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Check out the University of Aberdeen Online Courses: http://on.abdn.ac.uk/online-history-courses Oliver Cromwell is offered a crown... but will he take it? Alice Hunt, Republic, 2024. Martyn Bennet, Oliver Cromwell, 2006. Michael Braddick (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of the English Revolution, 2015. Barry Coward, The Cromwellian Protectorate, 2002. Jonathan Healey, The Blazing World, 2023. Paul Lay, Providence Lost: The Rise and Fall of the English Republic, 2020. Anna Keay, The Restless Republic, 2022. Ian Gentles, The New Model Army: Agent of Revolution, 2022. Carla Gardina Pestana, The English Conquest of Jamaica: Oliver Cromwell's Bid for Empire, 2017. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last time we spoke about the battle along the Wusong Creek. The situation was dire for the Chinese defenders, who faced overwhelming odds. Among them was Ogishima, a Japanese soldier who experienced the brutal reality of war firsthand. Amidst the chaos, battles erupted along the Wusong Creek, where both sides suffered heavy casualties. Chinese forces, despite being greatly outnumbered in terms of tactical superiority, demonstrated extraordinary resilience, fighting bravely even when retreat was necessary. As the battle raged on, tactics evolved; Chinese troops fortified defenses and implemented guerrilla warfare strategies. The soldiers transformed the landscape into a fortification, turning abandoned buildings into strongholds. October brought a fresh wave of violence. The Japanese pressed their attack, unleashing superior firepower that gradually saw them conquer Dachang. #161 The Battle of Shanghai #6: the 800 heroes who defended the Sihang Warehouse 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. Before the fall of Dachang, despite the threat of court-martial for anyone abandoning their posts, a general withdrawal of all Chinese forces in the Jiangwan salient was already in progress. As early as the night between October 24 and 25, the divisions within the salient had been ordered to move their baggage trains and support services back southwest across Suzhou Creek, utilizing the Zhongshan Bridge and Jessfield Railway Bridge. As the fighting intensified north of Zhabei in the subsequent days, the flow of soldiers, vehicles, and pack animals continued. By the night between October 26 and 27, the Chinese completely vacated metropolitan Shanghai north of Suzhou Creek. A foreign journalist wrot “The enormous Chinese army simply melted away and at dawn the Japanese found themselves facing empty positions. The two armies were no longer in contact.” During their retreat from Zhabei, the Chinese systematically set fire to thousands of shops and homes, implementing a scorched earth policy. At 7:00 am on October 27, eight narrow columns of smoke cut across the horizon from one end of Zhabei to the other. Two hours later, these columns had transformed into “huge black pillars stretching towards the azure sky.” By afternoon, a massive wall of smoke stretched four miles long, rising thousands of feet into the air. In the words of a German advisor, it was a fire “of unimaginable extent” that raged out of control for several days, repeatedly threatening to spill into the International Settlement. Refugees who had left Zhabei weeks or months earlier, hoping to return now that the fighting seemed to be over, were devastated to see their homes consumed by an immense sea of flames. The Japanese Army, or more specifically the doctrine guiding it in the field, failed in two significant ways by allowing some of China's best divisions to escape the trap they had set for them. First, on the evening of October 26, after taking Dachang, the Japanese columns could have advanced across Zhabei right to the edge of the International Settlement. Instead, they followed orders and ceased their advance at the line they had reached at sunset. German advisor Borchardt wrote “The only explanation for this is the lack of independent thinking among junior Japanese commanders and their fear of deviating even slightly from a meticulously detailed attack plan. Since the Japanese focused on rallying and reorganizing their forces after the fall of Dachang, they missed an opportunity for a victory so decisive that the Chinese would have been forced to give up their continued resistance in Shanghai.” If the Japanese made their first mistake by leaving a door open for the enemy to escape, they committed a second error by failing to notice that the enemy was using that door. Although Japanese reconnaissance planes monitored the two main bridges utilized by the Chinese to retreat and even deployed parachute flares to detect movements at night, they inexplicably failed to observe the Chinese withdrawal. The retreat was executed precisely as planned, with every piece of artillery withdrawn. This allowed the Chinese to occupy prepared positions south of Suzhou Creek and around Nanxiang, enabling them to continue the fight another day. Despite their missteps, the Japanese initially celebrated their conquest of Zhabei as a victory, placing thousands of small Rising Sun flags throughout the district's ruins. Amid this sea of white and red, the only relatively intact structure, the Four Banks' Warehouse, starkly reminded them that the Chinese still maintained a foothold north of Suzhou Creek. Rumors began to circulate that the soldiers inside had vowed to fight to the death. The Japanese came to realize that their triumph in Zhabei would be perceived as flawed and would even resemble a defeat as long as the warehouse remained in Chinese hands. It was back on October 26, Chiang Kai-shek ordered all forces in Shanghai to withdraw to the western rural region. To facilitate a safe retreat, a rearguard was necessary, as is standard in military withdrawals. Chiang issued orders to General Gu Zhutong, the acting commander of the 3rd Military Region, to leave the 88th Division behind, not only to buy time for the retreating forces but also to stage a final grand stand in front of the Shanghai International Settlement. This was a last-ditch effort to gain international support, as the nine Great Powers were set to convene on November 6. However, General Gu Zhutong was personally attached to the 88th Division, and thus reluctant to abandon them. It's worth noting that he was acting commander in this position because his next post was to lead the 88th Division. Therefore, he telegrammed the divisional commander at the time, General Sun Yuanliang, who also opposed the plan to leave the 88th Division behind. While neither Gu Zhutong nor Sun Yuanliang were willing to disobey orders from the Generalissimo, Sun proposed a solution: They could leave a portion of the troops behind, just not the entire 88th Division. In his words, “How many people we sacrifice would not make a difference; it would achieve the same purpose.” Sun suggested leaving behind a single regiment from the 88th Division to defend one or two heavily fortified positions. Gu Zhutong agreed to this plan, and at that time, the 88th Divisional Headquarters was located at the Sihang Warehouse. The Sihang Warehouse is a six-story concrete building situated in the Zhabei district, just north of Suzhou Creek, at the northwestern edge of the New Lese Bridge. The warehouse was constructed collaboratively by four banks, hence the name "Sihang," which translates to "four banks." Directly across Suzhou Creek lies the Shanghai International Settlement, a neutral territory where Western foreigners resided. The fighting would occur literally just across the creek, forcing Western observers to witness the heroic last stand that China would make in Shanghai up close. For those who might not be aware, there is an outstanding film titled “The Eight Hundred.” I even reviewed the movie on my channel, the Pacific War Channel, on YouTube. The film excellently captures the remarkable situation, depicting an extravagant city on one side of a river, filled with entertainment, casinos, bars, and restaurants. The international community enjoys their vibrant lives, full of colors and lights, while on the other side lies a literal warzone. The Sihang Warehouse stands there, bullet-ridden, as the Japanese continuously attempt to storm it against the Chinese defenders. It's a compelling film worth checking out, feel free to take a look at my review as well! Returning to the story, Sun Yuanliang reconsidered and believed that leaving an entire regiment was excessive. Instead, he opted to leave behind an over-strength battalion. The 1st Battalion of the 524th Regiment was chosen for this task. A young colonel, Xie Jinyuan, who was also new to the 88th Division, volunteered to lead the battalion. No one who had met Xie Jinyuan could doubt that he was the ideal choice to lead the battalion that would stay behind, holed up inside the Sihang Warehouse in a corner of Zhabei, demonstrating to both the domestic and international audience that China remained resolute in its resistance against Japanese aggression. The 32-year-old graduate of the elite Central Military Academy, who had been stationed in Shanghai with the 88th Division since hostilities began in August, was a soldier to the core. He stood as straight as a bayonet, and according to a foreign correspondent who met him, even while wearing a mask, he was unmistakably a military man. In the correspondent's words, he represented “modern China stripped for action.” Upon receiving his assignment on the night of October 26, Xie Jinyuan went directly to the warehouse and was pleased with what he found. It resembled a virtual fortress. Each of its walls was pockmarked with numerous rifle slots, ensuring that attacking infantry would face a barrage of fire from the building's well-defended positions. It was evident that once the Japanese arrived, they would surround the structure on three sides; however, a link remained to the International Settlement to the south across Lese Bridge. British forward positions were as close as 40 feet away, and with careful maneuvering and a bit of luck, it was likely that the injured could be evacuated under the cover of darkness. From a tactical standpoint, it was an ideal location. Still, improvements were possible, and Xie ordered the soldiers already present to work through the night to enhance their defenses. They had an ample supply of large bags filled with wheat and corn at their disposal, which served as excellent substitutes for sandbags. Xie Jinyuan's first challenge was to rally the soldiers of the 524th Regiment's 1st Battalion to occupy the warehouse positions. This was a complex task, given the short notice, as the companies and platoons were scattered throughout Zhabei, and some had unknowingly begun moving west with the rest of the Chinese Army, unaware of the orders their battalion had received. Throughout the night, Xie and his second-in-command, Yang Ruifu, dispatched orderlies through the blazing streets in search of their men amidst the throng of retreating soldiers. Eventually, their efforts bore fruit. By 9:00 a.m. on October 27, the last remaining soldiers of the battalion arrived at the warehouse. By then, Xie Jinyuan's force consisted of just over 400 officers and soldiers. This was a minuscule number compared to the might of the Japanese military, and they were immediately put to the test. Xie was unfamiliar with the men under his command, effectively being thrown into the deep end, so to speak. The location chosen for their stand was, of course, the Sihang Warehouse. The 1st Battalion originally comprised eight hundred men, but casualties incurred during the Battle of Shanghai had reduced their numbers to just 452 soldiers before the defense of the Sihang Warehouse began. Each soldier was armed with either a Hanyang 88 or Chiang Kai-shek rifle, an 8mm Mauser, grenades, a German M1935 Stahlhelm, a gas mask, and they also had some Czech ZB vz.26 light machine guns, along with four Type 24 Maxim guns. They would face off against the forces of the 3rd IJA Division, commanded by General Iwane Matsui, as well as the 10th Battalion, 8th, and 9th Companies of the Shanghai Special Naval Landing Force under Captain Okochi Denshichi. The Japanese forces were further bolstered by approximately 260 sailors from the Yokosuka 2nd Independent SNLF Company and another 200 sailors from the Kure 1st SNLF 2nd Company. Additionally, the 8th and 9th Companies of the Shanghai