Podcasts about Fearing

Amanda Holmes reads Kenneth Fearing's “If Money.” Have a suggestion for a poem by a (dead) writer? Email us: podcast@theamericanscholar.org. If we select your entry, you'll win a copy of a poetry collection edited by David Lehman.This episode was produced by Stephanie Bastek and features the song “Canvasback” by Chad Crouch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Fearing the Commandment (2) Subtitle: A Character Study in Proverbs Speaker: Rev. Todd Ruddell Broadcaster: Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Event: Sunday - PM Date: 8/31/2025 Bible: Proverbs 12:13-18 Length: 53 min.

Message from Alvin Litonjua on August 31, 2025

PRC: Fearing history. Steve Yates, Gordon Chang @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill

Psalm 25:12 YLTWho [is] this -- the man fearing Jehovah? He directeth him in the way He doth choose.

In this episode, we sit down with producer Joseph Restaino to talk about What We Hide, a gripping new film that dives into the lives of two sisters who make an unthinkable choice after their mother's fatal overdose. Fearing the foster system will separate them, they hide the body—but their lie threatens to unravel, forcing them to confront how far they'll go to protect one another.Joseph shares what drew him to the project, the challenges of producing such an emotionally charged story, and how the film balances suspense with heartbreaking humanity.Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at a story of survival, sisterhood, and the secrets we carry.

This week, the Anti-Dystopians talks to an expert in dystopia! Matthew Cole is a scholar of political theory and an Assistant Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences Binghamton University. His book “Fear the Future: Dystopia and Political Imagination in the 20th century” explores the history of dystopian thinking and why so many dystopian books have captured our political imagination (or indeed, accurately predicted our political future). We discuss the history of utopianism and dystopianism, whyy the emerged so prominently in the 20th century, and how dystopian literature and slogans (from “Make Atwood Fiction Again” to “1984 Was Not an Instruction Manual”) have come to characterize today's political resistance movements. For a complete reading list from the episode, check out the Anti-Dystopians substack at bit.ly/3kuGM5X.You can follow Alina Utrata on Bluesky at @alinau27.bsky.socialAll episodes of the Anti-Dystopians are hosted and produced by Alina Utrata and are freely available to all listeners. To support the production of the show, subscribe to the newsletter at bit.ly/3kuGM5X.Nowhere Land by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4148-nowhere-landLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Fearing the Commandment Subtitle: A Character Study in Proverbs Speaker: Rev. Todd Ruddell Broadcaster: Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Event: Sunday - PM Date: 8/24/2025 Bible: Proverbs 13:13-18 Length: 55 min.

Reading Psalms 128 followed by a brief discussion and encouragement.

Message from Alvin Litonjua on August 24, 2025

Touched by an Angel 1 Kings 19 Chew the Bible Season 3After Elijah's victory over the prophets of Baal, Queen Jezebel threatens to kill him. Fearing for his life, Elijah flees into the wilderness, discouraged and weary. He prays for God to take his life, but instead God provides for him—an angel gives him food and water to strengthen him. Elijah then journeys forty days and nights to Mount Horeb, where he takes refuge in a cave.God speaks to him there, not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. Elijah realizes God's presence comes not just through dramatic displays, but also in quietness. God reassures him, giving him new instructions and reminding him that he is not alone—7,000 in Israel have not bowed to Baal. Elijah is renewed in strength and continues his mission.Your words were found and I ate them

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Message from Alvin Litonjua on August 17, 2025

Stressed About Money? The Hidden Trap for High Achievers & a Path to Peace with Joyce Marter "I make good money… so why am I still stressed?" If this thought keeps you up, you're not alone. Maybe you have a good career & nice home but you still worry about retirement, rising college costs, or just wanting to feel secure. Everyone assumes you've got it all figured out. Secretly, you're unsettled & wonder if it's enough.   Licensed psychotherapist Joyce Marter understands. While building her successful practice, she was outwardly thriving, but privately suffering with anxiety. What she discovered: money stress often isn't about the numbers, it's rooted in inherited beliefs & old emotional patterns.   Your Money Story Wasn't Your Choice The thoughts of “I should be further ahead” or “why is success so hard?” often come from generational experiences. If your family went through financial hardship, your nervous system might be wired for anxiety. As a child, you may have learned: money means danger.   Common inherited money beliefs include:   Working nonstop because “rest equals laziness” Thinking you must “suffer now to enjoy later” Feeling guilty for wanting more when you “should be grateful” Fearing investment because “money doesn't grow on trees”   Financial anxiety isn't a character flaw—it's a learned survival response.   Financial Freedom Isn't About More Money The truth: Your net worth is not your self-worth.   “Our money situation is how we are. It's not who we are,” Joyce says. “Who we are is innate.” Your value doesn't depend on your bank account, debt, or choices. True financial self-care means healing emotional roots of stress & scarcity. Building Financial and Emotional Resilience Recovery is about navigating uncertainty without losing yourself.  It's time to break old patterns & find peace.   Episode Highlights Your relationship with money: [0:37] - Why your financial situation doesn't define your identity or self-worth [4:11] - How inherited money beliefs create anxiety in successful adults Shame and mental health: [6:06] - The hidden mental health crisis among high-earners: when financial stress becomes dangerous [10:25] - "I should be further ahead by now": Breaking the shame cycle around money Growth & Peace: [14:54] - Why growth requires letting go (even when it feels scary) [21:22] - Three mindfulness practices to reduce financial anxiety starting today [29:28] - The future of work: Why your unique gifts matter more than ever   Powerful Quotes "Our money situation is how we are. It's not who we are. Who we are is innate, and whether we're going through turbulent times financially or not, that's separate from our worth." –Joyce Marter   Resources Mentioned Joyce's website: https://www.joyce-marter.com Financial Mindset Fix digital course: https://www.joyce-marter.com/the-financial-mindset-fix-mental-health-for-financial-wealth/   Enter the Giveaway + Win Prizes! All who enter get Realignment Rituals™—a 5-Day Audio Series to Reclaim Energy & Clarity—plus a chance to win:   1:1 Alignment Accelerator coaching session ($2,000 value) w/ Blake Schofield: Uncover what's holding you back, how to align with how you are naturally wired to thrive & move forward with confidence — 1 winner Personal branding coaching session ($495 value) w/ Jennifer McClure: Clarify:  Clarify & confidently communicate your unique value; building a standout leadership brand — 2 winners Financial Mindset Fix online course ($997 value) w/ Joyce Marter: Break free from limiting money beliefs; take control of your financial & mental health — 3 winners Connected Parenting “How to Chill Out” mini course ($99 value) w/ Jennifer Kolari: Reduce anger & increase connection with your child — 5 winners   Enter at www.impactwithease.com/giveaway by August 30. Winners will be randomly selected & announced on Sept 3, 2025. Drained at the end of the day & want more presence in your life? In just 5 minutes, learn your unique burnout type™ & how to restore your energy, fulfillment & peace at www.impactwithease.com/burnout-type

The huntress is speed and audacity which can be offensive to a culture of women still rooted in the maiden version of what femininity is. When women don't know how to use the feminine in order to navigate masculine systems and structures, they fall victim to it and hate other women for learning how to master it.Visit our Firm website and Explore our work, find our socials, case studies, and how our methodology has helped women and companies close high ticket buyers globally: https://businessleaderallison.comReady to lead from your full range, globalize your messaging, business and create high ticket buyers globally? Apply to our 10-month mastermind for wealth-calibrated women: https://sacredsharpcoaching.hbportal.co/public/686abdd842ce56002d96e5b2All links & email list: https://links.businessleaderallison.com/consultations-Allison

From the archives - it's the best of “The Best Way To Live” podcast - summer edition:Since the Garden of Eden human beings have been saying, “Don't mess with my FREEDOM.” The reality is that FEAR of God's law prevents many from experiencing the best way to live -- fear that it will restrict us from our desires rather than set us free. In this week's podcast series, Gene shares the best path to freedom, a freedom that deep down, we all long for.

Episode 576 - Anne Mollova - The Trianid, the Young Adult Fantasy Triology that had to be writtenAnne Mollova is an award-winning fantasy author living with her family in Pittsburgh, PA. Aside from writing, she loves being in nature, making music, eating chocolate, drinking tea, and creating things out of yarn and needles. She still keeps an eye out for faeries and hasn't yet accepted the fact that she cannot have a pet baby dragon.Seer of Strands Book 3 of The TrianidA new and dangerous magic. A promise to the faerie king. A musical treasure map no bard can decode.With the darklings gone, the kingdom of Dúramair is no longer under threat. But the Trianid remains splintered, and behind the walls of Monstar Abbey, the Seer of Strands harbors two secrets: a seemingly destructive magic rising within her and a promise to the faerie king that must be kept.When Faer Dinnán appears to see the promise fulfilled, it ensnares the young Trianid in an adventure that will test the limits of both their magic and their bonds. But even as Lirianna hopes her efforts will strengthen the Trianid, her own destiny as the Seer of Strands becomes increasingly tenuous. Fearing for a future her secrets could destroy and confronted by a past she thought she left behind, Lirianna can no longer ignore her growing magic—or the consequences of using it.“The plot of Keeper of Scales is … executed with a confidence and verve that should have no problems hooking in readers with its venerable twists and turns.” - The BookLife Prize“Anne has truly written an epic YA Fantasy for the ages.” - Anne Sengstock“Thoughtfully crafted and impressively immersive, this novel is hard to put down.” - Judge, 10th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published E-Book Awardshttps://www.annemollova.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Success doesn't come to the ones who simply want it—it comes to the ones who fear failure so deeply they'll do whatever it takes to win. In this episode, I'm breaking down the mindset that changes everything: hate losing, burn the boats, and never give yourself the option to quit. This is about intentionality, laser focus, and refusing to be average. In business, in money, in relationships—you win when you create urgency, shorten the time frame, and force yourself to figure it out NOW. No waiting. No excuses. Just greatness.Check out @ef3life on social media and get a copy of my best selling book FIRE Burning Within on Amazon.#success #fearfailure #win #now #growth #mindset #mentality #burntheboats #uncommon #ef3life #lifetothefullest #focus #determined #anymeansnecessary #unstoppable #noexcuses #massiveaction #today #motivation #inspiration

Message from Alvin Litonjua on August 10, 2025

I sat down with hospice nurse Julie McFadden to explore the profound intersection of biology and spirituality in dying. Julie's viral insights demystify death, revealing how our bodies intuitively prepare for transition—and why mystical experiences like shared death encounters transform fear into awe. We discuss her book Nothing to Fear, the power of contemplating mortality, and how hospice care reshapes life's priorities. Join us for a conversation that's equal parts science and soul.00:00 Introduction to Hospice Nurse Julie 00:55 Julie's New Book & Journal: "Nothing to Fear" 04:46 Viral Fame: TikTok, Death Education, and Taboos 06:41 Why Death Content Went Viral 11:05 Biology of Dying: How the Body Prepares 18:42 Contemplating Mortality to Live Fully 24:55 End-of-Life Planning: Wills, DNRs, and Family Dynamics 31:34 Hospice Myths: Prolonging Life vs. Quality of Life 41:15 Julie's Shared Death Experience Story 52:48 Deathbed Visions, Pets, and Mystical Phenomena 56:48 The "Death Stare" and Unexplained Comfort 59:17 Julie's Final Thoughts: Books and Journals 01:02:04 Closing: Gratitude and Takeaways JULIE:@hospicenursejulie JOIN MY COMMUNITY In The Space Between membership, you'll get access to LIVE quarterly Ask Amy Anything meetings (not offered anywhere else!), discounts on courses, special giveaways, and a place to connect with Amy and other like-minded people. You'll also get exclusive access to other behind-the-scenes goodness when you join! Click here to find out more --> https://shorturl.at/vVrwR Stay Connected: - Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/ysvafdwc- Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/yc3z48v9- YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/ywdsc9vt- Website - https://tinyurl.com/ydj949kt Life, Death & the Space Between Dr. Amy RobbinsExploring life, death, consciousness and what it all means. Put your preconceived notions aside as we explore life, death, consciousness and what it all means on Life, Death & the Space Between.**Brought to you by:Dr. Amy Robbins | Host, Executive ProducerPodcastize.net | Audio & Video Production | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is an in depth interview with host @heyitsmeCarolyn. Tonight's show has several internet based interruptions. Let's talk about real hammer accounting. The reference has since been removed from the Congressional records. Never trust anyone that comes out of the Agency. When people live in trailers and are employed by the enemy they can't be convinced. Our women would rather burn standing up, than ever kneel to evil. Q is a multiple level operation with many facets. Fearing the unknown is understandable. Many now know what happens when you don't play along. It's a threat, so have no doubt. Nobody looks very closely at the State Department. They actually do most of the dirty work. People will jump ship to save a lifestyle. The subject of Antarctica comes up. The truths of WWII also. Self censorship and maneuvering public opinion work together. There is even talk about secret subpoena's. FBI is always in the mix. Some people are new to the interference game. Unstable connections take a toll. Stay tuned for a big event filled, long and hot month of August.

