crimea's Largest Gas Station Chain Suspends Fuel Vouchers as Shortage Worsens" (1 June 2026) AP via AOL — "Parts of Russia run dry as Ukraine's drone strikes hit oil refineries" — Far East and Crimea most affected; A-95 ~50% above January levels on St Petersburg Mercantile Exchange; Primorye 78 rubles/liter; online resellers 220 rubles/liter; Kuril Islands A-92 halt; Crimea coupon-only sales; gas-station rationing landscapeKyiv Post — "Ukraine Marks Russia Day With Massive Drone Raid on Key Oil Refineries in Tatarstan and Samara" (12 June 2026)Kyiv Post — "Deep Pipeline Strike: Ukraine's Drone Campaign Cripples Vital Volgograd Oil Hub" (13 June 2026)Ukrinform — "War | Daily situation report" (13 June 2026) Kyiv Independent — "Ukraine strikes Russia's oil depot, radar station, other military targets, General Staff confirms" (10 June 2026)BBC Verify / BBC Russian — "Surge in Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries sparks Russian fuel shortages" (2025-2026) Kyiv Independent — "Key Russian oil pipeline node hit in massive Ukrainian drone barrage" (May 2026) Reuters / Yahoo via AOL — "Russia's Saratov oil refinery erupts in flames as Ukraine drone attacks intensify" (May 2026)----------

Strictly original recipe! Groove and Static serve up Far East fire from Ji-Young Moon, a big band nod to Dilla and Frederick's electrifying "Move On". Plus 2 tasty sample moments along with a deep Ahmad Jamal meditation by 45trio and the ultimate old school anthem from Rob Base. View the full playlist for this show at https://www.wefunkradio.com/show/1297 Enjoying WEFUNK? Listen to all of our mixes at https://www.wefunkradio.com/shows/

The Ellington band's State Department tour in the fall of 1963 provided the inspiration for the pieces he and Billy Strayhorn composed that was originally titled “Impressions of the Far East” and later retitled the far east suite.

Interview starts at 31:25   Interstellar Contact, Taoism, and the Future of Humanity with Monk Yun-Roe Explore the intriguing intersection of Taoist philosophy, extraterrestrial life, and personal transformational experiences with Monk Yun-Roe. Discover how ancient wisdom aligns with modern UFO phenomena and the potential future of human evolution. Introduction: In this episode, Monk Yun-Roe shares his journey from a Hollywood screenwriter to a Taoist monk, his visionary experiences involving alien contact, and insights on humanity's evolution and cosmic interconnectedness. Why understanding ancient philosophies and embracing the unknown can shape our future. The Author: Yun Rou has been called the "Zen Gabriel Garcia-Marquez" for his works of magical realism.  Born Arthur Rosenfeld in New York City, he received his academic background at Yale University, Cornell University, and the University of California and was officially ordained a Taoist monk in Guangzhou, PRC.  His award-winning non-fiction works on Taoism bridge science, spirituality, and philosophy, while his novels have been optioned for film in both Hollywood and Asia.  Yun Rou lives in the American Southwest with his wife.  He is an international teacher of Tai Chi and Daoism and travels frequently in the Far East. https://a.co/d/0fDNXvXl monkyunrou.com  Main Topics: The connection between Taoism and interstellar contact Personal visionary experiences involving ET and cosmic consciousness The concept of ontological shock and its global relevance Humanity's potential for evolution and the possibility of collective non-corporeal existence The role of conflict, interconnectedness, and consciousness in our evolution Updates on Monk Yun-Roe's 1990s book and its prophetic parallels with current events The importance of integrated holistic practices like Tai Chi for health and longevity The ongoing dialogue about alien interference, government secrecy, and future contact Key Insights: Ancient Taoist principles may offer a framework for understanding contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. Monk Yun-Roe experienced a profound visionary coma, where he was shown humanity's future in a vessel teeming with life, suggesting our evolution may lead to non-physical existence. The concept of ontological shock is a shared experience across cultures and might be a universal trigger for cosmic awakening. Tai Chi and Chinese medicine exemplify how spiraling energy flow can enhance health and align us with universal rhythms, possibly echoing cosmic principles. Our current era mirrors a cyclical pattern of crises, requiring global evolution amidst universal risks. The mysterious re-emergence of Monk Yun-Roe's early work hints at messages or messages embedded in the universe's unfolding narrative.   Become a Lord or Lady with 1k donations over time. And a Noble with any donation. Leave Serfdom behind and help Grimerica stick to 0 ads and sponsors and fully listener supported. Thanks for listening!! Help support the show, because we can't do it without ya. https://www.simulationmaps.com/#products Suite of Interactive Maps! DisasterMap, VolcanoSim, AsteroidSim, ShipwreckMap, UFOMap etc https://www.amazon.com/Unlearned-School-Failed-What-About/dp/1998704904/ref=sr_1_3?sr=8-3   Support the show directly: https://open.spotify.com/show/2punSyd9Cw76ZtvHxMKenI?si=ImKxfMHgQZ-oshl499O4dQ&nd=1&dlsi=4c25fa9c78674de3 Watch or Listen on Spotify https://grimericacbd.com/ CBD / THC Gummies and Tinctures http://www.grimerica.ca/support https://www.patreon.com/grimerica http://www.grimericaoutlawed.ca/support   Our audio book website: www.adultbrain.ca Check out our next trip/conference/meetup - Contact at the Cabin www.contactatthecabin.com www.grimerica.ca/shrooms and Micro Dosing Darren's book www.acanadianshame.ca Join the chat / hangout with a bunch of fellow Grimericans Https://t.me.grimerica grimerica.ca/chats   Discord Chats https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/grimerica-outlawed Sign up for our newsletter https://grimerica.substack.com/ SPAM Graham = and send him your synchronicities, feedback, strange experiences and psychedelic trip reports!! graham@grimerica.com Purchase swag, with partial proceeds donated to the show: www.grimerica.ca/swag Send us a postcard or letter http://www.grimerica.ca/contact/ Episode ART - Napolean Duheme's site http://www.lostbreadcomic.com/ MUSIC https://brokeforfree.bandcamp.com/ - Something Galactic Felix's Site sirfelix.bandcamp.com - Should I                   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Monk Yun-Roe and his work 02:00 – Taoism's perspective on creation without a divine creator 04:00 – The idea of ontological shock in Western and Eastern contexts 06:00 – Humanity's interconnectedness observed by astronauts and UFO witnesses 08:00 – Monk Yun-Roe's background in UFO research, writing, and visionary experiences 12:00 – The concept of UFOs as beings waiting for human evolution 16:00 – The tragic loss and rediscovery of his manuscript 20:00 – Near-death experience, vision of galactic preservation, and non-physical existence 30:00 – The philosophical implications of conflict and peaceful energy flow in alien perspectives 40:00 – Monk Yun-Roe's visions of future human evolution and cosmic destiny 50:00 – Reflection on cosmic interconnectedness and universal consciousness 58:00 – Practical insights into Tai Chi as a tool for health and spiritual alignment 64:00 – Closing thoughts, upcoming books, and the importance of sharing knowledge                                                                      

What happens on a layover - rarely stays there!When a crew have a crazy Christmas trip, far away from home, they think that their antics stay just between them... But they forget that the cameras are always watching, and everyone knows who the cabin crew are and who they work for!Find out what happened on this outrageous trip to the Far East in the latest episode of The Red Eye - where we turn the true stories of the lives of flight attendants, pilots and their passengers into fun, fictional short audio stories.Music Credits for Caught on CCTVAddict (Instrumental) – NEFFEXLonely Man – Alex HamlinSound Effects by freesound_community from Pixabay  Sound Design by Ally MurphySend us a text! If you'd like a reply, please leave an email or numberWe would really appreciate it if you take 1 minute to leave a quick review. It really helps our podcast become more visible on all the platforms so we can reach more people! Thank you.Support the showThe Red Eye Podcast is written by Kaylie Kay, and produced and narrated by Ally Murphy.To subscribe to the monthly newsletter and keep up to date with news, visit www.theredeyepod.com. Or find us on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok & Instagram @theredeyepod, for behind the scenes stories and those funny short stories that only take a minute or less!If you'd like to support the podcast you can "buy us a beer" and subscribe at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2310053/support, we'd be happy to give you a shout out on our newsletter!Ally Murphy is a former flight attendant, and a British voice over artist based in the USA, visit www.allymurphy.co.ukKaylie Kay is a flight attendant and author based in the UK. You can find more of her work at www.kayliekaywrites.comTo buy The Red Eye's first book click on the following links:Amazon UKAmazon USABarnes and NobleOther E Book Platforms

#422 In this podcast episode, Guy talked with Dr. Carol Talbot about expanding human potential beyond conditioning and limited beliefs, drawing on "Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East," which describes Himalayan masters demonstrating phenomena like walking on water, prana nourishment, and teleportation. Carol said distorted DNA and programming limit consciousness, describing DNA as a transmitter/receiver and comparing it to a film strip that shapes perceived reality. She discussed her background in quantum morphogenetic physics, her Breatharian "source feeding" research, darkroom retreats, and firewalking instruction, plus a model of accessing the quantum/multidimensional field as bandwidth.  Carol explained her multidimensional field scans, entrainment audio series (coherence, resonance, alignment, embodiment, and threshold), and the role of stillness, rest, and identity shifts in changing one's "timeline." They also covered resilience amid external chaos, perception as projection, playfulness, and Guy's experience of his daughter sticking coins to a wall as a lesson in not forcing outcomes. About Dr. Carol: Dr. Carol Talbot is a global thought leader in multidimensional intelligence, human potential, and consciousness technology. With a PhD in Quantum Morphogenetic Physics and decades of experience as a keynote speaker, author, and transformational guide, she is the creator of The Possibility Hub and a pioneer in BioRegenesis of the Human DNA Blueprint.  Known for bridging the worlds of science and mysticism, Dr Carol has spent her life activating timelines of remembrance, helping people reclaim their original blueprint beyond the limits of programming, trauma, or linear conditioning. Her work integrates quantum science and embodied mastery to support deep rewiring of perception, energy, and DNA.  Through tools like the Multi-Dimensional Field Scan, Resonance Frequency Mapping, and Mastery Frequency Maps, she offers precision reflections for those ready to live from coherence, sovereignty, and purpose. Key Points Discussed:  (00:00) - What Is Your Signal Actually Saying? The Hidden Science of Our True Potential! (01:02) - Why Guy's Podcast Views Suddenly Collapsed… Then Exploded (03:00) - Scientists Witnessing Masters Walk on Water Changed Everything (04:00) - Teleportation, Prana & The "Impossible" Abilities of Ancient Masters (05:00) - Why Humanity Has Forgotten What We're Truly Capable Of (06:00) - Childhood Flying Dreams & the Search for Hidden Human Potential (07:18) - A Month Learning to Walk on Water… and Becoming a Firewalk Master (08:12) - Living Without Food? Dr. Carol Explains the Breatharian Path (09:22) - Is DNA Actually a Receiver for Consciousness? (11:02) - "Junk DNA" Might Be Humanity's Greatest Untapped Potential (13:08) - The Netflix Analogy That Explains the Quantum Field Perfectly (15:02) -`Why Most People Only Get "Glimpses" of Higher Consciousness (16:12) - Trauma, DNA & the Hidden Film Strip Shaping Your Reality (17:18) - The Book That Triggered Her Entire "Multidimensional Intelligence" Work (19:18) - Why Plant Medicine Experiences Fade After the Ceremony Ends (21:02) - The Identity "Script" Secretly Controlling Your Entire Life (32:35) - "Passive Listening vs Fully Embodied Experience" (33:18) - The Paradox: The Slower You Go, the Faster You Transform (37:08) - Darkness Retreats, Melatonin & Seeing Energy in Complete Darkness (41:02) - Becoming the Stable Signal in a Chaotic World (44:12) - Humanity Is Slowly Remembering Its "True Cosmic History" (59:09) - Closing reflection How to Contact Dr. Carol Talbot:caroltalbot.memulti-dimensionalintelligence.com   About me:My Instagram: www.instagram.com/guyhlawrence/?hl=en Guy's websites:www.guylawrence.com.au www.liveinflow.co

