Podcasts about Fleet

Last time we spoke about the flooding of the Yellow River. As Japanese forces pressed toward central China, Chiang Kai-shek weighed a desperate gamble: defend majestic Wuhan with costly sieges, or unleash a radical plan that would flood its heart. Across/Xuzhou, Taierzhuang, and the Yellow River's bend near Zhengzhou, commanders fought a brutal, grinding war. Chinese units, battered yet stubborn, executed strategic retreats and furious counteroffensives. But even as brave soldiers stalled the enemy, the longer fight threatened to drain a nation's will and leave millions unprotected. Then a striking idea surfaced: breach the dikes of the Yellow River at Huayuankou and flood central China to halt the Japanese advance. The plan was terrifying in its moral cost, yet it offered a temporary shield for Wuhan and time to regroup. Workers, farmers, soldiers, laborers—pushed aside fear and toiled through the night, water rising like a raging tide. The flood bought months, not victory. It punished civilians as much as it protected soldiers, leaving a nation to confront its own hard choices and the haunting question: was survival worth the price?   #172 The Road to Wuhan 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. Following the Battle of Xuzhou and the breaching of the Yangtze dykes, Wuhan emerged as Japan's next military objective for political, economic, and strategic reasons. Wuhan served as the interim capital of the Kuomintang government, making it a crucial center of political authority. Its fall would deprive China of a vital rail and river hub, thereby further crippling the Chinese war effort. From a strategic perspective, Japanese control of a major rail and river junction on the Yangtze would enable westward expansion and provide a base for further advances into central and southern China. For these reasons, the Intelligence Division of the Army General Staff assessed that the capture of Wuhan would likely deliver the decisive blow needed to conclude the Second Sino-Japanese War.  Recognizing Wuhan's strategic importance, both the National Revolutionary Army and the Imperial Japanese Army committed substantial forces to the city and its approaches. The IJA deployed roughly 400,000 troops, while the NRA fielded at least 800,000. China began the war with an estimated regular force of 1.7 to 2.2 million men, organized into six broad loyalty-based categories around Chiang Kai-shek's command. Directly loyal troops formed the first group, followed by a second tier of soldiers who had previously supported Chiang but were less tightly controlled. The next category consisted of provincial troops that Chiang could ordinarily influence, while a fourth group included provincial units over which his sway was weaker. The fifth category comprised Communist forces, the Eighth Route Army in the northwest and the New Fourth Army forming in the central Yangtze region. The final category consisted of Northeastern or Manchurian units loyal to Zhang Xueliang, known as the “Young Marshal.” The first two categories together accounted for roughly 900,000 men, with about a million more in independent provincial armies, and roughly 300,000 in Communist and Manchurian forces. As commander-in-chief, Chiang could effectively command only about half of the mobilizable units at the outbreak of war in July 1937, which meant that military decisions were often slow, fraught with negotiation, and administratively cumbersome. Division-level coordination and communication proved particularly challenging, a stark contrast to the Japanese command structure, which remained clean and disciplined. Geographically, most of Chiang's loyal troops were located in the corridor between the Yangtze and the Yellow rivers at the start of 1938. Having participated heavily in the defense of Shanghai and Nanjing, they retreated to Wuhan at about half strength, with an already decimated officer corps. They then numbered around 400,000 and were commanded by generals Chen Cheng and Hu Zongnan. The northern regional armies, especially Han Fuju's forces in Shandong, had suffered severe losses; some units defected to the Japanese and later served as puppet troops. After six months of Japanese onslaught that cost the coastal and central regions—Peiping-Tianjin to Shanghai and inland toward Nanjing—much of the relatively autonomous, sizable armies remained from the southwest or northwest, under leaders such as Li Zongren, Bai Chongxi (Guangxi), Long Yun (Yunnan), and Yan Xishan (Shanxi and Suiyuan). Roughly 700,000 of these troops—predominantly from Guangxi under Li and Bai—were committed to the defense of Wuhan. The Communist forces, by contrast, numbered about 100,000 and remained relatively unscathed in bases north and east of Xi'an. In total, approximately 1.3 million men were under arms in defense of Wuhan. In December 1937, the Military Affairs Commission was established to determine Wuhan's defense strategy. Following the loss of Xuzhou, the National Revolutionary Army redeployed approximately 1.1 million troops across about 120 divisions. The commission organized the defense around three main fronts: the Dabie Mountains, Poyang Lake, and the Yangtze River, in response to an estimated 200,000 Japanese troops spread over 20 divisions of the Imperial Japanese Army. Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi, commanding the Fifth War Zone, were assigned to defend the north of the Yangtze, while Chen Cheng, commanding the Ninth War Zone, was tasked with defending the south. The First War Zone, situated to the west of the Zhengzhou–Xinyang segment of the Pinghan Railway, was responsible for halting Japanese forces advancing from the North China Plain, and the Third War Zone, located between Wuhu, Anqing, and Nanchang, was charged with protecting the Yuehan Railway. Following the Japanese occupation of Xuzhou in May 1938, they sought to expand the invasion. The IJA decided to dispatch a vanguard to occupy Anqing as a forward base for an assault on Wuhan. The main force would then advance north of the Dabie Mountains along the Huai River, with the objective of eventually capturing Wuhan via the Wusheng Pass. A second detachment would move west along the Yangtze. However, a flood from the Yellow River forced the IJA to abandon plans to advance along the Huai and instead to attack along both banks of the Yangtze. Despite Chinese numerical superiority on the Wuhan front, roughly a 2:1 advantage, the offensive faced several complicating factors. The NRA was a heterogeneous, fragmented force with a variety of tables of organization and equipment, and it lacked the unified command structure that characterized the IJA. Historian Richard Frank notes the broad diversity of Chinese forces at the outbreak of the war, which hindered cohesive mobile and strategic operations: “Chiang commanded armies of 2,029,000 troops of highly variegated capability and loyalty. His personal forces included an elite cadre of three hundred-thousand German-trained and eighty-thousand German armed men. A second stratum of the Chinese armies, numbering roughly 600,000 included various regional commands loyal to Chiang in the past that generally conformed to his directives. These troops were better armed and trained than the rest. The third category encompassed a million men who were neither loyal nor obedient to Chiang”. The NRA faced a significant disadvantage in both quantity and quality of equipment compared to the Japanese. The disparity was stark in artillery allocations. An IJA infantry division possessed 48 field and mountain guns, whereas a German-equipped Chinese division had only 16. In terms of regiment and battalion guns, a Japanese division had 56, while a German-equipped Chinese division possessed just 30. Of roughly 200 Chinese infantry divisions in 1937, only 20 were German-equipped, and merely eight of those met their paper-strength standards. Many Chinese divisions had no artillery at all, and those that did often lacked radios or forward-observation capabilities to ensure accurate fire. These deficiencies placed the NRA at a clear disadvantage in firepower when facing the Japanese. These equipment gaps were compounded by poor training and tactical doctrine. The NRA lacked adequate training facilities and did not incorporate sufficient field maneuvers, gun handling, or marksmanship into its program. Although the 1935 drill manual introduced small-group “open order” tactics, many formations continued to fight in close-order formations. In an era when increased firepower rendered close-order tactics obsolete, such formations became a liability. The NRA's failure to adapt dispersed assault formations limited its tactical effectiveness. Defensively, the NRA also faced serious shortcomings. Units were often ordered to create deep positions near key lines of communication, but Chinese forces became overly dependent on fixed fortifications, which immobilized their defense. Poor intelligence on Japanese movements and a lack of mobile reserves, there were only about 3,000 military vehicles in China in 1937, meant that Japanese infantry could easily outflank fixed NRA positions. Moreover, the Japanese enjoyed superiority in artillery, enabling them to suppress these fixed positions more effectively. These realities left Chinese defenses vulnerable, especially in the war's first year. The leadership deficit within the NRA, reflected in limited officer training, further constrained operational effectiveness. Chiang Kai-shek reportedly warned that Chinese commanders often equaled their counterparts in rank but did not outmatch them in competence. Only 2,000 commanders and staff officers had received training by 1937, and many staff officers had no military training at all. Overall, about 29.1 percent of NRA officers had no military education, severely limiting professional development and command capability. With the exception of the Guangxi divisions, Chinese units were hampered by an unnecessarily complex command structure. Orders from Chiang Kai-shek needed to pass through six tiers before action could be taken, slowing decision-making and responsiveness. In addition, Chiang favored central army units under direct control with loyal commanders from the Whampoa clique when distributing equipment, a pattern that bred discord and insubordination across levels of the Chinese field forces. Beyond structural issues, the Chinese force organization suffered from a lack of coherence due to competing influences. The forces had been reorganized along German-inspired lines, creating large field armies arranged as “war zones,” while Russian influence shaped strategic positioning through a division into “front” and “route” armies and separate rear-area service units. This mix yielded an incoherent force facing the Japanese. Troop placement and support procedures lacked rationalization: Chiang and his generals often sought to avoid decisive confrontation with Japan to minimize the risk of irreversible defeat, yet they also rejected a broad adoption of guerrilla warfare as a systematic tactic. The tendency to emphasize holding railway lines and other communications tied down the main fighting forces, around which the Japanese could maneuver more easily, reducing overall operational flexibility. Despite these deficiencies, NRA officers led roughly 800,000 Chinese troops deployed for the Battle of Wuhan. On the Wuhan approaches, four war zones were organized under capable if overextended leadership: 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 9th. The 5th War Zone, commanded by Li Zongren, defended north of the Yangtze to protect the Beijing–Wuhan railway. Chen Cheng's Ninth War Zone defended south of the Yangtze, aiming to prevent seizure of Jiujiang and other key cities on approaches to Wuhan. The 1st War Zone focused on stopping Japanese forces from the northern plains, while Gu Zhutong's 3rdWar Zone, deployed between Wuhu, Anqing, and Nanchang, defended the Yuehan railway and fortified the Yangtze River. Japan's Central China Expeditionary Army, commanded by Hata Shunroku, spearheaded the Wuhan advance. The CCEA consisted of two armies: the 2nd Army, which included several infantry divisions under Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni, and the 11th Army, advancing along the Yangtze's northern and southern banks under Okamura Yasuji. The 2nd Army aimed to push through the Dabie Mountains and sever Wuhan from the north, while the 11th Army would converge on Wuhan in a concentric operation to envelop the city. The Japanese forces were augmented by 120 ships from the 3rd Fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy under Koshirō Oikawa, more than 500 aircraft from the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service, and five divisions from the Central China Area Army tasked with guarding Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, and other key cities. These forces were intended to protect the back of the main Japanese thrust and complete the preparations for a major battle. The Kuomintang, led by Chiang Kai-shek, was acutely aware that Japan aimed to strike at Wuhan. Facing Japan's firepower and bold offensives, Chiang and his commanders pursued a strategy of attrition at the Wuchang conference in January 1938. Central China would be the primary theater of China's protracted struggle, distant from Japan's existing center of gravity in Manchuria. Chiang hoped Japan's manpower and resources would be exhausted as the empire pushed deeper into Central China. Eventually, Japan would be forced either to negotiate a settlement with China or to seek foreign assistance to obtain raw materials. The mountainous terrain to the north and south of the Yangtze presented natural obstacles that the Chinese believed would hinder large-scale concentration of Japanese forces. North of the Yangtze, the Dabie Mountains provided crucial flank protection; to the south, rugged, roadless terrain made expansive maneuvering difficult. In addition to these natural barriers, Chinese forces fortified the region with prepared, in-depth defenses, particularly in the mountains. The rugged terrain was expected to help hold back the Japanese offensive toward Wuhan and inflict substantial casualties on the attackers. The Yangtze itself was a critical defensive factor. Although the Chinese Navy was largely absent, they implemented several measures to impede amphibious operations. They constructed gun positions at key points where the river narrowed, notably around the strongholds at Madang and Tianjiazhen. Specialized units, such as the Riverine Defense Force, were deployed to defend these river fortifications against amphibious assaults. To reinforce the Riverine Defense Force, Chinese forces sank 79 ships in the Yangtze to create obstacles for potential Japanese naval advances. They also laid thousands of mines to constrain Japanese warships. These defensive measures were designed to slow the Japanese advance and complicate their logistics. The Chinese aimed to exploit stalled offensives to strike at exposed flanks and disrupted supply lines, leveraging terrain and fortified positions to offset Japan's superior firepower. On 18 February 1938, an Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service strike force comprising at least 11 A5M fighters of the 12th and 13th Kōkūtais, led by Lieutenant Takashi Kaneko, and 15 G3M bombers of the Kanoya Kokutai, led by Lieutenant Commander