07-31-25 - Cobra Killed By 1yr Old Baby In India Has John No Longer Fearing Snakes - Turns Out Women Get Concerned About The Looks And Size Of Their Genitals As Much As Men AreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

07-31-25 - Cobra Killed By 1yr Old Baby In India Has John No Longer Fearing Snakes - Turns Out Women Get Concerned About The Looks And Size Of Their Genitals As Much As Men AreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SHOW SCHEDULE 7-28 THE SHOW BEGINS IN GAZA IN THE LINES OF GAZANS FEARING FOOD SUPPLU COLLAPSE,,, 1945 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9:00-9:15  GAZA: AIRDRIOS DAVIDDAOUD, BILL ROGGIO, FDD 9:15-9:30 GAZA: AIRDRIOS DAVIDDAOUD, BILL ROGGIO, FDD CONTINUED 9:30-9:45AFGHANISTAN: LESSONS LEARNED OF USE IN UKRAINE. BILL ROGGIO, FDD 9:45-10:00  AFGHANISTAN: LESSONS LEARNED OF USE IN UKRAINE. BILL ROGGIO, FDD (CONTINUED) SECOND HOUR 10:00-10:15 GAZA: DISINFORMATION. MALCOLM HOENLEIN @CONF_OF_PRES @MHOENLEIN1, @THADMCCOTTER @THEAMGREATNESS 10:15-10:30 IRAN: REARMING. MALCOLM HOENLEIN @CONF_OF_PRES @MHOENLEIN1, @THADMCCOTTER @THEAMGREATNESS 10:30-10:45 PRC IN THE MARIANAS (US). CLEO PASKAL, FDD; GORDON CHANG.https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/567970/david-apatang-sworn-in-as-cnmi-s-11th-governor 10:45-11:00 MOBILE NUCLEAR MISSILES. PETER HUESSY, GORDON CHANGhttps://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2014/11/last-thing-us-needs-are-mobile-nuclear-missiles/98828/ THIRD HOUR 11:00-11:15 #NEWWORLDREPORT: MADURO CONDEMNED AS DRUG LORD. JOSEPH HUMIRE @JMHUMIRE @SECUREFREESOC, ERNESTO ARAUJO (FORMER FOREIGN MINISTER, REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL), ALEJANDRO PENA ESCLUSA 11:15-11:30 #NEWWORLDREPORT: ARGENTINA REWARDED. JOSEPH HUMIRE @JMHUMIRE @SECUREFREESOC, ERNESTO ARAUJO (FORMER FOREIGN MINISTER, REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL), ALEJANDRO PENA ESCLUSA 11:30-11:45 SYRIA: DRUZE AND EXISTENTIAL THREAT. AHMAD SHARAWI, BILL ROGGIO, FDD 11:45-12:00 SYRIA: DRUZE AND EXISTENTIAL THREAT. AHMAD SHARAWI, BILL ROGGIO, FDD (CONTINUED) FOURTH HOUR 12:00-12:15 UKRAINE: LESSONS LEARNED FOR NATO. JOHN HARDIE, BILL ROGGIO 12:15-12:30 UKRAINE: SOVIET TANKS. JOHN HARDIE, BILL ROGGIO 12:30-12:45 KGB: THE RED SPARROWS AND EPSTEIN. CRAIG UNGER, SUBSTACK, AUTHOR "AMERICAN KOMPROMAT" 12:45-1:00 KGB: THE RED SPARROWS AND EPSTEIN. CRAIG UNGER, SUBSTACK (CONTINUED)