SNLF, originally attached to the 4th Artillery Battalion, would provide support with howitzers and mountain guns. In total, around 980 infantrymen from the reinforced 10th Battalion of the Shanghai SNLF, along with another 200 artillerymen from the 8th and 9th Companies, were involved in the Japanese assault on the Sihang Warehouse. Xie Jinyuan consolidated his battalion's defenses inside the Sihang Warehouse, believing it would provide his men the highest chance of holding out for as long as possible. He correctly assessed that the Imperial Japanese Army would be unable to use their heaviest artillery, aerial bombardment, gas attacks, or naval guns for fear of accidentally striking the International Settlement. It's important to remember that this was 1937, and the Empire of Japan was not willing to risk open warfare with Western nations until 1941. What the Japanese did have access to were armored vehicles, such as the Type 94 tankettes. The Japanese infantry were equipped with various weapons, including the Arisaka Type 38 rifle, Type 11 and Type 96 light machine guns, the Nambu Type 14 pistol, Type 92 heavy machine gun, Type 97 grenade, Type 89 grenade discharger, and the Type 93 flamethrower. On October 27, various companies of the battalion reached the Sihang Warehouse after a fighting withdrawal. By this point, they numbered 414 men, who essentially volunteered for a suicide mission and were later acknowledged by Chiang Kai-shek for their “exemplary soldierly conduct.” The 1st Battalion was commanded by Army Major Yang Ruifu, and their forces included the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Companies, as well as a Machine Gun Company, totaling 452 men once the remaining soldiers arrived. Due to two months of intense fighting in Shanghai, many of the German-trained elite troops had been killed or wounded, leaving the majority of the reinforcements at the Sihang Warehouse to be garrison troops from the surrounding provinces. Many of these soldiers came from the 5th Regiment of the Hubei Province Garrison, which meant that many were also inexperienced recruits. On October 27, news began to circulate throughout Shanghai that Chinese forces were still resisting the Japanese in the Zhabei district at the Sihang Warehouse. At 4 a.m., a Girl Guide named Yang Huimin approached a British guard at a post at the Chinese end of the New Lese Bridge, where she noticed a British soldier tossing a pack of cigarettes into the warehouse. Yang asked the soldier what he was doing, and he informed her that there was a battalion of Chinese soldiers inside. She then wrote a message and requested that the soldier place it inside a cigarette box and toss it over. Soon, the Chinese tossed back the cigarette box with a message indicating they needed food, ammunition, and lubricant for their weapons. Yang then left the bridge and began pleading for help at the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, but no one believed her story. Xie Jinyuan deployed the 1st Company, led by Captain Tao Xingchun, on the right side of the warehouse along Tibet Road. The 3rd Company, led by Shi Meihao, was stationed on the left across from the Bank of Communications building, while the 2nd Company, commanded by Deng Ying, held the other sides. Two heavy Type 24 Maxim machine guns were mounted on the roof of the Sihang Warehouse, with additional machine guns distributed among each company. A forward platoon from each company was sent out to provide early warning of any enemy attack. Furthermore, Xie ordered his combat engineers to place remote-detonated charges in front of the warehouse. His units were strategically dispersed with rifles and machine guns throughout the warehouse and on the rooftop. They reinforced the building with bags of sand, corn, and beans, and razed surrounding structures to create a deadly killing field. At 7:30 am an advance outpost reported seeing Japanese marines near the North Train Station, and 45 minutes later, it confirmed that the enemy's flag was flying over that building. The Chinese soldiers were ordered to engage the advancing IJA 3rd division, and over the next two hours, they executed a fighting retreat back toward the warehouse. A brief pause ensued, during which the Chinese defenders prepared themselves, with some taking up positions on the various floors of the warehouse and others crouching behind an outer wall surrounding the building. At 1:00 pm a Japanese column approached the warehouse, confidently marching down the middle of the road behind a large Rising Sun banner. It appeared more like a victory parade than a tactical maneuver. Once they were in range, the Chinese officers ordered their men to fire. Five Japanese soldiers fell, causing the rest of the column to scramble for cover. Within an hour, the Japanese had amassed enough troops to attempt a storming assault on the warehouse. A sizable force surrounded the building, unleashing so much firepower that the Chinese were forced to abandon the outer wall and retreat to the warehouse itself. Although the defenses remained solid, the crisis was far from over, and the attackers appeared to have gained dangerous momentum The first bloodshed occurred when ten IJA soldiers were killed while attempting to secure fortifications around the warehouse that had been rigged with explosives. At 2 p.m., a National Revolutionary Army platoon led by Yin Qiucheng exchanged fire with approximately fifty IJA troops. By 3 pm, an IJA company consisting of around 194 men launched an attack on the warehouse from the west. During this engagement, the 3rd Company commander, Shi Meihao, was shot in the face but continued to lead the defense until he was shot again in the leg. Meanwhile, about seventy IJA soldiers took cover in a blind spot just southwest of the warehouse. In response, the NRA climbed to the rooftop and threw grenades at the IJA, killing seven and wounding twenty. The initial assault by the IJA was a failure, prompting them to set fire to the northwestern section of the warehouse, where fuel and lumber were stored. By 5 pm., firefighter efforts had extinguished the blaze, as the IJA were preoccupied with looting the Zhabei area. At this point, Yang Ruifu, the second-in-command, commanded a dozen soldiers to rush to the roof and lob hand grenades at the Japanese forces below. This counterattack halted the Japanese advance. As the Japanese withdrew, they left behind seven dead. Much of the fighting was closely watched by excited Chinese on the other side of the 60-yard Suzhou Creek. Each time news spread of another Japanese soldier being killed, a triumphant cheer erupted from the crowd. At 9 pm, battalion commander Yang Ruifu assessed that there would likely be no further IJA attacks that day and ordered the NRA to repair their fortifications and eat their meals. However, no one slept that night. The NRA suffered two deaths and four wounded, while the IJA reported seventeen dead and twenty wounded. Foreign correspondents witnessed the battle from the safety of Suzhou Creek, enjoying a front-row seat to the harsh reality of urban combat. One reporter observed a small group of Japanese soldiers cautiously approaching the warehouse, navigating through the broken masonry and twisted metal. Crawling from cover to cover, it took them 50 minutes to traverse just 50 yards. The Chinese defenders, watching from concealed vantage points, had been monitoring their movements all along. Once the Japanese party was close enough, the defenders unleashed a barrage of hand grenades. After the dust settled, they used their rifles to finish off anyone still able to move. Several Japanese attempting to rescue their wounded comrades were also killed. It was a war without mercy. Even after darkness fell over the warehouse, there was no time for sleep. The soldiers worked tirelessly to repair damages and reinforce their positions. The next morning, Xie Jinyuan contacted the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce for assistance, having received their phone number from Yang Huimin. At 7 am on October 28, Japanese bombers began to circle the warehouse but refrained from dropping any bombs for fear of hitting the International Settlement. Surrounding the rooftops of nearby buildings was a sea of Rising Sun flags, serving to intimidate the NRA and signal that they were encircled. By 8 am, Xie delivered a pep talk to the defenders and noticed an IJA squad advancing along the Suzhou Creek. According to Yang Ruifu's memoirs, Xie picked up a rifle and shot one of the IJA soldiers from over a kilometer away, halting the squad's advance. At 3 pm, it began to rain as the IJA launched a major attack on the west side of the warehouse, taking control of the Bank of Communications building. From there, they deployed machine guns and cannons to bombard the north face of the warehouse. However, the cannons were unable to significantly damage the six-foot-thick walls, and the Japanese troops in the bank building were easily suppressed by the defenders on the warehouse roof, who enjoyed a superior vantage point. After two hours of fighting, the Japanese gave up on the attack but managed to cut electricity and water to the warehouse. Yang Ruifu ordered strict rationing, with each company placing its water reserves under guard and collecting urine in large barrels for firefighting purposes if necessary. Witnessing the fierce Chinese resistance, the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce was invigorated, and news of the stand quickly spread via radio. Crowds of 30,000 people gathered along the southern bank of the Suzhou Creek, cheering the defenders on. In response, ten truckloads of aid were donated by Shanghai citizens, making their way over the bridge to the warehouse throughout the night. The defenders received food, fruit, clothing, utensils, and letters of support from the citizens. A few journalists attempted to visit, but due to the commanding officers being busy, they only managed to meet with Lei Xiong, the Machine Gun Company commander. Xie Jinyuan also utilized the same trucks to transport ten wounded men into the International Settlement. During these truck transit actions, three NRA soldiers were killed by Japanese sharpshooters. Yang Huimin courageously ran to the warehouse to personally deliver the Republic of China flag to Xie Jinyuan. Upon receiving the flag, Xie was asked by a reporter about his plans, to which he simply replied, “Defend to the death.” Yang Huimin then requested a list of the soldiers' names to announce to the entire country. However, Xie was reluctant to provide this information, fearing it would reveal his actual numbers and prompt the Japanese to storm the warehouse. Instead, he wrote down 800 names from the original 524th Regiment's roster. Thus, the legend of the “800 Heroes” was born. The next morning, the Republic of China flag was hoisted on a thirteen-foot pole atop the Sihang Warehouse. Since Yang Huimin had only delivered the flag without a pole, the defenders constructed a makeshift pole using two bamboo culms tied together, holding a flag-raising ceremony. Crowds gathered in the International Settlement, reaching up to thirty thousand in number, shouting “Zhōnghuá Mínguó wànsu!” (Long live the Republic of China). Japanese aircraft attempted to destroy the flag with strafing fire but were unsuccessful and were forced to retreat due to anti-aircraft fire. At noon, the IJA launched their largest offensive to date, attacking the warehouse from all directions with Type 94 tankettes and cannons. The 3rd NRA Company was pushed out of their defensive lines to the base of the warehouse and then further into the warehouse itself. The IJA's cannon fire chipped away at the warehouse structure, creating new firing ports on the windowless west wall. The Japanese attempted to scale the walls to the second floor using ladders. Xie Jinyuan was positioned near a window when two IJA soldiers managed to climb into the second floor beside him. He choked the first soldier to death and shot the other while kicking over the ladder they had used. The situation became dire as a platoon of IJA soldiers began placing explosives to breach the west wall. As the battle raged on, the IJA platoon continued planting explosives at the base of the west wall in an effort to breach it. When the Chinese defenders noticed what they were doing, 21-year-old Private Chen Shusheng, armed with a grenade vest, jumped from a second-story window onto the IJA platoon