Before he became a familiar face on screen, appearing in over 70 films like 'The Bridge on the River Kwai', 'The Cockleshell Heroes', 'The Guns of Navarone' and 'The Wild Geese', Percy Herbert survived one of the most brutal chapters of the Second World War. Captured during the fall of Singapore in 1942, he endured life as a prisoner of war, facing starvation, violence, and witnessing events like the Alexandra Hospital massacre. Those experiences would stay with him and later shape the performances that made his name. His story is told in his autobiography, Time Will Pass Johnny, a remarkable account that traces his journey from the camps of the Far East to a long and successful acting career. To talk about her father's life, I'm joined by Katrina Wood.   Patreonpatreon.com/ww2podcast  

Brothers Drew and Eric discuss the 2026 Korean action thriller spy movie "Humint." Yes yes yes yes, this film has everything… It's really good but it's "a lot." Along the way they mention Far East geography and "The Long Way…" documentary series with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.   Housekeeping starts at 1:15:00 wherein Drew discusses his upcoming trip to England and his eldest's upcoming first year of High School.   File length 1:23:47 File Size 69.7 MB   Theme by Jul Big Green via SongFinch Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts Listen to us on Stitcher Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Send your comments to show@notinacreepyway.com Visit the show website at Not In A Creepy Way  

Far East Taste 016 Show: Far East Taste Artist: You Liang Air Date: 23 May 2026 Genre: House / Melodic House / Tech House Far East Taste 016 shifts gears into a high-energy exploration of modern Tech House and peak-time grooves, specifically drawing from the contrasting textures currently defining the Tokyo club scene. The set begins with infectious, rhythm-heavy tracks that pair classic house sensibilities with contemporary production, establishing a driving pace before diving into a selection of both underground and electro-influenced Tech House. These styles represent the dual nature of Tokyo's nightlife, moving seamlessly between raw, intimate basement vibes and the high-voltage energy of larger venues. Tracklist: 1. Galo - Take The Rhythm (Extended Mix) 2. Ron Carroll, Micky More & Andy Tee - My Prayer (Micky More & Andy Tee Classic Mix) 3. D.Marco - My Dad is a Raver 4. Delon - No ID How ID It (Extended Mix) 5. U-Jeen & B_SAN - Crash Landing (Extended Mix) 6. Robin Schulz, Sigala ft. Zoe Wees - AM to PM (Hypaton Extended Remix) 7. KLYMVX & LOKMAN - Party All The Time (Extended Mix) 8. Don Diablo - Cutting Shapes (Extended Mix) 9. DJ Susan ft. Lyric Christian - Down 2 Ride (Extended Mix) 10. LUKA - I Got It (You Liang Remix) 11. Jay Dunham - Up Til Noon (Extended Mix) 12. Raul Rodriguez, La Class - Yendose 13. Gold Lemonade - Trust Nobody (Extended Mix) 14. Martin Ikin - Control It (You Liang Bootleg) 15. LIZOT x FABLO x Brave Culture - No Kiss (Extended) 16. Kaskade & CID x Anabel Englund - Vision Blurred (Extended Mix) 17. Skytech & ANG - Shadows In The Night (You Liang Remix) Originally broadcast on Data Transmission Radio. Listen live and explore the archive: https://radio.datatransmission.co

This week on the NK News Podcast, Data Correspondent Anton Sokolin talks about the expanding North Korea-Russia relationship — from military pageantry in Moscow to drone training in Russia's Far East and a mysterious shipwreck off Spain's coast. Anton breaks down the significance of North Korean soldiers marching through Red Square for the first time during Russia's Victory Day parade, what their appearance says about Moscow's shifting alliances and why Kim Jong Un skipped the event despite expectations that he may eventually visit Russia again. The discussion also covers a DPRK delegation's visit to a Russian drone training facility, where officials observed UAV operations amid growing North Korean interest in battlefield drones and potential lessons from the war in Ukraine. Later, the episode turns to North Korean pharmaceutical exports to Russia, including Kumdang-5, a ginseng-based pill marketed as a cure-all remedy, and the sanctions questions raised by DPRK-made traditional medicines appearing on Russian online marketplaces. Finally, Anton walks through the still-unresolved mystery of the Ursa Major, a Russian military-linked vessel that sank off Spain in late 2024.  About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Alannah Hill exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray are joined by VFW Washington Office leaders Ryan Gallucci, Mike Figlioli, and Joy Craig for a discussion on overseas military support, Memorial Day remembrance, and key legislative priorities impacting veterans. Joy Craig reflects on her recent overseas visit alongside VFW Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore through Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, where they met with VFW Posts, military leadership, service members, and families. The team discusses challenges facing troops and veterans stationed abroad, including healthcare access, spouse employment, childcare shortages, and transportation issues, while highlighting the importance of VFW advocacy in the Indo-Pacific region. The episode also covers upcoming Memorial Day events, the VFW Day of Service at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and updates on major legislative efforts such as the Major Richard Star Act and the fight against predatory "claim shark" companies. Through candid conversation and passionate advocacy, the episode highlights the VFW's continued commitment to serving veterans at home and overseas.   Featured Guests: Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Mike Figlioli – Director of Operations / Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office Joy Craig – Associate Director, VFW National Legislative Service   Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 3:18 Overseas visit to Taiwan, Korea, and Japan 13:13 Challenges facing military families abroad 31:21 VFW expands veteran claims support in Korea 35:36 Memorial Day traditions and remembrance 42:13 VFW Day of Service at the Korean War Memorial 47:45 Upcoming hearings and advocacy priorities 50:14 Claim sharks and the Guard Act update 53:36 Major Richard Star Act momentum grows 1:12:25 Closing remarks and Good of the Order

Presenting Sponsor Thirdzy!  https://thirdzy.com/JAZZYPromotion Code for 15% off: JAZZYEvery Sunday night Carolyne Prevost, Jamie Latimer and Scott Switzer break down the world of CrossFit and other fitness competitions.  Tonight we talk about Carolyne and the WFP! Copa Sur and Far East continue the CrossFit Games Season and Magic City advances the Masters athletes to the CrossFit Games.

Some of the most creative, bold, and thought-provoking science fiction and fantasy being written today…

Sunday marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson says the tribunal judged humanity's conscience and delivered historical justice, which must not be denied.

For more than five decades, Lynn Larson has followed her curiosity across continents—and she's nowhere near finished. At 71, she travels light and lives large, forging deep connections everywhere she goes. Her journey began as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, where she helped launch a rural elementary school that still thrives today. Friendships formed in other parts of South America 40 years ago endure.With her husband, James, Lynn has recently completed two legs of an ambitious round-the-world adventure, spanning the Americas, Africa, and Europe. Next stop: India, the Far East, and beyond. Lynn's style? Minimal planning, maximum openness. One suitcase, one backpack, endless possibility. “We're curious,” she says. “And we have no fear.” For Lynn, home isn't a permanent place (except for the lake home in Minnesota); it's a feeling she creates wherever she lands, among family, friends, and the wider world.“The world is a big, beautiful place; regardless of our differences, we are all the same.” - Lynn LarsonConnect with LynnEmail: l_k_l@msn.comThanking Our Sponsor—Women' Connection, a vibrant, member-led nonprofitorganization for women who are at least 50 years old. Women connect with each other in chapters around the country to enjoy shared interests, continue to learn, volunteer in their communities, and provide each other with support and inspiration. https://womenconnecting.orgShining the Light on the Age-Wise CollectiveWomen Over 70 is proud to be part of the Age-Wise Collective, a group of women podcasters championing pro-aging voices. This week we highlight Patricia Noel Drain, business mentor, author, and host of the podcast, Stories and Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs Over 50. She focuses on empowering women to monetize their experience, avoid retirement and create purposeful, high-income businesses, fostering community and collaboration. www.Patriciadrain.com

Darrell Castle talks about the war against Iran and the efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for the commerce of the world along with the unexpected results being felt around the world. Transcription / Notes SOME UNEXPECTED RESULTS OF WAR Hello, this is Darrell Castle with today's Castle Report. This is Friday the 24th day of April in the year of our Lord 2026. I will be talking again about the war against Iran and the efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for the commerce of the world along with the unexpected results being felt around the world as a result of this war. Let me start with a brief refresher regarding the history of the U.S. war with Iran before I get into unexpected results. The U.S. government back in 1953 started this long conflict by its overthrow of Mosaddegh who was popularly elect and his replacement with the Shah who was always seen as a U.S. puppet. If what I just said is true and I obviously believe that it is, then the U.S. has been in this conflict for 73 years. In 1953 the Korean War was just shutting down so maybe a new conflict was needed in the Middle East to feed the war machine, who knows. Fast forward to today and we find that often history does repeat but barely is it noticed because it will always be different this time. We have lots of propaganda coming out of the war from both sides and unlike propaganda in earlier wars today's propaganda reaches the whole world instantly through social media. In World Wars, for example, propaganda was designed only for the home populations of each side. Don't worry we are winning etc. Except for the Tokyo Rose broadcasts to the U.S. Navy and the Axis Sally broadcasts to the U.S. bomber crews the propaganda was primarily to keep the population's backs in the war effort. To that end a ceasefire is announced from time to time and that mere announcement will usually calm the headlines and the markets for a brief time. The other side quickly violates the ceasefire or denies that it exists and the whole thing starts over. President Trump says they have agreed to everything and the Iranians say no we will keep our uranium and the Strait remains closed. It appears to be just propaganda back and forth or perhaps just wishful thinking, and the confusion is exacerbated by Iran's lack of known leadership. We do know a few things that appear to be factual, however. Six or seven weeks ago, the U.S. and Israel launched a preemptive attack, surprise attack, sneak attack depending on your point of view. This attack was launched in the midst of negotiations ala Pearl Harbor. When the Japanese did it they thought and hoped it would demoralize the American people into negotiations favorable to Japan but it had the opposite effect and I submit this attack did the same to Iran. The U.S. dropped unprecedented amounts of bombs and missiles on Korea and Vietnam but neither surrendered and that fact of history seems to have gone unnoticed by the administration. The Iranians believe they are victims of an unprovoked attack which cost them dearly in terms of lives, treasure, and infrastructure. They think they are entitled to compensation for that and I submit that one way or another they will get it. In the meantime, the war is actually helping Iran by raising oil prices worldwide thus helping the Iranian export prices. They could insist on tolls through the Strait of Hormuz which they had never imposed before this war. I suspect that no permanent peace agreement will happen without compensation from the U.S. and/or Israel. Either way it would be on the backs of U.S. taxpayers. My guess is that this war will continue for a time that we could call indefinite and here is one reason why. Trump apparently started this war at the behest of Netanyahu but now he aggressively insults and attacks anyone he perceives to have said a negative word about him and that includes foreign leaders. He doesn't seem to understand that people remember the insults and foreign affairs of a great nation can't be conducted like kids jostling each other on a school ground. The problem of war in the Middle East is more than likely unsolvable as long a s Israel exists especially with its current leadership. Therefore, expect to be at war for a long time at least until it finally destroys the U.S. economy. Speaking of the U.S. and world economy let's look at some results of the war or at least some things made worse by it. This all comes at a time when rising debt levels and rising interest obligations are pushing the U.S. into a more fragile state. According to MoneyWeek U.S. debt has now exceeded 39 trillion. It has been only five months since it blew past 38 trillion. The debt has doubled since Trump was sworn in for his first term or about 10 years ago. No amount of bluster and bombast will erase certain facts such as the U.S. approaching 40 trillion amid rising interest rates, along with a coming debt crises. The U.S. has about 9 trillion of debt that must be refinanced or rolled over this cycle. Presumably short-term treasuries can be sold at about 3.5% but what if they can't and it takes 5%. That would be catastrophic and would accelerate the crash to unstoppable speed. I admit I'm no economist but that's the way it looks to me from the numbers. The disturbing thing is that Washington seems to take no notice of it at all. This fiscal year, 2026 the defense budget or war budget as its now called is about $950 billion. Trump has requested an almost 60% increase to $1.5 trillion for fiscal year 2027. That's all caused by the war right. Well, no, I'm afraid not folks because that doesn't even include the costs of the Iranian war so he's saying we need a 60% increase just to keep up. The U.S. has dropped tens of thousands of bombs and missiles on Iran and has lost a few aircraft along with great damage to bases all over the Middle East. The U.S. has had to move its military out of the Persian Gulf region and move its carriers at least 1000 kilometers or about 620 miles from the conflict to avoid missile attacks. So, one unexpected result of the war is that the U.S. multibillion-dollar carriers are very vulnerable to cheap drone and missile attack. Iran apparently has quite a stockpile of those and reportedly China is resupplying them all the time. Iran has an ace up its sleeve in this international poker game of death and that ace is the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is a narrow strip of water that links the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. Before the war started approximately 20 million barrels of oil per day or about 20% of global production passed through the Strait along with 20% of global LNG exports according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The Strait is so vitally important to the world economy that it's a fair guess that disruption for a prolonged period would provoke a worldwide depression. Iran has spent decades accumulating the means to shut the Strait down. It has commanding geography with a thousand miles of coastline and many inlets where missiles can be stored and launched. The U.S. has discovered that even the U.S. Navy cannot police all of them. Just this week reportedly 24 Iranian tankers slipped through the U.S. blockade. If the Strait is not completely closed it is too dangerous for normal commercial shipping. Oil and natural gas are everywhere and in everything. They are the most important of all commodities that the world depends on. The Far East today is the manufacturing center of the world or the world's workshop and Middle East oil and gas keeps the Far East working. Until this war is resolved we can probably count on oil above 100$ per barrel and increasing shortages of many things we are used to having in abundance. Ultimately the real danger is worldwide food production and the increasing cost of food caused by ever lower crop yields. This threat to the world's food supply is being caused by the drastic reduction in fertilizer because so much of it is shipped through the gulf. The world needs fertilizer to grow crops and feed people and that is gradually being strangled. Once again, the unexpected results of war. Perhaps the markets of the world have just been waiting for a pin to pop the bubble so we will see that higher prices for fuel will result in higher prices for everything and that is as inevitable as night follows day. The result of all this and the result of the war will be a significantly lower standard of living for the people of the world. So, propaganda tells us the Strait will remain open and the Mullahs will never have a nuclear weapon. Neither statement appears to be true at the current time so that leaves the U.S. in a very difficult position. The U.S. could admit defeat and leave thus admitting that the Empire cannot fulfill its promises or the U.S. could resort to the unthinkable but I don't see many other choices. In any event the petrodollar world appears to be ending. I heard Marco Rubio, the Secretary of everything say that Brazil, the largest country in South America just concluded a deal with China to trade in the Chinese currency. The U.S. relies on the dollar as the world's reserve to bully and sanction other countries but if they are not trading in the dollar then sanctions are no threat. So, the world is changing rapidly and not in favor of the American people or at least that's my take on it.  Donald Trump has hung an Albatross around his neck and removing it is job number one. He might have to allow a strategic retreat to a more defensible line. The failure to reach that conclusion has resulted in the destruction of many armies and the loss of many wars. So, admit it was a mistake and find some way to reverse course no matter what Israel says about it. The longer he persists the worse it will get because he simply is not all powerful like he apparently thought he was, and neither is the United States. Finally, folks, I hope this was just a tragic mistake and not something preplanned and far more sinister but the unexpected results of it are apparently only unexpected by us normal people who are concerned about working, living, and raising our kids in a peaceful world. At least that's the way I see it, Until next time folks, This is Darrell Castle, Thanks for listening.