In September 2023, 45-year-old Eleanore "Ellie" Halverson and her mother, Roxanne, drove to a mental health facility in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. She was planning to check in for treatment. Outside the entrance, Ellie said goodbye to her mother and daughter, as neither of them were allowed to accompany her inside.Roxanne expected she would hear from her daughter within a few days, once Ellie had settled in and was granted phone privileges. But as time passed with no word, a sense of unease set in. Then she learned that Ellie had never officially checked into the facility, and no one had seen or heard from her. Fearing the worst, Roxanne reported Ellie missing in Grand Rapids.Then, on November 4, Ellie was spotted on surveillance footage in Northhome, MN. Ellie's family believed she was likely with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Geno. Police eventually tracked Geno down in rural Itasca County. He told investigators they had argued one night in early November, and Ellie had stormed off into the freezing Minnesota darkness. That was the last time he claimed to have seen or heard from her.This November will mark two years since Ellie vanished. Her family is still searching, haunted by unanswered questions and desperate for the truth about what really happened that night.If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Eleanor “Ellie” Halverson, please contact the Itasca County Sheriff's Office at 218-326-3477. If you wish to remain anonymous, call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit CrimeStoppersMN.org. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund tip program is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information.If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org for confidential support 24/7.If you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last time we spoke about the battle of Luodian. Following a significant counter-offensive, the initial optimism waned as casualties escalated and morale plummeted. The strategically vital town of Luodian became a pivotal battleground, with the Chinese determined to defend it at all costs. Despite heroic efforts, including a daring nighttime assault, the overwhelming Japanese forces employed superior tactics and artillery, steadily gaining ground.  As September progressed, Japanese reinforcements flooded the frontline, exacerbating the already dire situation for the Chinese defenders. By late September, the fierce struggle to control Luodian culminated in a forced retreat by the Chinese forces, marking a significant turning point in the fight for Shanghai. Though they withdrew, the Chinese army earned newfound respect, having showcased their tenacity against a formidable adversary. The battle became a testament to their resilience amid overwhelming odds, setting the stage for the tumultuous conflict that lay ahead in their fight for sovereignty.   #160 The Battle of Shanghai Part 5: Fighting along the Wusong Creek 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. The tides of warfare had shifted in Shanghai. In late September, the Japanese high command dispatched three divisions to the Shanghai area, starting with the 101st Division landing on September 22. This was followed by the 9th and 13th Divisions, bolstering Japan's military presence to five divisions in the city, despite the Chinese forces numbering over 25 divisions. However, the true dynamics of the confrontation revealed a complex picture: while the Chinese boasted numerical superiority, the Japanese divisions, each comprising around 15,000 soldiers, were supported by nearly 90,000 troops when including marines and infantry. China's units, often as small as 5,000 men, made their effective deployment difficult. The Japanese forces also leveraged their advantages in materials, aircraft, and naval artillery, which could effectively target critical positions along the Chinese front. With these reinforcements in place, Japanese commanders, including Matsui, devised a bold strategy: to execute a powerful thrust across Wusong Creek and advance toward Suzhou Creek. The goal was to encircle and annihilate the main Chinese force in a maneuver they had envisioned since their arrival in China.  Ogishima Shizuo, a reservist of the 101st division had just been through his first night at the front. Within his trench, soldiers leapt up from their slumber to a hail of bullets. Ogishima looked over the edge of the trench. It was still dark, making it hard to discern what was happening, but he thought he saw a flash of a helmet in a foxhole near the creek's edge. It wasn't a Japanese helmet. Suddenly, it hit him that the gunfire wasn't a mistake. “It's the enemy! The enemy!” he yelled. Others began to shout as well. “The enemy! They're behind us! Turn around!” Under the cloak of darkness, a Chinese unit had managed to bypass the Japanese lines and launch an attack from the rear. The sound of aggressive gunfire erupted, and a Japanese heavy machine gun joined in the fray. However, most of the bullets were fired haphazardly into the night. A force of 50 Chinese were firing on them. Japanese officers ordered the men to storm their positions, seeing infantrymen leap over their trench into the barrage. The Japanese and Chinese fired at each other and tossed grenades when close enough. The Japanese jumped into the Chinese foxholes and stabbed at them with bayonets. Ogishima thrust his bayonet into the belly of a Chinese soldiers, marking his first kill. He felt no emotion. Within minutes the little battle was over, every Chinese soldier lay dead, it was a suicide mission. Ogishima saw countless comrades dead around him, it was a scene of carnage. It was the morning of October 7, the 101st Division had crossed Wusong Creek from the north in the early hours of October 6, specifically, only half of the division had made it across. The other half remained on the far side, unable to get their boats past the 300 feet of water protected by unseen Chinese machine guns and mortar crews that would open fire at the slightest hint of movement on the northern bank. Dozens of corpses floated in the murky water, serving as grim evidence of the carnage from the previous 24 hours. Ogishima, alongside tens of thousands of Japanese soldiers were entering the most brutal part of the Shanghai campaign. Matsui's vision of a quick and decisive end to the Shanghai campaign, would not come to be. Matsui detailed his plans in an order issued on September 29. The attack was to be conducted from west to east by the 9th, 3rd, and 101st Infantry Divisions. The 11th Infantry Division was assigned to follow the 9th Division, securing the right flank against potential Chinese counterattacks from the west. The 13th Infantry Division would serve as the reserve. The objective was to capture Dachang, an ancient town encircled by a medieval-style wall, and then advance as quickly as possible to breach the Chinese lines north of Suzhou Creek. Matsui had arranged an unusually high concentration of troops; the three divisions were aligned along a front that spanned only three miles. This meant that each division had less than half the front length that the Japanese field manual typically recommended. The decision to compress the divisions into such a narrow front was partly to compensate for the artillery shortcomings that were still hindering the Japanese offensive. The Japanese attackers confronted a formidable and well-prepared enemy. After extensive discussions, the Chinese commanders ultimately recognized that they had no choice but to shorten their front line. Defending Liuhang, a town situated along the route from Luodian to Dachang, had proven too costly, offering no prospect of victory. Chen Cheng, the commander of the Chinese left wing, had often visited Liuhang and understood how dire the situation was. He repeatedly urged that the unwinnable battle be abandoned and that valuable troops be withdrawn to stronger positions. However, his pleas initially went unheeded. Chiang Kai-shek was primarily driven by the belief that war was about securing territory, and he insisted on maintaining control over Liuhang at all costs. Meanwhile the Chinese positions north of Wusong Creek had been breached in numerous places during late September and this caused Chiang Kai-Shek to finally relent. A fighting retreat began on the night of October 1st and would be completed by dawn of the 3rd. The new defensive line extended just over a mile west of the road from Luodian to Dachang, providing the Chinese defenders with excellent opportunities to harass the advancing Japanese Army with flanking fire for several miles as they moved south. At Wusong Creek, the Chinese line curved eastward and followed the southern bank for several miles. The creek provided a significant advantage to the Chinese defenders; despite its name, it would be more accurate to describe it as a river. It reached widths of up to 300 feet in some areas, and in several spots, the southern bank formed a steep six-foot wall. Anyone attempting to scale this barrier under intense mortar fire would be met at the top by rows of barbed wire and heavy machine gun fire. For a full mile south of the creek, the Chinese had spent weeks constructing a dense network of defenses, transforming farm buildings into formidable fortifications linked by deep trenches. They had learned valuable lessons from their German mentors, many veterans of the battles of Somme and Verdun, and they applied these lessons effectively. The Japanese took Liuhang on the 3rd and were met with counterattacks, but these were easily repelled. More confident, Matsui issued new orders on the 4th for the 3rd, 9th and 101 divisions to cross the Wusong Creek and advance a mile south. Beginning on the 5th, the 3 divisions crossed and carved out a narrow bridgehead under heavy resistance. The Chinese were frantic now, as after the Wusong Creek, the last remaining natural obstacle was the Suzhou Creek. Two miles west of the key road from Luodian to Dachang,  battalion commander Yan Yinggao of the 78th Division's 467th Regiment awaited the anticipated Japanese assault. The regiment had fortified three villages near a creek, reinforced with sandbags, barbed wire, and cleared fields of fire, along with deep trenches for troop movement. The 1st Battalion occupied the westernmost village, the 3rd Battalion held the other two, while the 2nd Battalion remained in reserve. The initial Japanese attack began with a heavy artillery bombardment. Despite facing significant casualties, their infantry was forced to withdraw from all three villages. They returned later in the afternoon with an even fiercer artillery assault. The 1st Battalion suffered devastating losses, including its commander, leading to the loss of the village to the Japanese. Yan Yinggao, observing from the rear, dispatched a reinforcement company, but it was quickly annihilated within ten minutes. Simultaneously the Chinese 3rd battalion at Tangbeizhai were nearly encircled. Yan received orders for his regiment to advance over to relieve them, but as they did a Japanese column of 60 soldiers approached from the opposite direction. A battle ensued over the smoking rubbled of the bombed out village. The few survivors of the 3rd battalion made a last stand, allowing the 2nd battle to fight their way in to take up their position. It was a small and temporary victory. Units arriving to the Shanghai theater were being tossed right into the front lines, such as the Tax Police Division. Despite its name they were a fully equipped military formation and quite well training consisting of 6 regiments, roughly 25,000 armed men. Their officers had previously served under the young marshal, Zhang Xueliang. They were rushed to Tangqiaozhan, lying on the road from Luodian to Dachang, bridged by the Wusong Creek. The bridge was crucial to the entire operation, as holding it would enhance the Chinese's chances of delaying the Japanese advance. The Tax Police, stationed at the northern end of the bridge, became surrounded on three sides. Intense fighting ensued, occasionally escalating to hand-to-hand combat. By the second day after their arrival, casualties had escalated significantly, forcing the Tax Police units to retreat south across the bridge, which ultimately fell to the advancing Japanese forces. A crisis atmosphere surrounded the meeting of the 3rd War Zone staff, chaired by Chiang Kai-shek, in Suzhou on October 11. Everyone agreed the previous efforts to halt the Japanese advance south across Wusong Creek had utterly failed. Each engagement resulted in Chinese troops being repelled without regaining significant territory. Chen Cheng proposed an attack in his sector, specifically targeting the area around Luodian. However, most felt that such an operation would not effectively influence the Japanese advance at Wusong Creek and ultimately dismissed the suggestion. Bai Chongxi, whom at this point held an informal advisory role, called for simultaneous attacks along both banks of Wusong Creek, thrusting into the right flank of the advancing Japanese. This would require an enormous amount of troops if there was to be any chance of success. Bai Chongxi was pushing to take 4 divisions from Guangxi, already in transit to Shanghai for the task. Chiang Kai-Shek liked the idea of a single decisive blow and agreed to Bai's idea. The German advisors were not so keen on this one. In fact the Germans were getting depressed over a concerning issue. It seemed the Chinese staff simply talked too much, taking far too long to produce very few decisions. There were a lot of reasons for this, a lot of these figures held to many positions. For example Gu Zhuong, Chiang Kai-Sheks deputy in Suzhou, was a chief of staff and also held two advisory roles. Then there were these informal generals, such as Bai Chongxi. A man such as Bai had no formal command here, yet he was providing views on operational issues. To the Germans who held clear military hierarchies as the bible, it looked obviously chaotic. There was notable hope though. The Germans acknowledged the Chinese were improving their artillery situation. For the first time since the battle for Shanghai began, 6 artillery battalions were moved into positions in the vicinity of Nanxiang, under the unified command of the headmaster of the Tangshan artillery school near Nanjing. From there they could coordinate barrages in the area south of the Wusong Creek.  Sun Liren got off at Nanxiang railway station on October 7th. At 36 he was leading one of China's best units, the 4th regiment of the Tax Police. Within confusion he was assigned to the 88th division, who were fighting the heaviest battles in the campaign. By noon of the next day, nearly all of Sun Liren's regiment were cannibalized, sent as reinforcements to the 88ths front lines. Afterwards all the was left was Sun and a group of 20 orderlies and clerks. At 2pm he got a call from th division, they needed more reinforcements at the front or else a small bridge north of Zhabei would be taken, collapsing their lines. Sun replied he had no troops left only to be told “its an order. If you disobey, you'll be courtmartialed”.  Without any choice, Sun hastily organized dozens of soldiers and marched them to the bridge. As they arrived, his men saw Chinese troops withdrawing away from the bridge. He asked one man what was going on “the officers have all left, we also don't want to die”. To this Sun said he was an officer and would stay and fight with them. The Japanese in pursuit were shocked to see the Chinese turn around attack them. In general the Japanese were surprised by the sudden resilience of the Chinese around the Wusong Creek. Many assaults were being beaten back. In the Zhabei district, much more urbanized, foreigners were watching in awe. A war correspondent wrote “Every street was a defense line and every house a pocket fort. Thousands of holes had been knocked through walls, linking the labyrinth of lanes into a vast system of defense in depth. Every intersection had been made into a miniature fortress of steel and concrete. Even the stubs of bomb-battered walls had been slotted at ground level for machine guns and rifles. No wonder the Japanese Army was months behind its boasts”.  East of the Huangpu River at Pudong, Sun Shengzhi commanded an artillery regiment whom began launching a barrage across the river upon the Gongda airfield, that had been allowing the Japanese air forces to support their infantry. Meanwhile Chinese soldiers rolled a battery of 8 bofor guns 300 yards from the riverbank and at dawn began firing upon aircraft taking off. They reported 4 downed Japanese aircraft and 7 damaged. By mid-October the 88th division took advantage of a lull in the fighting and prepared a ambitious attack aimed at cutting off the Sichuan North road, which the Japanese were using to as a supply line from the docks to units north of the city. The German advisors developed this attack using Stosstruppen tactics taken from WW1. For stosstruppen, the main means of weakening the enemy line was via infiltration, rather than a massive frontal attack. The attack was unleashed on the 18th after a bombardment by artillery and mortars as lightly armed Chinese stormed down the streets near the North railway station and took the Japanese there by complete surprise. They quickly occupied a segment of the Sichuan North Road cutting the Japanese supply chain for many days. Back on the 13th, Kuse Hisao led a company of the Japanese 9th division to perform an attack on Chenjiahang, located due north of Wusong Creek. It was a strategic and heavily fortified stronghold that obstructed the southward advance. As Kuse's men reached its vicinity they stopped to rest with orders to begin the assault at 1pm. The Japanese artillery kicked off the fight and was soon met with much larger Chinese artillery. This was an unpleasant surprise for the Japanese, whom to this point had always had superiority in artillery. Regardless the assault went ahead seeing wave upon wave of attackers fighting through cotton fields and bullets. Kuse's men were forced to crawl through the field. Kuse crawled his way to a small creek to discover with horror it was full of Japanese and Chinese corpses at various stages of decomposition.  