that was planting the explosives. His suicide attack killed himself and twenty Japanese soldiers below. The fighting continued until darkness fell, with waves of IJA soldiers storming the warehouse using armored vehicles. Ultimately, the IJA had to abandon their assault and began digging a tunnel towards the warehouse with an excavator. In response, posters emerged in the International Settlement, showcasing the movement of the IJA to the NRA. At 7 am, on October 30, the IJA recommenced their attacks, this time employing heavy artillery, firing approximately one shell per second throughout the day. The NRA responded by reinforcing the warehouse with additional sandbags. As night approached, the IJA utilized floodlights to illuminate the warehouse, allowing their artillery fire to continue unabated. Despite the overwhelming firepower, the defenders still managed to destroy some of the IJA's armored vehicles. The International Settlement exerted pressure on the IJA to cease the artillery fire, as it was dangerously close to their area. They informed the IJA that they would attempt to persuade the NRA to end their defense. A petition was sent to Chiang Kai-shek to stop the fighting for humanitarian reasons. By this point, the defense of the Sihang Warehouse had accomplished all its objectives. The NRA forces in Shanghai had successfully redeployed to more favorable positions in the rural west. Moreover, the defense of the warehouse had garnered significant attention from the Western world. Consequently, Chiang Kai-shek authorized a retreat. Chiang Kai-shek ordered the battalion to retreat into the foreign concession and to rejoin the 88th Division, which was now fighting in western Shanghai. A meeting was arranged with British General Telfer-Smollet and Yan Hu of the Shanghai Auxiliary Police to facilitate the retreat. The 524th Regiment would retreat to the International Settlement by crossing the New Lese Bridge. The 3rd IJA Division commander, Matsui Iwane, was notified of this plan and agreed, promising to allow the defenders to retreat unharmed, although he would ultimately not fulfill this promise. At midnight on November 1, Xie Jinyuan led the retreat of 376 men out of the warehouse and across the New Lese Bridge into the International Settlement. Ten NRA soldiers had been killed, and twenty-seven were too wounded to move; those soldiers volunteered to stay behind and man the machine guns on the rooftop to provide cover for the retreat. During the crossing, ten additional NRA soldiers were wounded by IJA sharpshooter fire. By 2 a.m. on November 1, the retreat was complete, marking the end of the defense of the Sihang Warehouse. After the battle, Xie Jinyuan reported that more than 100 Japanese troops had been killed by the defenders. General Sun Yuanliang stated, “Enemy corpses in the vicinity of Sihang Warehouse totaled approximately two hundred.” Xie Jimin claimed, “More than 200 enemy troops were killed and countless others were wounded. Two enemy tanks were also destroyed, and two more were damaged. The number of enemies was based on the daily counts obtained by observation posts.” The NRA suffered ten deaths and thirty-seven wounded, while the IJA incurred an estimated two hundred killed, along with several others wounded. However, a Japanese report indicated that after the SNLF 10th Battalion stormed the Sihang Warehouse, they found only 80 Chinese corpses. As of 2022, historians now estimate that 377 Chinese soldiers managed to retreat, suggesting that the actual death toll for the Chinese was likely around 33. The Battle of Shanghai was arguably unwinnable for the Chinese from the outset. It was only a matter of time before the Japanese would gain the upper hand due to their material and technological advantages. As the fighting dragged on, with the Japanese capturing stronghold after stronghold in the countryside surrounding the city, the immense toll exacted on the defenders led a growing number of Chinese generals to question the wisdom of clinging to a city that was ultimately destined to fall. They pushed for a more comprehensive withdrawal rather than the tactical retreat from Zhabei and Jiangwan that had already taken place. Otherwise, thousands more soldiers would die in vain. Moreover, there were serious concerns about morale taking a devastating hit, which could compromise China's ability to continue the fight. This was becoming a pressing issue. Chinese troops, who had initially entered the battle with an upbeat and patriotic spirit, gradually lost their fervor as casualties mounted in a seemingly hopeless battle. Once a division was reduced to one-third of its original strength, it was sent to the rear for reorganization and replenishment before being returned to the frontline. Most soldiers perceived the odds of survival as heavily stacked against them. Despite regular visits to the front, Chiang Kai-shek remained largely unaware of these grim realities. Officers who understood the true conditions in the trenches were also familiar with the supreme commander's stubborn nature and his determination to defend Shanghai to the bitter end. Given the circumstances, they felt it unwise to reveal the full truth to him. This charade could not continue indefinitely. In some units, the situation was deteriorating so rapidly that it became increasingly likely soldiers would simply abandon their positions. With mutiny looming as a possibility, senior commanders sought to persuade Chiang Kai-shek that a complete withdrawal of all Chinese troops from the Shanghai area to a fortified line stretching from Suzhou to Jiaxing, a city about 35 miles to the south, was the only viable option. In early November, General Bai Chongxi informed Chiang that the officers at the front could no longer control their men and that a pullback would serve as a face-saving measure, forestalling potential rebellion within the ranks. However, nothing they said seemed to impress Chiang Kai-shek. General Li Zongren, another officer who had previously attempted to advocate for a retreat, realized that arguing with the man at the top was futile. “War plans were decided by him personally, and no one else was allowed to say anything,” Li noted in his memoirs. Despite this, there were moments when Chiang appeared tantalizingly close to being swayed by the views of his lieutenants. As early as the first days of October, he seemed to favor a withdrawal from the front, only to reverse his decision later. A similar situation arose late in the month when Chiang called a meeting with his frontline commanders in a train carriage at Songjiang Railway Station, southwest of Shanghai. Before his arrival, the generals discussed the battle and concluded they could do little against the enemy's superior firepower. Upon Chiang's arrival, Zhang Fakui, the commander of the troops in Pudong, suggested moving ten divisions to prepared positions further in the rear, where defense would be easier than in Shanghai. The majority agreed with this proposal. At this point, Madame Chiang Kai-shek made her entrance, dressed in an expensive fur coat and fresh from a visit to the Shanghai front. “If we can hold Shanghai for ten more days,” she declared, “China will win international sympathy.” She was vague about the specifics but seemed to be referring to the upcoming Brussels conference. This declaration galvanized Chiang. “Shanghai must be held at all costs,” he asserted with firm conviction, as if that had been his sentiment all along. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. As Chinese troops retreated across Suzhou Creek, a small battalion under Colonel Xie Jinyuan held their ground, transforming the warehouse into a fortress. Despite fierce attacks, including artillery and tank assaults, they showcased unparalleled bravery. Reinforced by messages of support from locals, spirits soared. Amidst mounting casualties, they persisted until a strategic retreat was ordered. As dawn broke on November 1, Xie led the remaining troops to safety, leaving behind a legacy of valor that inspired future generations. Thus, the "800 Heroes" legend was born.
This is not your typical space battle! Turbocharged with brain science and fun facts, this discussion will explore, explain, and celebrate the "psy" in sci-fi! Squaring off are pop culture psychologists Dr. Drea Letamendi (UCLA, The Arkham Sessions) and Dr. Ali Mattu (YouTube's Dr. Ali), who will team up with the persuasive viewpoints of guests Ronald D. Moore (writer, Star Trek: The Next Generation; Deep Space Nine) and Diana Lee Inosanto (actress, Ahsoka; Star Wars: Tales of the Empire). Impartially moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions). Dr. Drea Letamendi - @drdreapsychology Dr. Ali Mattu - @alimattu Diana Lee Inosanto - @therealDianaLeeInosanto Brian Ward - @B_ward028 Join our Patreon! Patreon.com/ArkhamSessions
Gm! This week, Duncan and Matt join Yano to dive into Galaxy the day before their quarterly earnings drop. In this episode, Duncan and Matt dive into Galaxy's unique business model and how it's perfectly positioned for the AI, crypto and datacenter narratives and how this will propel GLXY stock, as we move into the future. -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts -- Follow Rittenhouse Research: https://x.com/RHouseResearch Follow Duncan: https://x.com/FloodCapital Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh -- SKALE is the next evolution in Layer 1 blockchains with a gas-free invisible user experience, instant finality, high speed, and robust security. SKALE is built different as it allows for limitless scalability and has already saved its 50 Million users over $11 Billion in gas fees. SKALE is high-performance and cost-effective, making it ideal for compute-intensive applications like AI, gaming, and consumer-facing dApps. Learn more at https://skale.space and stay up to date with the gas-free invisible blockchain on X at @skalenetwork -- Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users. Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates] -- Ledn is the leading platform for Bitcoin-backed loans, offering a secure and transparent way to unlock liquidity without selling your Bitcoin. Ledn has issued over $9 billion in loans since 2018 and has never lost a single satoshi of client assets, earning a reputation as the name you can trust in the crypto space.Visit https://www.ledn.io to learn more. -- Chapters: (02:32) Unpacking Galaxy (06:35) Bitcoin Mining (14:01) Crypto Business (16:02) Ads (Skale, Katana) (17:32) Galaxy's Products (24:43) Goldman Sachs' Valuation (31:58) Data Center Business (42:39) Ads (Skale, Katana) (44:10) Galaxy's Business Evolution (53:40) Economics Explored (01:01:06) Data Center Developments (01:13:05) Ads (LEDN) (01:14:06) Challenges (01:26:55) GLXY Stock Analysis — Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
In this powerful episode of The Brave Table, I sit down with the incredible Sheen Gurrib—an Oxford and Cambridge graduate, creator of the viral “Dream, Girl” podcast, co-founder of the Professionelle Network, and entrepreneur using storytelling to shift narratives for women everywhere. From tracing her roots from Mauritius to going viral with her Michelle Obama clip to building a professional empire in Dubai, Sheen shares her journey of reinvention, community-building, and breaking down barriers.We explore what it means to show up authentically as a woman leader, the tension between heart and strategy, and how content creation is evolving in the age of AI. You'll walk away with deep reflections and practical wisdom to build your personal brand, create impact, and stop letting fear hold you back.What you'll get out of this episode… How to stop doubting your vision and start building what mattersA refreshing look at being single in your 30s, 40s, or 50sBehind the scenes of how Sheen's content went viral and why it workedLessons from building a 20,000+ strong women's network in DubaiTips for creators: monetizing content and staying consistent across platformsHow to lead with empathy without sacrificing standards or clarityA new lens on feminine leadership and what it takes to thrive in a male-dominated worldThis Episode is Powered by Health NagMeet your new daily glow-up: Health Nag's Bioactive Collagen Jelly—the world's first collagen with Types I, II, III & IV for full-body support (skin, gut, joints & more).Tastes amazing. Absorbs fast. One spoon a day = science-backed resilience from the inside out.