Spot of world feed comms for Ned in a far flung place. Warnng: darts is played.Redeem your AG1 offer here!Oh, but do check out our merch. It's really good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gridiron America Radio is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.EPISODE SUMMARYFor our official 50th podcast of From the 55 Yardline/Gridiron America Radio, we celebrate both the 50 episode and, even more importantly, we celebrate a new podcast here on the Sports History Network, Gridiron Japan Radio! Gridiron Japan is a five year old podcast that broadcasts from Japan which covers the American football scene and the X League, the semi-professional league that is the highest level of competition in the Far East and which has its own version of the Super Bowl- the Rice Bowl. In this initial episode from 2021, original host Zach Keilman and co-host Greg St. James interview X League insider and sports journalist John Gunning about the gridiron scene and its history in Japan.To learn more about American football in Japan check out www.gridironjapan.jp, the gateway to English language coverage of the X League (www.xleague.jp) and the rest of the gridiron scene.GRIDIRON AMERICA RADIO BACKGROUNDGridiron America Radio (formerly, the From the 55 Yardline podcast), is anchored by former sports executive David Cieslinski; former international professional football player Mike Tackett, and football nerd Greg St. James, from Gridiron Japan Radio.All three are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen or tabletop.Gridiron America Radio is dedicated to both current and historical American football talk, including the “what if” questions that all sports fans ask and try to answer with the help of statistics, math and computer modeling provided by Sportsmaster Simulation Games www.SportsMaster-Simulation.games. In addition to the gridiron game, the team will on occasion look at other sports through the same eyes of that of grown men who still remember their childhood and the thrill of rolling the dice or picking up a joystick.The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose continued writings. sports coverage and articles can be found at www.Adamsonmedia.com.David, Mike and Greg, can be contacted directly via the podcast's website at www.GridironAmerica.net, as well as:On X at https://x.com/GridironAMRadioOn Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GridironAmerica/On Threads at https://www.threads.com/@gridironamericaOn Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gridironamerica

Abbreviated show ahead of the Nick Mingione Show; Will Stein gets a commitment from a coveted QB; (12:00) Stein and players on the Saturday scrimmage + Sir Charles goes off (again) on today's players; (21:00) podcaster Terry Brown on UK hoops; (39:00) Billy Rutledge on the Masters, UK basketball and Rob Dillingham; some Xmas cheer in the middle of spring from the Far East...

Host Patrick Patino and guest Robert Hanna jam out over creating unique bespoke experiences that drive connections and community in the legal profession.About RobertRobert Hanna is the Founder & CEO of KC Partners, a world-leading legal talent solutions and content creation firm. He has helped thousands of aspiring and qualified lawyers secure roles with leading law firms and corporations across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, the FarEast, and the US. He is also the creator and host of theLegally Speaking Podcast™proudly sponsored by Clio and ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide, with 450+ episodes released across 6,500+ cities. Through the show, his mission is inspiring legal minds and transforming legal futures.Recognised as the world's most followed legal recruiter, Rob is a LinkedIn Top Voice, UKCreator Accelerator winner, and trusted advisor to LinkedIn. He co-founded The Great Big Legal Offsite (GBLO), a premier law firm leadership strategy event, and Courtside Conversations, a new global brand blending padel, podcasting, and community. He also serves as a strategic advisor and investor to legal tech start-ups such as Hector, Caseguru, and Lexidesk.ai. A sought-after keynote speaker and moderator, Rob has led events for Thomson Reuters,Clio, and Platforum9, and has been featured inThe Law Society, The Lawyer, Law.com, Above The Law and Modern Law Magazine. He has also collaborated with major brands, including LinkedIn, Sky Sports, Netflix, and Business Insider, among others. Passionate about diversity, inclusion, and mental health in law, Rob supports initiatives likeLawCare and sits as a Board Advisor to NRG Lawyers. Beyond work, he is a mentor, proud father, and pawrent to Otto, his miniature dachshund.https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthanna/https://legallyspeakingpodcast.com/the-great-big-legal-offsite-gblo-2026/https://legallyspeakingpodcast.com/https://www.youtube.com/@courtside-conversationshttps://www.kcpartners.co.uk/rob/

It’s not business as usual this time on Brew Ha Ha with Herlinda Heras and Daedalus Howell, as Herlinda presents Beatles and Brews today. She has had this playlist on her main fridge for about 6 years. What’s more, she has such a collection of beers that she can line up the labels to match the songs for today’s show. The show begins with two Beatles tunes, She Loves You and I Want You / She’s So Heavy. Herlinda is a Beatles superfan. She knows Pete Best, who was the drummer for The Beatles before Ringo joined the band. Herlinda even has a signed picture with him from when he played in Petaluma on tour. Pete’s mother Mona Best bet on a horse named Never Say Die to win the 1954 Epsom Derby, at 33-1 odds. (sorry, audio garbled at 8:00) She used the winnings to buy the house where they built The Casbah Coffee Club in the basement. Pete’s brother Roag still runs tours at the original Casbah location. She Loves You goes with A View From The Top from Five Boroughs Brewing in Brooklyn. They brewed this beer to commemorate the refurbishing of the Empire State Building. It matches the Beatles arrival in NY in 1964 on Ed Sullivan and at Shea Stadium, and all the later New York connections. Daedalus asks Herlinda how she became such a big Beatles fan. Herlinda’s dad was in the Navy, and they were stationed for a while at Hunter’s Point Shipyard. Candlestick Park was nearby, and her mom wasn’t at the Beatles concert, but she said she could hear the crowd screaming. When her dad was in the Far East in the Navy, there where places where he could record albums onto reel-to-reel. Herlinda had an Akai reel-to-reel tape player. He gave her an audio documentary history of the Beatles that she listened to it over and over again. Black is Beautiful and Blackbird Herlinda was doing her math homework one day while living at Hamilton AFB in Novato. She was listening to KRQR San Francisco when the news came in of John Lennon’s murder. She immediately started her reel-to-reel recorder and captured the local coverage from all the local radio stations. Herlinda opens a beer called Black is Beautiful. She pairs it with the Beatles song Blackbird and points out Paul McCartney’s story of its origin. A bird means a girl in British English and Paul had seen stories of young black girls having to be escorted to school in the American south, and he wrote the song to describe them. The Black Is Beautiful beer started from an African American brewer Marcus Baskerville in the wake of George Floyd’s death. The song Tomorrow Never Knows, with its Indian sitars, suggests an IPA, India Pale Ale. There is more beer and Beatles music than we have time for in one show, so we will have to revisit this topic. Before we end this episode, Herlinda opens a Ukrainian style Golden Ale flavored with coriander. The BJCP judging guidelines recently admitted this Ukrainian style to their catalog. Herlinda suggests the song Golden Slumbers, for the Ukrainian ale. We will have to do a 2.0. We didn’t even get to the English beers. 

This episode continues our mini series on the history of the Clan Line, one of the most prominent and enduring British shipping companies of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded in Glasgow in 1878 by Sir Charles Cayzer, the line began with a small fleet of steamships and quickly grew into a major force in maritime commerce. Its ships, all bearing the 'Clan' prefix in their names, became a familiar sight across the world's oceans, linking Britain with India, South Africa, and the Far East.This episode takes us to the heart of the maritime world from which the Clan Line emerged. Every great story has a turning point and for the Clan Line, one of those moments came in a hotel in Glasgow — when the young Charles Cayzer, who had come to Glasgow to follow his maritime dream, met with alexander Stephen, a shipbuilder with a yard on the Clyde, in the very centre of the city. To find out more Dr Sam Willis met up with Ian Johnston, a well-known and deeply knowledgable Clydeside historian, for a tour of maritime Glasgow, to help us understand the world into which the Clan Line was born. They visit key sites like St. Vincent Place, the Anchor Line building, and George Square. They also explore the historical significance of the River Clyde and the shipbuilding industry, including the decline and redevelopment of Govan and the legacy of the Fairfield shipyard.This is the fourth in our series on the Clan Line – we have heard previously an overview of the company from Jamie Cayzer-Colvin, a descendant of Charles Cayzer and Director of Caledonia Investments which was born from the Cayzer family's shipping business. We have also travelled all over the country to find sailors who served on the Clan Line ships to hear their brilliantly entertaining tories of their time afloat. We've also looked at the Clan Line ships – exploring some magnificent models of their fleet and then travelling to Inverclyde to see where so many were built. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Music of Bond, we journey to the Far East and dive deep into the lush, mysterious, and unforgettable score of You Only Live Twice. John Barry delivers one of his most sweeping and romantic compositions, blending bold orchestration with delicate Japanese musical influences.From the haunting beauty of Nancy Sinatra's iconic title song to the tension-filled action cues that underscore Bond's most dangerous mission yet, we explore how this score redefined the sound of 007.Join us as we unpack the music, the moments, and the magic behind one of the most sonically rich entries in the Bond canon.But first Elvis...EPIC.