The assault on Chenjiahang bogged down quickly. Kuse and his men spent a night amongst the rotting dead. The following day orders arrived for two neighbouring units to renew the assault as Kuse's fell back into the reserve. That day's attempt fared no better, simply piling more bodies upon the field and waterways. The next day Kuse watched Japanese flamethrower units enter the fray as they led an attack over a creek. Men jumped into waist deep water, waded across to fight up slopes through mazes of Chinese trenches. Then to all of their surprise they stormed and unoccupied Chenjiahang without firing a shot. Kuse and his men suddenly saw a grenade come flying at them. Kuse was injured and taken out by comrades to the rear. Chenjiahang and been bitterly fought over for weeks. Alongside Yanghang it was considered two key points necessary for the Japanese to be able to advance against Dachang further south.  Meanwhile Sichuanese troops were being pulled back for the fresh 4 Guangxi divisions to come in. They wore lighter brown uniforms with British styled tin hat helmets. One of their divisions, the 173rd was sent straight to Chenjiahang, arriving before dawn of the 16th. While the handover of positions was taking place, the Japanese launched an intense aerial and artillery bombardment causing significant casualties before the 173rd could even deploy. Later that day, one of their regiments engaged the Japanese and were slaughtered on the spot. Two-thirds of their men became casualties. The battle raged for four days as the 3 other Guangxi divisions moved to the front. There was no break on either side, as one Guanxi officer recalled, “I had heard the expression ‘storm o f steel' before, but never really understood what it meant. Now I do.” By mid October, Matsui's optimism about his southern push was waning. Heavy rain over the past week had slowed his men down considerably. Supplies were taking much longer to reach the front. Intelligence indicated the senior Chinese commanders had moved from Suzhou to Nanxiang, with some in Shanghai proper. To Matsui this meant they were nowhere near close to abandoning Shanghai. Matsui wrote in his diary “It's obvious that earlier views that the Chinese front was shaken had been premature. Now is definitely not the time to rashly push the offensive.” During this rainy time, both sides received some rest as a no-mans land formed. Winter uniforms were arriving for the Japanese 3rd and 11th divisions, causing some encouragement. The 3rd division had already taken 6000 casualties, but received 6500 reinforcements. Matsui estimated their combat strength to only by one-sixth of its original level.  On the 19th Matsui received reports that soldiers from Guangxi were arriving in Shanghai and deploying around Wusong Creek. To relieve some pressure the IJN sent a mock invasion force up the Yangtze to perform a 3 day diversion mission. 8 destroyers and 20 transport vessels anchored 10 miles upriver from Chuanshakou. They bombarded the area to make it seem like a amphibious invasion was imminent. Meanwhile both nations were fighting a propaganda war. On October 14th, China filed a complaint at the League of Nations accusing Japan of using poison gas in Shanghai. To this the Japanese accused them of using gas, specifically mentioning at the battle for Chenjiahang. Early in the campaign they accused the Chinese of using sneezing gas, a chemical adopted during WW1. To this accusation, Shanghai's mayor Yu Hongjun stated to reporters ‘The Japanese sneeze because they've got cold feet.” Back to our friend Ogishima with the 101st. His unit crossed the Wusong Creek early on. Afterwards the fighting became confused as the Chinese and Japanese started across 150 yards of no man's land. Every now and then the Japanese would leap out of trenches and charge into Chinese lines, but the attacks all ended the same. Rows of the dead cut down by machine guns. It was just like the western front of WW1. The incessant rain kept the trenches drenched like knee-deep bogs. Officers who had read about the western front routinely had their men line up for health checks. Anyone trying to fake a disease risked being branded a deserter, and deserters were shot. As Ogishima recalled “The soldiers in the frondine only have one thought on their minds. They want to escape to the rear. Everyone envies those who, with light injuries, are evacuated. The ones who unexpectedly get a ticket back in this way find it hard to conceal their joy. As for those left in the frontline, they have no idea if their death warrant has already been signed, and how much longer they have to live.” Nohara Teishin with the 9th division experienced pure hell fighting entrenched Chinese firing through holes in walls of abandoned farm buildings. Japanese officers urged their men to charge over open fields. Out of 200 men he fought with, 10 were able to fight after the battle. As Nohara recalled “All my friends died there. You can't begin to describe the wretchedness and misery of war.” Watanabe Wushichi, an officer in the 9th division was given orders to secure water supplies for the front line troops. A task that seemed simple enough given the sheer amount of creeks and ponds in the area. However they were all filled with corpses now. For many troops dying of thirst, it became so unbearable when anyone came across an unpolluted well, they would crown around it like zombies turning into a mud pool. Officers were forced to post guards at all discovered water sources. Watanabe was shocked by the Chinese fierceness in battle. At one point he was attacked pillboxes and upon inspecting the captured ones he was horrified to see how many Chinese bodies lay inside still clutching their rifles.  International outcry mounted over the invasion. On October 5th, president Franklin Roosevelt made a speech in Chicago calling for concrete steps to be taken against Japan. “It would seem to be unfortunately true that the epidemic of world lawlessness is spreading. When an epidemic of physical disease starts to spread the community approves and joins in a quarantine of the patients in order to protect the community against the spread of the disease.” Meanwhile Chiang Kai-Shek pushed the international community to sanction Japan and deprive her of oil, iron, steal, all materials needed for waging her illegal war. The League of Nations proved completely inept. On October 21st, Japanese foreign minister Hirota Koki approached the German ambassador in Tokyo, Herbert von Dirksen, asking if China was willing to negotiate. Germany declared she was willing to act as mediator, and to this Japan sent demands. Japan sought for Chinese concessions in north China and a demilitarized zone around Shanghai. Germany's ambassador to Nanjing, Oskar Trautmann conveyed this to Chiang Kai-Shek. Instead of replying Chiang asked the German what he thought. Trautmann said he considered the demands a basis for further talks and gave the example of what happened to his nation at the negotiating table during WW1. To this Chiang scoffed and made it clear he intended to restore the situation to its pre-hostile state before any talks.  Back at the front, Bai Chongxi planned his counterattack into the right flank of the Japanese. The attack was set for the 21st. The Guangxi troops at Chenjiahang were extricated and sent to assembly points. Matsui wrote in his diary on the 23rd “The enemy will launch a counterattack along the entire front tonight. It seems the planned attack is mainly targeted at the area south of Wusong Creek. It will give us an opportunity to catch the enemy outside of his prepared defenses, and kill him there. At 7pm the Chinese artillery began, an hour later troops were advancing east. The left wing of the Chinese attack, led by the 176th Guangxi Division north of Wusong Creek, initially advanced swiftly. However, it soon encountered significant obstacles, including numerous creeks and canals that disrupted progress. Concerned about supply trains lagging behind, the vanguard decided to relinquish much of the ground it had gained as dawn approached, hoping to reclaim it later that night. Meanwhile, the 174th Guangxi Division's assault south of Wusong Creek also struggled. It met unexpectedly strong resistance and had difficulty crossing the canals due to insufficient bridge-building materials. Fearing artillery and air attacks before dawn, this division retreated to its starting line, abandoning the hard-won territory from the previous night. Both divisions then dug in, preparing to withstand a counterattack during the daylight hours, when the Japanese forces could fully leverage their air superiority. As anticipated, the counterattack occurred after sunrise on October 22. In the 176th Division's sector, Japanese forces surrounded an entire battalion by noon, resulting in its complete destruction, including the battalion commander. The main success for the day came from a Guangxi unit that, despite facing an attack from Japanese infantry supported by five tanks, managed to hold its ground. Initially on the verge of collapse, they organized a rapid defense that repelled the Japanese assault. One tank was destroyed, two became stuck in a canal, and two others retreated, highlighting the challenges of tank warfare in the riverine terrain around Shanghai. An after-action report from the Guangxi troops read  “The Japanese enemy's army and air force employed every kind of weapon, from artillery to tanks and poison gas,” it said. “It hit the Chinese front like a hurricane, and resulted in the most horrific losses yet for the army group since it entered the battle.” As the sun rose on the 23rd, Japanese airplanes took to the skies. At 9:00 a.m., they targeted the already battered 174th Guangxi Division south of Wusong Creek. A Guangxi general who survived the assault recounted the devastation: “The troops were either blown to pieces or buried in their dugouts. The 174th disintegrated into a state of chaos.” Other units suffered similarly catastrophic losses. By the end of October 23, the Chinese operation had incurred heavy casualties, including two brigade commanders, six regimental commanders, and around 2,000 soldiers, with three out of every five troops in the first wave either killed or injured. Consequently, the assault had to be called off. Bai Chongxi's counterattack was a complete disaster. Many Guangxi veterans would hold grudges for years for what was seen as a senseless and hopeless battle.  Meanwhile in Zhabei Zhang Boting, the 27th year old chief of staff of the 88th division came to the headquarters of General Gu Zhutong, urging him to move to a safer location, only to be told “Chiang Kai-shek wants your division to stay in Zhabei and fight. Every company, every platoon, every squad is to defend key buildings in the city area, and villages in the suburbs. You must fight for every inch of land and make the enemy pay a high price. You should launch guerrilla warfare, to win time and gain sympathy among our friends abroad.” The command had more to do with diplomacy than any battlefield strategy. The Nine-Powers Conference was set for Brussels the following week and it was important China kept a spectacle going on in Shanghai for the foreigners. If the war advanced into lesser known hamlets in the countryside there would be no talk amongst the great powers. To this explanation Zhang Boting replied “Outside o f the streets of Zhabei, the suburbs consist o f flat land with little opportunity for cover. It's not suitable for guerrilla warfare. The idea o f defending small key points is also difficult. The 88th Division has so far had reinforcements and replacements six times, and the original core of officers and soldiers now make up only 20 to 30 percent. It's like a cup o f tea. If you keep adding water, it becomes thinner and thinner. Some of the new soldiers we receive have never been in a battle, or never even fired a shot. At the moment we rely on the backbone o f old soldiers to train them while fighting. As long as the command system is in place and we can use the old hands to provide leadership, we'll be able to maintain the division as a fighting force. But if we divide up the unit, the coherence will be lost. Letting every unit fight its own fight will just add to the trouble.” Zhang Boting then rushed east to the 88th divisional HQ inside the Sihang Warehouse laying just across from the International settlement. Here a final stand would be made and whose participants would be known as the 800 heroes, but that's a story for a later podcast.  Zhang Boting had returned to his HQ on October 26th, by then the Shanghai situation had deteriorated dramatically. The stalemate around Wusong Creek had suddenly collapsed. The IJA 9th division broke the Guangxi forces and now Matsui planned for a major drive south against Dachang. Before he even had time to meet with his colleagues the 3rd and 9th divisions reached Zoumatang Creek, which ran west to east two miles south of Wusong Creek. In preparation for the continued advance, the Japanese began dropping leaflets over the Chinese positions. Each one offered the soldiers who laid down their arms 5 Chinese yuan each, roughly half a US dollar each at the time. This did not meet much results, as the Chinese knew the Japanese rarely took prisoners. Instead the Guangxi troops continued to retreat after a brutal week of combat. Most of them were moving to prepared positions north and south of the Suzhou Creek, the last remaining natural obstacle to stop the Japanese conquest of Shanghai. In the early hours of the 25th the Japanese gradually realized the Chinese were withdrawing. The Japanese unleashed hundreds of aircraft and employed creeping barrages with their artillery. This may have been the first instance they employed such WW1 tactics during the campaign. The barrage was kept 700 yards in front of the advancing Japanese forces, giving the Chinese ample time to emerge from cover and re-man positions they had abandoned under artillery fire. Despite a general withdrawal, the Chinese also mounted a strong defense around Dachang.  Two strategic bridges across Zoumatang Creek, located west of Dachang, were defended by one division each. The 33rd Division, a recent arrival in Shanghai, was tasked with securing the westernmost bridge, Old Man Bridge, while the 18th Division, also newly arrived, was stationed near Little Stone Bridge, closer to Dachang. However, neither division was capable of stopping the advancing Japanese forces. On October 25, a Japanese column, led by more than 20 tanks, overwhelmed the 33rd Division's defenses and captured Old Man Bridge. As the Chinese division attempted a fighting retreat toward Dachang, it suffered severe casualties due to superior Japanese firepower. By mid-afternoon, only one in ten of its officers and soldiers remained fit for combat, and even the division commander had been wounded. The Japanese force then advanced to Little Stone Bridge, and after intense fighting with the 18th Division that lasted until sunset, they captured the bridge as well. Meanwhile, the 18th Division fell back into Dachang, where their commander, Zhu Yaohua, received a blunt order from Gu Zhutong to hold Dachang at all costs, warning that disobedience would lead to court-martial. Concerned that losing Little Stone Bridge might already jeopardize his position, Zhu Yaohua quickly organized a nighttime counterattack to reclaim it. However, the Japanese had anticipated this move and fortified their defenses near the bridge, leading to a disastrous failure for the Chinese. On October 26, the Japanese unleashed all available resources in an all-out assault on Dachang. The town had been nearly reduced to rubble, with only the ancient wall remaining as evidence of its former population. Up to 400 airplanes, including heavy bombers, targeted Chinese troops in and around Dachang, causing significant casualties among both soldiers and pack animals. A Western correspondent watching from afar described it as the “fiercest battle ever waged in Asia up to that time. A tempest of steel unleashed by Japanese planes, which flew leisurely overhead while observation balloons guided them to their targets. The curtain of fire never lifted for a moment from the Chinese trenches”. Following the aerial assault, more than 40 Japanese tanks emerged west of Dachang. The Chinese forces found themselves defenseless against this formidable armored column, as they had already relocated their artillery to safer positions behind the front lines. Left to fend for themselves, the Chinese infantry was quickly overwhelmed by the advancing wall of enemy tanks. The defending divisions, including Zhu Yaohua's 18th Division, stood no chance against such material superiority and were swiftly crushed. After a brief skirmish, the victorious Japanese forces marched in to claim Dachang, which had become a sea of flames. Matsui observed the scene with deep satisfaction as the Rising Sun banner flew over the smoldering ruins of the town. “After a month of bitter fighting, today we have finally seen the pay-off,”. In stark contrast, Zhu Yaohua faced immediate criticism from his superiors and peers, many of whom believed he could have done more to resist the Japanese onslaught. The weight of this humiliation became unbearable for him. Just two days after his defeat at Dachang, he shot himself in the chest ending his life. 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. In late September, the Battle of Shanghai intensified as Japanese forces surged with reinforcements, pressing against Chinese defenses in Luodian. Amidst chaos, Japanese soldiers like Ogishima fought bravely in the trenches, witnessing unimaginable carnage. As October began, the battle's brutality escalated, with waves of attacks resulting in devastating casualties on both sides. However, the Chinese forces showcased remarkable resilience, adapting their strategies and fortifying defenses, marking a significant chapter in their struggle for sovereignty against overwhelming odds.  