Sugahisa Tuneru, raided Wuhan and engaged 19 Chinese Air Force I-15 fighters from the 22nd and 23rd Pursuit Squadrons and 10 I-16 fighters from the 21st Pursuit Squadron, all under the overall command of the 4th Pursuit Group CO Captain Li Guidan. They faced a Soviet Volunteer Group mix of Polikarpov fighters as well. The 4th Group fighters claimed at least four A5Ms shot down, while the Soviet group claimed no fewer than three A5Ms. Both the Japanese fighter group commander, Lieutenant Kaneko, and the Chinese fighter group commander, Captain Li, were killed in action during the battle. A largely intact A5M downed in the engagement was recovered with a damaged engine; it was the second intact A5M to be recovered, repaired, and flight-tested in the war, following the first recovered-intact A5M credited to Colonel Gao Zhihang during an air battle over Nanjing on 12 October 1937. On 3 August 1938, 52 Chinese fighters, including 20 I-15s, 13 I-16s, 11 Gloster Gladiators, and 7 Hawk IIIs, intercepted at least 29 A5Ms and 18 G3Ms over Hankou. The Guangxi era pilots Zhu Jiaxun and He Jermin, along with Chinese-American fighter pilots Arthur Chin and Louie Yim-qun, all flying Gladiators, claimed at least four A5Ms shot down on that day. The Wuhan Campaign began in earnest when the Imperial Japanese Army's 3rd and 13th Infantry Divisions advanced north of the Yangtze River. Central China Expeditionary Army commander Hata Shunroku designated Shouxian, Zhengyangguan, and the Huainan coal mine as the objectives for the 3rd and 13th Infantry Divisions. Meanwhile, the 6th Infantry Division, part of the 11th Army, advanced toward Anqing from Hefei. The 6th Infantry Division coordinated with the Hata Detachment, which launched an amphibious assault from the river. The 2nd Army's sector saw immediate success. On June 3, the 3rd Infantry Division seized the Huainan coal mine; two days later, it captured Shouxian. The 13th Infantry Division also secured Zhengyangguan on that day. The 6th Infantry Division then made rapid progress immediately north of the Yangtze River, taking Shucheng on June 8 and Tongcheng on June 13. These advances forced the Chinese 77th Corps and the 21st and 26th Army Groups to withdraw to a line spanning Huoshan, Lu'an, and Fuyang. More critically, the Hata Detachment crossed the Yangtze River and landed behind the Chinese 27th Army Group's 20th Corps. The sudden appearance of Japanese forces in their rear forced the two Chinese divisions defending Anqing to withdraw. The fall of Anqing represented a major Japanese success, as they gained control of an airfield crucial for receiving close air support. After battles around Shucheng, Tongcheng, and Anqing, all three cities and their surrounding countryside suffered extensive damage. Much of this damage resulted from air raids that indiscriminately targeted soldiers and civilians alike. In Shucheng, the raids were reportedly aided by a Chinese traitor who displayed a red umbrella to guide daylight bombing on May 10, 1938. This air raid caused substantial destruction, killing or wounding at least 160 people and destroying more than a thousand homes. The town of Yimen also endured aerial destruction, with raids killing over 400 people and destroying 7,000 homes. Yimen and Shucheng were among many Chinese towns subjected to terror bombing, contributing to widespread civilian casualties and the destruction of livelihoods across China. The broader pattern of air raids was enabled by a lack of quality fighter aircraft and trained pilots, allowing Japanese bombers free rein against Chinese cities, towns, and villages. While the aerial assaults caused immense damage, the atrocities committed in these cities were even more severe. In Anhui, where Shucheng, Anqing, and Tongcheng were located, the Japanese brutality was on full display. The brutality can be partly understood as an attempt to destroy China's will and capacity to wage war, yet the extremity of some acts points to a warped martial culture within the Japanese Army, which appeared to encourage murder, torture, rape, and other crimes. Indeed, the Army eventually enshrined this brutality in its doctrine with the so-called “three alls”: kill all, burn all, loot all.  These acts, and more, were carried out in Anhui during the summer of 1938 as the Japanese advanced up the Yangtze River. In Anqing, the Hata Detachment killed at least 200 people without compunction. A further 36 civilians on a boat were detained and killed by Japanese marines, who claimed they were potentially Chinese soldiers. The countryside around Anqing, Shucheng, and Tongcheng witnessed continued atrocities. In Taoxi village of Shucheng County, the Japanese burned over 1,000 houses and killed more than 40 people. At Nangang, Japanese soldiers killed more than 200 people and committed numerous rapes, including many victims over 60 years old. Tongcheng also became a site of forced sexual slavery. The Japanese atrocities, intended to terrify the Chinese into submission, did not achieve their aim. Chinese resistance persisted. After a brief withdrawal, the 20th Army held stoutly at Jinshan for four days before retreating to Xiaochiyi and Taihu. These withdrawals, while costly, lured the Japanese deeper into the interior of China. As the Japanese advanced, their flanks became increasingly vulnerable to counterattack. On June 26, 1928, the Chinese 26th Army Group attacked the flanks of the 6th Infantry Division at Taihu. The 26th Army Group was supported by the 20th and 31st Armies, which attacked from the front to pin the 6th Infantry Division in place. The 6th Infantry Division was ill-prepared to respond, suffering a malaria outbreak that left about 2,000 soldiers unfit for combat. Fighting continued until June 29, when the Japanese withdrew. The focus of operations north of the Yangtze shifted to Madang, a key river fortress protected by obstacles and river batteries. Roughly 600 mines were laid in the Yangtze near Madang, and the fortress was largely manned by the Riverine Defense Force, with a small garrison; including stragglers from the 53rd Infantry Division, the Madang garrison totaled roughly 500 men. Initial expectations had Madang holding, since Japanese ships could not easily remove obstacles or suppress the batteries. On the dawn of June 24, however, news reached Madang that Xiangkou had fallen to the Japanese, enabling a land threat to Madang, and many Madang defenders, including most officers above the platoon level, were absent at a nearby ceremony when the attack began.  On 24 June, Japanese forces conducted a surprise landing at Madang, while the main body of the Japanese Eleventh Army advanced along the southern shore of the Yangtze. The Chinese garrison at the Madang river fortress repelled four assaults, yet suffered casualties from intense bombardment by Japanese ships on the Yangtze and from poison gas attacks. Compounding the difficulty, most of the Chinese officers responsible for Madang's defense were absent due to a ceremony at a local military school by Li Yunheng, the overseeing general. Consequently, only three battalions from the second and third Marine Corps and the 313th regiment of the 53rd Division took part in the defense, totaling no more than five battalions. When the 167th Division, stationed in Pengze, was ordered by War Zone commander Bai Chongxi to move swiftly along the highway to reinforce the defenders, divisional commander Xue Weiying instead sought instructions from his direct superior, Li Yunheng, who instructed him to take a longer, more navigationally challenging route to avoid Japanese bombers. Reinforcements arrived too late, and Madang fell after a three-day battle. Chiang Kai-shek promptly ordered a counterattack, offering a 50,000 yuan reward for the units that recaptured the fortress. On June 28, the 60th Division of the 18th Corps and the 105th Division of the 49th Corps retook Xiangshan and received 20,000 yuan, but made no further progress. As the Japanese army pressed the attack on Pengze, Chinese units shifted to a defensive posture. Chiang Kai-shek subsequently had Li Yunheng court-martialed and Xue Weiying executed. After the fall of Madang, the broader Wuhan campaign benefited from Madang as a foothold along the Yangtze, as the river continued to function as a dual-use corridor for transport and amphibious landings, aiding later operations and complicating Chinese defensive planning. The rapid capture of Madang demonstrated the effectiveness of combined arms, amphibious insertion, and secure supply routes along a major river, while Chinese defenses showed weaknesses such as reliance on rough terrain, underestimation of Japanese amphibious capabilities, and delayed reinforcement, which, coupled with gas warfare, produced a swift loss. The fall influenced subsequent Chinese fortifications and defensive doctrine along the Yangtze and affected decisions regarding garrison allocations and riverine operations. After Madang fell, Japan's 11th Army pressed toward its next major objectives, Jiujiang, Huangmei, and Xiaochikou. It took nearly three weeks for the Japanese to clear the waterway around Madang of mines, costing them five minesweepers, two warships, and a landing craft full of marines. Jiujiang stood out as the most important due to its status as a key river port and railway junction. To defend these targets, China deployed the 1st Army Corps to Jiujiang, the 2nd Army Corps to cover the area west of Jiujiang, and the 4th Army Corps to defend Xiaochikou. Despite these reinforcements, the Japanese continued their advance.  The Japanese initially captured Pengze but met strong resistance at Hukou, where they again deployed poison gas during a five-day battle. During the breakout, there were insufficient boats to evacuate the auxiliary troops of the defending 26th Division from Hukou, leaving only a little over 1,800 of the more than 3,100 non-combat soldiers able to be evacuated, and the majority of the more than 1,300 missing soldiers drowned while attempting to cross the Poyang Lake. On July 23, they conducted an amphibious operation at Gutang, with the Hata Detachment landing at Jiujiang shortly thereafter. These landings south of the Yangtze represented another step toward Wuhan, which lay about 240 kilometers away. The Chinese responses consisted of relentless counterattacks, but they failed to dislodge the Japanese from their bridgeheads. Consequently, the Japanese captured Xiaochikou by July 26 and Jiujiang by July 28, with a note that poison gas may have been used at Jiujiang. North of the Yangtze, the 6th Infantry Division moved forward and seized Huangmei on August 2. Despite stubborn Chinese resistance, the Japanese had gained considerable momentum toward Wuhan. Soon after the fall of Jiujiang and surrounding areas, the local population endured a renewed surge of war crimes. The Imperial Japanese Army sought to break China's will to resist and its capacity to endure the onslaught. Male civilians were executed indiscriminately, along with any POWs unable to retreat in time, while women and children were subjected to mass rape. In addition, numerous urban districts and suburban villages were deliberately razed, including the city's ceramics factories and its maritime transportation system. The widely documented “three alls” policy proved devastating in the Yangtze region: in Jiujiang alone, as many as 98,461 people were killed, 13,213 houses destroyed, and property losses reached 28.1 billion yuan. Yet numbers fail to convey the brutality unleashed in Jiujiang, Hukou, and Xiaochikou south of the Yangtze. On July 20, the Japanese confined 100 villagers in a large house in Zhouxi village, Hukou County, and erased them with machine guns and bayonets. Tangshan village witnessed similar brutality on July 31, when eight people were drowned in a pond and 26 houses burned. That September, learning that children and the elderly at Saiyang Township were taking refuge in caves on Mount Lushan, the Japanese proceeded to bayonet defenseless civilians, many beheaded, disemboweled, or amputated. These acts, among others, were carried out on a mass scale south of the Yangtze, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths around Jiujiang. Despite the enormity of these crimes, Chinese people did not surrender. Among those who resisted was Wang Guozhen of Wang Village in Pengze County. Upon learning of the Japanese approach to Pengze on July 1, Wang, a teacher, led women, children, and the elderly into mountains and forests to seek safety. However, Wang and his followers soon encountered Japanese troops who attacked them, instantly killing over 20 people. Wang denounced their actions as the Japanese took him captive and had him whipped for over an hour. They had hit him so hard his skin was peeling off and he had broken his left thigh. They then demanded he collaborate with them, but to this Wang responded “a common man cannot resist the enemy for his country and he will only die”. After hearing these words, the Japanese simply stabbed him with a bayonet in his left eye and in his chest area, ultimately killing him. Wang's small act of defiance would earn him a plaque from the KMT that states “Eternal Heroism”. Even though Wang's heroism was commendable, bravery alone could not halt the Japanese advance along the Yangtze. After securing Jiujiang, Xiaochikou, and Gutang, the 106th and 101st Infantry Divisions carried out amphibious operations further upriver. The 106th Infantry Division landed on the Yangtze's east bank, pushing south of Jili Hu. Concurrently, the Sato Detachment, two infantry battalions plus a field artillery battalion from the 101st Infantry Division, landed east of Xiaochikou and concentrated on the east side of Mount Lu. The Japanese advance soon faced firm Chinese resistance despite these early gains. The 106th Infantry Division encountered the in-depth defenses of Xue Yue's 1st Corps. These defenses formed an isosceles triangle with Jiujiang at the apex and the Jinguanqiao line at the base. Although Jiujiang was abandoned in late July, the triangle's base at Jinguanqiao remained strong, with the 8th, 74th, 18th, 32nd, 64th, 66th, 29th, 26th, 4th, and 70th Armies concentrated in the Jinguanqiao area. These forces inflicted heavy losses on the 106th Infantry Division, which saw nearly half of its captains killed or wounded during the fighting. To aid the 106th Division's breakthrough near Jinguanqiao, the 11th Army deployed the 101st Infantry Division to the area east of Xiaochikou in mid-August. From there, the division pushed toward the east side of Mount Lu, aiming to seize Xingzi in an amphibious assault via Lake Poyang. The objective was to outflank De'an and the nearby Nanxun Road. On August 19, the 101st Infantry Division executed the plan and landed at Xingzi, where they faced strong resistance from the 53rd Infantry Division. However, the division found itself isolated and thus vulnerable to being outflanked. By August 23, the 53rd Infantry Division had withdrawn to the east. 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 1938 Wuhan stood as China's fragile beacon. Wuhan's defense hinged on a patchwork of war zones and weary commanders, while Japan poured in hundreds of thousands of troops, ships, and air power. The Yangtze became a deadly artery, with river fortresses, brutal bombings, and mass casualties. Yet courage endured: individuals like Wang Guozhen chose defiance over surrender.