Step inside the untold story of Miami's legendary Cocaine Cowboys era with Peggy Rosello – the youngest member of the billion-dollar drug empire. From running stash houses at 14 to handling millions for Sal Magluta, Willie Falcon, and Pablo Escobar, Peggy reveals the truth behind the operations that shaped Miami's wildest years. In this explosive interview, you'll hear: -How 18-wheelers carried thousands of kilos across the U.S. -Why Peggy was trusted with $50M+ in cash as a teenager -The rise of the Cuban middlemen who connected Colombians with American buyers -How stash houses were hidden in plain sight -The fall of the empire and the betrayals that led to life sentences Go Support Peggy And Check Out His Drink Brand Monaco! https://www.drinkmonaco.com/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: CASH APP! Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/1ekoiacn #CashAppPod. As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. MOOD! Head to https://mood.com/ and let Mood help you discover YOUR perfect mood. And don't forget to use promo code CONNECT when you check out to save 20% on your first order. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week's episode of the Empire Podcast adds insults to injury, as the team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Alex Godfrey, and Ben Travis — share their favourite movie insults. And, yes, misquote at least one of them horribly. Also, nothing on this earth will prepare you for Alex Godfrey's Pazuzu impression. We can only apologise in advance. Elsewhere, the team also discuss the week's movie news, plug the new issue of Empire, and review Happy Gilmore 2, The Naked Gun, and Bring Her Back, while Chris is joined in The Guest Zone by The Naked Gun director, and one-third of The Lonely Island, Akiva Schaffer [20:11 - 39:53 approx], and Superman director James Gunn, who shares some spoilerific thoughts in an extended excerpt from our Superman spoiler special. [01:33:30 - 01:42:47 approx]
The path to liberty isn't flashy. It's slow. Deliberate. Relentless. In 1767 - the Penman of the American Revolution found the key in ancient Rome. Four Latin words. One strategy - To topple an empire. The post How to Beat the Empire: The Founders' 4-Word Formula for Victory first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
Happy Friday! On this Roundup, Rob is officially announced as the third host, Avichal join the pod to discuss DATs, and beyond DATs the White House Crypto Report is explored, Zora creator tokens, and the BIG news of the collaboration between Coinbase and Chase to push crypto into mass adoption orbit. --Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts -- Follow Avichal: https://x.com/avichal Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh -- GEODNET is the world's largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries. Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com] -- Get up to speed on the biggest stories in crypto each week. In five minutes. Get the Bitwise Weekly CIO Memo delivered directly to your inbox at bitwiseinvestments.com/ciomemo/empire -- "Mantle is pioneering ""Blockchain for Banking"" as a revolutionary new category that sits at the intersection of TradFi and web3. Key elements for Mantle as the ""Blockchain for Banking"": - Transactions posted to the blockchain - Compatibility with TradFi rails - Integrated DeFi featuresUR, built by Mantle, is the first real-world example: an on-chain money app offering Swiss IBANs and unified access to fiat (EUR, CHF, USD, RMB) and crypto — bringing crypto into everyday finance.Mantle Network, the access layer — transforms Mantle Network into a purpose-built vertical platform — the blockchain for banking — that enables financial services on-chain. Mantle leads the establishment of Blockchain for Banking as the next frontier.Follow Mantle on X (@Mantle_Official) for the latest updates on Mantle as the 'Blockchain for Banking'." -- Citrea is the first zero-knowledge rollup to enhance the capabilities of Bitcoin blockspace and enable Bitcoin applications (₿apps). Citrea is optimistically verified by Bitcoin, offering the most Bitcoin-secured and native way to extend BTC's utility to DeFi. Learn more about Citrea: https://citrea.xyz/?utm_source=bellcurve&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=website_promo Follow Citrea on X/Twitter for the latest on its journey to mainnet: https://x.com/citrea_xyz -- Chapters: (02:14) DATs Explored (19:37) Ads (Geodnet, Bitwise) (21:11) ETHZilla (30:32) DAT KPIs (36:15) Ads (Geodnet, Bitwise) (37:49) DAT FUD (51:15) Ads (Mantle,Citrea) (52:54) Native Token or DAT (01:00:06) White House Crypto Report (01:07:29) Coinbase X Chase (01:11:17) Zora + Creator Tokens (01:19:21) Content Recs — Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Las Vegas' home-grown superstar chef is celebrating a birthday, and all the chefs from all of his restaurants are contributing to the celebration. But we got them all in one place -- Bar Boheme -- to talk shop. And what a talk it is, featuring: James Trees Adam Rios, Sean O'Hara, Jordon Dunewood, Joe Swan, Jake Yergensen and Jackson Stamper. Also: Al shares his "Friends Experience," as well as stops at Pepper Club, Ri-Ra and Hard Hat Lounge. Plus: Andrew Morgan's Happy Hour Report from MGM Grand.
In this episode, Brandi is joined by Andre Henry to talk about how we move toward social change, pressure power and systems to move, and maintain our humanity as we content for the world that we believe is possible. You can find Andre's work here!If you like what you hear you can subscribe, rate, review, or tell others about the show. You can help make the show happen financially on patreon at patreon.com/reclaimingmytheology.If you have comments, questions, or requests please contact us at reclaimingmytheology@gmail.com or through the contact page at reclaimingmytheology.org.Reclaiming My Theology is recorded, produced and edited by Brandi Miller, our music is by Sanchez Fair. Taking our theology back from ideas and systems that oppress. @reclaimingmytheology
Hello friends of the History of the Germans Podcast. As I mentioned last episode, I am on holiday now, which means I spend my time reading up about the Habsburg and getting into gear for the next season.In the meantime, I will showcase some podcasts I really enjoy and listen to regularly. And one of those is History Rage. The host, Paul Bavill interviews historians and history podcaster about the one thing they really hope people would stop believing. Interview is such a lame term for what he does, it is more of a therapy session for geeks to let out their rage. Professional historians come armed with evidence, fury, and a burning desire to set the record straight. From “Vikings wore horned helmets” to “Britain stood alone in 1940” and “medieval people never bathed,” this is history with attitude, myth-busting with academic rigor, and truth-telling that pulls no punches. In the last 284 episodes he allowed some of the greatest names in history let off steam, including Roger Moorhouse. In this episode you will hear right now, Roger goes after the focus on Stauffenberg in the remembrance of the resistance against the Nazis inside Germany. By doing so, he argues, we are overlooking equally if not more deserving figures like Henning von Tresckow and the other members of the Kreisauer Kreis. And by the way Paul even allowed yours truly to vent about the perennial pun that the Holy Roman Empire was neither Holy, nor Roman, nor an Empire. That will come out on September 29. So in the meantime here is History Rage with: Stauffenberg: Hero or Hypocrite? The Complex Legacy of the July 20th Plot with Roger MoorhouseI hope you enjoy it.The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comIf you wish to support the show go to: Support • History of the Germans PodcastFacebook: @HOTGPod Threads: @history_of_the_germans_podcastBluesky: @hotgpod.bsky.socialInstagram: history_of_the_germansTwitter: @germanshistoryTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The OttoniansSalian Emperors and Investiture ControversyFredrick Barbarossa and Early...
Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon! We've told you the story of the Ostrogoths, the Amal ruling family, who built an imperial dynasty only to see that rulership dissolve within two generations. But what happened to their cousins, the Visigoths? The Tervingii tribe and the Balthi royal family? Alaric's Goths? Turns out they lasted much longer. But they weren't necessarily the ones who had it most together. Join us for a vast, sweeping tale of constant regicide and usurpation, vast internal religious and cultural divisons, and war on all sides—through which the Visigoths hung on longer than anyone thought they would. Sponsors and Advertising This episode is sponsored by Taskrabbit. Get 15% off your first task at Taskrabbit.com or the Taskrabbit app using promo code HISTORY. This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How about that as the handy guide for topics for discussion in the latest edition of our podcast, namely, ATN Podcast 382? We talk about the preseason Top 25, and the wide range in voting for lots of teams, not just for North Central. Seriously, UW-La Crosse has a far wider range of spots from our 25 pollsters, and so do a number of other schools. Plus, we bring in Kean coach Dan Garrett, who can tell you what might be on a coach's mind when they're filing a preseason ballot in our poll. Patrick and Greg talk about who are the biggest outliers on their own Top 25 ballots as well -- you'll never guess who Patrick has at No. 24 on his ballot, for example. This edition of the podcast is sponsored by GameStrat: The Most Reliable & Fastest In-Game Video Replay System on The Market. D-III football coaches should click here to learn more. J.P. Williams, the NCAA's liaison for the Division III football championship, aka the person at the NCAA who runs point on the football season, playoffs, and the committee, joins us to talk first off about officiating, since he is a Division I football official himself. Want to get involved? Williams tells his story. Plus, how do we get replay review at more Division III playoff games? And what did the committee learn from last year's expanded playoffs? Williams talks through those things. Joe Onderko, the commissioner of the Presidents' Athletic Conference, joins us to talk about the new look of the conference, why the conference's big rivalries tend to draw so well, how the schools get along with each other when they're so close together, and where the PAC stands on putting conference athletic events behind a pay wall, as a number of conferences have this offseason. Plus ... Mailbag topics include: What do we think when we see teams so wide apart in various voters ballots, and what's our take on the Empire 8's attempts to bring redshirting back to Division III. And you'll also learn where Patrick and Greg will be traveling the first two weeks of the season. Patrick and Greg cover it all in the latest edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast.