Bat-Supe! Episode 35: Is There Another Superman Part 9 abVoices presents: Bat-Supe! Old Time Radio's “Adventures of Superman” featuring Superman and the Dynamic Duo!  Superman believes he spotted his impostor flying high above Lordville! Flying off to confront him, he left Batman and Robin behind to wait and worry. Suddenly, they spotted their friend walking through town. Or was it? Fearing the imposter defeated Superman, the Dynamic Duo watches helplessly as another bank robbery unfolds before them! Plus, in today's Important Message, we'll have another visit from our old pal Superman himself! Part 9 of “Is There Another Superman” was originally broadcast on February 8, 1946

In this raw and emotionally charged solo episode, Dr. Marianne unpacks why thinness continues to be equated with goodness in mainstream culture. Drawing on the New York Times opinion piece The Unrepentant Return of Christian Diet Culture by Jessica Grose, Dr. Marianne explores how weight loss is still moralized through religious teachings, wellness trends, and political rhetoric. This episode critically examines the resurgence of Christian diet culture, the backlash against weight-loss medications like Ozempic, and the deeper implications of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) campaign led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Dr. Marianne reveals how these systems are not just about health, but about control, obedience, and purity. She discusses how thinness is still framed as a sign of self-discipline and spiritual worth, while fatness is treated as failure or sin. Using a liberationist lens, Dr. Marianne also highlights the historical roots of fatphobia in white supremacy, referencing Dr. Sabrina Strings' groundbreaking book Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia. This episode challenges listeners to question how religion, politics, and public health are deeply entangled in oppressive narratives about bodies and morality. For neurodivergent people, those raised in religiously rigid environments, and anyone recovering from body shame, this conversation offers both validation and a call to resistance. You may want to listen in short segments, especially if you're prone to sensory overload or religious trauma responses. CONTENT CAUTIONS: In this episode, Dr. Marianne discusses anti-fat bias, Christian purity and wellness culture, diet culture, disordered eating, white supremacy, and weight-loss medications. Please take care while listening and pause as needed. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: How Christian diet culture can moralize thinness and spiritualizes weight loss Why Ozempic and similar medications are being rejected by some conservative groups The political motives and fatphobic messaging behind MAHA How alt-right Christian nationalism reinforces thinness as virtue The white supremacist roots of fatphobia, based on Dr. Sabrina Strings' research Why these systems disproportionately harm fat, neurodivergent, disabled, and BIPOC individuals What it means to reclaim body autonomy in a culture that demands control RELATED EPISODES: How Diet Culture & Purity Culture Fuel Eating Disorders: Unpacking the Trauma Behind the Rules with Cassie Krajewski, LCSW @inneratlastherapy on Apple & Spotify. When Faith Hurts: Religious Trauma & Eating Disorders in Neurodivergent Communities with Victoria Leon, LCSW, on Apple & Spotify. Breaking Up With Diet Culture with Dr. Lisa Folden, @healthyphit on Apple & Spotify. WORK WITH DR. MARIANNE: Dr. Marianne offers therapy to individuals in California, Texas, and Washington, D.C., specializing in eating disorders, ARFID, body image healing, religious trauma, and fat liberation. She is neurodivergent-affirming and is LGBTQIAA+ affirming. Learn more or inquire about working together at drmariannemiller.com. INTERESTED IN HANGING OUT MORE IN DR. MARIANNE-LAND? Follow me on Instagram @drmariannemiller Check out my virtual, self-paced ARFID and Selective Eating course Look into my self-paced, virtual, anti-diet, subscription-based curriculum. It is called Dr. Marianne-Land's Binge Eating Recovery Membership. Check out my blog. Want more information? Email me at hello@mariannemiller.com

In this week's podcast we talk about a fear that takes over our lives: what other people think and say about us. Learn how to put this fear to rest and regain your power back. To work with me via online personal training click here.To get access to my DEKA workshops, click here. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook!

Are you longing to encounter Jesus more deeply and break free from striving to be “perfect”? This powerful mentoring time invites you to come as you are, loved, accepted, and safe in His presence.

2 Corinthians 12:14-21 Love that Longs for Repentance Our sermon text this morning is 2 Corinthians 12:14-21. That is on page 1152 in the provided Bibles. The apostle Paul is wrapping up his defense of his apostleship. And in these verses, he lets the Corinthians know that he will be visiting them again, soon. This will be his third visit. Paul's first visit was when he established the church in Corinth. He was there for 18 months. Paul's second visit was the painful visit he made a few months prior to writing this letter. And this third trip would be to check in on them and if necessary, deal firmly with their ongoing sin. As you will hear, Paul hopes they will repent, but fears they won't. Reading of 2 Corinthians 12:14-21 Prayer In 1962, Dick and Judy Hoyt gave birth to a son, Rick. Rick was born with a severe case of Cerebral Palsey. He was unable to move his legs, had limited use of his arms, and he was unable to speak. The Hoyts loved their son. They worked with him, and he learned to communicate through gestures and a rudimentary keyboard and screen. When Rick was 15, he communicated to his dad he wanted to race in a 5 mile road race. It was to raise money for a high schooler who had become paralyzed in an accident. So, they did it! Rick's dad pushed Rick in his wheelchair for 5 miles, and Rick loved it. It made him feel like he could walk and run. Dick Hoyt would end up not only pushing his son in road races, but he made a special seat to carry him on a bicycle. He would also row a boat and tow Rick behind him, as if he were swimming. They competed in over 1,100 races including triathlons and marathons. In fact, both Rick and his dad are in the Ironman hall of fame. They have inspired many many others. Rick's dad would do anything for his son. In the same way, the apostle Paul would do anything for the church in Corinth. He considered himself their spiritual father. Not their Heavenly Father, but their spiritual father on earth. And it's true. Paul brought the Gospel to Corinth. He labored for months and months to teach them about Jesus and God's promises fulfilled in him. Paul discipled them in their daily walk with Christ. He organized the church in Corinth. He brought the new believers together and taught them how to worship the Lord well. He modelled for them how to witness. He, in a sense, carried them. He loved them like a father would love a child. And that is why he wrote multiple letters. It's why he visited them twice up to this point. And it's why he sent Titus and Timothy, to minister on his behalf when he couldn't be there. Paul loved them. Let me ask, what would a loving father do in such a situation? Some of his spiritual children were not living the life that he taught them. Some of them had been believing in false doctrine – worldly philosophy. Others were even questioning his motives. What would a loving father do? Even if you never knew your father, or even if your father was abusive or overbearing or didn't seem to care or was mostly absent, even if one of those things, I think you can still probably imagine what a loving father would do. Maybe you saw it in someone else. Here's what I think. A loving father would #1 express his unconditional love to them in no uncertain terms. #2 a loving father would need to correct them. If people had been accusing him of things that were not true (like what was happening in Corinth) a loving father would make it clear what was true and why. If they believed in something that was not true, he would seek to instruct them in what is right. So, love and correction. Then 3rd. A loving father would be firm. A loving father disciplines his children. That discipline may include warnings of consequences if their behavior persists. And lastly, and not least, #4 a loving father would grieve. All these things would weigh heavily on him. These verses display all of those things. Paul was acting as a loving father for his spiritual children in Corinth. There are three progressions in his fatherly communication. You'll see them in the outline. 1. Seeking and sacrificing (12:14-15) – Paul displays a fatherly love that pursues no matter the cost 2. Dispelling deceit (12:16-19) – He speaks the truth in love to build them up 3. Fearing the fallout (12:20-21) – Paul warns them and grieves the devastation of unrepentant sin. 1. Seeking and sacrificing So, let's work through those. Number 1, seeking and sacrificing. That's what the apostle was doing. He was pursuing them no matter the cost. We see that right there in verse 14. He was saying to them, I'm ready to come to you a third time and there's nothing about my visit that will materially burden you. You don't need to financially support me. No, rather, I'm coming soon to help you. And then, he makes this beautiful declaration to them. “I seek not what is yours, but you.” I want you. I love you. I care about you. Isn't that what we all want to hear? It moving. I want you to know here that your spiritual fathers and brothers love you. I'm talking about our elders. We love you. I love you. We pray for you. We seek to spiritually care for you. Yes, our love for you is imperfect. We'll get to the perfect love of our heavenly Father in a moment. But we desire to care for and minister to your souls as your earthly spiritual fathers. Paul loved the Corinthians and he wanted their hearts. And this is where he uses the parent/child analogy. He says, “For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.” All parents should care for and provided for their young children's needs – you know, a place to sleep, a roof over their head, clothing, education, guidance. Parents should save and sacrifice. Now, when a child becomes an adult, that child typically should take on many of the responsibilities for themselves. There are, of course, special situations.  If that adult child comes to have a family of his own or her own, they should then sacrifice for their own children. This is what Paul is alluding to in a general sense. Essentially, he was saying that as their spiritual father, he was pouring out his life for them. Another beautiful phrase is right there in verse 15, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” He has given himself. As we've gone through 2 Corinthians, you've heard over and over about his love for them and his desire for them to mature in Christ. He would spend whatever it took for them - his time, his emotional energy, his own resources. He would endure all the risks and suffering to minister to their souls. That is the level of sacrifice that Paul was making for them He wants them to know of his sacrificial love. And he ends verse 15 with a question. “if I love you more, am I to be loved less?” He did love them, that's very true. And so, it was a gentle appeal to them that they return his love. I've poured out my life for you. Will you love me in return. He's sought them and sacrificed for them, and he desired that they respond to the love he's displayed. 2. Dispelling deceit (12:16-19) Which brings us to verses 16-19. Dispelling deceit. There were a lot of issues in the church in Corinth. We know from the letter of 1 Corinthians that the church struggled with sexual sin. The church also struggled with disunity. We'll see that spelled out in verses 20 and 21. In this letter, 2 Corinthains, we've seen how the false apostles perverted the teaching of Christ. Paul had to correct that. They were also arrogant. These so-called super apostles boasted in worldly credentials. They lived lives unbecoming of faithful believers. And they undermined Paul and his ministry. They even claimed that Paul was deceitful. That's what verse 16 says. They claimed that Paul was somehow taking advantage of them (verse 17). Now, we're not given specifics, but since he just talked about not being a financial burden, it's likely they claimed Paul was in some way profiting from his relationship with them. But it was all false. Let me ask a difficult question. When someone makes a false accusation against you and is actively spreading it around, should you make a defense? Do you defend yourself? It's a difficult question because Jesus, when he was reviled, did not revile in return. When Pilate questioned him, he didn't speak. When slander was heaped upon him, he received it. Furthermore, Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek which means to not retaliate. Does that mean we should not defend ourselves when someone is lying and spreading that lie? It's a hard question. Generally, I believe we should stand for what is true. When rumors or lies are spread about you or the church, depending what they are, they may bring undeserved shame upon the name of Christ. False public claims and distortions of the truth may cast dishonor on the name of Christ. If they do, then in those situations, I believe we should be clear about what was said or done or happened. We should not do that in a retaliatory or vindictive way, but for the sake of Christ and his bride, the church, we should make the truth known. Again, I'm speaking about slander that is being spread. In most cases, we should defend the truth because it seeks to restore honor to Christ. But it needs to be done in a way that is honorable and loving. Look at verse 19. Paul had just defended Titus and himself. He makes it clear that they were not taking advantage of the Corinthians. And then he says this (verse 19), “Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ…” Much of this whole letter has been a defense. Paul has not been ultimately defending himself, rather he's been defending the reputation of God. God is the one who had called Paul to his role as an apostle. Paul self-defense and his defense of the Gospel is a defense of Christ and his ministry. And verse 19 ends with another affirmation of Paul's love for them. He says, “all for your upbuilding, beloved.” The truth of the Gospel and the truth of Paul's ministry is what the church needed to hear. It was all done with the goal that they return to faithfulness. And so, Paul defends what is true. We need to dispel deceit in loving and clear ways to bring honor to Christ and his bride. 3. Fearing the fallout (12:20-21) Ok, #3 Fearing the fallout – verses 20-21 So far, the apostle has affirmed his fatherly love for the church in no uncertain terms. I do not want what is yours, but you. And I will gladly spend and be spent for your souls. He's furthermore defended himself against deceit. In defending his reputation and his love for them, he was defending Christ. It was all for their building up. And now, in these last two verses of the chapter, Paul firmly warns them. It's a fatherly firmness that they needed to hear. Let me ask the kids, her. Do your parents ever warn you? I'm guessing they do. Maybe you did something or said something that was disrespectful or selfish, and your mom or dad had to sit you down. What did they say? Well, from experience (on both sides), your mom or dad probably gave you a warning and some reasons. Right? For example, “yesterday you said that your homework was done so you could play with your friends. I found out that you were lying. It may seem small but lying breaks trust. It dishonors God because we are called to be people of truth and walk in the light. So, I will be checking your homework, and if you lie again, you will lose the privilege of playing with your friends for a week.” Does that sound familiar? That is a warning from a loving parent to a child. That is what the apostle Paul was doing here. He was sternly warning them about their actions and warning them about his upcoming visit, but he does it in a gentle way. He uses the word “fear.” Did you notice that at the beginning of verse 20 and 21? “I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish…” and verse 21, again, “I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented.” He uses the word fear because he does not want to see the Corinthians enmeshed in sin. He knows the near term and long term consequences of their sin, and he doesn't want to see his children experience those consequences. And so he makes clear their need to repent, which means to see their sin, to grieve over it, turn from it, and back to God. Ok, briefly, let's look at the two lists of sin here. The first list in verse 20 includes relational sin within the church. “quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.” Those are all things that destroy the body of Christ. The second list are sins related to the purity of their minds and bodies. “impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality.” These are sins that destroy the body and pollute the mind. Each of those lists is destructive in different ways. Those two lists are essentially what Paul's first letter focused on. That sin still plagued the church at that time. Paul loved them and longed to see them repent. But he feared that that they wouldn't. And so, as a loving father, he mourned. I don't know a godly parent who doesn't mourn and grieve and pray for their wayward child. They plead with the Lord and they pray. They love their child or children children by seeking them, sacrificing for them, being clear about their sin, but reminding them of the mercy of God if they turn from it back to him. You see, these are the words of a loving father, the apostle Paul, to his wayward children, some in the Corinthian church. 1. He sought them with all his heart and sacrificed for their souls. 2. He defended the truth with grace and love, and 3. He longed to see them repent, firmly warning them of their path. The Love of the Father through Christ This is fatherly love. And this love that the apostle Paul displays is patterned after the love of God the Father for you and for me. God's love is the love that underlies this whole section of 2 Corinthians 12. Every single aspect of fatherly love here reflects the love of God for his children. First, he is seeking you. verse 14. God “seeks not what is yours but you.” That's true. The Father doesn't want your gifts to him or your sacrifices. No, he wants you. He seeks you. He wants your heart. We read from Micah 6 in our call to worship this morning. “With what shall I come before the Lord…? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”  And then Micah says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” He seeks you and your heart. Second, he has sacrificed for you. Verse 15. “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” God the Father has made an infinite sacrifice for you and for your soul. The Father sacrificed his eternal Son as payment for your sin. Jesus gave his life that you may live. Paul's life as an apostle is patterned after the ministry of God in Christ. Paul suffered and would eventually be killed bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth. But God gave infinitely more. Jesus endured the wrath of God, which you and I deserve, so that we may know him and be reconciled to him by faith. What more could God spend than himself for your salvation. Third, God has given us his Word of truth. This Word is for all the world to see and know. This Word condemns deceit. It stands against injustice. It reveals truth and righteousness. God has lovingly given us his Word that we might know him and pursue him. And all of it, to use the words of verse 19, are for our upbuilding. And fourth, and finally, God longs for us to repent and turn to him. This is the call to all humanity that is found all through the Bible. God calls all to repent and turn to him by faith. All through the Old Testament God displayed his mercy and lovingkindness. But his people rejected him and his commandments. They were unfaithful to him. God justly warned of his judgment, but all the while he mercifully sought their return to him. This is the same fatherly love that he gives us The apostle Peter captures it well in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” As we come to a close, I want to ask you to evaluate your own heart and life. Each of us falls into one of three categories (related to these verses). 1. God is your loving Father and with a repentant heart, you are pursuing him by faith. Is that you? If so, press on by faith, continue to rely on him, continue to know his Word, and be reminded of his love for you in Christ. 2. God is your loving Father, but you, like some of the Corinthians, have wandered away from him. Maybe an unrepentant sin has taken hold of your life. Or maybe you've bought into a worldly philosophy like what the false apostles taught. If that is you, know that God loves you and longs for you to return to him. 3. Or maybe you fall into a 3rd category. God is pursuing you as a loving Father would pursue a wayward child. But you have yet to embrace his love. If that is you, know that God himself is seeking you. He has sacrificed his Son for you. He has spoken the truth to you with the firm resolve of a loving Father. And he desires you to submit your life to him by faith. Whichever category you are in, may God be at work in you because he is the loving Father.