Bjarne Caesar Skinnerup works as a maritime pilot in the straits of Denmark. That means he's used to seeing oil tankers. But after the start of the war in Ukraine, the tankers started getting weird. They were flying flags he'd never seen before. They were old, very old, though many had taken on new names. Something was off. He'd stumbled on a shadow fleet of hundreds of tankers ferrying sanctioned oil out of Russia … with near impunity. Today on the show, how those ships are transforming the global oil market and fueling the war in Ukraine. And why this all might be a financial and environmental disaster waiting to happen.Pre-order the Planet Money book and get a free gift. / Subscribe to Planet Money+Listen free: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the NPR app or anywhere you get podcasts.Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.This episode was hosted by Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi and Daniel Ackerman. It was produced by Willa Rubin and edited by Marianne McCune. It was fact-checked by Sierra Juarez and engineered by Kwesi Lee and Cena Loffredo. Alex Goldmark is our executive producer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

“You can't fix technician staffing without fixing the replacement plan first—and rightsizing without replacement is just rearranging the deck chairs.” Episode SummaryFleet managers face an ongoing puzzle: should you prioritize asset replacement, rightsize your fleet, or hire more technicians? In this episode, Josh Turley and Marc Canton dive deep into how each of these levers impacts the others—and why trying to solve them in isolation might be the biggest mistake of all.Marc argues that a strong replacement plan is the keystone to improving both righttyping and technician capacity. You'll hear how poor replacement drives reactive maintenance, higher costs, and staffing overload—while proactive planning can improve PM compliance, reduce downtime, and unlock righttyping conversations that lead to major cost savings.The episode also explores how rightsizing (and righttyping) can expose hidden inefficiencies and open the door to smarter technician resource planning. The hosts walk through real-world examples of strategic replacements leading to reductions in spare ratios, better technician alignment, and enhanced fleet availability.Finally, they show how to build compelling data-driven models for stakeholders to weigh tradeoffs across capital spending, operational costs, and technician resources. You'll walk away understanding why doing all three—replacement, rightsizing, and staffing—at the same time is not only possible, but essential for true fleet success. ✅ Key TakeawaysA solid replacement plan is the foundation—it improves availability, reduces reactive maintenance, and helps rightsize your fleet. Righttyping vehicles can reduce technician burden and operating costs, even if asset counts increase. Technician staffing must be based on AU workload—not arbitrary tech-to-vehicle ratios. Use scenario modeling to present stakeholders with capital vs. OPEX trade-offs and drive better decisions. Present options—not ultimatums—to leadership. Blended approaches are more successful than single-threaded strategies. Your goal isn't just better utilization—it's higher availability that enables mission success. 