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Wir springen in dieser Folge ins Byzanz des 12. Jahrhunderts. Dort wächst Anna Komnene heran, Tochter des Kaisers Alexios I. Komnenos. Ihr Wissensdurst ist selbst für eine Kaiserstochter außergewöhnlich, und neben ihrer Rolle als Intellektuelle ihrer Zeit, wird sie im Alter schließlich jenes Werk schreiben, das ihren Ruhm begründet: die Alexias. Wir sprechen über ihr Leben, weshalb die Alexias eines der wichtigsten Bindeglieder zwischen östlicher und westlicher Geschichtsschreibung ist und warum es trotzdem lange Zeit unterschätzt wurde. //Erwähnte Folgen - GAG133: Alexios Komnenos und der Erste Kreuzzug – https://gadg.fm/133 - GAG400: GAG X Anno Mundi – Anicia Juliana – https://gadg.fm/400 - GAG371: Galla Placidia – https://gadg.fm/371 - GAG412: Samuel Pepys und das außergewöhnlichste Tagebuch des 17. Jahrhunderts – https://gadg.fm/412 // Literatur - Anna Comnena und Diether Roderich Reinsch. Alexias: Übersetzt, Eingeleitet Und Mit Anmerkungen Versehen Von Diether Roderich Reinsch. Walter de Gruyter, 2001. - Judith Herrin. Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire. Penguin Books Ltd, 2014. - ———. Unrivalled Influence: Women and Empire in Byzantium. Princeton University Press, 2013. - Leonora Neville. Anna Komnene: The Life and Work of a Medieval Historian. Oxford University Press, 2016. - MEDIEVALFEST 2024: Anna Komnene, Byzantium and the Wider World, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drZyLLujz4U. - Thalia Gouma-Peterson. Anna Komnene and Her Times. Taylor & Francis, 2000. Das Folgenbild zeigt eine Darstellung der Anna Komnene aus dem Jahr 1852. //Aus unserer Werbung Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte: https://linktr.ee/GeschichtenausderGeschichte // Wir sind jetzt auch bei CampfireFM! Wer direkt in Folgen kommentieren will, Zusatzmaterial und Blicke hinter die Kulissen sehen will: einfach die App installieren und unserer Community beitreten: https://www.joincampfire.fm/podcasts/22 //Wir haben auch ein Buch geschrieben: Wer es erwerben will, es ist überall im Handel, aber auch direkt über den Verlag zu erwerben: https://www.piper.de/buecher/geschichten-aus-der-geschichte-isbn-978-3-492-06363-0 Wer Becher, T-Shirts oder Hoodies erwerben will: Die gibt's unter https://geschichte.shop Wer unsere Folgen lieber ohne Werbung anhören will, kann das über eine kleine Unterstützung auf Steady oder ein Abo des GeschichteFM-Plus Kanals auf Apple Podcasts tun. Wir freuen uns, wenn ihr den Podcast bei Apple Podcasts oder wo auch immer dies möglich ist rezensiert oder bewertet. Wir freuen uns auch immer, wenn ihr euren Freundinnen und Freunden, Kolleginnen und Kollegen oder sogar Nachbarinnen und Nachbarn von uns erzählt! Du möchtest Werbung in diesem Podcast schalten? Dann erfahre hier mehr über die Werbemöglichkeiten bei Seven.One Audio: https://www.seven.one/portfolio/sevenone-audio
Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk: Podcast for Digital Marketing Agencies
Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training RJ Huebert went from corporate comfort to agency chaos—and nearly lost himself in the process. In this episode, he shares what it really takes to balance speed-to-lead sales with sanity, and how he's redesigning his agency life for more freedom, better clients, and real personal wellbeing. Guest Overview RJ Huebert is the founder of HBT Digital, a Pittsburgh-based lead gen agency helping clients capture high-quality leads through digital ads that convert. Former corporate marketer turned agency founder, RJ knows both sides of the game—and why it's harder than it looks. What You'll Learn Why corporate escapees struggle more than expected in agency life The underrated power of speed in lead gen (and what most teams screw up) How to nurture not-yet-ready leads without annoying them What happens when your business always comes before your health and family How RJ is reclaiming time and rebuilding systems Key Takeaways Speed wins deals: If your sales team isn't responding within minutes, you're losing leads. Nurture with value: Use short, high-impact videos instead of stale PDFs. Even Meta is doing email wrong: Don't copy the big guys—build trust instead. Agency life means 20 clients, not one boss: And that requires stronger boundaries. Health > Hustle: RJ's learning that health, family, and freedom must come first. The solution? Systems: You can't scale or shut your brain off without them. Are you working harder than ever, but still can't turn your brain off—even on weekends? Today's featured guest is one of the many agency owners who has found it hard to find the right balance to take care of himself as well as the business. Like many agency owners, he made the leap from building someone else's business to finally building his own. But trading a cozy corporate job for the chaos of running an agency with dozens of clients wasn't as easy as it looked. He shares the real challenges of sales, why speed is still the secret to winning leads, and how he's figuring out how to convert prospects who aren't quite ready to buy. Most importantly, he opens up about the ongoing struggle to find the right balance between health, family, and keeping the agency growing. RJ Huebert is the founder of HBT Digital, a Pittsburgh-based lead generation agency helping clients pull in quality leads using online ads that actually convert. After 11 years of climbing the corporate marketing ladder, RJ got tired of building someone else's dream and decided to bet on himself—and it's paying off. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why he stopped building someone else's dream. How speed wins in lead generation. Always be first to respond. Ways to nurture leads that are not ready to buy. Why boundaries and self care are more important now than ever. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Building Someone Else's Empire? Here's the Wake-Up Call Like many agency owners before starting their own business, RJ was the corporate marketing guy building someone else's business, getting them rich, while rising through the ranks and learning how to actually drive results with digital marketing. Also like many others, he hit a moment of questioning whether it was worth it after eleven years. Sound familiar? That's when he decided it was time to test if people would actually pay him for these skills. He got some clients on the side, launched a 5K race company, and eventually opened his own digital marketing agency, proving that you can take your skills and build your own agency if you're willing to start. The Attribution Struggle He Faced as an Agency Client From his experience hiring agencies on the corporate side, one of the biggest frustrations RJ encountered was the attribution nightmare. It wasn't always easy to see where the lead came from and where they were at in the pipeline. This was some ten years ago, so every agency was siloed: SEO, PPC, outdoor, TV—and each claimed leads but no one could prove it. And even today, with GA4, HighLevel, UTMs, and tag managers, the truth is: “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.” We're bombarded with data, but turning it into actionable insight is another story. RJ prefers to establish a baseline, track what matters, and avoid drowning in vanity metrics - like open rates—that don't impact the client's bottom line. Why Speed to Lead Still Wins Both RJ and Jason agree that speed to lead wins deals. If you're not calling leads while they're still on your website you are likely losing opportunities. Just like you probably click on the first result in a Google search, whoever calls back first is going to win. If your sales team is still waiting hours (or days) to follow up, you're leaving money on the table. Rethinking Nurture Sequences Without Being “That Guy” Even if you're not converting them right away, how are you nurturing those leads in a way that doesn't feel like overkill? First of all, replace boring white papers with short, actionable videos that deliver instant value. For example, Jason's Budget Buster video helps prospects get budgets 99% of the time, creating immediate ROI and building trust. Follow that with another bite-sized value piece a few days later. Once leads warm up, move them to your newsletter list. Have some lead magnets ready, like useful videos you can send each week to warm up that client. After that, you can move that client from the “warm-up” list to a newsletter list, so you can send them valuable content on a daily basis. Sending daily value-packed emails to engaged subscribers actually increased their domain authority and engagement. It's about quality frequency, not spam. Think about what you'd want to receive yourself, not just what you want to send. The Meta & Google Frustration We're All Tired Of Not even Meta is getting emails right, as they send multiple emails a day that don't really add much value for clients. On top of that, their reps hardly ever provide the right solutions and are mainly focused on “spend more” strategies. It's a universal frustration for agency owners, who see Meta is calling clients directly trying to cut their agency out. It's one more reason why agencies need to protect their positioning, control client conversations, and not let the platforms dictate strategy. From One Client to Twenty: The Real Agency Rollercoaster What's the hardest shift going from corporate to owning your agency? For RJ, it was going from one clear client you're focusing on at one moment to having even 20 clients, plus “trying to get clients to pay you, to keep paying you, while finding new ones, and keeping them happy.” Running an agency turned out to be way harder than he expected. Corporate can be robotic and boring, but on the bright side, you have one client: your boss. Lose that, and you're done. In the agency world, a client can fire you, but you've got 5, 10, or 20 others paying the bills. The flip side? You're always on. Even when you're “off,” your mind is stuck on proposals, scope creep, and that client's weird Slack message at 10 pm. That's one of the biggest challenges for RJ at the moment. Setting Your Priorities Straight with The Right Systems When it comes to taking care of yourself, your priorities should always be: Health, Family, Agency—In That Order. However, too often agency owners get their priorities backwards. You have a zillion things you can and should be doing and choosing the priority is the challenge. That balancing act gets easier once you build the right leadership team and put systems in place that pull you out of the weeds. But agency owners often struggle to shut their brains off, leading to constant stress, scattered priorities, and burnout cycles that can wreck family time, health, and even your love for the business. If you're stuck in the chaos, it's time to step back and prioritize what actually moves the needle in your agency. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.