This episode continues our mini series on the history of the Clan Line, one of the most prominent and enduring British shipping companies of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded by Charles Cayzer, the Clan Line became synonymous with reliability, global trade expansion and the professionalisation of British merchant shipping. At its peak, it had one of the largest merchant fleets in the world, forming a crucial part of Britain's maritime commercial power. These ships linked Britain to its colonies and trading partners across Africa, India, Australia and the Far East, moving everything from manufactured goods to raw materials. This is the third in our series on the Clan Line. We've heard previously an overview of the company from Jamie Cayzer-Colvin, a descendant of Charles Cayzer, and now director of Caledonia Investments, which was born from the Cayzer family's shipping business. We've also traveled all over the country to find sailors who served on the Clan Line ships to hear their brilliantly entertaining stories of their time afloat. This episode looks at the ships. One of the fascinating things about the ships of the Clan Line is that from sail to steam to motor ships, they continually adapted to advances in ship design and propulsion. The business was always an early adopter of efficient cargo handling and modern engineering standards influencing how liner companies manage global routes and logistics. This means that the ships of the Clan Line almost perfectly act as a mirror of merchant ship evolution, a microcosm of the shifting tides in maritime design over more than a century. This episode takes us from London, where Dr Sam Willis explores some beautiful models of Clan Line ships with Simon Stevens, curator of ship models and small boats at the Royal Museums in Greenwich. Sam then heads to the Clyde estuary, to the shipyards where many of the Clan Line ships were built and speaks with speak with Vince Gillen, Inverclyde historian and writer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last time we spoke about the beginning of the Nomohan incident. On the fringes of Manchuria, the ghosts of Changkufeng lingered. It was August 1938 when Soviet and Japanese forces locked in a brutal standoff over a disputed hill, claiming thousands of lives before a fragile ceasefire redrew the lines. Japan, humiliated yet defiant, withdrew, but the Kwantung Army seethed with resentment. As winter thawed into 1939, tensions simmered along the Halha River, a serpentine boundary between Manchukuo and Mongolia. Major Tsuji Masanobu, a cunning tactician driven by gekokujo's fire, drafted Order 1488: a mandate empowering local commanders to annihilate intruders, even luring them across borders. Kwantung's leaders, bonded by past battles, endorsed it, ignoring Tokyo's cautions amid the grinding China War. By May, the spark ignited. Mongolian patrols crossed the river, clashing with Manchukuoan cavalry near Nomonhan's sandy hills. General Komatsubara, ever meticulous, unleashed forces to "destroy" them, bombing west-bank outposts and pursuing retreats. Soviets, bound by pact, rushed reinforcements, their tanks rumbling toward the fray. What began as skirmishes ballooned into an undeclared war.   #189 General Zhukov Arrives at Nomohan Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Though Kwantung Army prided itself as an elite arm of the Imperial Japanese Army, the 23rd Division, formed less than a year prior, was still raw and unseasoned, lacking the polish and spirit typical of its parent force. From General Michitaro Komatsubara downward, the staff suffered a collective dearth of combat experience. Intelligence officer Major Yoshiyasu Suzuki, a cavalryman, had no prior intel background. While senior regimental commanders were military academy veterans, most company and platoon leaders were fresh reservists or academy graduates with just one or two years under their belts. Upon arriving in Manchukuo in August 1938, the division found its Hailar base incomplete, housing only half its troops; the rest scattered across sites. Full assembly at Hailar occurred in November, but harsh winter weather curtailed large-scale drills. Commanders had scant time to build rapport. This inexperience, inadequate training, and poor cohesion would prove costly at Nomonhan. Japan's army held steady at 17 divisions from 1930 to 1937, but the escalating China conflict spurred seven new divisions in 1938 and nine in 1939. Resource strains from China left many under-equipped, with the 23rd, stationed in a presumed quiet sector, low on priorities. Unlike older "rectangular" divisions with four infantry regiments, the 23rd was a modern "triangular" setup featuring the 64th, 71st, and 72nd. Materiel gaps were glaring. The flat, open terrain screamed for tanks, yet the division relied on a truck-equipped transport regiment and a reconnaissance regiment with lightly armored "tankettes" armed only with machine guns. Mobility suffered: infantry marched the final 50 miles from Hailar to Nomonhan. Artillery was mostly horse-drawn, including 24 outdated Type 38 75-mm guns from 1907, the army's oldest, unique to this division. Each infantry regiment got four 37-mm rapid-fire guns and four 1908-era 75-mm mountain guns. The artillery regiment added 12 120-mm howitzers, all high-angle, short-range pieces ill-suited for flatlands or anti-tank roles. Antitank capabilities were dire: beyond rapid-fire guns, options boiled down to demolition charges and Molotov cocktails, demanding suicidal "human bullet" tactics in open terrain, a fatal flaw against armor. The division's saving grace lay in its soldiers, primarily from Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island, long famed for hardy warriors. These men embodied resilience, bravery, loyalty, and honor, offsetting some training and gear deficits. Combat at Nomonhan ramped up gradually, with Japanese-Manchukuoan forces initially outnumbering Soviet-Mongolian foes. Soviets faced severe supply hurdles: their nearest rail at Borzya sat 400 miles west of the Halha River, requiring truck hauls over rough, exposed terrain prone to air strikes. Conversely, Hailar was 200 miles from Nomonhan, with the Handagai railhead just 50 miles away, linked by three dirt roads. These advantages, plus Europe's brewing Polish crisis, likely reassured Army General Staff and Kwantung Army Headquarters that Moscow would avoid escalation. Nonetheless, Komatsubara, with KwAHQ's nod, chose force to quash the Nomonhan flare-up. On May 20, Japanese scouts spotted a Soviet infantry battalion and armor near Tamsag Bulak. Komatsubara opted to "nip the incident in the bud," assembling a potent strike force under Colonel Takemitsu Yamagata of the 64th Infantry Regiment. The Yamagata detachment included the 3rd Battalion, roughly four companies, 800 men, a regimental gun company, three 75-mm mountain guns, four 37-mm rapid-fires, three truck companies, and Lieutenant Colonel Yaozo Azuma's reconnaissance group, 220 men, one tankette, two sedans, 12 trucks. Bolstered by 450 local Manchukuoan troops, the 2,000-strong unit was tasked with annihilating all enemy east of the Halha. The assault was set for May 22–23. No sooner had General Komatsubara finalized this plan than he received a message from KwAHQ: "In settling the affair Kwantung Army has definite plans, as follows: For the time being Manchukuoan Army troops will keep an eye on the Outer Mongolians operating near Nomonhan and will try to lure them onto Manchukuoan territory. Japanese forces at Hailar [23rd Division] will maintain surveillance over the situation. Upon verification of a border violation by the bulk of the Outer Mongolian forces, Kwantung Army will dispatch troops, contact the enemy, and annihilate him within friendly territory. According to this outlook it can be expected that enemy units will occupy border regions for a considerable period; but this is permissible from the overall strategic point of view". At this juncture, Kwantung Army Headquarters advocated tactical caution to secure a more conclusive outcome. Yet, General Michitaro Komatsubara had already issued orders for Colonel Takemitsu Yamagata's assault. Komatsubara radioed Hsinking that retracting would be "undignified," resenting KwAHQ's encroachment on his authority much as KwAHQ chafed at Army General Staff interference. Still, "out of deference to Kwantung Army's feelings," he delayed to May 27 to 28. Soviet air units from the 57th Corps conducted ineffective sorties over the Halha River from May 17 to 21. Novice pilots in outdated I 15 biplanes suffered heavily: at least 9, possibly up to 17, fighters and scouts downed. Defense Commissar Kliment Voroshilov halted air ops, aiding Japanese surprise. Yamagata massed at Kanchuerhmiao, 40 miles north of Nomonhan, sending patrols southward. Scouts spotted a bridge over the Halha near its Holsten junction, plus 2 enemy groups of ~200 each east of the Halha on either Holsten side and a small MPR outpost less than a mile west of Nomonhan. Yamagata aimed to trap and destroy these east of the river: Azuma's 220 man unit would drive south along the east bank to the bridge, blocking retreat. The 4 infantry companies and Manchukuoan troops, with artillery, would attack from the west toward enemy pockets, herding them riverward into Azuma's trap. Post destruction, mop up any west bank foes near the river clear MPR soil swiftly. This intricate plan suited early MPR foes but overlooked Soviet units spotted at Tamsag Bulak on May 20, a glaring oversight by Komatsubara and Yamagata. Predawn on May 28, Yamagata advanced from Kanchuerhmiao. Azuma detached southward to the bridge. Unbeknownst, it was guarded by Soviet infantry, engineers, armored cars, and a 76 mm self propelled artillery battery—not just MPR cavalry. Soviets detected Azuma pre dawn but missed Yamagata's main force; surprise was mutual. Soviet MPR core: Major A E Bykov's battalion roughly 1000 men with 3 motorized infantry companies, 16 BA 6 armored cars, 4 76 mm self propelled guns, engineers, and a 5 armored car recon platoon. The 6th MPR Cavalry Division roughly 1250 men had 2 small regiments, 4 76 mm guns, armored cars, and a training company. Bykov arrayed north to south: 2 Soviet infantry on flanks, MPR cavalry center, unorthodox, as cavalry suits flanks. Spread over 10 miles parallel to but east of the Halha, 1 mile west of Nomonhan. Reserves: 1 infantry company, engineers, and artillery west of the river near the bridge; Shoaaiibuu's guns also west to avoid sand. Japanese held initial edges in numbers and surprise, especially versus MPR cavalry. Offsets: Yamagata split into 5 weaker units; radios failed early, hampering coordination; Soviets dominated firepower with self propelled guns, 4 MPR pieces, and BA 6s, armored fighters with 45 mm turret guns, half track capable, 27 mph speed, but thin 9 mm armor vulnerable to close heavy machine guns. Morning of May 28, Yamagata's infantry struck Soviet MPR near Nomonhan, routing lightly armed MPR cavalry and forcing Soviet retreats toward the Halha. Shoaaiibuu rushed his training company forward; Japanese overran his post, killing him and most staff. As combat neared the river, Soviet artillery and armored cars slowed Yamagata. He redirected to a low hill miles east of the Halha with dug in Soviets—failing to notify Azuma. Bykov regrouped 1 to 2 miles east of the Halha Holsten junction, holding firm. By late morning, Yamagata stalled, digging in against Soviet barrages. Azuma, radio silent due to faults, neared the bridge to find robust Soviet defenses. Artillery commander Lieutenant Yu Vakhtin shifted his 4 76 mm guns east to block seizure. Azuma lacked artillery or anti tank tools, unable to advance. With Yamagata bogged down, Azuma became encircled, the encirclers encircled. Runners reached Yamagata, but his dispersed units couldn't rally or breakthrough. By noon, Azuma faced infantry and cavalry from the east, bombardments from west (both Halha sides). Dismounted cavalry dug sandy defenses. Azuma could have broken out but held per mission, awaiting Yamagata, unaware of the plan shift. Pressure mounted: Major I M Remizov's full 149th Regiment recent Tamsag Bulak arrivals trucked in, tilting odds. Resupply failed; ammo dwindled. Post dusk slackening: A major urged withdrawal; Azuma refused, deeming retreat shameful without orders, a Japanese army hallmark, where "retreat" was taboo, replaced by euphemisms like "advance in a different direction." Unauthorized pullback meant execution. Dawn May 29: Fiercer Soviet barrage, 122 mm howitzers, field guns, mortars, armored cars collapsed trenches. An incendiary hit Azuma's sedan, igniting trucks with wounded and ammo. By late afternoon, Soviets closed to 50 yards on 3 fronts; armored cars breached rear. Survivors fought desperately. Between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., Azuma led 24 men in a banzai charge, cut down by machine guns. A wounded medical lieutenant ordered escapes; 4 succeeded. Rest killed or captured. Komatsubara belatedly reinforced Yamagata on May 29 with artillery, anti tank guns, and fresh infantry. Sources claim Major Tsuji arrived, rebuked Yamagata for inaction, and spurred corpse recovery over 3 nights, yielding ~200 bodies, including Azuma's. Yamagata withdrew to Kanchuerhmiao, unable to oust foes. Ironically, Remizov mistook recovery truck lights for attacks, briefly pulling back west on May 30. By June 3, discovering the exit, Soviet MPR reoccupied the zone. Japanese blamed:  (1) poor planning/recon by Komatsubara and Yamagata,  (2) comms failures,  (3) Azuma's heavy weapon lack. Losses: ~200 Azuma dead, plus 159 killed, 119 wounded, 12 missing from main force, total 500, 25% of detachment. Soviets praised Vakhtin for thwarting pincers. Claims: Bykov 60 to 70 casualties; TASS 40 killed, 70 wounded total Soviet/MPR. Recent Russian: 138 killed, 198 wounded. MPR cavalry hit hard by Japanese and friendly fire. Soviet media silent until June 26; KwAHQ censored, possibly misleading Tokyo. May 30: Kwantung Chief of Staff General Rensuke Isogai assured AGS of avoiding prolongation via heavy frontier blows, downplaying Soviet buildup and escalation. He requested river crossing gear urgently.   This hinted at Halha invasion (even per Japanese borders: MPR soil). AGS's General Gun Hashimoto affirmed trust in localization: Soviets' vexations manageable, chastisement easy. Colonel Masazumi Inada's section assessed May 31: 1. USSR avoids expansion.  2. Trust Kwantung localization.  