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:   An embarrassing moment for Vladimir Putin's navy. One of Russia's prized “stealth” submarines was forced to surface in NATO waters after what Western officials are calling a major malfunction. We'll have the details.   Later in the show—we'll have the latest from the Middle East with President Trump meeting with world leaders at a peace summit in Egypt.   To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybriefTriTails Premium Beef: Discover the Autumn Butcher Block — built for family meals and legacy-making — available now at https://trybeef.com/pdb while supplies last.   Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Rurikhan & Gaijin Hunter's 3rd Fleet Podcast where we  talk about all things Monster Hunter as well as variety of other topics  occasionally.Check us out on Youtube:https://youtube.com/rurikhanhttps://youtube.com/gaijinhunterJoin our Discords:https://discord.gg/gaijinhunterhttps://discord.gg/0lZ8FdxvIzBGUqpm

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, tDr Russell Thackeray interviews meditation teacher and mindfulness coach, Fleet Maull. Fleet shares insights on his diverse meditation practices spanning over 50 years, including Tibetan, Zen Buddhist, and Vedic traditions, coupled with modern neuroscience. He discusses his unique Neuro Somatic Mindfulness Meditation approach, explaining how it integrates traditional meditation techniques with current scientific understanding of neuroplasticity and biofield science. Fleet elaborates on the importance of regulating neural networks, such as the attention and self-regulation networks, and emphasizes the power of deep meditative states in healing trauma and enhancing resilience. Fleet also touches on his work with the Heart Mind Institute and his book, 'Radical Responsibility,' which advocates for taking complete ownership of one's circumstances to foster a more proactive and fulfilling life.00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:06 Journey into Meditation03:29 Neuroscience and Meditation05:40 Neuro Somatic Mindfulness09:01 Embodied Meditation Practices14:02 Quantum Theory and Biofield Science21:46 Meditation for Modern Conditions24:09 Practical Information and Closing RemarksYou can contact us at info@qedod.comResources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

7. Kamikazes, Typhoons, and the Unstoppable Halsey AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Admiral Halsey recklessly navigated his fleet through two major typhoons (December 1944 and June 1945), causing severe losses including three ships sunk and 800 lives lost in the first storm. Despite recommendations for dismissal, Nimitz refused to fire Halsey, using calculated risk that removing the popular, iconic commander would negatively impact American morale. Nimitz moved his headquarters to Guam to be closer to the fighting. At Iwo Jima, Marine commanders argued the Navy provided inadequate preparatory gunfire, though the Japanese tactic of fighting to the death was the primary cause of casualties. During the Okinawa campaign, the Japanese introduced the terrifying Kamikaze tactic—the one element Nimitz noted the Naval War College had not anticipated. The Kamikazes inflicted horrific losses, but ultimately failed to force negotiations. 8. Blockade vs. Invasion: Ending the Pacific War and Post-War Command AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Nimitz and King opposed the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands (Operation Downfall), arguing that a strict naval blockade, executed primarily by submarines, combined with bombing, would force surrender. They calculated that an invasion would cost hundreds of thousands of American lives and millions of Japanese lives, given the culture of fighting to the death. Nimitz was informed about the secret development of a special weapon (the atomic bomb) in March 1945 to ensure targets were reserved. After the war ended, Nimitz was the logical candidate for Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), though he faced opposition from the aviation community (Towers). He accepted a two-year term as CNO. Admiral Spruance declined high command, instead choosing to become President of the Naval War College to teach future officers the lessons learned in the Pacific War.

A long stalled plan to build nearly 900 affordable apartments at Brooklyn's Atlantic Yards site is getting new life after state officials tapped a new developer. Meanwhile, the NYPD is deploying 140 new hybrid patrol cars as it works toward the city's 2035 all-electric vehicle mandate. And on Long Island, the group behind Islip Forward, an app that lets residents report and track ICE sightings, says it will keep operating despite criticism from the Trump administration. Founder Ahmad Perez joins us to explain.

In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton is joined by fleet industry leader and Boynton Beach Fleet Director Dave Persad for a raw, heartfelt conversation about leadership, legacy, and transforming public sector fleets.From his humble beginnings on a farm in Trinidad to managing award-winning fleets in Florida, Dave shares his journey through construction, hardship, and passion-led transformation. You'll hear about how he led West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach to Top 100 Fleet rankings, his strategies for stakeholder engagement, and the power of intentional culture. This episode is packed with real talk on managing resources, securing buy-in, and building a team that believes in the mission.Whether you're struggling to get budget approvals or dealing with bad apples on your team, this episode is a playbook for turning frustration into progress. Dave's story is a must-listen for fleet managers trying to prove their value, protect in-house maintenance, and build a team people want to follow.  Key Takeaways:Intentional Culture: Leadership isn't an accident. Dave shows how intentional values, love, and high expectations shape teams that succeed.Data + Emotion = Influence: Learn how Dave tells a compelling fleet story using performance metrics tied directly to stakeholder needs.Stakeholder Satisfaction is Everything: Dave runs quarterly fleet meetings with all departments to align goals, manage replacements, and improve availability.Recruitment Through Leadership: Treat people right, and they follow you. Half of Dave's team followed him from West Palm Beach to Boynton Beach.You Can't Tolerate Bad Apples: One negative tech can tank a culture. Learn how Dave documents and leads through tough conversations.Food, Family, and Follow-Through: Sometimes, building culture means breaking bread. Literally.  Speaker Bios:Marc Canton is the VP of Product and Consulting at RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With nearly 30 years in fleet, he brings a blend of tech expertise and hands-on experience to help fleets succeed.Dave Persad is the Fleet Director for the City of Boynton Beach, FL. With a background in construction and public works, Dave has led multiple fleets to Top 100 status using a culture-first, data-driven approach.

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Brett Carlson, co-founder and CEO of ServiceUp, to share his entrepreneurial journey and the story behind his latest venture. Brett's background spans over 25 years in tech, with experience founding and scaling startups on the business side. With ServiceUp, Brett turned his focus to the vehicle repair industry, spotting a massive, underserved $250 billion market ready for modernization and disruption. Brett dives into how ServiceUp started by offering digital car repair solutions directly to consumers before pivoting to serve fleet operators and insurance companies. He explains the pain points that large fleet owners—think Amazon, UPS, and major rental car companies—face with outdated repair processes, and how ServiceUp's platform streamlines transactions and increases efficiency for both fleets and repair shops. Brett also shares how thoughtful use of technology and automation, including AI-powered voice agents, has accelerated their reach and operational effectiveness. Throughout the conversation, Brett offers an inside look at ServiceUp's rapid growth and successful fundraising journey, including securing a $55 million Series B. He discusses the evolving expectations of investors, the importance of backing up metrics at each funding stage, and key lessons learned from navigating both the highs and lows of startup life. Whether you're an aspiring SaaS founder or just curious about the intersection of technology and traditional industries, Brett's insights into building ServiceUp are sure to inspire. Show Notes: 00:00 Switching Focus to Fleet Services 04:20 Major Retailer Faces $175M Collision Costs 08:43 Frugal Growth and Investment Strategy 12:30 "Investor Monetization Contradictions" 15:21 DoorDash's Missed Market Opportunity 20:30 Advanced AI in Voice & Shop Tech 21:16 Automated Market Entry Strategy Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/serviceup-secures-55-million-in-series-b Brett Carlson's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettcarlson418/ ServiceUp's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serviceupio/ ServiceUp's Website: https://www.serviceup.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: Ukraine says it's cracked the case of the drones harassing northern Europe. According to Kyiv, they're not being launched from an airbase—but from Russia's secretive shadow fleet of oil tankers at sea. Later in the show—U.S. envoys are in Egypt to finalize the Gaza ceasefire agreement, with mounting pressure on both Israel and Hamas to seal the deal. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com.  Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief TriTails Premium Beef: Discover the Autumn Butcher Block — built for family meals and legacy-making — available now at https://trybeef.com/pdb while supplies last. Lean: Visit https://TakeLean.com & use code PDB for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sign up for my newsletter to receive fresh posts, encouragement, and Bible reflections straight to your inbox. There is a blog post that accompanies this episode at PrMarlon.comConnect with me.Check out our church at Cloverdale.orgThe intro music Fleet of Happy Fingers by Ryan BellChapters 0:14 Introduction to Prioritizing God 1:55 The Importance of Priorities 4:39 Habits Define Our Priorities 8:09 Starting Your Day Right 10:00 Making Room for God 11:53 Matthew Chapter 16 Insights 16:09 The Challenge of Self-Denial 18:05 Embracing God's Call to Action 19:53 Understanding Salvation and Works 27:51 The Heart of True Worship 31:39 Abiding in Christ 34:57 Staying Committed to Your Faith 38:15 The Power of Surrender 40:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

FOLLOW UP: JLR WOES STILL CONTINUE BUT MORE PROGRESSJLR continues to battle the effects of the cyber attack that caused them to shut all systems on 1 September, 2025. They are still waiting on signed approval of the Government guarantee for 80% of the loan they are seeking. In the meantime, they are going to inject up to £500 million into their first tier suppliers to help them after no payments for over a month. Click this Business Matters article link here, to read more. The phased restarting of factory operations is expected to begin on 8 October, 2025 (day of publication of this episode). Click the link here, to find out the latest update from Autocar's coverage. SEPTEMBER 2025 NEW CAR REGISTRATIONSThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released the new car registration figures, for September 2025. This is the best September since 2020, with BEVs taking a market share, for the month of 23.3%, whilst petrol still remains the most popular fuel. Fleet sector did most of the heavy lifting, being 55.7% of registrations. Private dropped to 41.9%, although the actual number did increase on 2024. There are new models in the Top Models list. Suggestions are that the Government's Electric Car Grant (ECG) is having a positive effect on this. But don't forget, the way the ECG is set up means it is possible to abuse the system, not that we are saying this has happened. To read more, click this article link from SMMT. RENAULT PLANNING TO ASK FOR VOLUNTARY REDUNDANCIESUnder the name “Arrow”, Renault will be implementing cost saving initiatives such as asking for voluntary redundancies from non production roles, to the tune of 3,000. The final plan is still being worked on and is expected by the end of the year. For more on this story, click this Yahoo!Finance article link here. RENAULT AND DACIA CUSTOMER DATA HACKED IN THE UKRenault and Dacia UK customers have had their data accessed by hackers, who go into a supplier's system. Customers are being warned to be careful of scams and attempts to defraud them as a result. You can read more on this, by clicking the link here to an article from The Register. EV CHARGING COMPANY HACKEDDigital Charging Solutions (DCS), a German based company, has admitted to being hacked. This does affect some UK drivers, as Kia customers have been warned to be vigilant. Click this article link from The Register, to read more. NEARLY ALL CHARGER OPERATORS FAIL RELIABILITY OBJECTIVESThe Public Charge Point Regulations mandate that charger operators must ensure their chargers are operational 99% of the time. Only 4% meet this requirement. Lots of blame being thrown around as to why. To learn more,