Proverbs 3:1-12 (Part II) - Rev. Max Benfer

Last time we spoke about Black Saterday and Operation Iron Fist. Conflict erupted in Shanghai on August 13, when Japanese marines disguised as civilians provoked Chinese guards, resulting in fierce gunfire and urban warfare. Both sides engaged in skirmishes around vital locations, with the Eight Character Bridge becoming a focal point. On August 14, air raids misfired catastrophically, killing over a thousand civilians in what became known as "Black Saturday." In an attempt to regain control, Chiang Kai-shek authorized Operation Iron Fist, a bold offensive targeting Japanese strongholds. The attack commenced early on August 17, involving coordinated assaults aimed at exploiting weak points in the enemy defenses. However, poor coordination, entrenched opposition, and the complexity of urban combat resulted in further devastating losses for the Chinese troops. By August 18, Operation Iron Fist had failed, with the Japanese reinforcing their positions and announcing a strategic shift towards expanded military engagement.   #158 The Battle of Shanghai Part 3: The Chinese Counteroffensive “Drive them into the Sea!” Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. On August 18, the Japanese military reinforced their presence in Shanghai, shipping an additional 1,400 marines from Manchuria to bolster the ranks of the Japanese Shanghai Special Naval Landing Force or “SNLF”. Yes, all of you who don't listen to my Pacific War week by week podcast are going to get a lot of acronym lessons soon. And yes, they are not quote en quote real marines, but like most telling these stories its easier to refer to them this way. This influx of troops was a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, heightening tensions as the battle for control intensified. As the battle in Shanghai raged on, a growing sentiment emerged among Chinese leaders that crucial chances had been squandered. On August 18, Chiang Kai-shek sent his trusted aide, Deputy War Minister Chen Cheng, to confer with General Zhang Zhizhong at the front lines. They assessed the situation and agreed that instead of attacking the heavily fortified Hongkou area, they should redirect their focus to the Yangshupu district. The aim was to breach the defenses and split the Japanese forces along the Huangpu River. This strategic shift was precisely what the German military advisers and frontline commanders had anticipated, signaling a decisive move away from their earlier hesitance to engage within settlement boundaries. As attrition took its toll on the Chinese troops already committed in Shanghai, the responsibility for the offensive was placed on the newly arrived 36th Infantry Division, a unit highly trained by German forces. They were positioned to advance from the eastern edge of Hongkou, with two regiments tasked to march south toward the Huangpu. In the early hours of the 19th, two regiments of the 36th launched their long-planned attack, moving swiftly towards the front lines. The night was illuminated by the flames of sabotage and incendiary bombs, aiding visibility amid the chaos. However, the assault quickly faced significant challenges. Many of the Chinese soldiers were inexperienced, becoming easy targets for Japanese infantry positioned in rooftops and upper-story windows. In the absence of cover, some troops were forced to take shelter behind the fallen bodies of their comrades. For a moment, the Chinese troops felt a surge of hope, believing they could push the Japanese into the Huangpu River. General Zhang Fakui, observing from the opposite bank, envisioned a breakthrough. However, upon reaching Broadway, parallel to the river, they confronted a formidable barrier. High walls guarded the wharves, and even the largest artillery pieces struggled to breach the defenses. Attempts to scale the steel gate resulted in devastating fire from entrenched Japanese machine gunners, while fortified factories like the Gong Da Cotton Mill proved equally impenetrable. As the Chinese forces suffered under relentless bombardment, their momentum diminished. The 88th Infantry Division, previously effective, showed signs of disarray and hesitated to engage. Compounding their woes, Japanese reinforcements arrived, swelling their ranks to 6,300 well equipped marines. Despite these challenges, the Chinese committed to deploying their newly acquired British built Vickers tanks, a symbol of their efforts to modernize their military over the years. But with each hour, the balance of power tilted further in favor of the Japanese forces. Meanwhile the 87th Infantry Division was assigned two armored companies, yet it suffered catastrophic losses. The tanks, recently shipped from Nanjing, had crews untrained in coordinated assaults, and many were left without infantry support. The Chinese forces struggled to secure adjacent streets, allowing Japanese armor to outflank and destroy their tanks. The Japanese, too, faced coordination challenges between their armor and infantry, resulting in some of their tanks being annihilated by Chinese anti-tank weapons. On the 20th, General Zhang Zhizhong inspected the Yangshupu front and encountered a former student leading a tank company ready to attack the wharves. The tanks, hastily repaired and ill equipped for battle, faced fierce enemy fire, and the young officer expressed concern about the infantry's ability to keep pace. Despite Zhang's insistence that the assault must proceed, the attack ended in disaster as the tank company was decimated by shells from anchored vessels. The battle blended modern warfare with tactics reminiscent of earlier centuries. An officer named Wu Yujun managed a position during a Japanese cavalry attack on the 18th. After two unsuccessful assaults, Wu set an ambush that resulted in the annihilation of the Japanese riders. This incident illustrated the stark contrast on the battlefield where Chinese soldiers often confronted a technologically superior enemy while grappling with their own inexperience.  Many of the Chinese units arriving in Shanghai were very green, countless having never faced battle before, and their lack of experience proved costly in the initial days of fighting. Brigade Commander Fang Jing of the 98th Division observed that his soldiers constructed inadequate fortifications that crumbled under the Japanese 150mm howitzers. He lamented, “Often, the positions they built were too weak and couldn't withstand the enemy's artillery,”. On the 20th, 5 Chinese aircraft returned after yet another unsuccessful attack on the Japanese battleship Izumo, which remained anchored in the Huangpu. During their flight over western Zhabei, they encountered two Japanese seaplanes. One Chinese pilot broke formation, diving steeply to fire a brief machine-gun salvo, but his plane was quickly shot down, bursting into flames before crashing. The Chinese attacks had posed a significant threat to Japanese bombers, particularly the vulnerable Mitsubishi G3M medium aircraft targeting Shanghai and central China. Japan's First Combined Air Group suffered heavy losses, with half of its medium attack planes damaged or destroyed within the first three days of fighting. However, the Chinese pilots, largely inexperienced and inadequately trained, began to falter against the superior Japanese fighters, eventually withdrawing from the skies over Shanghai. Ground troops expressed frustration over the lack of effective air support, as they rarely saw their planes after the 20th, instead carrying out major troop movements only under the cover of darkness. The Japanese air superiority drastically affected operations on the ground, dictating when Chinese soldiers could eat and transport supplies. Without effective fighter protection and limited anti-aircraft capabilities, the Chinese troops were left exposed. Most of their anti-aircraft weaponry consisted of 20mm Solothurn guns that were ineffective against aircraft and were more often used against infantry. Officers hesitated to use these guns for fear of revealing their positions to the enemy.  By the morning of the 21st, the 36th Division had been relentlessly attacking the wharf area for over 48 hours, yet victory remained elusive. Although some tanks had infiltrated the wharf, they were met with dishearteningly strong Japanese defenses and a well-manned enemy presence. The commanders recognized that they had advanced too quickly without securing their flanks, and their reserves, which could have provided crucial support, remained in the rear. Reluctantly, they concluded that a withdrawal was necessary. The retreat was a painful acknowledgment that pushing the Japanese into the Huangpu River would not be as straightforward as hoped. Part of the Chinese failure stemmed from an inability to execute joint operations across different military branches. German advisors noted that artillery support for the forces in Yangshupu from the Pudong side was limited. In contrast, Japanese naval guns were actively providing support, significantly relieving the pressure on their marines. This imbalance resulted in heavy losses for the Chinese, with the 36th Division suffering over 2,000 casualties by the late 22nd. Meanwhile, Japanese naval aircraft attempted to impede the movement of additional Chinese troops to Shanghai by bombing the railway from Suzhou. Although several bridges were destroyed and railway stations sustained damage, the delays were minimal, offering some reassurance to Chinese commanders who understood that reinforcements were essential for a successful continuation of the battle. The light cruiser Jintsu, carrying the 3rd Division, set to land six miles north of Shanghai, while the 11th Division would disembark a dozen miles further up the Yangtze River. By the evening of the 21st, the task force arrived at the Yangtze River and the Saddle Islands off the river estuary. The soldiers had to transfer to smaller vessels capable of navigating the shallow waters of the Huangpu River.  On the 23rd, Matsui Iwane got aboard the light cruiser Yura and was greeted by Rear Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, then the commander of the 8th cruiser division. Yes, the same man who would be blamed for losing at Midway in 1942. The Japanese fleet had made a strategic sweep as far south as Hangzhou Bay the previous day to disrupt Chinese troop movements and force them to spread thin along the coast. However, with the landings imminent, it was clear the assault would happen at Wusong and Chuanshakou. Initially, Matsui preferred landing both divisions at Chuanshakou for a sweeping advance into the lightly defended countryside west of Shanghai, which would encircle tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers. The 3rd Fleet, however, proposed a bolder strategy: the 11th Infantry Division would proceed with the landing at Chuanshakou, while the 3rd Infantry Division would land at Wusong, directly confronting the heavily concentrated Chinese forces around Shanghai. This plan aimed to exert pressure from both the front and the rear, a tactic that could yield success but risked high casualties if faced with stiff Chinese resistance. Aware of the operation's risks, the naval officers sought to ease potential tensions with their army counterparts by offering over 500 elite marines to support the assault, preparing for what could be a pivotal moment in the campaign. Shortly after midnight on the 23rd, the marines designated as the primary assault wave at Wusong arrived in a convoy of steamers from Shanghai. Their arrival was eagerly anticipated, as they would spare the 3rd Division from being the first to land. As the naval artillery barrage reached a deafening climax, the boats glided across the smooth water towards the shore. Any time a Chinese machine gun opened fire, it drew immediate response from the Japanese gunners, swiftly silencing the threat. Meanwhile, trench mortars onshore targeted the advancing vessels, but their rounds fell harmlessly into the water without causing any damage. At 3:00 am, the first landing craft reached the bank, dropped anchor, and lowered its ramp. The marines waded ashore, climbing the 15 foot high dike to survey the terrain. Suddenly, machine gun fire erupted from a Chinese position just 50 yards away, cutting down several marines. Undeterred, the marines charged with fixed bayonets across the open field. An explosion marked the spot where a soldier had triggered a landmine, followed by more detonations, but there was no retreat; they pressed on, swarming over the Chinese trench and engaging in a brief yet fierce hand-to-hand struggle. Within moments, they had taken the position. The marines quickly cleared the area, paving a path to their immediate objective, a military road running parallel to the Huangpu River. While setting up defensive positions, the 3rd Division began to disembark at the water's edge. By 8:00 a.m, the divisional command stepped ashore as the last unit to arrive. Meanwhile, naval pilots were busy bombing and strafing roads further inland to impede any enemy reinforcements. The landing had unfolded with remarkable success, marking a significant moment in the operation and setting the stage for greater advances by Japanese forces. Meanwhile the 11th division began setting foot on the beach north of Chuanshakou at 3:50 am. As the soldiers advanced towards the town's outskirts, they encountered only minimal resistance as Chuanshakou was defended by a single Chinese company.  Matsui was pleased with the outcome; everything had unfolded according to plan and, in fact, better than he had dared to hope. Casualties in both divisions were surprisingly low, amounting to little more than 40 soldiers. At 5:30 am, Zhang Zhizhong received an urgent phone call at his new headquarters in a small village near Nanxiang. On the line was Liu Heding, commander of the 56th Infantry Division, reporting that an enemy force of unknown size had landed near Chuanshakou. With heavy bombardment disrupting communications, details were scarce, but Zhang immediately recognized the gravity of the situation: a new front was opening, complicating his command significantly. Realizing he could not effectively manage the situation from Nanxiang with communications down, Zhang decided to head to the command post of the 87th Infantry Division in Jiangwan, a town closer to the landing area. By the time he arrived at the 87th Division's base, it was nearly 9:00 am. He was informed that the Japanese had not only landed at Chuanshakou but also at Wusong. Recognizing the urgency, he quickly dispatched half of the 87th Infantry Division and a regiment from the recently arrived Training Brigade, an elite unit fresh from Nanjing, to respond to the threat. Given that the 56th Infantry Division alone could not secure the area around Chuanshakou, Zhang assigned the 98th Infantry Division to defend most of the Yangtze riverbank under threat. He also dispatched the 11th Division, which had just arrived in the Shanghai area with Deputy War Minister Chen Cheng to move toward Luodian, a town just a few miles from the landing zone at Chuanshakou.  Meanwhile, the Japanese forces were advancing swiftly. While the main landing contingent engaged in fierce fighting for control of Chuanshakou, a small unit of a few hundred soldiers was dispatched down the road to Luodian. Marching under the scorching August sun, the reservists, weary from the trek, found little resistance upon reaching Luodian. They hastily set up camp without adequately preparing defenses, making them vulnerable targets. Later that afternoon, advance units of the 11th Infantry Division reached Luodian, shaken but determined to attack even after facing air raids on their journey. The ensuing skirmish was swift; within an hour, the Japanese were repelled. Back over at Wusong Hu Guobing received orders to push back the Japanese on August 21st. He led his regiment towards the Japanese lines, as his platoons dispersed further, dividing into smaller squads. Soon, the sharp crack and rattle of small arms fire resonated along the regiment's front. Battalion Commander Qin Shiquan, a graduate of the Central Military Academy, led two companies toward the enemy positions, taking care to remain unnoticed. When they drew close enough, he ordered his bugler to sound the charge. Then, raising his Mauser pistol, he turned to face his men and shouted, “Attack! Attack!” This sudden noise revealed his position, making it vulnerable. Japanese observers hidden nearby quickly relayed his coordinates to warships offshore. Within minutes, shells began to rain down on the unit with alarming accuracy. Amidst the storm of fire unleashed by the Japanese, all semblance of order disintegrated, and chaos ensued as each unit fought to survive. Hu Guobing spent most of the day dodging Japanese aircraft that circled overhead, waiting for targets to emerge. As Hu Guobing recalled “It felt as though the enemy could see everything. It was crucial not to act rashly. Our only real options were to take cover in a hole or hide behind a ridge”. The gunfire continued throughout the afternoon and did not relent until darkness began to fall. Only then could the soldiers breathe a little easier, grab a few bites of their field rations, and quench their parched throats with sips from their water canteens. Seizing the relative safety of night, they hurried to improve their positions, knowing that once dawn arrived, it would be too late; a shallow trench or inadequate camouflage could spell doom. Although it had been Chiang Kai-Shek's decision to place Zhang Zhizhong and Feng Yuxiang in charge of Shanghai, now designated the 3rd War Zone, he was having regrets. In a telephone conversation with Feng Yuxiang shortly after the Japanese landings, Chiang emphasized the importance of monitoring the younger front-line commanders. He urged “Don't hesitate to give them advice,”. Feng assured him that he would not hold back. He then recounted an anecdote about General Nogi Maresuke, who, during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, allegedly delegated all major decisions to his chief of staff. Feng told him “The frontline commanders possess courage and a fighting spirit. Their role is to take orders and engage in battle. Mine is to stay back, like Nogi, write a few poems, and wait for the inevitable,”. Chiang persistently insisted, “Regardless of the situation, don't be shy. Share your insights with them.” “Of course,” Feng responded. “If I notice something amiss, I'll address it without hesitation. You can count on me.” However, this assurance did little to calm Chiang's concerns. A great concern was Zhang Zhizhong. Much of his rhetoric about fighting the Japanese seemed to lack substance. Zhang had not demonstrated the necessary resolve to launch attacks against the small Japanese forces in the city when decisive action could have turned the tide of the battle. With Japanese reinforcements firmly entrenched in two locations within the greater Shanghai area, it was now too late to pursue a quick victory over the enemy. Compounding the issue, Zhang appeared to spend an excessive amount of time making grandiose statements to the newspapers rather than focusing on the ground situation. Chiang's frustration was palpable, and it was shared by his German advisors, who concurred that Zhang lacked the requisite “toughness” to confront Japanese resistance effectively. The decision to send Deputy War Minister Chen Cheng to the front was an early indication that Chiang was considering replacing Zhang. In a particularly humiliating twist, Zhang was not even informed of Chen Cheng's appointment and learned about it indirectly through other field commanders. Fearing that he was being sidelined, Zhang Zhizhong hurried to the 3rd War Zone headquarters in Suzhou to assess the situation. While in Suzhou, called Chiang, whom began harshly criticizing him for being so far behind the front lines. “What are you doing in Suzhou? What are you doing in Suzhou?”. Zhang Zhizhong replied “Mr. Chairman, I'm back in Suzhou to discuss important strategic matters. Otherwise, I'm constantly at the front What's the matter with you?” Chiang was incensed by this perceived disrespect. “What's the matter with me? You ask me what's the matter with me!” His voice rising to a hoarse shriek, Chiang Kai-shek abruptly hung up. At this point, Zhang must have had little doubt that his days as the chief field commander were numbered. The Japanese landings had accomplished their immediate objective of relieving pressure on the small marine forces holed up in Shanghai. As a result, the Chinese were forced to halt their attacks on Hongkou and Yangshupu and had to reconsider how to allocate their resources across various fronts. If the Japanese landing party grew large enough, the Chinese forces could risk becoming the target of a Japanese pincer movement. In essence, within a few days, they had shifted from an offensive posture to a defensive one. Against this backdrop, Chen Cheng,  leading the 15th Army Group, arrived in Suzhou on August 24th. His presence aimed to bolster resistance, and he was also there to familiarize himself with local conditions, as he was expected to take on a greater role at the front shortly. Chen's confident demeanor and readiness to overrule local commanders indicated that real authority already resided with him. While he agreed with Zhang Zhizhong's plans from the previous day to counter the landings, he deemed them insufficient given the threat posed by the fresh Japanese troops. Consequently, he ordered that more soldiers be redeployed from Shanghai proper to the landing zones. To counter the dire situation, Falkenhausen devised a plan aimed at reigniting enthusiasm for the offensive among the Chinese forces. During a meeting on the 25th, he proposed rallying all troops in the Luodian area to mount a coordinated attack from all sides against the Japanese landing force. Emphasizing the German preference for a decisive strike, he aimed to push the invaders back into the Yangtze. The assembled officers expressed their agreement with the plan. However, as dawn broke, the optimism from the night's discussions began to wane. It had been 48 hours since the landings, and the Japanese army had solidified its foothold at Chuanshakou, rapidly approaching a point of strength that would make it nearly impossible to dislodge them. Tanks and artillery were assembled along the riverbank, while engineers constructed a pier to facilitate the faster unloading of troops and supplies. They had already established a bridgehead that extended 10 miles in length and reached a depth of five miles, initiating the construction of a road heading inland, an evident preparation for a major offensive. In a secret report to Chiang Kai-shek, Falkenhausen outlined the challenging situation as the Japanese consolidated their material advantages. “It should be noted that the enemy's army and navy operate in close coordination. Although their land-based artillery is still relatively weak, this is offset by their robust naval artillery and ship-based aircraft,”. He further noted that the airfields on Chongming Island contributed to Japan's now “complete air superiority, as a result, the main operations on our side should be executed after dark.”  From late August onward, most Chinese movements occurred after sunset. Only then could Chinese and Japanese infantry engage on more equal footing, without the overwhelming advantage provided by air support. Night became the great equalizer in the uneven battle for Shanghai. During the day, the relentlessly active Japanese forces seemed to be everywhere. They deployed rubber boats up small rivers to scout and disrupt. Their observation balloons hovered on the horizon, keeping a vigilant watch on the Chinese and swiftly scrambling aircraft upon detecting any movement. They combined technological superiority with a bravery that bordered on the suicidal; when faced with the prospect of capture, many Japanese soldiers preferred death. Following a fierce battle in the vicinity of Luodian, the Chinese retrieved the body of a sergeant major who had committed hara-kiri, while a gravely injured private was found attempting to slit his own throat with his bayonet. Luodian remained the immediate target for nearly all the Japanese forces in the area, facing the same Chinese units that had driven them out on August 23rd. The Chinese were well entrenched in and around the town, but they lacked the numbers to consider launching offensive operations against the Japanese at Chuanshakou. Instead, their priority was to strengthen their defenses. While waiting for the Japanese to resume the assault, they endured massive and sustained bombardment. Among the Chinese officers, there was a growing sense of crisis and a palpable fear that their defensive line could collapse at any moment. From their perspective, the Japanese appeared to be gaining momentum. However, the situation looked quite different from the Japanese invaders' point of view. Japanese casualties began to rise as the Chinese reinforcements sent to the Luodian area started to make an impact. Two days after the landings, the number of dead and injured from the 11th Division had exceeded 400, and the toll continued to climb. Among the casualties was a senior staff officer who was killed moments after stepping off his landing craft at Chuanshakou, struck down by a Chinese aircraft that had evaded Japanese fighter cover. The death toll escalated so quickly that not all bodies could be cremated, as was customary for the Japanese; privates and junior officers were hastily buried instead. For an army that prided itself on honoring its fallen soldiers more than those left alive, this was a significant blow to morale. The 3rd Division faced different challenges in its sector. It was subjected to relentless attacks on the first day of the landing and had to repel two further major enemy assaults on the second day. Additionally, it experienced occasional shelling from Chinese artillery located on the Pudong side. The greatest threat, however, came from the division's right flank. North of the landing zone lay Wusong Fortress, which had been guarding the approach to Shanghai since the wars against British and French forces in the mid-19th century. From their fortifications, Chinese infantry and artillery continuously targeted the Japanese as they disembarked from their boats and advanced inland. They also fired upon small vessels navigating up the Huangpu River, delivering supplies to the division. As the 3rd Division expanded its bridgehead in the days following the landing, Wusong Fortress remained a persistent threat, impeding the buildup of Japanese forces on shore. Compounding the Japanese sense of being encircled, the village of Yinhang to the south was also under Chinese control. This, combined with the steadily increasing number of Chinese defenders in front of the landing zone, created a challenging tactical situation for the Japanese. Although initial casualties had been lighter than the planners had feared, the number of Japanese losses began to rise. By the 25th, the 3rd Division, often referred to as the “Lucky” Division, reported over 300 accumulated casualties. Two days later, that number had escalated to 500, the majority of whom were killed in action. On the 28th, the 3rd Division was finally able to capture the village of Yinhang, freeing itself somewhat from the tactical constraints it had faced up to that point. On the same day, following an intense naval bombardment, the 11th Division launched an assault on Luodian. Leading the charge was Wachi Takaji, a 44-year-old regimental commander who surged forward with his sword drawn, personally dispatching several enemies along the way. The Chinese defenders were driven out of the town and fled down the roads leading inland. By noon, Luodian was firmly under Japanese control.  However August 29th marked a significant triumph for Chinese diplomacy, as Chiang Kai-shek's signed a non-aggression treaty with the Soviet Union. The pact between Nanjing and Moscow laid the political and diplomatic groundwork for Soviet military aid to China while ensuring that the Soviet Union would not reach an agreement with Japan as long as hostilities continued. Initially, Chiang Kai-shek had been wary of Soviet intentions, expressing concerns in his diary on August 1st, when the diplomats were preparing the treaty, that he feared the Kremlin might use the agreement to pressure Japan into signing a similar pact with Moscow. However, following the signing, skepticism gave way to optimism. Three days after announcing the treaty, Chiang confidently predicted in a speech that the Soviet Union would eventually enter the war against Japan. Chiang would not be wrong about that, but it would only come in 1945, officially. Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin had a clear reason to encourage China to engage in a full-scale war with Japan: it would secure Russia's western flank while he focused on the strategic challenges posed by a Europe dominated by Hitler. A conflict with China could drain Japanese resources, thereby reducing the threat from Asia in the long term. Exasperated British diplomats attempted to warn Chiang Kai-shek about what they perceived as a Soviet ruse, advising that the Russians “only have their own interests in mind.” Nevertheless, this did little to undermine the Chinese leader's belief in the Soviet Union's willingness to help. At a deeper cognitive level, there was a reason why Chiang Kai-shek and his associates clung to the belief that not only Soviet aid but also direct Soviet participation in the hostilities was imminent. This aligned with their expectations of how a war with Japan would unfold. The Chinese General Staff's War Plan A, drafted in 1937, was based on the premise that a conflict with Japan would soon trigger a larger conflict involving either the Soviet Union or the United States. Thus, the key objective for China was to withstand the superior Japanese forces until relief could arrive from a more powerful ally, whether that be Russian or American. This strategy was not as naive as it might seem; it was based on the understanding that neither Moscow nor Washington would want to see Japanese power grow too strong on the Asian mainland. Despite the capture of Luodian and Yinhang, the Japanese continued to face significant challenges. Their grip on the Shanghai region remained highly precarious, relying on control of two isolated pockets north of Shanghai and a beleaguered garrison within the city. Due to their numerical inferiority, they were under intense pressure from Chinese forces. The landings at Wusong and Chuanshakou had initially bolstered the manpower in the Shanghai area by fewer than 8,000 troops, and although reinforcements were gradually arriving, the pace was slow. Matsui Iwane recognized the need for a more radical increase in troop levels to achieve a decisive outcome. By the end of August, he cabled Tokyo, arguing that to complete the operation successfully, he required a total of five divisions or at a minimum the release of the 11th Division's Amaya Detachment, currently stationed in northeast China, to reunite with the division at Chuanshakou. The Japanese imperial staff and navy command responded mostly favorably, agreeing to redirect the detachment to Shanghai alongside several units of the elite marines. One week after the landings, Wusong Fort continued to pose a significant problem for the 3rd Division and the navy, which was responsible for supplying the division. Chinese artillery fire made anchoring near the landing zone a perilous endeavor, resulting in several naval officers being killed when caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. At times, the shelling was so severe that vessels had to interrupt their operations and retreat to a berth in the middle of the Huangpu River, unloading only part of their supplies. Matsui now planned for the 3rd Division to launch a frontal assault on Wusong, while the 11th Division would maintain a support role, dispatching only one regiment to assist. The attack commenced at 10:00 am on August 31rd. Following an intensive naval and aerial bombardment involving 30 planes, a regiment from the 3rd Division boarded landing craft, sailed down the Huangpu River, and landed on the riverbank north of Wusong. Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, the soldiers engaged in fierce skirmishes with scattered Chinese units in front of Wusong in preparation for a final entry into the city. Meanwhile, the Asama Detachment from the 11th Division initiated its part of the offensive by marching along the bank of the Yangtze toward Shizilin. On the morning of September 1st, the Japanese tightened their grip on Wusong. The regiment from the 3rd Division seized a hamlet west of Wusong and readied for an assault on the town itself. The defending Chinese forces put up strong resistance, and it was not until late afternoon that the Japanese made any significant progress, aided by artillery fire from their ships. The Asama Detachment experienced somewhat greater success that day, successfully capturing the fort at Shizilin in the afternoon. The Japanese launched their final offensive against Wusong at dawn on the 2nd. To their surprise, the fort fell with relative ease. By 10:00 am, Matsui saw the Rising Sun flag hoisted over Wusong. “I felt boundless gratification,” he noted in his diary.  With the fall of Wusong, the town of Baoshan became the last major obstacle to uninterrupted Japanese control of the riverbank, stretching from Chuanshakou to the outskirts of Shanghai. The fort at Baoshan also posed a significant threat to Japanese naval operations due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Huangpu rivers. Chiang Kai-shek fully recognized the importance of Baoshan and ordered a battalion of the 98th Infantry Division to hold the town at all costs. Baoshan had one notable advantage: like many ancient Chinese towns, it was encircled by a thick city wall that had historically helped fend off invaders and still served its defensive purpose well. The Japanese were acutely aware that Baoshan favored defense, and even a small contingent of Chinese forces could potentially hold out for an extended period.  On the 4th, the 3rd Division sluggishly advanced toward Baoshan. Around mid-afternoon, an artillery unit arrived to assist by bombarding the city wall. Despite this support, the Japanese soldiers, sent in waves to scale the wall, suffered significant casualties and failed to penetrate the defenses by nightfall. At noon on September 5, Japanese bombers launched an air raid on Baoshan, while naval artillery rained shells indiscriminately over the town's gray roofs. The land attack began an hour later when Japanese tanks advanced toward the town gates. The Japanese pressed the Chinese defenders into a shrinking perimeter. By sunset, the defenders were left with only 100 soldiers. The night passed without incident, as the Japanese refrained from attacking without air support, but everyone knew that dawn would herald the end. Just as the sun rose above the horizon, the assault resumed. As the city neared its fall, the defending commander Yao Ziqing ordered a soldier to escape and report the situation to his superiors. Unnoticed by the Japanese, the soldier scaled a wall and fled into the surrounding countryside, becoming the sole survivor of the battle. He carried with him a message from the battalion: “We are determined to stay at our posts and to continue fighting the enemy until each and every one of us is killed.” 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. Despite initial Chinese hopes for a counteroffensive by the newly arrived 36th Infantry Division, their inexperience and poor coordination led to heavy losses. As the Japanese gained reinforcements, they executed strategic landings at Chuanshakou and Wusong, overwhelming Chinese defenses. Amidst escalating casualties, Chinese troops struggled to maintain morale. However, their resolve to fight persisted, even as defeat loomed over the besieged city and its defenders.