In this episode, Hannah and Amber dive deep into Assassin's Blade Part 5. *This podcast contains spoilers for the entire TOG series, more specific time stamps provided for other SJM series provided below. Episode Outline: What's Bookin' Good Lookin: 6:53Chapter Recaps: 12:23Wyrd Gate Theories: 58:08As always, thank you for being a part of our book club! Please be sure to rate and review the pod!Patreon: patreon.com/HouseofWindBookClubAudible Trial: www.audibletrial.com/houseofwindEmail us your theories or questions: houseofwindpodcast@gmail.comTheme Music: Age of Mythology by Feysilian Studios*The story and all characters portrayed in voiceover intro as well as discussed in the podcast belong to Sarah J Maas*
In this week's episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, we're joined by Tomara Watkins, the powerhouse President of Buttah Skin. Tomara has been shaping the brand since 2020—first as a strategic growth consultant, and now as the executive leading its continued expansion and innovation.We dive into what it truly takes to run a fast-growing beauty brand from the inside—from managing operations and scaling strategy to staying rooted in inclusive beauty. Tomara shares the realities of upholding a founder's vision while driving business forward, what kind of structure a brand needs before stepping away from founder-led visibility, and the metrics that matter when you're scaling with intention.We also explore how Buttah Skin is incorporating AI into its strategy, and Tomara gives her candid thoughts on Black-owned beauty brands being acquired—what it means for the culture, and how founders can prepare for legacy moves.With a 12-year track record of scaling multicultural beauty and CPG brands like Bevel, Hyper Skin, and Alodia Haircare, plus a background in leading eCommerce strategy at Microsoft/Xbox, Tomara brings a powerful blend of corporate leadership, financial acumen, and authentic brand storytelling to the table. She's also a proud graduate of Howard University and the University of Pennsylvania.Whether you're a beauty pro, a founder, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes of your favorite brands—this conversation is packed with gems you won't want to miss.Enjoy this episode!Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3.info@friendsinbeauty.comGET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HEREhttps://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends
In this powerful episode, Marcus sits down with Jeff Smith, founder of The Tactical Empire and author of "Operation Wealth." Jeff shares his journey from special operations to entrepreneurship, the importance of intentional living, and how to build true financial freedom. The conversation covers family, resilience, mindset, and actionable strategies for creating a life based on actions, not words. Episode Highlights: 7:00 – Lessons from the military: default aggression and taking action 11:00 – The dangers of overthinking and the paralysis of perfection 20:00 – Financial education: why most people never learn true wealth-building 27:00 – Infinite banking and building generational wealth 47:00 – Overcoming limiting beliefs and the sunk cost fallacy Jeff Smith is a former special operator, Fortune 50 executive, gym owner, business mentor, and bestselling author. He leads The Tactical Empire, a movement empowering men to achieve financial independence and live with purpose. Resources & Links: Get Jeff’s book: "Operation Wealth" on Amazon Learn more: The Tactical Empire Connect with Jeff: @realjeffsmith on Instagram Join the Tactical Empire Community on Facebook Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode of the Real Estate Pro Show, host Erika interviews Bill Halick, founder of Aceland Mortgage. Bill shares his journey into the real estate and lending industry, discussing his entrepreneurial spirit and the challenges he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of understanding different client needs, particularly between first-time buyers and seasoned investors. Bill also addresses the current challenges in the lending market, including affordability and the rise of short-term rentals. He shares valuable lessons learned from his experiences and outlines his future plans for Aceland Mortgage, focusing on helping clients achieve and maintain homeownership. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
Presented by Pelagic Charters and Thisisneverwork.com Pure surf geekery! Jimmy is joined by Tim Hawken and Lincoln Eather from Empire Ave to chat all things wetsuits in 2025! Where is the technology? What changes have occured in the industry and how are brands using wetsuits to define themselves. The boys also take a look at four wetsuits that you've maybe wanted to try but weren't sure about. The Quiksilver Highline Primaloft, Vissla New Seas U-Zip, Xcel Comp+ and the Matuse Apollo Hydrasilk. All the suits were great, but there plenty of differences and insights you can use to get the right rubber for you. It's so surf it hurts - and if you love surfing find a job in the industry so you Never Work again - check out thisisneverwork.com
Emerging from collapse of the Han empire, the founders of Northern Wei had come south from the grasslands of Inner Asia to conquer the rich farmlands of the Yellow River plains. Northern Wei was, in fact, the first of the so-called "conquest dynasties" complex states seen repeatedly in East Asian history in which Inner Asian peoples ruled parts of the Chinese world. An innovative contribution to East Asian and Chinese history of the medieval period, Northern Wei (386-534) combines received historical text and archaeological findings to examine the complex interactions between these originally distinct populations, and the way those interactions changed over time. Scott Pearce analyses traditions borrowed and adapted from the long-gone Han dynasty including government and taxation as well as the new cultural elements such as the use of armor for man and horse in the cavalry and the newly-invented stirrup. Further, this book discusses the fundamental change in the dynastic family, as empresses began to play an increasingly important role in the business of government. Though Northern Wei fell in the early sixth century, the nature of the state was thus fundamentally changed, in the Chinese world and East Asia as a whole; it had laid down a foundation from which a century later would emerge the world empire of Tang. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Emerging from collapse of the Han empire, the founders of Northern Wei had come south from the grasslands of Inner Asia to conquer the rich farmlands of the Yellow River plains. Northern Wei was, in fact, the first of the so-called "conquest dynasties" complex states seen repeatedly in East Asian history in which Inner Asian peoples ruled parts of the Chinese world. An innovative contribution to East Asian and Chinese history of the medieval period, Northern Wei (386-534) combines received historical text and archaeological findings to examine the complex interactions between these originally distinct populations, and the way those interactions changed over time. Scott Pearce analyses traditions borrowed and adapted from the long-gone Han dynasty including government and taxation as well as the new cultural elements such as the use of armor for man and horse in the cavalry and the newly-invented stirrup. Further, this book discusses the fundamental change in the dynastic family, as empresses began to play an increasingly important role in the business of government. Though Northern Wei fell in the early sixth century, the nature of the state was thus fundamentally changed, in the Chinese world and East Asia as a whole; it had laid down a foundation from which a century later would emerge the world empire of Tang. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies
Cousins Síle (Sheila) and Teamhair (Tara) wrap Queen of Shadows, book five of Sarah J. Maas' Throne of Glass (TOG) series. Our hero, what's her name and who is she even? Which witch are you? Do you feel badly for the king? Safe if you've read this far in the series, and no cross Sarah J. Maas universe spoilers. Send voice memos and emails to sandtfaemail@gmail.com. We'll be back in September (2025) with Empire of Storms (book 6)! Season 1: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series Season 2: Throne of Glass (TOG) series
Emerging from collapse of the Han empire, the founders of Northern Wei had come south from the grasslands of Inner Asia to conquer the rich farmlands of the Yellow River plains. Northern Wei was, in fact, the first of the so-called "conquest dynasties" complex states seen repeatedly in East Asian history in which Inner Asian peoples ruled parts of the Chinese world. An innovative contribution to East Asian and Chinese history of the medieval period, Northern Wei (386-534) combines received historical text and archaeological findings to examine the complex interactions between these originally distinct populations, and the way those interactions changed over time. Scott Pearce analyses traditions borrowed and adapted from the long-gone Han dynasty including government and taxation as well as the new cultural elements such as the use of armor for man and horse in the cavalry and the newly-invented stirrup. Further, this book discusses the fundamental change in the dynastic family, as empresses began to play an increasingly important role in the business of government. Though Northern Wei fell in the early sixth century, the nature of the state was thus fundamentally changed, in the Chinese world and East Asia as a whole; it had laid down a foundation from which a century later would emerge the world empire of Tang. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emerging from collapse of the Han empire, the founders of Northern Wei had come south from the grasslands of Inner Asia to conquer the rich farmlands of the Yellow River plains. Northern Wei was, in fact, the first of the so-called "conquest dynasties" complex states seen repeatedly in East Asian history in which Inner Asian peoples ruled parts of the Chinese world. An innovative contribution to East Asian and Chinese history of the medieval period, Northern Wei (386-534) combines received historical text and archaeological findings to examine the complex interactions between these originally distinct populations, and the way those interactions changed over time. Scott Pearce analyses traditions borrowed and adapted from the long-gone Han dynasty including government and taxation as well as the new cultural elements such as the use of armor for man and horse in the cavalry and the newly-invented stirrup. Further, this book discusses the fundamental change in the dynastic family, as empresses began to play an increasingly important role in the business of government. Though Northern Wei fell in the early sixth century, the nature of the state was thus fundamentally changed, in the Chinese world and East Asia as a whole; it had laid down a foundation from which a century later would emerge the world empire of Tang. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/chinese-studies
In the 1980's, Rayful Edmond rose to infamy as Washington D.C.'s most notorious crack kingpin, building a multimillion-dollar empire by the age of 19. At the height of his reign, D.C. became the murder capital of America, with crack cocaine fueling a deadly wave of violence and addiction. Edmond's lavish lifestyle and ruthless control of the streets made him a legend, and a target. He was arrested and imprisoned for life before the age of 25, but his story didn't end behind bars. In prison, Edmond secretly partnered with the sons of Colombian drug queenpin Griselda Blanco, helping move even more cocaine into the U.S. through direct Medellín Cartel connections. His continued trafficking from prison shocked authorities and cemented his place as one of America's most infamous drug lords. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Another episode Live from Atlanta Comic Convention, Bryan Young and Jason Fry, the man who brought you the novelization of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, tackle the ins and outs of Luke Skywalker's journey through The Last Jedi and then questions from the audience.
On today's episode of She Believed She Could, we're joined by powerhouse entrepreneur Dylan Jahraus—founder of the Multi-Six Figure Etsy Blueprint, creator of the etSEO software, and a woman who turned her Etsy side hustle into a global brand helping thousands do the same.Dylan shares how she built a 7-figure business from scratch, what makes Etsy so powerful for digital entrepreneurs, and why focusing on a single scalable offer can radically transform your revenue. From hiring lessons and software development to building recurring revenue and going viral on TikTok, Dylan keeps it real on what it takes to win in the digital space—without burning out.If you've ever thought Etsy was “just for crafts,” this episode will blow your mind. Whether you're a coach, course creator, or just Etsy-curious, Dylan's story proves that one decision can change everything.
news - current events stream july 28 2025 by True Crimes of the Empire podcast
Is the Empire more terrifying when it's human? As Krennic asserts brutal control and Kleya unravels, Patrick Mason, Kathryn Laffrey, and Angela Sealana unpack the moral ambiguity and rising chaos in Andor S2E11. The post Andor: S2, Ep 11: Who Else Knows? appeared first on StarQuest Media.