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall take a deep dive (ha) into the world of post Pearl Harbor salvage operations. The effort to get the Navy's battleships off the harbor bottom and back into the war was truly monumental. A gargantuan effort that began on December 7, 1941 and didn't end until months later. The guys go into the stories of rescue and survival aboard USS Oklahoma and then get into the salvage efforts of each of the battleships in the harbor, ending with the titanic effort to salvage USS West Virginia. Unsung heroes, both civilian and military, factor into this story, so make sure you check this one out! #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #essex #halsey #taskforce38 #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #mastersoftheair #8thairforce #mightyeighth #100thbombgroup #bloodyhundredth #b17 #boeing #airforce wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #oldbreed #1stMarineDivision #thepacific #Peleliu #army #marines #marinecorps #worldwar2 #worldwar #worldwarii #leytegulf #battleofleytegulf #rodserling #twilightzone #liberation #blacksheep #power #prisoner #prisonerofwar #typhoon #hurricane #weather #iwojima#bullhalsey #ace #p47 #p38 #fighter #fighterpilot #b29 #strategicstudying #tokyo #boeing #incendiary #usa #franklin #okinawa #yamato #kamikaze #Q&A #questions #questionsandanswers #history #jaws #atomicbomb #nuclear #nationalarchives #nara #johnford #hollywood #fdr #president #roosevelt #doolittle #doolittleraid #pearlharborattack

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with meditation teacher and social entrepreneur Dr. Fleet Maull to explore how Neuro-Somatic Mindfulness (NSM) intersects with psychedelic therapy. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-324/?ref=278  Fleet shares his journey from a 14-year federal prison sentence—where he founded the first prison hospice program and led daily meditation groups—to developing NSM, a radically embodied, neuroscience- and trauma-informed approach to practice. He explains how NSM trains five key brain networks, why embodiment quiets a noisy mind more reliably than “thinking about” the breath, and how pairing NSM with ketamine or psilocybin can help shift insights from state to trait. The conversation offers a grounded roadmap for practitioners and seekers who want deeper stability, safety, and integration in expanded-state work. Fleet Maull, PhD, CMT-P is an author, meditation teacher, mindset coach, and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of personal and social transformation. He is the founder & CEO of Heart Mind Institute, which integrates Western science with contemplative wisdom across trauma healing, resilience, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and conscious entrepreneurship. While serving a 14-year federal sentence (1985–1999), he founded Prison Mindfulness Institute and National Prison Hospice Association, catalyzing national movements in contemplative rehabilitation and end-of-life care. A senior Dharma teacher in Tibetan Buddhism and a Zen Roshi, Dr. Maull developed Neuro-Somatic Mindfulness (NSM), a deeply embodied, trauma-informed practice for healing and awakening. *This October 14–19, 2025, Paul will also co-host Heart Mind Institute's free online Microdosing & Psychedelic Retreats Summit, featuring 35+ global leaders including Paul Stamets, Deepak Chopra, and James Fadiman. Register free via the links below. Highlights Why embodiment beats “thinking about” the breath Prison as practice: hospice, service, and sobriety What is Neuro-Somatic Mindfulness (NSM)? DMN vs. task-positive network in practice Training five neural networks for resilience From state to trait: integration by design NSM with low-dose ketamine: retreat outcomes Rigidity, chaos, and the Goldilocks zone Episode Links FleetMaull.com: https://www.fleetmaull.com/ Heart Mind Institute: https://www.heartmind.co/ Microdosing & Psychedelic Retreats Summit (Free Registration):  https://thethirdwave.co/wp/?bwfan-link-trigger=9662151721791b9c6c99a7d8adb5929c  Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

Damon and Damo catch up as Damon highlights his first week as a CMC. Damo had to shave his mustache and did not like it one bit. The guys discuss the impact of the current furlough on servicemembers and civilian teammates, along with available resources for anyone in need. Diddy was sentenced to four years in prison after a guilty verdict in a prostitution case, and Damon makes a plea against political violence and mass shootings. Earlier this week, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Trump called top military generals and admirals to Quantico for a brief, summit, conference, or “All Call.” At the same time, the SecDef dropped a load of memos focused on refocusing the fleet and putting the warrior spirit at the forefront. This week's hero is Pfc. Jacklyn Harold Lucas, and last week's “Do Better” segment gets a much-needed follow-up with a shout-out to Freddy Whisner. A new listener-submitted “Do Better” sparks a conversation about how DRB can be handled more privately. The guys also debate whether the Super Bowl music choices alienate two-thirds of the NFL's fanbase as Damo praises PTA and Leo's latest movie, One Battle After Another, and much more.     Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com       Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Links and more from this episode:   FY26 Government Shutdown Resources - https://stjececmsdusgva001.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/public/documents/2025_Guide_to_Fleet_for_Government_Shutdown.pdf   Hero of the Week: Private First Class Jacklyn Harold Lucas https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/jacklyn-h-lucas   Picks of the Week: Damo: Chance The Rapper - Starline https://chancestuff.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorWA02aAprglTEVCypj5YxOlRdh4TGV531SgdcqPPUpNrTYIoBT   Damon: BMW       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

We're diving into the fascinating world of two-player games, uncovering what makes them so special and why they're so much fun. We'll chat about how these games create strong connections between players, how board games have changed from just two players to multiplayer, and how playing competitively can help you grow. We'll wrap things up with a lively discussion of our favorite five two-player games, highlighting the happiness and connection that gaming brings. Daniel and Kevin will take us on a tour of different two-player games, breaking down how they work, sharing their favorite games, and showing us the unique experiences each one offers. They'll explore the art of game design, the pure joy of playing together, and the exciting mix of competition and teamwork. We'll cover a wide range of games, from old classics to the latest releases, giving you a complete guide to making your two-player gaming even better. Takeaways Two-player games can create high-pressure situations. The spotlight is solely on you in two-player games. Two-player games facilitate deeper relationship building. Playing with a partner can enhance the gaming experience. Two-player games often allow for quicker gameplay. The dynamics of competition can lead to personal growth. Understanding your partner's gaming preferences is crucial. Two-player games can help practice not taking things personally. Many classic games were originally designed for two players. The evolution of board games has shifted towards multiplayer formats. Two-player games can offer unique and intimate gaming experiences. Game mechanics play a crucial role in the enjoyment of board games. Castle Combo and Fleet the Dice Game are standout titles for two players. Lost Cities is a classic two-player card game worth exploring. Twilight Struggle is highly regarded for its depth and strategy. Undaunted provides a quick and engaging gameplay experience. Forest Shuffle combines card play with beautiful artwork and strategy. Slay the Spire offers a cooperative twist to the two-player format. The joy of gaming often comes from shared experiences and competition. Exploring different genres of games can enhance your gaming repertoire. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Two-Player Games 02:25 The Dynamics of Competition in Two-Player Games 05:22 The Relationship Aspect of Two-Player Games 08:20 Historical Context of Two-Player Games 11:30 Benefits of Two-Player Games 14:15 Understanding Each Other Through Games 17:10 Practicing Emotional Resilience in Two-Player Games 21:53 The Nature of Games and Personal Growth 25:55 Top Two-Player Game Recommendations 34:55 Exploring Game Mechanics and Strategies 44:58 Exploring Two-Player Games 47:50 Unique Mechanics in Card Games 49:43 Favorite Games and Personal Connections 53:11 The Joy of Combo Mechanics 55:02 Top Picks for Two-Player Games 57:34 Cooperative Gameplay Dynamics 01:01:24 Closing Thoughts on Two-Player Experiences Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld)

London is rapidly expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure, with over 21,000 charging points across the city – nearly a third of the UK's total. But to meet its 2030 net zero targets, London will need tens of thousands more, with significant investment required across all boroughs. Upcoming changes to the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which would end EVs' exemption from the congestion charge, risk slowing that progress.The Electric London coalition, following The Standard's Leading the Charge campaign, is calling on Mayor Sadiq Khan to protect London's EV uptake and ongoing infrastructure growth.In this second special episode focusing on investment and infrastructure, The Standard's Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn, speaks with Matt Croucher, Chief Commercial Officer at ChargePoint operator Believ, and Judy O'Keefe, Director of Fleet at Openreach, who is overseeing one of the UK's largest commercial EV transitions. They explore what it takes to electrify London at scale, the challenges facing fleet operators and charging providers, and what needs to happen to keep the city on track for a cleaner, electric future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's EV News Briefly for Friday 03 October 2025, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show. Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily TESLA OPENS MODEL Y PERFORMANCE US ORDERS Tesla opened US orders for the refreshed Model Y Performance just ahead of the federal EV tax credit deadline, with deliveries set for December 2025 and a price that includes complimentary options such as premium colors, a tow hitch, and lifetime Premium Connectivity. This enhanced value package aims to justify the price premium and offers buyers a feature-rich, high-performance electric SUV. POLESTAR 3 GETS BIG UPGRADES FOR 2026 The 2026 Polestar 3 sees a major upgrade with an 800V electrical system, boosting charging speeds to 350 kW and improving overall efficiency by 6%. These enhancements, paired with a powerful new rear motor and a top-tier NVIDIA central computer, are available to all existing customers via retrofit, ensuring the brand's flagship SUV delivers cutting-edge EV technology. NISSAN PAUSES U.S. EV PRODUCTION PLANS Nissan is reallocating its US production focus after pausing plans for local EV assembly, directing efforts towards hybrid SUVs that suit current market trends. The company remains committed to EVs by continuing Leaf sales from Japan and considering US hybrid production while monitoring future demand. MODEL Y PERFORMANCE TO ENABLE BIDIRECTIONAL CHARGING The new Tesla Model Y Performance will support bidirectional charging, adding both vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home capabilities through a future software update. This practical feature gives owners reliable backup power and portable electricity, further enhancing the Model Y's appeal as a versatile family EV. TESLA RAISES U.S. LEASE PRICES AFTER TAX CREDIT ENDS Tesla raised US lease prices for all models following the expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, and industry analysts predict sales may slow with the reduced affordability. Despite market shifts, Tesla's purchase prices remain steady, and the company continues to lead in EV innovation and technology. TESLA CHINA DELIVERIES CONTINUE TO DECLINE Tesla's deliveries in China have dipped despite pricing incentives and the introduction of new models, but global Q3 deliveries were strong, supported by robust demand in the US. The company remains agile in responding to regional trends, maintaining competitiveness with regular product updates and market-specific offerings. NORWAY EVS 98.3% OF SEPTEMBER REGISTRATIONS Norway reached a new milestone in September, with EVs accounting for 98.3% of all new car registrations, reflecting strong government policy and consumer enthusiasm. Tesla saw standout growth, recording its highest monthly sales in over two years and helping Norway further its world-leading electrification efforts. NEXTSTAR ENERGY FINISHES $5B WINDSOR BATTERY PLANT NextStar Energy, a Stellantis and LG joint venture, has completed Canada's largest battery plant in Windsor, capable of supplying 450,000 EVs annually and supporting more than 2,500 jobs. The factory is fully approved for safe operation and will play a pivotal role in North America's transition to electric vehicles. FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES OUTSTRIP EV TAX CREDIT Analysis shows that while the US federal EV tax credit has ended, fossil fuels still receive hundreds of billions in government support annually, far outstripping historical EV subsidies. This context highlights the ongoing need for policy equity as the market shifts toward cleaner transportation solutions. AFFORDABLE CLEAN CARS COALITION GROWS TO 13 GOVERNORS The Affordable Clean Cars Coalition has grown to 13 state governors united in expanding access to cost-effective EVs and supporting domestic automakers. The group's collaboration focuses on lowering barriers for consumers and maintaining state authority under the Clean Air Act to accelerate vehicle electrification. RIVIAN SHARES R2 WATER-FORDING DURABILITY TEST AS PRODUCTION NEARS Rivian demonstrated the resilience of its upcoming R2 SUV with a successful water-fording test, underscoring its capability before production starts in 2026. These rigorous trials ensure the vehicle meets high durability standards, aiming for a base price around $45,000. 4SB MOBILITY TO DEMONSTRATE SWAPPABLE EV BATTERIES 4SB Mobility will showcase swappable battery technology at Fleet & Mobility Live, giving UK fleet operators a hands-on look at how rapid swaps—completed in as little as two minutes—can enhance EV usability. The system can even retrofit existing EVs, improving range flexibility and future-proofing fleet investments. ARCHER MIDNIGHT eVTOL REACHES 7,000-FOOT ALTITUDE Archer Aviation's Midnight eVTOL achieved a 7,000-foot altitude in testing, successfully demonstrating its power and potential for urban mobility solutions. The milestone is a positive development toward eventual FAA certification, with the aircraft now tested at speeds exceeding 150 mph and distances over 50 miles.

We start with where negotiations sit on the second day of the government shutdown. Israel's interception of a Gaza aid flotilla is sparking international outcry. The DOJ has fired a prosecutor over a false social media post. A judge has ruled on the Trump administration's attempt to cut anti-terror funding in New York. Plus, there's been collision between two planes at a US airport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In “Private Fleet Net Zero: The Deadhead is Dead”, Joe Lynch and Russell Jones, CEO & Co-founder of Private Fleet Net Zero, discuss how PFNZ is using AI to eliminate the deadhead of private fleets, turning empty miles into profitable, superior capacity while simultaneously driving significant progress toward net zero. About Russ Jones Russell Jones co-founded Private Fleet Net Zero to help the 45% of trucks that are in Private Fleets with usually empty backhauls find loads from $50B+ of 3PL freight spend, leveraging his leadership of Cargo Chief, which enables 1,200+ 3PL buyers with $8B+ of spend to buy transportation capacity more profitably. Previously, Mr. Jones co-founded and led two cloud-based physical security firms.  He was also the founding CEO of Clearvox Communications, which pioneered the market for cellular phone headsets, which he sold to Plantronics.  Beforehand at Adaptec, Mr. Jones doubled a $50M channel products business to $100M. Mr. Jones has been awarded 10 patents, and holds a BSBA with highest honors from Boston University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. About Private Fleet Net Zero Private Fleet Net Zero, PFNZ, is uniquely aggregating 10,000s of trucks with 1,000s of lanes of underutilized, underpriced, theft-free and superior private and dedicated fleet trucking capacity and matching via multi patent-pending technologies and artificial intelligence to $10Bs of freight spend registered on our cloud-based platform, while generating a compelling client ROI. Our network is quickly and efficiently growing both fleets and 3PLs on PFNZ, which is on a path to save 30M+ tree equivalents. Key Takeaways: Private Fleet Net Zero: The Deadhead In “Private Fleet Net Zero: The Deadhead is Dead”, Joe Lynch and Russell Jones, CEO & Co-founder of Private Fleet Net Zero, discuss how PFNZ is using AI to eliminate the deadhead of private fleets, turning empty miles into profitable, superior capacity while simultaneously driving significant progress toward net zero. The Death of the Deadhead: The core problem PFNZ addresses is the massive inefficiency of empty backhauls ("deadhead"), which characterizes nearly 45% of the total US trucking capacity operated by private fleets. The episode explains how eliminating this waste is the key to both operational profit and environmental sustainability. The $10B Capacity Solution: PFNZ is uniquely aggregating tens of thousands of private fleet trucks, transforming previously unused lanes into a powerful network. This new capacity is highly desirable to buyers, described by PFNZ as "underpriced, theft-free, and superior." AI-Driven Efficiency: Russ Jones details how multi-patent-pending technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are essential to the solution. The AI efficiently matches this newly aggregated capacity with the $10Bs of freight spend from 3PLs registered on their platform. The Sustainability ROI: The episode connects logistics efficiency directly to environmental impact. By eliminating empty miles, PFNZ is on a path to save the equivalent of 30 million+ trees, demonstrating that net-zero goals can be achieved through fundamental changes in transportation economics. Unlocking New Profit Centers: For private fleet operators, the partnership generates a "compelling client ROI" by turning what was a sunk-cost (the empty backhaul) into a profitable revenue-generating leg, fundamentally changing the economics of fleet ownership. A Proven Disruptor at the Helm: Russ Jones brings a deep history of tech entrepreneurship and market disruption, having pioneered the cellular headset market (Clearvox/Plantronics) and successfully built cloud-based physical security firms. His decade of experience leading Cargo Chief provides the foundation for integrating private fleet capacity with the existing 3PL freight market. Leveraging Existing Market Structures: The platform's success is built on Jones's knowledge of the brokerage world, leveraging his previous experience at Cargo Chief, which currently enables over 1,200 3PL buyers with more than $8 billion in annual spend, ensuring rapid adoption and integration. Learn More About Private Fleet Net Zero: The Deadhead Russ Jones | Linkedin Private Fleet Net Zero | Linkedin Private Fleet Net Zero The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, host Nathan Schafer sits down with Brent Messner from the City of Las Vegas to explore a topic that's essential for every fleet professional: how to build a successful and lasting career in the fleet industry.Starting from their humble beginnings as technicians, both Nathan and Brent share real, relatable stories of navigating the fleet world, embracing continuous education, and the pivotal moments that shifted their mindsets from "turning wrenches" to leading teams. Brent reflects on the moment his supervisor told him he was destined to run the place one day—a comment that sparked his journey toward leadership.The duo dive into the importance of ongoing training, why technicians need to understand more than just tools, and how building strong vendor and peer relationships accelerates career growth. Whether you're just starting your fleet journey or you're a fleet manager looking to elevate your team, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Key Takeaways:Invest in Yourself: Don't wait for your employer to offer training—seek it out and fund it if you have to. It pays off.Mentorship Starts Early: One comment from a supervisor can completely change a technician's trajectory.Training Isn't Optional: Even if you're in government and budgets are tight, training can (and should) be baked into vendor contracts.Relationships Are Everything: Your network will help you solve the problems you haven't even run into yet.Walk the Shop Floor: New fleet managers should spend time learning from their technicians and operators.Certifications Matter: Whether it's ASEs, CAFM, or CPFP, showing you're an active participant in the field builds credibility. Speaker Bios:Nathan Schafer is a Fleet Success Manager at RTA: The Fleet Success Company, with over 25 years of experience in the fleet industry. From technician to manager to consultant, Nathan brings a real-world, no-fluff perspective to helping fleets succeed.Brent Messner is the Fleet and Fuel Operations Manager for the City of Las Vegas and a co-host of the Not Just Fleet podcast. With a background in government fleet operations and a passion for technician training, Brent shares his journey from shop floor to leadership.

Edition No250 | 01-10-2025 - There has been a dramatic maritime showdown involving a grey fleet oil tanker, with shocking implications for Russia's hybrid warfare in Western Europe's backyard. French forces have just boarded a tanker tied to Russia's “shadow fleet,” suspected of launching drones over Denmark. Moscow fired back, calling the move “provocative.” We'll trace how these fits into a larger pattern: drone incursions, hybrid escalation, and Russia's threats towards Europe.Let's start with the facts as they're known. In late September 2025, multiple drone incursions over Danish airspace triggered disruptions at airports in Copenhagen and Aalborg. The flights were mysterious, unauthorized, and widely suspected to be part of a hybrid operation by Russia, though Moscow denied direct involvement. (Le Monde.fr)Around October 1, French authorities moved in. The oil tanker known as Boracay (formerly Pushpa among other aliases) — flagged under Benin but with opaque ownership ties — was boarded by French military personnel off the coast near Saint-Nazaire. (The Guardian)Two senior crew members — the captain and first mate — were arrested. The Brest prosecutor's office confirmed the investigation is ongoing, citing “very serious wrongdoings,” including refusal to cooperate and failure to justify the ship's nationality. (Le Monde.fr)----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SOURCES: “French troops board Russia-linked oil tanker suspected of being involved in drone flights,” The Guardian, Oct 1, 2025“Macron says a tanker off France is linked to Russia's shadow oil fleet,” AP News, Oct 1, 2025 “Kremlin, asked about French investigation into oil tanker, talks of ‘provocative actions' by some states,” Reuters, Oct 1, 2025 “France detains two crew members of Russia-linked tanker …,” *France24*, Oct 1, 2025 “EU leaders discuss ‘drone wall' … after airspace violations,” Reuters “Escalation in Europe: How the Kremlin is testing NATO's limits,” Nest Centre (analysis)Wikipedia, “Russian shadow fleet” Wikipedia, “2025 Russian drone incursion into Poland” Additional reporting from The Washington Post, Le Monde, and others.----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

It's finally here – the biggest change to Qantas' domestic fleet in decades. The new A321XLR has joined the national carrier with its first commercial flight, and with 48 on order to replace the ageing 737-800s, it's the most ambitious phase yet in the airline's massive fleet renewal program. With a wider body, more fuel-efficient engines, and a slew of other changes, the A321XLR is a massive leap for the Flying Kangaroo – but does it live up to the hype, and what's being done about the delicate issue of the toilets? On this week's podcast, Jake has a full trip report of the inaugural flight of the Qantas A321XLR, and he and David discuss what it will do for the airline both domestically and internationally. Plus, Qantas looks to improve its battered reputation by making it a condition of CEO Vanessa Hudson's bonuses: will it work, or is it just a PR stunt?