For decades, Democratic politicians have frustrated progressives by tinkering around the margins of policy while shying away from truly ambitious change. What happened to bold political vision on the left, and what shrunk the very horizons of possibility? In Thinking like an Economist, Elizabeth Popp Berman tells the story of how a distinctive way of thinking—an “economic style of reasoning”—became dominant in Washington between the 1960s and the 1980s and how it continues to dramatically narrow debates over public policy today. Introduced by liberal technocrats who hoped to improve government, this way of thinking was grounded in economics but also transformed law and policy. At its core was an economic understanding of efficiency, and its advocates often found themselves allied with Republicans and in conflict with liberal Democrats who argued for rights, equality, and limits on corporate power. By the Carter administration, economic reasoning had spread throughout government policy and laws affecting poverty, healthcare, antitrust, transportation, and the environment. Fearing waste and overspending, liberals reined in their ambitions for decades to come, even as Reagan and his Republican successors argued for economic efficiency only when it helped their own goals.A compelling account that illuminates what brought American politics to its current state, Thinking like an Economist also offers critical lessons for the future. With the political left resurgent today, Democrats seem poised to break with the past—but doing so will require abandoning the shibboleth of economic efficiency and successfully advocating new ways of thinking about policy. Elizabeth Popp Berman is Director and Richard H. Price Professor of Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan and the author of Creating the Market University: How Academic Science Became an Economic Engine (Princeton). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

For decades, Democratic politicians have frustrated progressives by tinkering around the margins of policy while shying away from truly ambitious change. What happened to bold political vision on the left, and what shrunk the very horizons of possibility? In Thinking like an Economist, Elizabeth Popp Berman tells the story of how a distinctive way of thinking—an “economic style of reasoning”—became dominant in Washington between the 1960s and the 1980s and how it continues to dramatically narrow debates over public policy today. Introduced by liberal technocrats who hoped to improve government, this way of thinking was grounded in economics but also transformed law and policy. At its core was an economic understanding of efficiency, and its advocates often found themselves allied with Republicans and in conflict with liberal Democrats who argued for rights, equality, and limits on corporate power. By the Carter administration, economic reasoning had spread throughout government policy and laws affecting poverty, healthcare, antitrust, transportation, and the environment. Fearing waste and overspending, liberals reined in their ambitions for decades to come, even as Reagan and his Republican successors argued for economic efficiency only when it helped their own goals.A compelling account that illuminates what brought American politics to its current state, Thinking like an Economist also offers critical lessons for the future. With the political left resurgent today, Democrats seem poised to break with the past—but doing so will require abandoning the shibboleth of economic efficiency and successfully advocating new ways of thinking about policy. Elizabeth Popp Berman is Director and Richard H. Price Professor of Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan and the author of Creating the Market University: How Academic Science Became an Economic Engine (Princeton). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

For decades, Democratic politicians have frustrated progressives by tinkering around the margins of policy while shying away from truly ambitious change. What happened to bold political vision on the left, and what shrunk the very horizons of possibility? In Thinking like an Economist, Elizabeth Popp Berman tells the story of how a distinctive way of thinking—an “economic style of reasoning”—became dominant in Washington between the 1960s and the 1980s and how it continues to dramatically narrow debates over public policy today. Introduced by liberal technocrats who hoped to improve government, this way of thinking was grounded in economics but also transformed law and policy. At its core was an economic understanding of efficiency, and its advocates often found themselves allied with Republicans and in conflict with liberal Democrats who argued for rights, equality, and limits on corporate power. By the Carter administration, economic reasoning had spread throughout government policy and laws affecting poverty, healthcare, antitrust, transportation, and the environment. Fearing waste and overspending, liberals reined in their ambitions for decades to come, even as Reagan and his Republican successors argued for economic efficiency only when it helped their own goals.A compelling account that illuminates what brought American politics to its current state, Thinking like an Economist also offers critical lessons for the future. With the political left resurgent today, Democrats seem poised to break with the past—but doing so will require abandoning the shibboleth of economic efficiency and successfully advocating new ways of thinking about policy. Elizabeth Popp Berman is Director and Richard H. Price Professor of Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan and the author of Creating the Market University: How Academic Science Became an Economic Engine (Princeton). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

For decades, Democratic politicians have frustrated progressives by tinkering around the margins of policy while shying away from truly ambitious change. What happened to bold political vision on the left, and what shrunk the very horizons of possibility? In Thinking like an Economist, Elizabeth Popp Berman tells the story of how a distinctive way of thinking—an “economic style of reasoning”—became dominant in Washington between the 1960s and the 1980s and how it continues to dramatically narrow debates over public policy today. Introduced by liberal technocrats who hoped to improve government, this way of thinking was grounded in economics but also transformed law and policy. At its core was an economic understanding of efficiency, and its advocates often found themselves allied with Republicans and in conflict with liberal Democrats who argued for rights, equality, and limits on corporate power. By the Carter administration, economic reasoning had spread throughout government policy and laws affecting poverty, healthcare, antitrust, transportation, and the environment. Fearing waste and overspending, liberals reined in their ambitions for decades to come, even as Reagan and his Republican successors argued for economic efficiency only when it helped their own goals.A compelling account that illuminates what brought American politics to its current state, Thinking like an Economist also offers critical lessons for the future. With the political left resurgent today, Democrats seem poised to break with the past—but doing so will require abandoning the shibboleth of economic efficiency and successfully advocating new ways of thinking about policy. Elizabeth Popp Berman is Director and Richard H. Price Professor of Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan and the author of Creating the Market University: How Academic Science Became an Economic Engine (Princeton). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

For decades, Democratic politicians have frustrated progressives by tinkering around the margins of policy while shying away from truly ambitious change. What happened to bold political vision on the left, and what shrunk the very horizons of possibility? In Thinking like an Economist, Elizabeth Popp Berman tells the story of how a distinctive way of thinking—an “economic style of reasoning”—became dominant in Washington between the 1960s and the 1980s and how it continues to dramatically narrow debates over public policy today. Introduced by liberal technocrats who hoped to improve government, this way of thinking was grounded in economics but also transformed law and policy. At its core was an economic understanding of efficiency, and its advocates often found themselves allied with Republicans and in conflict with liberal Democrats who argued for rights, equality, and limits on corporate power. By the Carter administration, economic reasoning had spread throughout government policy and laws affecting poverty, healthcare, antitrust, transportation, and the environment. Fearing waste and overspending, liberals reined in their ambitions for decades to come, even as Reagan and his Republican successors argued for economic efficiency only when it helped their own goals.A compelling account that illuminates what brought American politics to its current state, Thinking like an Economist also offers critical lessons for the future. With the political left resurgent today, Democrats seem poised to break with the past—but doing so will require abandoning the shibboleth of economic efficiency and successfully advocating new ways of thinking about policy. Elizabeth Popp Berman is Director and Richard H. Price Professor of Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan and the author of Creating the Market University: How Academic Science Became an Economic Engine (Princeton). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

In the fourth week of the Wisdom for Dummies series at Cherry Hills Community Church, Pastor Curt Taylor delivered a message focused on rejecting pride and embracing the fear of the Lord. The sermon explored how pride can quietly take root in everyday life, leading to misplaced confidence and spiritual distance. Through scripture and reflection, Pastor Curt pointed to humility as the starting place for true wisdom. Fearing the Lord was presented not as dread, but as deep respect and trust in His authority. The message encouraged a shift from self-reliance to God-centered living.