3. Intervene on provocative acts like deep MPR air strikes. Phase 1 ended: Kwantung called it mutual win loss, but inaccurate, Azuma destroyed, heavy tolls, remorse gnawing Komatsubara. On June 1, 1939, an urgent summons from Moscow pulled the young deputy commander of the Byelorussian Military District from Minsk to meet Defense Commissar Marshal Kliment Voroshilov. He boarded the first train with no evident concern, even as the army purges faded into memory. This rising cavalry- and tank-expert, Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov, would later help defend Moscow in 1941, triumph at Stalingrad and Kursk, and march to Berlin as a Hero of the Soviet Union.Born in 1896 to a poor family headed by a cobbler, Zhukov joined the Imperial Army in 1915 as a cavalryman. Of average height but sturdy build, he excelled in horsemanship and earned the Cross of St. George and noncommissioned status for bravery in 1916. After the October Revolution, he joined the Red Army and the Bolshevik Party, fighting in the Civil War from 1918 to 1921. His proletarian roots, tactical skill, and ambition propelled him: command of a regiment by 1923, a division by 1931. An early advocate of tanks, he survived the purges, impressing superiors as a results-driven leader and playing a key role in his assignment to Mongolia. In Voroshilov's office on June 2, Zhukov learned of recent clashes. Ordered to fly east, assess the situation, and assume command if needed, he soon met acting deputy chief Ivan Smorodinov, who urged candid reports. Europe's war clouds and rising tensions with Japan concerned the Kremlin. Hours later, Zhukov and his staff flew east. Arriving June 5 at Tamsag Bulak (57th Corps HQ), Zhukov met the staff and found Corps Commander Nikolai Feklenko and most aides clueless; only Regimental Commissar M. S. Nikishev had visited the front. Zhukov toured with Nikishev that afternoon and was impressed by his grasp. By day's end, Zhukov bluntly reported: this is not a simple border incident; the Japanese are likely to escalate; the 57th Corps is inadequate. He suggested holding the eastern Halha bridgehead until reinforcements could enable a counteroffensive, and he criticized Feklenko. Moscow replied on June 6: relieve Feklenko; appoint Zhukov. Reinforcements arrived: the 36th Mechanized Infantry Division; the 7th, 8th, and 9th Mechanized Brigades; the 11th Tank Brigade; the 8th MPR Cavalry Division; a heavy artillery regiment; an air wing of more than 100 aircraft, including 21 pilots who had earned renown in the Spanish Civil War. The force was redesignated as the First Army Group. In June, these forces surged toward Tamsag Bulak, eighty miles west of Halha. However, General Michitaro Komatsubara's 23rd Division and the Kwantung Army Headquarters missed the buildup and the leadership change, an intelligence failure born of carelessness and hubris and echoing May's Azuma disaster, with grave battlefield consequences. Early June remained relatively quiet: the Soviet MPR expanded the east-bank perimeter modestly; there was no major Japanese response. KwAHQ's Commander General Kenkichi Ueda, hoping for a quick closure, toured the Fourth Army from May 31 to June 18. Calm broke on June 19. Komatsubara reported two Soviet strikes inside Manchukuo: 15 planes hit Arshan, inflicting casualties on men and horses; 30 aircraft set fire to 100 petroleum barrels near Kanchuerhmiao. In fact, the raids were less dramatic than described: not on Kanchuerhmiao town (a 3,000-person settlement, 40 miles northwest of Nomonhan) but on a supply dump 12 miles south of it. "Arshan" referred to a small village near the border, near Arshanmiao, a Manchukuoan cavalry depot, not a major railhead at Harlun Arshan 100 miles southeast. The raids were strafing runs rather than bombs. Possibly retaliation for May 15's Japanese raid on the MPR Outpost 7 (two killed, 15 wounded) or a response to Zhukov's bridgehead push. Voroshilov authorized the action; motive remained unclear. Nonetheless, KwAHQ, unused to air attacks after dominating skies in Manchuria, Shanghai (1932), and China, was agitated. The situation resembled a jolt akin to the 1973 North Vietnamese strike on U.S. bases in Thailand: not unprovoked, but shocking. Midday June 19, the Operations Staff met. Major Masanobu Tsuji urged swift reprisal; Colonel Masao Terada urged delay in light of the Tientsin crisis (the new Japanese blockade near Peking). Tsuji argued that firmness at Nomonhan would impress Britain; inaction would invite deeper Soviet bombardments or invasion. He swayed Chief Colonel Takushiro Hattori and others, including Terada. They drafted a briefing: the situation was grave; passivity risked a larger invasion and eroded British respect for Japanese might. After two hours of joint talks, most KwAHQ members supported a strong action. Tsuji drafted a major Halha crossing plan to destroy Soviet MPR forces. Hattori and Terada pressed the plan to Chief of Staff General Rensuke Isogai, an expert on Manchukuo affairs but not operations; he deferred to Deputy General Otozaburo Yano, who was absent. They argued urgency; Isogai noted delays in AGS approval. The pair contended for local Kwantung prerogative, citing the 1937 Amur cancellation; AGS would likely veto. Under pressure, Isogai assented, pending Ueda's approval. Ueda approved but insisted that the 23rd Division lead, not the 7th. Hattori noted the 7th's superiority (four regiments in a "square" arrangement versus the 23rd's three regiments, with May unreliability). Ueda prioritized Komatsubara's honor: assigning another division would imply distrust; "I'd rather die." The plan passed on June 19, an example of gekokujo in action. The plan called for reinforcing the 23rd with: the 2nd Air Group (180 aircraft, Lieutenant General Tetsuji Gigi); the Yasuoka Detachment (Lieutenant General Masaomi Yasuoka: two tank regiments, motorized artillery, and the 26th Infantry of the 7th). Total strength: roughly 15,000 men, 120 guns, 70 tanks, 180 aircraft. KwAHQ estimated the enemy at about 1,000 infantry, 10 artillery pieces, and about 12 armored vehicles, expecting a quick victory. Reconnaissance to Halha was curtailed to avoid alerting the Soviets. Confidence ran high, even as intel warned otherwise. Not all leaders were convinced: the 23rd's ordnance colonel reportedly committed suicide over "awful equipment." An attaché, Colonel Akio Doi, warned of growing Soviet buildup, but operations dismissed the concern. In reality, Zhukov's force comprised about 12,500 men, 109 guns, 186 tanks, 266 armored cars, and more than 100 aircraft, offset by the Soviets' armor advantage. The plan echoed Yamagata's failed May 28 initiative: the 23rd main body would seize the Fui Heights (11 miles north of Halha's Holsten junction), cross by pontoon, and sweep south along the west bank toward the Soviet bridge. Yasuoka would push southeast of Halha to trap and destroy the enemy at the junction. On June 20, Tsuji briefed Komatsubara at Hailar, expressing Ueda's trust while pressing to redeem May's failures. Limited pontoon capacity would not support armor; the operation would be vulnerable to air power. Tsuji's reconnaissance detected Soviet air presence at Tamsag Bulak, prompting a preemptive strike and another plan adjustment. KwAHQ informed Tokyo of the offensive in vague terms (citing raids but withholding air details). Even this caused debate; Minister Seishiro Itagaki supported Ueda's stance, favoring a limited operation to ease nerves. Tokyo concurred, unaware of the air plans. Fearing a veto on the Tamsag Bulak raid (nearly 100 miles behind MPR lines), KwAHQ shielded details from the Soviets and Tokyo. A June 29–30 ground attack was prepared; orders were relayed by courier. The leak reached Tokyo on June 24. Deputy Chief General Tetsuzo Nakajima telegrammed three points: 1) AGS policy to contain the conflict and avoid West MPR air attacks;  2) bombing risks escalation;  3) sending Lieutenant Colonel Yadoru Arisue on June 25 for liaison. Polite Japanese diplomatic phrasing allowed Operations to interpret the message as a suggestion. To preempt Arisue's explicit orders, Tsuji urged secrecy from Ueda, Isogai, and Yano, and an advanced raid to June 27. Arisue arrived after the raid on Tamsag Bulak and Bain Tumen (deeper into MPR territory, now near Choibalsan). The Raid resulted in approximately 120 Japanese planes surprising the Soviets, grounding and destroying aircraft and scrambling their defense. Tsuji, flying in a bomber, claimed 25 aircraft destroyed on the ground and about 100 in the air. Official tallies reported 98 destroyed and 51 damaged; ground kills estimated at 50 to 60 at Bain Tumen. Japanese losses were relatively light: one bomber, two fighters, one scout; seven dead. Another Japanese bomber was shot down over MPR, but the crew was rescued. The raid secured air superiority for July.   Moscow raged over the losses and the perceived failure to warn in time. In the purge era, blame fell on suspected spies and traitors; Deputy Mongolian Commander Luvsandonoi and ex-57th Deputy A. M. Kushchev were accused, arrested, and sent to Moscow. Luvsandonoi was executed; Kushchev received a four-year sentence, later rising to major general and Hero. KwAHQ celebrated; Operations notified AGS by radio. Colonel Masazumi Inada rebuked: "You damned idiot! What do you think the true meaning of this little success is?" A withering reprimand followed. Stunned but unrepentant, KwAHQ soon received Tokyo's formal reprimand: "Report was received today regarding bombing of Outer Mongolian territory by your air units… . Since this action is in fundamental disagreement with policy which we understood your army was taking to settle incident, it is extremely regretted that advance notice of your intent was not received. Needless to say, this matter is attended with such farreaching consequences that it can by no means be left to your unilateral decision. Hereafter, existing policy will be definitely and strictly observed. It is requested that air attack program be discontinued immediately" By Order of the Chief of Staff  By this time, Kwantung Army staff officers stood in high dudgeon. Tsuji later wrote that "tremendous combat results were achieved by carrying out dangerous operations at the risk of our lives. It is perfectly clear that we were carrying out an act of retaliation. What kind of General Staff ignores the psychology of the front lines and tramples on their feelings?" Tsuji drafted a caustic reply, which Kwantung Army commanders sent back to Tokyo, apparently without Ueda or other senior KwAHQ officers' knowledge: "There appear to be certain differences between the Army General Staff and this Army in evaluating the battlefield situation and the measures to be adopted. It is requested that the handling of trivial border-area matters be entrusted to this Army." That sarcastic note from KwAHQ left a deep impression at AGS, which felt something had to be done to restore discipline and order. When General Nakajima informed the Throne about the air raid, the emperor rebuked him and asked who would assume responsibility for the unauthorized attack. Nakajima replied that military operations were ongoing, but that appropriate measures would be taken after this phase ended. Inada sent Terada a telegram implying that the Kwantung Army staff officers responsible would be sacked in due course. Inada pressed to have Tsuji ousted from Kwantung Army immediately, but personnel matters went through the Army Ministry, and Army Minister Itagaki, who knew Tsuji personally, defended him. Tokyo recognized that the situation was delicate; since 1932, Kwantung Army had operated under an Imperial Order to "defend Manchukuo," a broad mandate. Opinions differed in AGS about how best to curb Kwantung Army's operational prerogatives. One idea was to secure Imperial sanction for a new directive limiting Kwantung Army's autonomous combat actions to no more than one regiment. Several other plans circulated. In the meantime, Kwantung Army needed tighter control. On June 29, AGS issued firm instructions to KwAHQ: Directives: a) Kwantung Army is responsible for local settlement of border disputes. b) Areas where the border is disputed, or where defense is tactically unfeasible, need not be defended. Orders: c) Ground combat will be limited to the border region between Manchukuo and Outer Mongolia east of Lake Buir Nor. d) Enemy bases will not be attacked from the air. With this heated exchange of messages, the relationship between Kwantung Army and AGS reached a critical moment. Tsuji called it the "breaking point" between Hsinking and Tokyo. According to Colonel Inada, after this "air raid squabble," gekokujo became much more pronounced in Hsinking, especially within Kwantung Army's Operations Section, which "ceased making meaningful reports" to the AGS Operations Section, which he headed. At KwAHQ, the controversy and the perception of AGS interference in local affairs hardened the resolve of wavering staff officers to move decisively against the USSR. Thereafter, Kwantung Army officers as a group rejected the General Staff's policy of moderation in the Nomonhan incident. Tsuji characterized the conflict between Kwantung Army and the General Staff as the classic clash between combat officers and "desk jockeys." In his view, AGS advocated a policy of not invading enemy territory even if one's own territory was invaded, while Kwantung Army's policy was not to allow invasion. Describing the mindset of the Kwantung Army (and his own) toward the USSR in this border dispute, Tsuji invoked the samurai warrior's warning: "Do not step any closer or I shall be forced to cut you down." Tsuji argued that Kwantung Army had to act firmly at Nomonhan to avoid a larger war later. He also stressed the importance, shared by him and his colleagues, of Kwantung Army maintaining its dignity, which he believed was threatened by both enemy actions and the General Staff. In this emotionally charged atmosphere, the Kwantung Army launched its July offensive. The success of the 2nd Air Group's attack on Tamsag Bulak further inflated KwAHQ's confidence in the upcoming offensive. Although aerial reconnaissance had been intentionally limited to avoid alarming or forewarning the enemy, some scout missions were flown. The scouts reported numerous tank emplacements under construction, though most reports noted few tanks; a single report of large numbers of tanks was downplayed at headquarters. What drew major attention at KwAHQ were reports of large numbers of trucks leaving the front daily and streaming westward into the Mongolian interior. This was interpreted as evidence of a Soviet pullback from forward positions, suggesting the enemy might sense the imminent assault. Orders were issued to speed up final preparations for the assault before Soviet forces could withdraw from the area where the Japanese "meat cleaver" would soon dismember them. What the Japanese scouts had actually observed was not a Soviet withdrawal, but part of a massive truck shuttle that General Grigori Shtern, now commander of Soviet Forces in the Far East, organized to support Zhukov. Each night, Soviet trucks, from distant MPR railway depots to Tamsag Bulak and the combat zone, moved eastward with lights dimmed, carrying supplies and reinforcements. By day, the trucks returned westward for fresh loads. It was these returning trucks, mostly empty, that the Japanese scouts sighted. The Kwantung interpretation of this mass westbound traffic was a serious error, though understandable. The Soviet side was largely ignorant of Japanese preparations, partly because the June 27 air raid had disrupted Soviet air operations, including reconnaissance. In late June, the 23rd Division and Yasuoka's tank force moved from Hailar and Chiangchunmiao toward Nomonhan. A mix of military and civilian vehicles pressed into service, but there was still insufficient motorized transport to move all troops and equipment at once. Most infantry marched the 120 miles to the combat zone, under a hot sun, carrying eighty-pound loads. They arrived after four to six days with little time to recover before the scheduled assault. With Komatsubara's combined force of about 15,000 men, 120 guns, and 70 tanks poised to attack, Kwantung Army estimated Soviet-MPR strength near Nomonhan and the Halha River at about 1,000 men, perhaps ten anti-aircraft guns, ten artillery pieces, and several dozen tanks. In reality, Japanese air activity, especially the big raid of June 27, had put the Soviets on alert. Zhukov suspected a ground attack might occur, though nothing as audacious as a large-scale crossing of the Halha was anticipated. During the night of July 1, Zhukov moved his 11th Tank Brigade, 7th Mechanized Brigade, and 24th Mechanized Infantry Regiment (36th Division) from their staging area near Tamsag Bulak to positions just west of the Halha River. Powerful forces on both sides were being marshaled with little knowledge of the enemy's disposition. As the sun scorched the Mongolian steppes, the stage was set for a clash that would echo through history. General Komatsubara's 23rd Division, bolstered by Yasuoka's armored might and the skies commanded by Gigi's air group, crept toward the Halha River like a predator in the night. Fifteen thousand Japanese warriors, their boots heavy with dust and resolve, prepared to cross the disputed waters and crush what they believed was a faltering foe. Little did they know, Zhukov's reinforcements, tanks rumbling like thunder, mechanized brigades poised in the shadows, had transformed the frontier into a fortress of steel. Miscalculations piled like sand dunes: Japanese scouts mistook supply convoys for retreats, while Soviet eyes, blinded by the June raid, underestimated the impending storm. Kwantung's gekokujo spirit burned bright, defying Tokyo's cautions, as both sides hurtled toward a brutal reckoning. What began as border skirmishes now threatened to erupt into full-scale war, testing the mettle of empires on the edge. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Patrols in May led to failed Japanese offensives, like Colonel Yamagata's disastrous assault and the Azuma detachment's annihilation. Tensions rose with air raids, including Japan's June strike on Soviet bases. By July, misjudged intelligence set the stage for a major confrontation, testing imperial ambitions amid global war clouds.