Today's the day that we put drive tire ROI front and center. On this episode of What's Treading, Valentino Faraone, Regional Vice President & New Product Development Manager at Double Coin, explains why fleets and dealers should give more attention to this tire position to boost the bottom line.Valentino notes that while steer and trailer tires often dominate purchasing decisions, drive tires carry a heavy cost. They also play a major role in a fleet's total cost of ownership. He shares methods for calculating drive tire ROI, tracking mileage, and comparing acquisition costs. He also suggests using simple spreadsheets to benchmark performance against other products.The conversation highlights the importance of preventative maintenance. Dealers can deliver real value by monitoring tread depth, air pressure, and mismatched diameters before costly breakdowns occur. Valentino explains that this proactive approach may require an upfront investment but provides significant long-term savings and peace of mind.He also discusses Double Coin's durability approach, building heavier, more robust tires that excel in harsh environments and offer strong retreadability. That combination, he says, helps fleets maximize value throughout the tire's lifecycle.For commercial fleets, product quality matters as much as service and maintenance. Dealers who prioritize reliability, preventative maintenance, and consistent support build lasting trust with fleets and owner-operators, Valentino says.Watch now for Valentino's insights on service, durability, and why the drive tire should never be overlooked in a fleet's ROI strategy.Tire Review: www.tirereview.comHunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

Autonomous trucks are already working in real fleet operations today.But what do those operations look like?And how does deploying and operating autonomous trucks actually work on the fleet side of the equation?We asked Nils Jaeger, president of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, to walk us through the state of self-driving truck operations today.

This Farm4Profit Podcast episode introduces NexOpt, a new asset management and GPS tracking system that promises to change how farmers monitor equipment, track service, and manage downtime. Our guest, Sherie Jones, Operations Manager at STEINBAUER USA, shares how NexOpt—founded in 2016—has already been adopted by industries like postal services, broadcasters, and leasing companies in Europe, and why now is the right time to bring it to the U.S.Key themes from the conversation include:What Makes NexOpt Different: Unlike traditional telematics systems tied to one carrier, NexOpt is cell-provider independent, can store data offline and upload later, and is engineered entirely in-house for reliability. Sherie also explains how the system uses a fraction of the data compared to competitors.Why Farmers Should Care: From real-time tracking of machines to the Service History feature that logs invoices, technician notes, and repair photos, NexOpt helps farmers replace messy spreadsheets and paper records with one digital solution. For row-crop, livestock, and custom operators alike, this can reduce downtime during critical planting or harvest windows.Features & Functionality: Farmers gain tools like breadcrumb trails, idle time tracking, fault code reporting, and customizable analytics. Sherie shares which features early adopters love most and how even non-tech-savvy users can navigate the platform with ease.ROI and Practical Use: Sherie outlines the cost structure (setup + per-vehicle monthly fee), where farmers typically see the return on investment, and whether it's better to pilot a few machines or roll out across an entire fleet.The U.S. Launch: Debuting at the Farm Progress Show, NexOpt is kicking things off with T-shirt giveaways, a cooler raffle, and even a shrimp boil and gumbo dinner for attendees.This episode highlights how smarter tracking can turn maintenance into a profit driver, giving farmers more time in the field and fewer unexpected breakdowns. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Norwegian Cruise Lines President & CEO Harry Sommer says his company sees robust consumer demand as it is in the midst of upgrading its fleet of cruise ships. Sommer speaks on "Bloomberg Open Interest" with Matt Miller and Dani Burger.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shari Small

Cipher Mining landed its first AI tenant, with $1.3 billion in the deal backstopped by Google, and MicroBT has opened a U.S. distribution hub with 10,000 ASIC miners per month in volume. Click Here To Join the BitAxe Giveaway! Welcome back to The Mining Pod! On today's round up, we dive deep into Cipher Mining's $3 billion AI hosting deal with Fluid Stack, backed by Google's $1.4 billion guarantee. And as hashrate surges to 1,100 EH/s, miners are struggling with sub-$50 hash prices. Plus MicroBT has opened a U.S. distribution hub, and IREN's aggressive GPU expansion. **Notes:** • Cipher signed $3B AI deal with Fluid Stack • Google backstopping $1.4B of obligations   • Hash price under $50/PH/day (6mo low) • Network hash rate at 1,100 EH/s • IREN doubled GPU fleet to 23K units, raises Q1-2026 ARR to $500M • MicroBT opens 10K unit/month US shop Timestamps: 00:00 Start 03:03 Difficulty Report by Luxor 07:08 Cipher and Fluidstack deal! 13:15 MicroBT opens up shop in US 17:34 Cleanspark Ad 18:03 IREN doubles GPU fleet (again)

Click Here To Join the BitAxe Giveaway! Welcome back to The Mining Pod! On today's round up, we dive deep into Cipher Mining's $3 billion AI hosting deal with Fluid Stack, backed by Google's $1.4 billion guarantee. And as hashrate surges to 1,100 EH/s, miners are struggling with sub-$50 hash prices. Plus MicroBT has opened a U.S. distribution hub, and IREN's aggressive GPU expansion. **Notes:** • Cipher signed $3B AI deal with Fluid Stack • Google backstopping $1.4B of obligations   • Hash price under $50/PH/day (6mo low) • Network hash rate at 1,100 EH/s • IREN doubled GPU fleet to 23K units, raises Q1-2026 ARR to $500M • MicroBT opens 10K unit/month US shop Timestamps: 00:00 Start 03:03 Difficulty Report by Luxor 07:08 Cipher and Fluidstack deal! 13:15 MicroBT opens up shop in US 17:34 Cleanspark Ad 18:03 IREN doubles GPU fleet (again)

How much money is your fleet leaving on the table by not managing trailers effectively? What if a simple, one-minute install could turn a $50,000 asset into a profit driver instead of a liability? In today's episode, Carl-Christoph “CCR” Reckers shares how FleetPulse has stepped into the market with practical trailer telematics that solve real problems instead of just throwing “dots on a map” at you. With its data-driven preventive maintenance, CCR discusses how technology is reshaping trailer utilization, safety, and security. Plus, we cover why today's higher interest rate environment is forcing fleets to rethink trailer-to-tractor ratios, how theft prevention and cargo monitoring tech protect your reputation and bottom line, and why automation is the key to stopping unpaid dwell time from eating into revenue!   About Carl-Christoph “CCR” Reckers Carl-Christoph is a full-stack, hands-on tech leader with strong go-to-market and product instincts, adept at aligning product, sales, marketing, and customer experience teams while empowering strong ownership to achieve common goals. He's focusing on recruiting, developing and retaining top talent and fostering a values-driven, entrepreneurial high-performance culture. Carl-Christoph is known for creating an environment conducive to experimentation and rapid learning by balancing collaboration with decisiveness and moving fast, and has a track record of launching B2B products and businesses from zero and scaling profitably to $MMM.  Currently, he's focusing on digital transformation in B2B, digital supply chain, product, electrification, and AI.    Connect with CCR Website: https://fleetpulse.com/ / https://greatdane.com/fleetpulse/  Email: sales@fleetpulse.com  

“By the time we figured it out, we had to replace 110 engines—10% of the fleet. All because of bad fuel.” – Dave PersadEpisode SummaryWhat happens when your vehicles are running perfectly one week—and the next, you're replacing 110 engines?In this gripping episode of The Fleet Success Show, host Marc Canton sits down with award-winning fleet manager Dave Persad to uncover one of the most catastrophic fuel contamination events in fleet history. Dave walks us through a nightmare scenario that began with a few strange service calls and escalated into a full-blown crisis affecting hundreds of vehicles.This isn't just a horror story—it's a masterclass in leadership, diagnostics, resilience, and how to turn chaos into a controlled comeback.Fleet managers, buckle up—this episode is a must-listen if you want to protect your team, your equipment, and your reputation from unexpected disasters. Key TakeawaysBad fuel can destroy your fleet – Learn how fuel contamination silently compromised engines before anyone knew what was happening.Relationships are critical in a crisis – Strong dealership and vendor relationships can be the difference between weeks and months of downtime.Documentation is your legal shield – Dave shares how detailed work orders and PM records saved his team from blame and supported insurance/legal claims.Fleet success relies on preparation – Discover how Dave's team managed to keep operations going with backup vehicles, leases, and strategic planning.Testing your fuel isn't optional – Implement rolling 30-day sampling to avoid hidden contamination disasters.   

Episode 199 covers a mix of fleet news, safety reminders, and community moments from the JFW team. The hosts open with a patriotic pledge and celebrate podcast milestones while sharing driver shoutouts and updates from Yard 23. Key topics include heavy-equipment and wall weights at the new yard, winter driving and chain-up advice for I‑80/I‑70, ELD rules and the upcoming McLeod/Sidekick transition, and practical reminders about pre-trips, drip trays, and doing things the right way. The episode also includes light moments—dad jokes, a trucker prayer, a mini interview with a gravel hauler in New Mexico, fundraiser info, and a call to report dangerous drivers—wrapping up with JFW's values and a reminder to stay safe on the road. Ambyr's GoFundMe  https://gofund.me/f219df93b

The PHANTOM FLEET of the Great LakesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.

Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode of Apple @ Work, Jason Dettbarn from Addigy joins the show to talk about solving your IT compliance problems with Apple devices. Show notes Addigy teams up with SentinelOne for new Apple security suite with real time compliance and zero trust Listen and subscribe Apple Podcasts Overcast Spotify Pocket Casts Castro RSS Listen to Past Episodes

Sign up for my newsletter to receive fresh posts, encouragement, and Bible reflections straight to your inbox. There is a blog post that accompanies this episode at PrMarlon.comConnect with me.Check out our church at Cloverdale.orgThe intro music Fleet of Happy Fingers by Ryan Bell

Join Aviation Week editors in Singapore from the GoLive! Theater at MRO Asia-Pacific as they share what they are hearing at the 25th anniversary event.