6 Macro Mistakes Sabotaging Your Fat Loss (And How to Fix Them)Tracking your macros but not seeing results?You're logging your food, hitting your numbers, and doing your best—but the scale won't budge, energy is low, and you're wondering what's going wrong.In this video, I'm breaking down the 6 biggest macro tracking mistakes I see women over 40 make—and how to fix them. These are the habits that sneak in and stall your progress, even when you think you're doing everything right.What You'll Learn:✔ Why “eating clean” isn't the same as eating balanced✔ How small bites and forgotten extras can sabotage your deficit✔ The truth about carbs and fats for hormone health✔ Why portion sizes matter more than you think✔ How to spot inaccurate food entries in tracking apps✔ When—and how—to adjust your macros as your body changesIf you're tired of spinning your wheels with macro tracking, this video will give you clarity, confidence, and a real path forward.FOLLOW ME

Unexpected Rise In Disease and Death Sinks U.S. Insurance Companies- Dr. Chris Martensen and The Face of Immigration Chaos: 300,000 Kids Lost in the Wind to Abusers and Porn Merchants By John Zmirak   Unexpected Rise In Disease Sinks U.S. Insurance Companies  - Peak Prosperity Watch this video at- https://youtu.be/jQS7rFKwKVo?si=V1L6bykndB4fQo6P Peak Prosperity 555K subscribers 18,173 views Premiered Jul 7, 2025 #donaldtrump #news #usanews To watch Part 2 of this video: https://peak.fan/3hcuj9f3 Join the discussion at Peak Prosperity: https://peak.fan/fr5b44er Unexpected rates of sickness (morbidity) has sunk the stock price of a major US health insurer (Centene or CNC).  Maybe now we can finally have an open conversation about the causes? #donaldtrump #news #usanews #stocks #worldnews #educationalvideo   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Face of Immigration Chaos: 300,000 Kids Lost in the Wind to Abusers and Porn Merchants By John Zmirak Published on July 1, 2025 For article visit-   https://stream.org/the-face-of-immigration-chaos-300000-kids-lost-in-the-wind-to-abusers-and-porn-merchants/   The Face of Immigration Chaos: 300,000 Kids Lost in the Wind to Abusers and Porn Merchants By John Zmirak Published on July 1, 2025 There's one drum I won't stop banging, because it's a righteous call to war: The Left is not a secular, rationalistic, science-driven movement — though for the sake of social prestige and power it still pretends to be. But in fact, it never was. At every point since the invention of the Left/Right spectrum in the fevered, bloodthirsty frenzy of the French Revolution, the Left has been a post-Christian heresy. It's a cargo cult that cherrypicks from the gospels shiny moral sentiments and glittering aspirations, like the work of some mindless magpie. A New Rival Gospel Never mind that Jesus's moral mandates would be literally nonsensical if He was not divine and couldn't offer eternal rewards for self-sacrifice in this life. (Try explaining “Turn the other cheek” to Ghengis Khan and then get back to me; I'd love to hear how that goes. The meek did not inherit the Mongol Empire.) Nor that claims of “equality” among all men only hold up if we mean “in the eyes of God,” since in our own sight we're vastly diverse and manifestly unequal. Even the militantly atheistic, self-styled “scientific” Communist Utopia millions were willing to kill for was cooked up by Karl Marx as a thinly secularized knock-off of the New Jerusalem. Read historian Norman Cohn's authoritative The Pursuit of the Millennium to learn how Marx's program replicated the crackpot claims of self-anointed “prophets” who roused the rabble to murder the priests and pillage the local Jews. But Leftists are born with the same God-shaped hole in their souls as everyone else, so they plunder the Gospel to fill it, picking only the bits and pieces that please them to make a kind of taxidermied replacement Christ fashioned in their own image. These false Christs or antichrists are invariably cast as victims, waved around as banners, and finally used as cudgels … to pummel actual Christians. First the Peasants, Then the Workers The original radical Leftists of the French Revolution held up “the peasants” as the suffering souls for whom they fought — even as the revolutionary government waged a vicious, genocidal war against the real, live peasants of the Vendee region, killing some 300,000 for the crime of clinging to their Church, instead of the fake one the government had set up and imposed on them. A hundred years later, Karl Marx and his movement would claim the international working class as the victims whom they'd champion against the ruthless exploitation of capitalist oppressors. But Marx would fiercely oppose any moderate reforms that would improve workers' real lives, since these might slow down the bloody revolution he needed to impose Communist rule. His followers would fight against any labor unions they couldn't control. Of course, once the Communists seized power in Russia, then other countries, they would enslave the workers and peasants alike, putting them to work in state-owned monopolies, closing their churches, and subjecting them to totalitarian surveillance and persecution. The New Antichrist Idols: “Persecuted” Immigrants The present face of Leftist false religion manifests as a trinity: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and its ersatz Christ figure is the immigrant. Marxists and tribalists paint immigrants as victims of climate change, Islamophobia, and dictatorial governments. Cheap labor globalists depict them as rough and ready workers whose ethic is better than the sullen, spoiled American natives ripe for replacement.   The media, besotted by their new post-Christian creed, like to select which immigrant stories to tell, the better to paint the Trump administration and its backers as heartless, intolerant, ignorant racist bullies. But Trump's team has been clever, having learned from the debacle of 2017, when their efforts to protect child migrants from human traffickers got painted as “separating families” and “putting kids in cages.” So the administration focused its first removal efforts on gang members, rabid antisemites and jihadists, confident that diversity-happy editors and lawless federal judges wouldn't be able to restrain themselves — but would lionize and try to paint as wounded, hapless puppies the worst immigrants on Earth. Poor, Poor Pitiful Jihadis The Left took the bait. Look at the latest “victims” these apostles of counterfeit Christian compassion have decided to paint as martyrs: The equally radical, equally illegal immigrant relatives of the vicious jihadi who used arson to target a Jewish event to aid Holocaust survivors (one of whom he burned to death), Mohamed Sabry Soliman. Mass media can't help themselves. They're too driven by religious zeal: Of course, the facts of the case fall by the wayside in all this jerry-rigged empathy: Collecting Slaves for Sex Traffickers So the Left will go to the wall for privileged, middle-class, jihadi Muslims who blew through their tourist visas and stayed in our country so their patriarch could incinerate Jews who'd escaped the Nazis. You know who the Left won't talk about? The 300,000 unaccompanied minors smuggled into our country and sent to whoever wanted them, with no vetting or DNA tests for alleged relatives. (Joe Biden abolished that.) How are things going for those migrants, who aren't incinerating American Jews? Gateway Pundit gives us a glimpse: A 37-year-old illegal immigrant, Wilson Manfredo Lopez-Carillo, was arrested in Palm Beach County, Florida, for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl placed in his home through the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) “Unaccompanied Alien Children” (UAC) program. According to the Daily Wire, the arrest was made on May 22, 2025. According to charging documents from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Lopez-Carillo faces three counts of sexual assault on a minor. The victim, who arrived in the U.S. in August 2023 as an unaccompanied minor, was sent by HHS to live with Lopez-Carillo and others in a loosely vetted household.   Police reports detail a horrifying pattern of abuse, with Lopez-Carillo allegedly taking advantage of the girl's isolation to assault her on multiple occasions in February 2024.   On one occasion, while the adult woman in the household was out selling tamales to support the family, Lopez-Carillo allegedly grabbed the teen in the kitchen, dragged her to his bedroom, and sexually assaulted her.   A second incident followed a similar pattern, with the predator offering the girl $100 to stay silent — an offer she bravely refused. Fearing retribution, the teen initially did not report the assaults, as Lopez-Carillo had threatened her to keep quiet.   Go read the rest, if you have the heart. How many more victims are on Joe Biden's catatonic conscience? We won't know on this side of the grave.   This is the filth, the exploitation, the mass rape that the Left is happy to invite into our nation in order to pose as defenders of “victims” and rack up names for voter fraud. Once again, the group designated as “victims” get victimized for real by those who pretend to defend them.   Leftists haven't just chosen Barabbas. They have tarted him up as Christ.   John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream and author or coauthor of 14 books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism. His newest book is No Second Amendment, No First.   Find All of John Zmirak Articles at- https://stream.org/author/johnzmirak/   John Zmirak is a Senior Editor of The Stream. He received his B.A. from Yale University in 1986, then his M.F.A. in screenwriting and fiction and his Ph.D. in English in 1996 from Louisiana State University. He has been Press Secretary to pro-life Louisiana Governor Mike Foster, and a reporter and editor at Success magazine and Investor's Business Daily, among other publications. His essays, poems, and other works have appeared in First Things, The Weekly Standard, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, USA Today, FrontPage Magazine, The American Conservative, The South Carolina Review, Modern Age, The Intercollegiate Review, Commonweal, and The National Catholic Register, among other venues. He has contributed to American Conservatism: An Encyclopedia and The Encyclopedia of Catholic Social Thought. From 2000-2004 he served as Senior Editor of Faith & Family magazine and a reporter at The National Catholic Register. During 2012 he was editor of Crisis. He is author, co-author, or editor of twelve books, including Wilhelm Ropke: Swiss Localist, Global Economist, The Grand Inquisitor and The Race to Save Our Century. His newest book is No Second Amendment, No First. Zmirak can be found at https://stream.org/author/johnzmirak/   John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream and author or co-author of ten books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism. He is co-author with Jason Jones of “God, Guns, & the Government.”   John Zmirak's latest book: No Second Amendment, No First  by John Zmirak  Available March 19, 2024 Today's Left endlessly preaches the evils of “gun violence." It is a message increasingly echoed from the nation's pulpits, presented as common-sense decency and virtue. Calls for “radical non-violence” are routinely endowed with the imprimatur of religious doctrine.   But what if such teachings were misguided, even damaging? What if the potential of a citizenry to exercise force against violent criminals and tyrannical governments is not just compatible with church teaching, but flows from the very heart of Biblical faith and reason? What if the freedoms we treasure are intimately tied to the power to resist violent coercion?  This is the long-overdue case John Zmirak makes with stunning clarity and conviction in No Second Amendment, No First. A Yale-educated journalist and former college professor, Zmirak shows how the right of self-defense against authoritarian government was affirmed in both the Old and New Testaments, is implied in Natural Law, and has been part of Church tradition over the centuries.   -------------------------------------------------------------------- 

A Note from James:Miesha Tate—at first, I've got to admit, I didn't know much about UFC or MMA. But Miesha was the World Bantamweight Champion, and she fought Ronda Rousey—probably the most famous female fighter in the sport. I watched one of their fights, and honestly, I don't know how I'd survive even a quarter of a second.But the conversation we had wasn't what I expected. Miesha opened up about the mindset behind championship success, the weight of public expectations, and how depression can still hit even after you've reached the top. We talked about how personal growth sometimes means burning down everything and rebuilding. This wasn't just about fighting—it was about resilience, reinvention, and figuring out what matters when the title belt doesn't solve your problems.It was raw, honest, and eye-opening. I look forward to talking with her again.Episode Description:What happens when you reach the top of your field—and it still doesn't fix what's broken inside?Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate shares the brutal truth about chasing success, surviving toxic relationships, and rebuilding her life from rock bottom. In this candid conversation, Miesha and James explore the psychology of high performance, the danger of tying self-worth to achievement, and how to know when it's time to walk away—even from something you love.She tells stories from her early wrestling days to her UFC career, opens up about depression, and explains why learning to fail—and rebuilding—might be the most important skill of all.What You'll Learn:Why reaching your ultimate goal might make you feel worse, not betterThe hidden costs of high achievement and fameHow to identify toxic environments and take back controlWhy learning to “rebuild your metaphorical home” is essential to resilienceHow Miesha used mindset—not just physical training—to fight through adversityTimestamped Chapters:[00:00] The Broken Nose That Started It All[03:00] High School Wrestling with the Boys[06:00] Early Lessons in Grit and Gender Barriers[08:00] From Wrestling to MMA: Embracing the Unknown[11:00] Chasing the Win, Fearing the Loss[13:00] Building the Metaphorical Home[17:00] Blood, Grit, and the First Amateur Fight[21:00] Getting Knocked Out and Coming Back[27:00] The Problem with Thinking Winning Will Save You[34:00] Fighting Ronda Rousey: Lessons in Obsession[39:00] Training for the Unexpected[45:00] When Success Doesn't Fix Anything[50:00] Rock Bottom and a 10-Day Drive to Nowhere[55:00] Rebuilding from Scratch[59:00] Miesha's Life Today: Mindset, Family, and HomesteadingAdditional Resources:Miesha Tate on InstagramMiesha Tate's Podcast: Built for GrowthUFC Fighter Profile: Miesha Tate“The Weight of Gold” HBO DocumentaryOur Sponsors:Elevate your workspace with UPLIFT Desk. Go to https://upliftdesk.com/james for a special offer exclusive to our audience.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This poet once insulted the Prophet ﷺ — then stood before him, recited new verses… and walked away wearing the Prophet's ﷺ cloak. This is the true story of Banat Su'ad: a poem that turned an enemy into a forgiven companion. Kaʿb ibn Zuhayr was once known for mocking the Prophet ﷺ and attacking his family with his words. Fearing for his life, he came to Madinah, sat in front of the Prophet ﷺ, and asked, “If Kaʿb came to you now and accepted Islam, would you forgive him?” When the Prophet ﷺ said yes, Kaʿb revealed himself and recited Banat Su'ad — a masterpiece of Arabic poetry, rich with imagery, fear, and hope. The Prophet ﷺ listened without interruption, moved by Kaʿb's sincerity and eloquence. Then, in a moment that made history, he ﷺ removed his Burdah and placed it over Kaʿb's shoulders — and the poem came to be known as Qaseedah al-Burdah. In this video, Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan unpacks the poem's language, striking metaphors, and timeless lessons behind each verse. Witness how one poem turned mockery into mercy — and why Banat Su'ad is still recited and studied by seekers of knowledge to this day. Sign up now to AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Junior: https://amaujunior.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amauofficial/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMAU Telegram: https://t.me/amauofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AMAUofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMAUofficial iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/al-madrasatu-al-umariyyah/id1524526782 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08NJC1pIA0maaF6aKqZL4N Get in Touch: https://amau.org/getintouch BarakAllahu feekum. #AMAU #prophetmuhammad #islamicknowledge #islamiclectures #arabic

SummaryEn este episodio de de Querido Emprendedor! tenemos una conversación profunda y conmovedora con José Cartagena Ortiz, educador puertorriqueño y experto en diseño instruccional. José comparte su trayectoria desde su infancia en Puerto Rico, hasta su proceso de adaptación en Estados Unidos, enfrentando choques culturales, retos personales y profesionales.Hablamos sobre la importancia de poner al ser humano en el centro del aprendizaje, el valor del proceso por encima del resultado, y cómo la inteligencia artificial puede complementar —pero no reemplazar— la reflexión crítica y la empatía. José también reflexiona sobre la experiencia de ser latino, bilingüe y emprendedor en un país con estereotipos marcados, y cómo el networking, la resiliencia y el compromiso social han sido claves en su crecimiento.Una entrevista inspiradora sobre cómo transformar el fracaso en aprendizaje, y cómo desde la educación se puede contribuir a “reparar el mundo”.Show Notes(00:05) Welcome & introductions.(00:42) Who is José Cartagena Ortiz?(02:33) Moving to the mainland.(03:38) Fearing change.(06:44) A cultural shock.(10:18) What is instructional design?(12:07) Human design.(13:15) AI help.(21:22) Cultural design.(22:28) Design goal.(26:32) Networking.(36:28) Growth mentality.(38:01) Failing is part of the process.(48:34) Upside down, inside out.(50:27) The difficult part of being José Cartagena Ortiz.(56:49) What do people usually get wrong about you?(01:04:49) Secret mission.(01:15:31) Advice to the past.LinksIgnacio BalderramaStartup JunkieKiva Northwest ArkansasJosé E. Cartagena OrtizOffice of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

A U.S. military family stationed near Oxford, England thought they had found the perfect off-base cottage—until the house began acting on its own. As the disturbances grew louder and more frequent, an oppressive atmosphere settled over the household, leaving everyone on edge and struggling to sleep. Fearing the activity was more than a fleeting haunting, the family wondered if the house itself wanted them gone. If you have a real ghost story or supernatural event to report, please write into our show or call 1-855-853-4802! If you like the show, please help keep us on the air and support the show by becoming a Premium Subscriber. Subscribe here: http://www.ghostpodcast.com/?page_id=118 or at or at http://www.patreon.com/realghoststories

When we hear God's promises and trust him with courage, fearing the reproach brought upon God by our unbelief, then he is greatly honored.