Streaming live Mondays at 6pm ET on The Jack Mallers Show YouTube channel.
What is the one thing that separates a six-figure business from a true seven-figure funding empire? In this episode, we reveal that the answer isn't a complex strategy or a secret funding source—it's leadership. If you feel like you're stuck in the trenches, forever working in your business instead of on it, this is for you. We break down the critical leap from being a skilled solo operator to becoming the leader of a real team. So many entrepreneurs get trapped doing the $15-an-hour tasks, like chasing down clients for paperwork or fixing tech issues, because the thought of hiring is terrifying. We get it. The idea of taking on payroll, setting up a W2 employee, and trusting someone with your business can feel like a massive risk. But if you never make that jump, you don't have a business; you have a high-stress job that owns you. So, what is the very first hire you must make to break this cycle, and how do you overcome the mental tug-of-war that holds you back? Once you have that first person, who comes next? We'll tell you the exact roles you need to fill to scale effectively, including the one type of sales professional you should look for that most people overlook. But simply hiring people isn't enough. To prevent your business from looking successful on the outside while crumbling on the inside—a painful lesson we learned firsthand—you need a powerful foundation. We'll explain how to establish the core values, principles, and vision that will attract and motivate a team of A-players. Ultimately, this is about building a machine that runs without you. It's about creating systems, leveraging technology, and forging strategic partnerships that deliver a flood of leads every single month. We discuss how to build a business that not only produces massive cash flow but also gives you the ultimate reward: the freedom to do what you want, when you want, with whomever you want. What is the key to creating that kind of leverage and finally achieving true freedom? Listen to the full episode to find out. For More Info: https://MyFundingMachine.com Email: info@7figures.com
Mentor Sessions Ep. 022: Luke Gromen on Bitcoin, Dollar Devaluation, and Global Power ShiftsWhat if the chaos—wild news cycles, economic policy flip-flops, and geopolitical drama—isn't random, but a red flag of a massive shift unfolding now? In this unmissable Mentor Sessions interview, macro guru Luke Gromen, FFTT's prediction savant, decodes the Washington's panic, dollar devaluation's knock on effects, and military technology's role in reshaping global finance. Bitcoin isn't just a hedge—it's a potential reserve asset in a world of fiscal policy chaos and inflation. From digital currency disrupting the status quo to geopolitical influence slipping, Gromen reveals how Bitcoin could redefine power in a crumbling fiat system. Want to survive the U.S. economy's next chapter? Watch now for insights that cut through the noise! Key Topics: Economic policy and dollar devaluation impacts Military technology and geopolitical influence shifts Bitcoin as a reserve asset and digital currency Fiscal policy, inflation, and global finance trendsChapters:• 00:00:00 - Intro: Chaos as a SignalLuke Gromen frames today's chaos as a sign of major shifts.• 00:01:22 - Noise is the Signal: DC's PanicWhy failed economic plans have Washington scrambling.• 00:05:07 - Dollar Devaluation HitsHow devaluing the dollar boosts gold and Bitcoin.• 00:09:01 - Powell's Missed ChanceComparing today's policies to past economic fixes.• 00:13:06 - Screw Bondholders, Save AmericaChoosing the U.S. over banks with hot inflation.• 00:17:02 - Winners and LosersWho gains and loses in this economic shakeup.• 00:21:06 - Cantillon Effect ExposedHow money printing screws the working class—unless labor's tight.• 00:25:14 - Empire vs. Home StrengthTrading global reach for domestic gains.• 00:29:04 - Military Tech RevolutionDrones and missiles ending U.S. dominance.• 00:33:19 - Protection FadesWhy U.S. defense can't back the dollar anymore.• 00:41:11 - Weaponizing the DollarSanctions backfiring on the dollar's reign.• 00:45:04 - Bitcoin as Reserve Asset?Could Bitcoin replace treasuries in global finance?• 00:49:11 - Stablecoins Lead to BitcoinHow stablecoins pave the way for Bitcoin adoption.• 00:53:00 - Bitcoin's Power SurgeBitcoin holders' rising political clout.• 00:57:00 - Sovereign Debt WarningThe UK's crisis as a fiat system red flag.About Luke Gromen: Macro Analyst, FTX LLC X: @LukeGromenWebsite: fftt-llc.com⚡ POWERED by @Sazmining — the easiest way to mine Bitcoin and take control of your financial future. ⛏️You own the rig
We discuss Foundation, S3E03, "When a Book Finds You."Now, you may find yourself grooving in a Kalgan rave.Or, you may find yourself with an intuitive giraffe.Or, you may find yourself in the stacks of a large imperial library.Or, you may find yourself with a dubious prince, with a dubious beard.So you may ask yourself, "Huh, how did I get here?"It was the book. The book found you as it found us all. But what was the book?Was it some needlepoint mathematics in a Toblerone box, or Foundation and Empire?It could have been The Zen of Positronic Robots by Sunmaster 74, or even How to Subjugate the Galaxy On Less Than 30 Altairian Dollars a Day by Magnifico Giganticus!It almost certainly wasn't The Sensuous Dirty Old Man by Dr. A.So join us! Come along for the ride as we discuss what we're calling “Possibly the best episode of season three so far!” You'll be glad you did!
Send us a textWe continue our tandem deep dive with Empire of Storms chapters 64-67 and Tower of Dawn chapters 53-56. Full schedule on IG @DTFaePodcast. Summon us @DTFaePodcast We like our coffee icy and our books spicy! Oh, and we're totally Down To Fae. A podcast for fantasy romance readers and fans of authors like Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Rebecca Yarros and Carissa Broadbent. Follow along as your delulu hosts discuss your favorite romantasy books in a chapter-by-chapter read, re-read or refresher.
Kate and Leah break down the week's legal happenings, including Trump's flailing efforts to manage the Epstein fallout, the latest abomination from the shadow docket, and the legal quagmire surrounding Trump lackey Alina Habba's appointment as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. Then, they speak with law professors—and former clerks for David Souter—Allison Orr Larsen and Erin Delaney about the late justice's legacy.Hosts' and guests' favorite things:Kate: The Power Broker, Robert Caro; Will to Resist: What Dartmouth Teaches Harvard About Protecting American Freedom, Bruce Swartz (Just Security)Leah: The Palace of Rogues Series, Julie Anne LongAllison: Tucci in Italy (National Geographic); Marjorie, Taylor SwiftErin: How to Hide an Empire; A History of the Greater United States, Daniel Immerwahr Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE – The Bad Decisions Tour 2025! 10/4 – ChicagoLearn more: http://crooked.com/eventsOrder your copy of Leah's book, Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad VibesFollow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky
#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS IN CONVERSATION RE FOUR TURNS THAT CAN WEAKEN THE EMPIRE'S HARD POWER. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1650
SEE US LIVE OCT 4TH IN GLASGOW: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lions-led-by-donkeys-podcast-live-in-glasgow-4th-october-2025-tickets-1501072671769 CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE SHOW? WE'RE STREAMING IT! GET YOUR LIVESTREAM TICKETS HERE: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/livestream-lions-led-by-donkeys-podcast-live-in-glasgow-4th-october-2025-tickets-1532091008449 SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys It is never a good time to go hiking in the swamp with 100,000 of your friends and two Emperors. Sources: https://earth-history.com/Europe/Goths/jordanes-goths-04-3rdcentury.htm https://historycollection.com/two-roman-emperors-brutally-died-battle-251-ad/ Jones, Christopher P. Further Dexippus (Online). Ludwig Heinrich Dyck. "Philippolis: Roman Disaster on the Western Border." Military Heritage. April 2008. Vol. 9. No. 5 The Cambridge Ancient History: Volume 12, The Crisis of Empire, AD
Sci-Fi July wraps up with Return of the Jedi (1983), the final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy—directed by Richard Marquand, guided by George Lucas, and packed with new creatures, recycled plot beats, and merchandising gold. Joining Mike to explore the film's legacy and limitations are Jamie Benning (Filmumentaries) and Stephen Scarlata (Best Movies Never Made), along with special guest Jim Bloom, associate producer on Empire and Jedi.From Jabba's palace to yet another Death Star, Jedi tries to close the saga with spectacle and sentiment—but not without creative compromises. We dig into the behind-the-scenes drama, the tonal whiplash between Ewoks and existential stakes, and how Jedi served as both a climax and a commercial pivot point for the franchise. Was it a fitting finale or just a soft landing pad for action figures? Strap into your speeder bike, it's going to be a bumpy ride.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
This episode is for the moms with big dreams, the women who crave purpose and presence, and the coaches wondering if they're really cut out for this.Natalie and Emily met at a local event. They talked for 10 seconds. Emily went home, Googled “WTF is a mindset coach,” and couldn't stop thinking about it.She slid into Natalie's DMs… and the rest? A sold-out empire.They didn't mean to start a business, but their intuition knew before they did.Press play and get ready to feel what's possible when alignment, sisterhood, and rocket ship energy collide.In this episode, Ashley dives into:
Dave Portnoy has leveraged his digital media empire — Barstool Sports — to amass so much political influence that there's a term for it: "Barstool Conservatism." This episode retraces the story of Portnoy's life and career to explain how he made millions combining sports entertainment, reactionary politics, and pizza reviews. It also reflects on Portnoy's influence within the broader MAGA movement and “manosphere.”Mike and Jared are joined by Robert Silverman, a feature writer who has covered Portnoy and his media empire at excruciating length. Practically everything you'll hear on this episode comes directly from his reporting. (Listeners will remember Silverman from April's “Who the Hell is Tim Pool?” episode.)Some tip jar contributions this week will help us thank Robert for his work on this episode by taking him to a New York Mets game. (As if he has not suffered enough.) If you loved this episode, show your appreciation by tossing in a few bucks: https://tiptopjar.com/postingthroughitpodLinks to Robert's reporting:* Inside Barstool Sports' Culture of Online Hate: ‘They Treat Sexual Harassment and Cyberbullying as a Game' (The Daily Beast, 2018)* Barstool Sports ‘Hemorrhaging Money,' Top Editor Flips Out at Writers (The Daily Beast, 2020)* How Barstool Built an Empire by Swiping Sports Highlights (The Daily Beast, 2023)Transition Music: “Sports” by Viagra BoysGet 50% off your first Magic Mind subscription using the code THROUGHIT50 at https://www.magicmind.com/throughit50. #magicmind #mentalperformance“Who the Hell?” is an unofficial longform series that examines the lives and careers of prominent right-wing social media personalities. Prior episodes in this series covered Jack Posobiec, Tim Pool, Candace Owens, and Nick Fuentes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit postthroughit.substack.com
Send us a textWhat if entrepreneurial success didn't have to come at the expense of your health, relationships, and happiness? Michael Erath, founder and CEO of Next Level Growth, challenges conventional business wisdom with a revolutionary approach born from personal experience.After watching his manufacturing business crumble when his partner embezzled half a million dollars in 2008, Erath rebuilt from nothing to create a thriving consultancy with a powerful "just cause" - entrepreneurs deserve more than just financial returns; they deserve a meaningful return on life.Through his work with hundreds of businesses, Erath has identified five core obsessions that separate elite organizations from the rest: great people, inspiring purpose, optimized playbooks, a culture of performance, and growing profits and cash flow. Unlike prescriptive operating systems that force companies into rigid molds, these principles provide a flexible framework that adapts to each organization's unique culture and goals."Most entrepreneurs achieve ROI at the expense of their friendships, family time, physical health, and emotional health," Erath explains. "With the risk they take and the leverage they have to take on, it doesn't seem fair." His firm tackles this injustice by guiding business leaders through customized growth strategies that prevent common pitfalls like outgrowing early-stage talent, failing to document crucial processes, or treating financial success as merely a byproduct.What truly sets Next Level Growth apart is their commitment to practicing what they preach. They require no contracts, take all financial risk in new relationships, and only get paid if clients find value - resulting in relationships lasting nearly a decade and an impressive Net Promoter Score of 81.Whether you're struggling to scale beyond current limitations or simply want to reclaim your life from a business that's become a prison, Erath's five obsessions framework offers a path forward that honors both your ambitions and your wellbeing. Discover how to build an elite organization without sacrificing what matters most.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!