PREVIEW: GUEST NAME: Néstor Espinoza SUMMARY: John Batchelor converses with astronomer Néstor Espinoza about TRAPPIST-1e, an exoplanet 40 light-years away, and its perceived atmosphere. Espinoza dreams of an unlimited budget to launch a "fleet of James Webbs" to survey hundreds or thousands of habitable exoplanets, aiming to determine the commonality of life beyond Earth, an idea supported by others like Daniel Apai. 1906 WAR OF THE WORLDS

Dr Katharine Milano is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of PTSD and memory recall. To her surprise, only a few months ago in mid-2025, she began recalling her own traumatic memories of being abducted by extraterrestrials in 1975, when only 3 years old, and being trained to develop her psychic skills and to pilot spacecraft. She also recalls being traumatized by human personnel, which included involuntarily participating in a Satanic Ritual Abuse ceremony where a young boy was sacrificed in summoning a Draco Reptilian for whom she was intended to be the ritual sacrifice. The Draco, however, said she was unsuitable and admonished those in charge of the ceremony for their mistake.After her MK-Ultra-like trauma-based mind control had turned her into a submissive sex worker she began her first secret space program from 1983 to 2023. In 1992, at age 17, she was began serving with the Dark Fleet, where she became a highly trained Geisha with a distinct black uniform with patches, who served German officers who used her for sexual favors, including spying on rival trade negotiation delegates visiting Aries Prime on Mars.Dr. Milano describes how she later met a tall blue Pleiadian representative of the Ashtar Command who secretly recruited her to become a double agent. She learned that this Pleiadian, Lyrahaan, came from the Maia star system and was her husband in a previous life when they both volunteered to join the Galactic Envoy program. Dr. Milano says that Lyrahaan currently serves with the Galactic Federation of Worlds and is watching over and protecting her.Dr. Katharine Milano's website is: https://metaphysicalpsychology.net/

"The strength of any relationship is the speed of repair. In fleet leadership, trust isn't optional—it's the operating system."

David Piperno, the CFO of SparkCharge, explains on ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast their innovative mobile charging network that provides fleet EV charging services across North America, highlighting their technology, coverage, and pricing structure. The conversation covered Spark Charge's operational capabilities, recent funding, and future plans, with David emphasizing … The post Creative Mobile Charging Solutions for Fleet Electric Vehicles appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Hosts Jim White, Brother Dave White and Jam Bacchus open the episode with prayer and raw reactions to national and local tragedies, including the Charlie Kirk shooting and the Evergreen High School incident. The podcast shares the emotional update that Ambyr's missing mother was found, discusses safety and operational news (driver appreciation, chain checks, radios, winter tips), and reports on Yard 23 construction and fuel tank moves. Light moments include the Dad Joke Challenge and a mini-interview with driver, Todd Dull, while recurring themes urge drivers to slow down, stay off phones, and take responsibility for safety.

I've spent years talking about endpoint security, yet printers rarely enter the conversation. Today, that blind spot takes center stage. I'm joined by Jim LaRoe, CEO of Symphion, to unpack why printers now represent one of the most exposed corners of the enterprise and what can be done about it. Jim's team protects fleets that range from a few hundred devices to tens of thousands, and the picture he paints is stark. In many organizations, printers make up 20 to 30 percent of endpoints, and almost all of them are left in a factory default state. That means open ports, default passwords, and little to no monitoring. Pair that with the sensitive data printers receive, process, and store, plus the privileged connections they hold to email and file servers, and you start to see why attackers love them. We trace Symphion's path from a configuration management roots story in 1999 to a pivot in 2015 when a major printer manufacturer invited the company behind the curtain. What they found was a parallel universe to mainstream IT. Brand silos, disparate operating systems, and a culture that treated printers as cost items rather than connected computers. Add in the human factor, where technicians reset devices to factory defaults after service as second nature, and you have a recipe for recurring vulnerabilities that never make it into a SOC dashboard. Jim explains how Symphion's Print Fleet Cybersecurity as a Service tackles this mess with cross-brand software, professional operations, and proven processes delivered for a simple per-device price. The model is designed to remove operational burden from IT teams. Automated daily monitoring detects drift, same-day remediation resets hardened controls, and comprehensive reporting supports regulatory needs in sectors like healthcare where compliance is non-negotiable. The goal is steady cyber hygiene for printers that mirrors what enterprises already expect for servers and PCs, without cobbling together multiple vendor tools, licenses, and extra headcount to operate them. We also talk about the hidden costs of DIY printer security. Licensing multiple management platforms for different brands, training staff who already have full plates, and outages caused by misconfigurations all add up. Jim shares real-world perspectives from organizations that tried to patch together a solution before calling in help. The pattern is familiar. Costs creep. Vulnerabilities reappear. Incidents push the topic onto the CISO's agenda. Symphion's pitch is straightforward. Treat print fleets like any other class of critical infrastructure in the enterprise, and measure outcomes in risk reduction, time saved, and fewer surprises. If you are commuting while listening and now hearing alarm bells, you are not alone. Think about the printers scattered across your offices and clinics. Consider the data that passes through them every day. Then picture an attacker who finds default credentials in minutes and uses a printer to move across your network.  Tune in for a fast, practical look at a risk hiding in plain sight, and learn how Symphion's Print Fleet Cybersecurity as a Service can help you close a gap that attackers know too well. ********* Visit the Sponsor of Tech Talks Network: Land your first job  in tech in 6 months as a Software QA Engineering Bootcamp with Careerist https://crst.co/OGCLA  

Guest Bio: Captain Lacey Vestal, United States Navy, currently serves as a Commanding Officer in the Human Resources community. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, she began her career as a Surface Warfare Officer before transitioning to Human Resources, where she has held leadership roles across the Fleet, at the Pentagon, and on the staff of the Secretary of the Navy. Her career reflects a commitment to resilience, mentorship, and service at every level of the Navy. Beyond uniform, she is a competitive bodybuilder who brings the same discipline and focus to personal wellness that she applies to leading Sailors and shaping Navy policy.   Episode Description: Captain Lacey Vestal is a United States Navy Commanding Officer and Human Resources Officer. She talks about growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, being at the Naval Academy during 9/11, standing her first watch as a Surface Warfare Officer, shifting into HR, and working at the Pentagon and with the Secretary of the Navy. We also get into bodybuilding, command PT, mentorship, and what it takes to stay resilient as a leader.   Have a “Do Better” you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com   Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast   CAPT Lacey's Picks of the Week:   Relentless (Tim Grover) - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relentless-tim-s-grover/1112409981   Quiet (Susan Cain) - https://susancain.net/book/quiet/       PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

Discover how Sema4.ai is redefining enterprise AI with a platform built to help businesses build, operate, and scale SAFE AI agents. In this conversation, CTO and co-founder Ram Venkatesh explains why simply generating insights isn't enough and why enterprises need AI that can act on those insights reliably, securely, and at scale. If you want to understand the future of agentic AI and how to safely scale AI across your organization, this episode is a must-watch. Stay Updated:Craig Smith on X: https://x.com/craigssEye on A.I. on X: https://x.com/EyeOn_AI (00:00) The Data-to-Action Gap (00:38) Ram's Big Data Background (03:22) Why RPA Failed & Agents Win   (04:39) Conversational Agents vs Manual Workflows   (06:28) The Power of a Semantic Layer   (08:20) Runbooks: Capturing Intent, Not Just Steps   (11:16) Connecting Data Across Systems   (15:12) How Sema4.ai Keeps AI Secure   (17:37) From 20 to 2,000 Agents: Scaling the Fleet   (20:20) Choosing the Right Agent Platform   (26:22) Process Architects: The New Role in AI   (29:00) Why Finance & Healthcare Lead in Adoption   (30:04) Sema4.ai's Pricing & Adoption Playbook   (41:29) Scaling Faster with Snowflake Deployment   (43:10) ISVs & Domain Experts as Agent Builders  

The He Kaupapa Waka - A Fleet of Waka exhibition celebrates the journey of waka through imagery and sound.

In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley (CEO, RTA) and fleet veteran Nathan Schafer dive deep into the not-so-sexy—but absolutely critical—topic of vehicle inventory. If you've ever assumed that what's in your fleet maintenance management software matches what's on your lot… think again. From rogue departments buying vehicles under the radar to liabilities that could land you in legal hot water, this episode breaks down why accurate, hands-on inventory is non-negotiable. Nathan shares real stories from public sector and construction fleet life, including equipment that literally vanished and a catastrophic fire that made insurance records the only thing standing between chaos and coverage. You'll also get practical advice on how to conduct a modern vehicle inventory using today's tools—plus why photos, odometer updates, and walkarounds could save you millions (or your job). ✅ Key Takeaways Inventory isn't optional—it's a legal, financial, and operational necessity. What's not in your FMIS can hurt you. Assets missing from your fleet maintenance software = massive liability. Photos are proof. Capture and attach them to records to avoid insurance nightmares. Rogue departments = rogue liabilities. Centralized oversight is critical. Annual walkarounds uncover the truth. From ghost assets to forgotten equipment, nothing beats boots on the ground. Digital tools like RTA Fleet360's mobile app simplify the process with photo capture, odometer updates, and record linking. Speaker Bios Josh Turley, CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With two decades of experience supporting fleets, Josh is passionate about helping fleet managers lead with intention and build cultures of excellence. He's a vocal advocate for using data and modern fleet management systems to drive measurable success. Nathan Schafer, Fleet management expert with 25+ years in both public sector and private construction fleets. At RTA, he supports implementation, training, and product design. Known for his hands-on approach and deep operational knowledge, Nathan's stories always come with a lesson (and sometimes a laugh). #FleetMaintenance #FleetManagement #FleetSuccess #VehicleInventory #FleetSafety #FleetCompliance #FleetMaintenanceSoftware #FleetManagementSoftware #GovernmentFleet #RTAFleet #AssetManagement #FleetLiability

Upgunned variants of NSCs and FRCs could help Navy readiness.