Last time we spoke about The Battle of Suixian–Zaoyang-Shatow. Following the brutal 1938 capture of Wuhan, Japanese forces aimed to solidify their hold by launching an offensive against Chinese troops in the 5th War Zone, a rugged natural fortress in northern Hubei and southern Henan. Under General Yasuji Okamura, the 11th Army deployed three divisions and cavalry in a pincer assault starting May 1, 1939, targeting Suixian and Zaoyang to crush Nationalist resistance and secure flanks. Chinese commander Li Zongren, leveraging terrain like the Dabie and Tongbai Mountains, orchestrated defenses with over 200,000 troops, including Tang Enbo's 31st Army Group. By May 23, they recaptured Suixian and Zaoyang, forcing a Japanese withdrawal with heavy losses, over 13,000 Japanese casualties versus 25,000 Chinese, restoring pre-battle lines. Shifting south, Japan targeted Shantou in Guangdong to sever supply lines from Hong Kong. In a massive June 21 amphibious assault, the 21st Army overwhelmed thin Chinese defenses, capturing the port and Chao'an despite guerrilla resistance led by Zhang Fakui. Though losses mounted, Japan tightened its blockade, straining China's war effort amid ongoing attrition.   #188 From Changkufeng to Nomonhan Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Well hello again, and yes you all have probably guessed we are taking another detour. Do not worry I hope to shorten this one a bit more so than what became a sort of mini series on the battle of Changkufeng or Battle of Lake Khasan. What we are about to jump into is known in the west as the battle of khalkin Gol, by the Japanese the Nomohan incident. But first I need to sort of set the table up so to say. So back on August 10th, 1938 the Litvinov-Shigemitsu agreement established a joint border commission tasked with redemarcating the disputed boundary between the Soviet Union and Japanese-controlled Manchukuo. However, this commission never achieved a mutually agreeable definition of the border in the contested area. In reality, the outcome was decided well before the group's inaugural meeting. Mere hours after the cease-fire took effect on the afternoon of August 11, General Grigory Shtern convened with a regimental commander from Japan's 19th Division to coordinate the disengagement of forces. With the conflict deemed "honorably" concluded, Japan's Imperial General Headquarters mandated the swift withdrawal of all Japanese troops to the west bank of the Tumen River. By the night of August 13, as the final Japanese soldier crossed the river, it effectively became the de facto border. Soviet forces promptly reoccupied Changkufeng Hill and the adjacent heights—a move that would carry unexpected and profound repercussions. Authoritative Japanese military analyses suggest that if negotiations in Moscow had dragged on for just one more day, the 19th Division would likely have been dislodged from Changkufeng and its surrounding elevations. Undoubtedly, General Shtern's infantry breathed a sigh of relief as the bloodshed ceased. Yet, one can't help but question why Moscow opted for a cease-fire at a juncture when Soviet troops were on the cusp of total battlefield triumph. Perhaps Kremlin leaders deemed it wiser to settle for a substantial gain, roughly three-quarters of their objectives, rather than risk everything. After all, Japan had mobilized threatening forces in eastern Manchuria, and the Imperial Army had a history of impulsive, unpredictable aggression. Moreover, amid the escalating crisis over Czechoslovakia, Moscow may have been wary of provoking a broader Asian conflict. Another theory posits that Soviet high command was misinformed about the ground situation. Reports of capturing a small segment of Changkufeng's crest might have been misinterpreted as control over the entire ridge, or an imminent full takeover before midnight on August 10. The unexpected phone call from Foreign Minister Maxim Litvinov to the Japanese embassy that night—proposing a one-kilometer Japanese retreat in exchange for a cease-fire along existing lines—hints at communication breakdowns between Shtern's headquarters and the Kremlin. Ironically, such lapses may have preserved Japanese military honor, allowing the 19th Division's evacuation through diplomacy rather than defeat. Both sides endured severe losses. Initial Japanese press reports claimed 158 killed and 740 wounded. However, the 19th Division's medical logs reveal a grimmer toll: 526 dead and 914 injured, totaling 1,440 casualties. The true figure may have climbed higher, possibly to 1,500–2,000. Following the armistice, the Soviet news agency TASS reported 236 Red Army fatalities and 611 wounded. Given Shtern's uphill assaults across open terrain against entrenched positions, these numbers seem understated. Attackers in such scenarios typically suffered two to three times the defenders' losses, suggesting Soviet casualties ranged from 3,000 to 5,000. This aligns with a Soviet Military Council investigation on August 31, 1938, which documented 408 killed and 2,807 wounded. Japanese estimates placed Soviet losses even higher, at 4,500–7,000. Not all victims perished in combat. Marshal Vasily Blyukher, a decorated Soviet commander, former warlord of the Far East, and Central Committee candidate, was summoned to Moscow in August 1938. Relieved of duty in September and arrested with his family in October, he faced charges of inadequate preparation against Japanese aggression and harboring "enemies of the people" within his ranks. On November 9, 1938, Blyukher died during interrogation a euphemism for torture-induced death.Other innocents suffered as well. In the wake of the fighting, Soviet authorities deported hundreds of thousands of Korean rice farmers from the Ussuri region to Kazakhstan, aiming to eradicate Korean settlements that Japanese spies had allegedly exploited. The Changkufeng clash indirectly hampered Japan's Wuhan offensive, a massive push to subdue China. The influx of troops and supplies for this campaign was briefly disrupted by the border flare-up. Notably, Kwantung Army's 2nd Air Group, slated for Wuhan, was retained due to the Soviet threat. Chiang Kai-shek's drastic measure, breaching the Yellow River dikes to flood Japanese advance routes—further delayed the assault. By October 25, 1938, when Japanese forces captured Hankow, Chiang had relocated his capital to distant Chungking. Paradoxically, Wuhan's fall cut rail links from Canton inland, heightening Chiang's reliance on Soviet aid routed overland and by air from Central Asia. Japan secured a tactical win but missed the decisive blow; Chinese resistance persisted, pinning down a million Japanese troops in occupation duties. What was the true significance of Changkufeng? For General Koiso Suetaka and the 19th Division, it evoked a mix of bitterness and pride. Those eager for combat got their share, though not on their terms. To veterans mourning fallen comrades on those desolate slopes, it might have felt like senseless tragedy. Yet, they fought valiantly under dire conditions, holding firm until a retreat that blended humiliation with imperial praise, a bittersweet inheritance. For the Red Army, it marked a crucial trial of resolve amid Stalin's purges. While Shtern's forces didn't shine brilliantly, they acquitted themselves well in adversity. The U.S. military attaché in Moscow observed that any purge-related inefficiencies had been surmounted, praising the Red Army's valor, reliability, and equipment. His counterpart in China, Colonel Joseph Stilwell, put it bluntly: the Soviets "appeared to advantage," urging skeptics to rethink notions of a weakened Red Army. Yet, by World War II's eve, many British, French, German, and Japanese leaders still dismissed it as a "paper tiger." Soviet leaders appeared content, promoting Shtern to command the Transbaikal Military District and colonel general by 1940, while honoring "Heroes of Lake Khasan" with medals. In a fiery November 7, 1938, speech, Marshal Kliment Voroshilov warned that future incursions would prompt strikes deep into enemy territory. Tokyo's views diverged sharply. Many in the military and government saw it as a stain on Imperial Army prestige, especially Kwantung Army, humiliated on Manchukuo soil it swore to protect. Colonel Masanobu Tsuji Inada, however, framed it as a successful reconnaissance, confirming Soviet border defense without broader aggression, allowing the Wuhan push to proceed safely. Critics, including Major General Gun Hashimoto and historians, questioned this. They argued IGHQ lacked contingency plans for a massive Soviet response, especially with Wuhan preparations underway since June. One expert warned Japan had "played with fire," risking Manchuria and Korea if escalation occurred. Yet, Japanese commanders gleaned few lessons, downplaying Soviet materiel superiority and maintaining disdain for Red Army prowess. The 19th Division's stand against outnumbered odds reinforced this hubris, as did tolerance for local insubordination—attitudes that would prove costly. The Kremlin, conversely, learned Japan remained unpredictable despite its China quagmire. But for Emperor Hirohito's intervention, the conflict might have ballooned. Amid purges and the Czech crisis, Stalin likely viewed it as a reminder of eastern vulnerabilities, especially with Munich advancing German threats westward. Both sides toyed with peril. Moderation won in Tokyo, but Kwantung Army seethed. On August 11, Premier Fumimaro Konoye noted the need for caution. Kwantung, however, pushed for and secured control of the disputed salient from Chosen Army by October 8, 1938. Even winter's chill couldn't quench their vengeful fire, setting the stage for future confrontations. A quick look at the regional map reveals how Manchukuo and the Mongolian People's Republic each jut into the other's territory like protruding salients. These bulges could be seen as aggressive thrusts into enemy land, yet they also risked encirclement and absorption by the opposing empire. A northward push from western Manchuria through Mongolia could sever the MPR and Soviet Far East from the USSR's heartland. Conversely, a pincer movement from Mongolia and the Soviet Maritime Province might envelop and isolate Manchukuo. This dynamic highlights the frontier's strategic volatility in the 1930s. One particularly tense sector was the broad Mongolian salient extending about 150 miles eastward into west-central Manchukuo. There, in mid-1939, Soviet-Japanese tensions erupted into major combat. Known to the Japanese as the Nomonhan Incident and to the Soviets and Mongolians as the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, this clash dwarfed the earlier Changkufeng affair in scale, duration, and impact. Spanning four months and claiming 30,000 to 50,000 casualties, it amounted to a small undeclared war, the modern era's first limited conflict between great powers. The Mongolian salient features vast, semiarid plains of sandy grassland, gently rolling terrain dotted with sparse scrub pines and low shrubs. The climate is unforgivingly continental: May brings hot days and freezing nights, while July and August see daytime highs exceeding 38°C (100°F in American units), with cool evenings. Swarms of mosquitoes and massive horseflies necessitate netting in summer. Rainfall is scarce, but dense morning fogs are common in August. Come September, temperatures plummet, with heavy snows by October and midwinter lows dipping to –34°C. This blend of North African aridity and North Dakotan winters supports only sparse populations, mainly two related but distinct Mongol tribes. The Buriat (or Barga) Mongols migrated into the Nomonhan area from the northwest in the late 17th to early 18th centuries, likely fleeing Russian expansion after the 1689 Treaty of Nerchinsk. Organized by Manchu emperors between 1732 and 1735, they settled east of the river they called Khalkhin Gol (Mongolian for "river"), in lands that would later become Manchukuo. The Khalkha Mongols, named for the word meaning "barrier" or "shield," traditionally guarded the Mongol Empire's northern frontiers. Their territories lay west of the Buriats, in what would become the MPR. For centuries, these tribes herded livestock across sands, river crossings, and desert paths, largely oblivious to any formal borders. For hundreds of years, the line dividing the Mongolian salient from western Manchuria was a hazy administrative divide within the Qing Empire. In the 20th century, Russia's detachment of Outer Mongolia and Japan's seizure of Manchuria transformed this vague boundary into a frontline between rival powers. The Nomonhan Incident ignited over this contested border. Near the salient's northeastern edge, the river, called Khalkhin Gol by Mongols and Soviets, and Halha by Manchurians and Japanese, flows northwest into Lake Buir Nor. The core dispute: Was the river, as Japan asserted, the historic boundary between Manchukuo and the MPR? Soviet and MPR officials insisted the line ran parallel to and 10–12 miles east of the river, claiming the intervening strip. Japan cited no fewer than 18 maps, from Chinese and Japanese sources, to support the river as the border, a logical choice in such barren terrain, where it served as the sole natural divider. Yet, Soviets and Mongolians countered with evidence like a 1919 Chinese postal atlas and maps from Japanese and Manchukuoan agencies (1919–1934). Unbeknownst to combatants, in July 1939, China's military attaché in Moscow shared a 1934 General Staff map with his American counterpart, showing the border east of the river. Postwar Japanese studies of 18th-century Chinese records confirm that in 1734, the Qing emperor set a boundary between Buriat and Khalkha Mongols east of the river, passing through the hamlet of Nomonhan—as the Soviets claimed. However, Kwantung Army Headquarters dismissed this as non-binding, viewing it as an internal Qing affair without Russian involvement. Two former Kwantung Army officers offer a pragmatic explanation: From 1931 to 1935, when Soviet forces in the Far East were weak, Japanese and Manchukuoan authorities imposed the river as the de facto border, with MPR acquiescence. By the mid- to late 1930s, as Soviet strength grew, Japan refused to yield, while Mongolians and Soviets rejected the river line, sparking clashes. In 1935, Kwantung Army revised its maps to align with the river claim. From late that year, the Lake Buir Nor–Halha sector saw frequent skirmishes between Manchukuoan and MPR patrols. Until mid-1938, frontier defense in northwestern Manchukuo fell to the 8th Border Garrison Unit , based near Hailar. This 7,000-man force, spread thin, lacked mobility, training, and, in Kwantung Army's eyes, combat readiness. That summer, the newly formed 23rd Division, under Kwantung Army, took station at Hailar, absorbing the 8th BGU under its command, led by Lieutenant General Michitaro Komatsubara. At 52, Komatsubara was a premier Russian specialist in the Imperial Army, with stints as military attaché in the USSR and head of Kwantung's Special Services Agency in Harbin. Standing 5'7" with a sturdy build, glasses, and a small mustache, he was detail-oriented, keeping meticulous diaries, writing lengthy letters, and composing poetry, though he lacked combat experience. Before departing Tokyo in July 1938, Komatsubara received briefings from Colonel Masazumi Inada, AGS Operations Section chief. Amid planning for Changkufeng, Inada urged calm on the Manchukuo-MPR border given China's ongoing campaigns. Guidelines: Ignore minor incidents, prioritize intelligence on Soviet forces east of Lake Baikal, and study operations against the Soviet Far East's western sector. Familiar with the region from his Harbin days, Komatsubara adopted a low-key approach. Neither impulsive nor aggressive, he kept the green 23rd Division near Hailar, delegating patrols to the 8th BGU. An autumn incident underscores his restraint. On November 1, 1938, an 8th BGU patrol was ambushed by MPR forces. Per Japanese accounts, the three-man team, led by a lieutenant, strayed too close to the border and was attacked 50 meters inside Manchukuo. The lieutenant escaped, but his men died. Komatsubara sent an infantry company to secure the site but forbade retaliation. He pursued body recovery diplomatically, protested to MPR and Soviet officials, and disciplined his officers: garrison leaders got five days' confinement for poor troop training, the lieutenant thirty days. Despite this caution, pressures at AGS and KwAHQ were mounting, poised to thrust the 23rd Division into fierce battle. Modern militaries routinely develop contingency plans against potential adversaries, and the mere existence of such strategies doesn't inherently signal aggressive intentions. That said, shifts in Japan's operational planning vis-à-vis the Soviet Union may have inadvertently fueled the Nomonhan Incident. From 1934 to 1938, Japanese war scenarios emphasized a massive surprise assault in the Ussuri River region, paired with defensive holding actions in northwestern Manchuria. However, between mid-1938 and early 1939, a clandestine joint task force from the Army General Staff  and Kwantung Army's Operations Departments crafted a bold new blueprint. This revised strategy proposed containing Soviet forces in the east and north while unleashing a full-scale offensive from Hailar, advancing west-northwest toward Chita and ultimately Lake Baikal. The goal: sever the Transbaikal Soviet Far East from the USSR's core. Dubbed Plan Eight-B, it gained Kwantung Army's endorsement in March 1939. Key architects—Colonels Takushiro Hattori and Masao Terada, along with Major Takeharu Shimanuki—were reassigned from AGS to Kwantung Army Headquarters to oversee implementation. The plan anticipated a five-year buildup before execution, with Hattori assuming the role of chief operations staff officer.  A map review exposes a glaring vulnerability in Plan Eight-B: the Japanese advance would leave its southern flank exposed to Soviet counterstrikes from the Mongolian salient. By spring 1939, KwAHQ likely began perceiving this protrusion as a strategic liability. Notably, at the outbreak of Nomonhan hostilities, no detailed operational contingencies for the area had been formalized. Concurrently, Japan initiated plans for a vital railroad linking Harlun Arshan to Hailar. While its direct tie to Plan Eight-B remains unclear, the route skirted perilously close to the Halha River, potentially heightening KwAHQ's focus on the disputed Mongolian salient. In early 1939, the 23rd Division intensified reconnaissance patrols near the river. Around this time, General Grigory Shtern, freshly appointed commander of Soviet Far Eastern forces, issued a public warning that Japan was gearing up for an assault on the Mongolian People's Republic. As Plan Eight-B took shape and railroad proposals advanced, KwAHQ issued a strikingly confrontational set of guidelines for frontier troops. These directives are often cited as a catalyst for the Nomonhan clash, forging a chain linking the 1937 Amur River incident, the 1938 Changkufeng debacle, and the 1939 conflict.Resentment had festered at KwAHQ over perceived AGS meddling during the Amur affair, which curtailed their command autonomy. This frustration intensified at Changkufeng, where General Kamezo Suetaka's 19th Division endured heavy losses, only for the contested Manchukuoan territory to be effectively ceded. Kwantung Army lobbied successfully to wrest oversight of the Changkufeng salient from Chosen Army. In November 1938, Major Masanobu Tsuji of KwAHQ's Operations Section was sent to survey the site. The audacious officer was dismayed: Soviet forces dominated the land from the disputed ridge to the Tumen River. Tsuji undertook several winter reconnaissance missions. His final outing in March 1939 involved leading 40 men to Changkufeng's base. With rifles slung non-threateningly, they ascended to within 200 yards of Soviet lines, formed a line, and urinated in unison, eliciting amused reactions from the enemy. They then picnicked with obentos and sake, sang army tunes, and left gifts of canned meat, chocolates, and whiskey. This theatrical stunt concealed Tsuji's real aim: covert photography proving Soviet fortifications encroached on Manchukuoan soil. Tsuji was a singular figure. Born of modest means, he embodied a modern samurai ethos, channeling a sharp intellect into a frail, often ailing body through feats of extraordinary daring. A creative tactician, he thrived in intelligence ops, political scheming, aerial scouting, planning, and frontline command—excelling across a tumultuous career. Yet, flaws marred his brilliance: narrow bigotry, virulent racism, and capacity for cruelty. Ever the ambitious outsider, Tsuji wielded outsized influence via gekokujo—Japan's tradition of subordinates steering policy from below. In 1939, he was a major, but his pivotal role at Nomonhan stemmed from this dynamic. Back in Hsinking after his Changkufeng escapade, Tsuji drafted a response plan: negotiate border "rectification" with the Soviets; if talks failed, launch an attack to expel intruders. Kwantung Army adopted it. Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Otozaburo Yano flew to Tokyo with Tsuji's photos, seeking AGS approval. There, he was rebuffed—Changkufeng was deemed settled, and minor violations should be overlooked amid Tokyo's aversion to Soviet conflict. Yano's plea that leniency would invite aggression was countered by notes on Europe's tensions restraining Moscow. Yano's return sparked outrage at KwAHQ, seen as AGS thwarting their imperial duty to safeguard Manchukuo. Fury peaked in the Operations Section, setting the stage for Tsuji's drafting of stringent new frontier guidelines: "Principles for the Settlement of Soviet-Manchukuoan Border Disputes." The core tenet: "If Soviet troops transgress the Manchukuoan frontiers, Kwantung Army will nip their ambitions in the bud by completely destroying them." Specific directives for local commanders included: "If the enemy crosses the frontiers … annihilate him without delay, employing strength carefully built up beforehand. To accomplish our mission, it is permissible to enter Soviet territory, or to trap or lure Soviet troops into Manchukuoan territory and allow them to remain there for some time… . Where boundary lines are not clearly defined, area defense commanders will, upon their own initiative, establish boundaries and indicate them to the forward elements… . In the event of an armed clash, fight until victory is won, regardless of relative strengths or of the location of the boundaries. If the enemy violates the borders, friendly units must challenge him courageously and endeavor to triumph in their zone of action without concerning themselves about the consequences, which will be the responsibility of higher headquarters." Major Tsuji Masanobu later justified the new guidelines by pointing to the "contradictory orders" that had hamstrung frontier commanders under the old rules. They were tasked with upholding Manchukuo's territorial integrity yet forbidden from actions that might spark conflict. This, Tsuji argued, bred hesitation, as officers feared repercussions for decisive responses to incursions. The updated directives aimed to alleviate this "anxiety," empowering local leaders to act boldly without personal liability. In truth, Tsuji's "Principles for the Settlement of Soviet-Manchukuoan Border Disputes" were more incendiary than conciliatory. They introduced provocative measures: authorizing commanders to unilaterally define unclear boundaries, enforce them with immediate force "shoot first, ask questions later", permit pursuits into enemy territory, and even encourage luring adversaries across the line. Such tactics flouted both government policy and official army doctrine, prioritizing escalation over restraint. The proposals sparked intense debate within Kwantung Army's Operations Section. Section chief Colonel Takushiro Hattori and Colonel Masao Terada outranked Tsuji, as did Major Takeharu Shimanuki, all recent transfers from the Army General Staff. Tsuji, however, boasted longer tenure at Kwantung Army Headquarters since April 1936 and in Operations since November 1937, making him the de facto veteran. Hattori and Terada hesitated to challenge the assertive major, whose reputation for intellect, persuasion, and deep knowledge of Manchuria commanded respect. In a 1960 interview, Shimanuki recalled Tsuji's dominance in discussions, where his proactive ideas often swayed the group. Unified, the section forwarded Tsuji's plan to Kwantung Army Command. Commander Lieutenant General Kenkichi Ueda consulted Chief of Staff General Rensuke Isogai and Vice Chief General Otozaburo Yano, seasoned leaders who should have spotted the guidelines' volatility. Yet, lingering grudges from AGS "interference" in past incidents like the Amur River and Changkufeng clouded their judgment. Ueda, Isogai, and Tsuji shared history from the 1932 Shanghai Incident: Tsuji, then a captain, led a company in the 7th Regiment under Colonel Isogai, with Yano as staff officer and Ueda commanding the 9th Division. Tsuji was wounded there, forging bonds of camaraderie. This "clique," which grew to include Hattori, Terada, and Shimanuki, amplified Tsuji's influence. Despite Isogai's initial reservations as the group's moderate voice, the guidelines won approval. Ueda issued them as Kwantung Army Operations Order 1488 on April 25, 1939, during a division commanders' conference at KwAHQ. A routine copy reached AGS in Tokyo, but no formal reply came. Preoccupied with the China War and alliance talks with Germany, AGS may have overlooked border matters. Colonel Masazumi Inada, AGS Operations head, later noted basic acceptance of Order 1488, with an informal expectation—relayed to Hattori and Terada—of prior consultation on violations. KwAHQ dismissed this as another Tokyo intrusion on their autonomy. Some Japanese analysts contend a stern AGS rejection might have prevented Nomonhan's catastrophe, though quelling Kwantung's defiance could have required mass staff reassignments, a disruptive step AGS avoided. Tsuji countered that permitting forceful action at Changkufeng would have deterred Nomonhan altogether, underscoring the interconnectedness of these clashes while implicitly critiquing the 1939 battle's location. Undeniably, Order 1488's issuance on April 25 paved the way for conflict three weeks later. Japanese records confirm that Khalkha Mongols and MPR patrols routinely crossed the Halha River—viewed by them as internal territory, 10 miles from the true border. Such crossings passed uneventfully in March and April 1939. Post-Order 1488, however, 23rd Division commander General Michitaro Komatsubara responded aggressively, setting the stage for escalation. The Nomonhan Incident ignited with a border clash on May 11–12, 1939, that rapidly spiraled into a major conflict. Over a dozen "authoritative" accounts exist, varying in viewpoint, focus, and specifics. After cross-referencing these sources, a coherent timeline emerges. On the night of May 10–11, a 20-man Mongolian People's Republic border patrol crossed eastward over the Halha River (known as Khalkhin Gol to Mongols and Soviets). About 10 miles east, atop a 150-foot sandy hill, lay the tiny hamlet of Nomonhan, a cluster of crude huts housing a few Mongol families. Just south flowed the Holsten River, merging westward into the broader Halha. By morning on May 11, Manchukuoan forces spotted the MPR patrol north of the Holsten and west of Nomonhan. In the MPR/Soviet perspective, Nomonhan Hill marked the Mongolia-Manchuria border. To Manchukuoans and Japanese, it sat 10 miles inside Manchukuo, well east of the Halha. A 40-man Manchukuoan cavalry unit repelled the Mongolians back across the river, inflicting initial casualties on both sides—the Manchukuoans drawing first blood. The MPR patrol leader exaggerated the attackers as 200 strong. The next day, May 12, a 60-man MPR force under Major P. Chogdan evicted the Manchukuoans from the disputed zone, reestablishing positions between the Halha and Nomonhan. The Manchukuoans, in turn, reported facing 700 enemies. Sporadic skirmishes and maneuvering persisted through the week. On May 13, two days post-clash, the local Manchukuoan commander alerted General Michitaro Komatsubara's 23rd Division headquarters in Hailar. Simultaneously, Major Chogdan reported to Soviet military command in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital. What began as a Mongolian-Manchukuoan spat was poised to draw in Soviet and Japanese patrons. Attributing the May 10–11 violation hinges on border interpretations: both sides claimed the Halha-Nomonhan strip. Yet, most accounts concur that Manchukuoan forces initiated the fighting. Post-May 13 notifications to Moscow and Tokyo clarify the record thereafter. Midday on May 13, Komatsubara was leading a staff conference on the newly issued Kwantung Army Operations Order 1488—Major Tsuji Masanobu's aggressive border guidelines. Ironically, the first Nomonhan combat report arrived mid-discussion. Officers present recall Komatsubara deciding instantly to "destroy the invading Outer Mongolian forces" per Order 1488. That afternoon, he informed Kwantung Army Headquarters of the incident and his intent to eradicate the intruders, requesting air support and trucks. General Kenkichi Ueda, Kwantung commander, approved Komatsubara's "positive attitude," dispatching six scout planes, 40 fighters, 10 light bombers, two anti-aircraft batteries, and two motorized transport companies. Ueda added a caveat: exercise "extreme caution" to prevent escalation—a paradoxical blend of destruction and restraint, reflective of KwAHQ's fervent mood. Ueda relayed the details to Tokyo's Army General Staff, which responded that Kwantung should handle it "appropriately." Despite Kwantung's impulsive reputation, Tokyo deferred, perhaps trusting the northern strategic imbalance, eight Japanese divisions versus 30 Soviet ones from Lake Baikal to Vladivostok, would enforce prudence. This faith proved misguided. On May 14, Major Tsuji flew from KwAHQ for aerial reconnaissance over Nomonhan, spotting 20 horses but no troops. Upon landing, a fresh bullet hole in his plane confirmed lingering MPR presence east of the Halha. Tsuji briefed 23rd Division staff and reported to Ueda that the incident seemed minor. Aligning with Order 1488's spirit, Komatsubara deployed a force under Lieutenant Colonel Yaozo Azuma: an armored car company, two infantry companies, and a cavalry troop. Arriving at Nomonhan on May 15, Azuma learned most MPR forces had retreated westward across the Halha the prior night, with only token elements remaining, and those withdrawing. Undeterred, he pursued. The advance met scant resistance, as foes had crossed the river. However, Japanese light bombers struck a small MPR concentration on the west bank, Outpost Number 7, killing two and wounding 15 per MPR reports; Japanese claimed 30–40 kills. All agree: the raid targeted undisputed MPR territory. Hearing of May 15's events, Komatsubara deemed the Mongolians sufficiently rebuked and recalled Azuma to Hailar on May 16. KwAHQ concurred, closing the matter. Soviet leaders, however, saw it differently. Mid-May prompted Soviet support for the MPR under their 1936 Mutual Defense Pact. The Red Army's 57th Corps, stationed in Mongolia, faced initial disarray: Commander Nikolai Feklenko was hunting, Chief of Staff A. M. Kushchev in Ulan Ude with his ill wife. Moscow learned of clashes via international press from Japanese sources, sparking Chief of Staff Boris Shaposhnikov's furious inquiry. Feklenko and Kushchev rushed back to Ulaanbaatar, dispatching a mixed force—a battalion from the 149th Infantry Regiment (36th Division), plus light armor and artillery from the 11th Tank Brigade—to Tamsag Bulak, 80 miles west of the Halha. Led by Major A. E. Bykov, it bolstered the MPR's 6th Cavalry Division. Bykov and Cavalry Commander Colonel Shoaaiibuu inspected the site on May 15, post-Azum's departure. The cavalry arrived two days later, backed by Bykov (ordered to remain west of the river and avoid combat if possible). Some MPR troops recrossed, occupying the disputed zone. Clashes with Manchukuoan cavalry resumed and intensified. Notified of renewed hostilities, Komatsubara viewed it as defiance, a personal affront. Emboldened by Order 1488, he aimed not just to repel but to encircle and annihilate. The incident was on the verge of major expansion. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The ghosts of the Changufeng incident have come back to haunt both the USSR and Japan. Those like Tsuji Masanobu instigated yet another border clash that would erupt into a full blown battle that would set a precedent for both nations until the very end of WW2. 

Today, we are heading back to the Burma campaign, but through a slightly different lens. Rather than focusing on a single battle or operation, we examine three men who shaped how the war in Burma was fought and ultimately won. When people think of British commanders in the Far East, one name usually stands out: Bill Slim. His leadership of the Fourteenth Army and the victories at Imphal, Kohima and the advance into Burma rightly secure his place among Britain's most successful wartime commanders. Claude Auchinleck is also well known, though more often for the Middle East than for his crucial role in India during the later war years. But there is a third figure who is far less familiar, Reginald Savory. He was not a battlefield commander in the popular sense, but his influence on training, doctrine and the transformation of the Indian Army was profound. Without the changes he helped drive, the victories of 1944 and 1945 would have looked very different. Today, I am joined by Alan Jefferys and Raymond Callahan, authors of Churchill's Forgotten Generals: Victors in Burma. In the book, they bring these three careers together, showing how Auchinleck, Slim and Savory were shaped by the Indian Army, how they learned from early defeat, and how their combined efforts turned Burma from disaster into success. What makes this story so compelling is that it is not just about command at the front. It is about institutions, training, morale and the hard work of learning how to fight a modern jungle war.   patreon.com/ww2podcast