Gm! This week, Charles Hoskinson joins Yano to dive into everything Cardano, weigh in on crypto's overall progress, how politics and crypto are playing out stateside, the impact of crypto treasury vehicles, the evolution of the 4 year cycle, his ranch life in Wyoming, his alien expedition adventures, the need for personal security now in crypto and why ADA remains a better investment than BTC. -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts -- Follow Charles: https://x.com/IOHK_Charles Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh -- SKALE is the next evolution in Layer 1 blockchains with a gas-free invisible user experience, instant finality, high speed, and robust security. SKALE is built different as it allows for limitless scalability and has already saved its 50 Million users over $11 Billion in gas fees. SKALE is high-performance and cost-effective, making it ideal for compute-intensive applications like AI, gaming, and consumer-facing dApps. Learn more at https://skale.space and stay up to date with the gas-free invisible blockchain on X at @skalenetwork -- Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users. Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates] -- Mantle is building the financial infrastructure for a tokenised future—bridging traditional finance and on-chain innovation through six integrated product pillars: Mantle Network, mETH Protocol, Function BTC, and the upcoming launches of MantleX, Mantle Banking, and the Mantle Index Four (MI4) Fund. Anchored by one of the largest community-governed treasuries in the industry, valued at over $4 billion, Mantle is delivering institutional-grade products designed for global capital markets. Follow Mantle on X: https://x.com/Mantle_Official -- Ledn is the leading platform for Bitcoin-backed loans, offering a secure and transparent way to unlock liquidity without selling your Bitcoin. Ledn has issued over $9 billion in loans since 2018 and has never lost a single satoshi of client assets, earning a reputation as the name you can trust in the crypto space. Visit https://www.ledn.io to learn more. — Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:42 What's Charles Up To? 4:51 Crypto's Progress 8:55 Ads (Skale & Katana) 10:42 Charles' Building Principles 24:01 Ads (Skale & Katana) 25:48 Crypto & US Politics 36:14 Crypto Treasury Vehicles 43:24 Cardano Founder Story 51:08 Ranches & Helicopters 55:43 Ads (Mantle & LEDN) 57:35 Bison In Wyoming 59:02 Alien Research Expeditions 1:05:28 Mo Money Mo Problems 1:09:18 The 4 Year Cycle Has Evolved 1:13:59 Alternative Health Solutions 1:18:54 EUTXO.org 1:23:25 Who goes to Osaka? -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Mike Murphy, founder and managing partner of Sunstone Management Advisors, has worn the CEO, COO and CRO hats across three decades in healthcare and insurance. In this episode he recounts how he launched a cold‑start insurance division that rocketed to $435 million in revenue and $22 million in EBITDA in just four years, and now clears the $1 billion mark. He even delivered 18% revenue growth and a 40% EBITDA jump within his first year steering three merged healthcare entities.At the heart of his success was the “greenhouse” experiment: an in‑house test market where agents sold competitor products so Murphy's own offering had to prove itself at every turn. He explains why running as if you're cash‑starved from day one forces ruthless discipline and how that early mindset continues to separate winners from wishful thinkers.You'll also hear the deceptively simple A + B = C check that Mike uses to expose false premises—if great people plus a good product still don't hit targets, something fundamental is broken. When his leadership team argued over how much change was needed to reach a $1 billion valuation, he improvised a 1–10 “change scale” to pin down hidden disagreements and avoid collective denial.Healthcare operators and real‑estate investors alike will gain clear, battle‑tested advice on commanding your P&L before negotiations, building feedback loops that surface inconvenient truths fast, and resisting the temptation to chalk up disasters or windfalls to one‑offs. Tune in for every unvarnished lesson on execution, data‑driven decisions, and the high‑stakes experiments that turn uncertainty into predictable wins.If you need help finding the perfect location or your ready to invest in commercial real estate, email us at admin@leadersre.com Sign up for a FREE vulnerability analysis and lease renewal services View our library on apple podcasts or REUniversity.org. Connect on Facebook. Commercial Real Estate Secrets is ranked in the top 50 podcasts on real estate
Pete Polis went from playing for the Yankees to building a drug empire out of a furniture store. Growing up in Long Island with a father in the NYPD, Pete was on the right track — drafted to play for the Blue Jays, White Sox, and Yankees. But after walking away from baseball, his life took a shocking turn. He became a pastor, took a job at a furniture store, and secretly built an intricate drug operation — eventually working with a cartel. When the feds caught up, Pete was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison. In this interview, Pete reveals how he hid his double life, what really goes on inside the drug game, and how prison led him to start over. Now sober and running a recovery house, this is the wild redemption story you don't want to miss. #TrueCrimePodcast #FederalPrisonStory #BaseballToPrison #DrugTrafficking #RedemptionStory #PrisonInterview #RecoveryJourney #LockedInPodcast Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Get 50% off the Magic Mind offer here: https://www.magicmind.com/IANB50. #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop Timestamps: 00:00:00 From Baseball Player to Dr*g Trafficker 00:06:07 Baseball Journey and Achievements 00:12:40 Law and Ethics: A Father's Influence 00:19:24 Early Baseball Career and Setbacks 00:26:00 Journey in Independent Baseball 00:32:24 Starting a Food Bank: Overcoming Challenges 00:39:09 Teaching Inmates Telemarketing Skills 00:46:29 Journey into Illegal Activities 00:53:24 Overcoming Fear and Seeking Protection 00:59:52 Uncovering a Flawless Smuggling Operation 01:05:44 Midnight Move: Avoiding Unwanted Attention 01:12:34 Escaping Federal Pursuit 01:19:23 Legal Struggles and Plea Bargains: Navigating Sentencing Options 01:25:58 Unexpected Arrest Encounter 01:32:18 From Dealer to Recovery Home Entrepreneur 01:38:34 Overcoming Addiction Through Faith and Transformation Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
https://www.patreon.com/AdeptusRidiculoushttps://www.adeptusridiculous.com/https://twitter.com/AdRidiculoushttps://shop.orchideight.com/collections/adeptus-ridiculousGotrek and Felix, whose full names are Gotrek Gurnisson, a Dwarf Slayer, and Felix Jaeger, his Human chronicler native to the Empire, are a duo of warriors travelling throughout the length and breadth of the Old World and beyond, battling dark forces and stopping evil plots in Gotrek's quest for a heroic death against a suitably terrible foe.The adventures of these warriors have been written down in the series of books known as My Travels with Gotrek by Felix Jaeger, which outlines Felix's many adventures with his maniacal comrade throughout their endeavours, recording everything till the day Gotrek finally meets his doom and will be allowed to enter the halls of his ancestors.Support the show
Actor and singer Leslie Uggams talks about her remarkable career, which started when she was 6. She was later the first Black woman to host a TV variety show. In the 1977 TV miniseries Roots, she played Kunta Kinte's daughter. More recently she's been in Empire, American Fiction, and the Deadpool films — and is still going strong at 82. Also, writer Joseph Lee talks about what it means to be a member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe from Martha's Vineyard. His new book, Nothing More of This Land, peels back the postcard image of the Vineyard to reveal a powerful story of Indigenous identity and survival. Plus, rock critic Ken Tucker reviews new music from the band HAIM and Addison Rae.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
What does it take to hold an empire together when conquest alone isn't enough? In this sweeping episode, we explore how the Qianlong Emperor fused culture, coercion, and Confucian performance to stabilize a multiethnic empire—crafting an imperial image as powerful as his armies. Time Period Covered: ~ 1735–1760 CE Major Historical Figures: The Qianlong Emperor (Aisin-Gioro Hongli) [r. 1735-1796] Grand Secretary No'chin [d. 1749] Historican Wei Yuan [1794-1857] Major Works Cited: Perdue, Peter C. China Marches West: The Qing Conquest of Central Eurasia. Qian, Zhongshu – Tán Yì Lù, "On the Art of Poetry." Qianlong Emperor, The Siku Quanshu (四库全书) - Qing Imperial Encyclopedia. Woodside, Alexander. Lost Modernities: China, Vietnam, Korea, and the Hazards of World History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices