Podcasts about Geography

Today, we'll discuss what Shia and Sunni means, The Split of Islam, Conflict After The Death of The Prophet Muhammad, The Major Difference In Shia and Sunni, Geography of Islam's Split, the Islamic Civil War and other interesting topics… WELCOME TO Religion CAMP!

UPGRADE TO SYSK PREMIUM! To unlock ad-free listening to over 1,000 episodes plus receive exclusive bonus content, go to ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://SYSKPremium.com  How often do you think the average American checks their phone each day? Whatever your guess, you'll probably be shocked by the actual number. This episode kicks off with some eye-opening stats about our cell phone obsession and just how much it's shaping our daily lives. https://www.reviews.org/mobile/cell-phone-addiction/ When it comes to decisions, many of us waste valuable energy stressing over choices that don't even matter. To explore why this happens and how to make smarter choices with less stress, listen as I speak with Annie Duke — former professional poker player, decision-making consultant, and author of How To Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices (https://amzn.to/3OQgGIF). Annie shares practical tools that can transform the way you think about decisions — big and small. Then, we turn to the science of weather. Forecasting has made incredible advances in recent years, and no one knows this better than James Marshall Shepherd, Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia and host of the Weather Geeks podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weather-geeks/id1373312240). James reveals the fascinating inner workings of weather prediction, why “partly sunny” isn't the same as “partly cloudy,” and how technology is reshaping the way we understand the skies. Finally, let's clear up a common misconception: why shouldn't you drink alcohol while taking antibiotics? Most people assume it cancels out the medication — but that's not the case. Listen as I explain the real reason doctors recommend avoiding alcohol with antibiotics. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/antibiotics-and-alcohol/faq-20057946 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://Shopify.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ right now! QUINCE: Keep it classic and cool with long lasting staples from Quince! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! HERS: Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, Hers has you covered. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forhers.com/something⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes certain places feel haunted, cursed, or spiritually charged - and is the concept of territorial spirits actually biblical? Dr. Marta Escarcega has spent 45 years investigating the connection between geography and supernatural phenomena while examining what Scripture teaches about principalities, powers, and spiritual warfare over land. She discusses locations where people consistently go missing, areas that trigger unexplained anxiety in travelers, and regions avoided by indigenous peoples for spiritual reasons. Drawing from experiences across reservations, ancient sites, and urban centers, Dr. Marta explains how to "read" the spiritual atmosphere of a place and why some locations seem to act as portals or gathering points for non-human entities. The conversation explores Old Testament concepts like "high places," New Testament references to territorial demons, and how historical events create lasting spiritual consequences for geographic regions. Dr. Marta addresses common theological objections while sharing real-world examples of locations where teams of investigators consistently report similar phenomena. She explains the difference between lingering human spirits and territorial demons, how worship and biblical declaration can impact spiritual atmospheres, and why proper spiritual authority matters when confronting these forces. The discussion examines the balance between acknowledging supernatural realities based in Scripture and avoiding obsession with demonic activity, offering both a theological framework and practical field experience for understanding the spiritual dimensions of geography. This episode is a members-only exclusive. Not a Blurry Creatures member? Check out www.blurrycreatures.com/members for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(00:00-14:31) Cary Davis in the booth for Illini football this year. Big weekend of college football. College football television scheduling. You never wanna go up against The Shield. The Beau-Me State or Horn Hub?(14:39-37:51) What does Central Arkansas have that concerns you, Doug? Chad Ochocinco joins us and he says he love us. Loving doing his podcast. Wanting to swim with killer whales. His time in New England with Bill Belichick. Playing FIFA with people who talk trash on Twitter. Ocho is an elite gamer. His love of McDonald's. Pre-game Filet o Fish sandwiches for the linemen. Loved playing in hostile environments. He doesn't remember playing at The Dome but he did in '03.(38:01-50:19) Fun with Geography. It's going off the rails. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the afternoon of Friday, August 26, 2005, the National Hurricane Center changed the predicted landfall of Katrina from the panhandle of Florida to Mississippi. As the storm continued to increase in size and intensity, Federal, State, and local officials, began planning for the worst case scenario.   For Gulf Coast residents, it was a familiar dilemma: to stay or to go? Boarding up homes and businesses, packing up and heading north was a costly effort that too many times, proved unnecessary. Afterall, it had been some 36 years since Hurricane Camile, the yardstick by which all hurricanes were measured, had devastated the Gulf Coast. What were the odds that Katrina could cause that level of destruction?   In our first episode, we look back on the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. We examine the choices that were made and why. We hear first-hand accounts by key decision makers of the Mississippi Army National Guard including Major General Harold "Hac" Cross, Major General Bobbie Ginn, and Major General Janson "Durr" Boyles.   We also hear from Dr. David Holt, Associate Professor of Geography in the School of Coastal Resilience at USM, and Dr. Deanne Stephens, Co-Director of the Center for the Study of the Gulf South at USM.   To these voices, we add the stories of Mississippians from all walks of life, recorded shortly after the storm. From these raw accounts of survival and resiliency, we will hopefully gain a deeper perspective of how they prepared to meet the moment that fateful weekend in August of 2005.   Hosted by Bill Ellison Produced by Ross Walton  Executive Producer Dr. Kevin Greene. Written by Ross Walton, Isabel Loya, Jerra Runnels, Andrew Leib, and Holli Parker. Additional interviews were conducted by Isabel Loya, Jerra Runnels and Andrew Leib. Special thanks to the Center for the Study of the National Guard and the Mississippi Humanities Council.

Last time we spoke about the crossing of Nanjing's Rubicon. By November 1, Shanghai had become a lost cause, the Chinese were forced to retreat. In the wake of this turmoil, the Japanese set their sights on Nanjing, keenly aware that its fall would spell disaster for Chiang Kai-Shek's government. Despite the desperate situation, guerrilla fighters began fortifying the city as civilians rallied to support the defense, preparing for the inevitable assault that loomed. However, political divisions plagued the Chinese leadership, with some generals advocating for abandoning the city. After intense discussions, it was decided that Nanjing would be a hill worth dying on, driven largely by propaganda needs. As November 12 approached, Japanese troops rapidly advanced west, capturing towns along the way and inflicting unimaginable brutality. On November 19, Yanagawa, a commander, took the initiative, decreeing that pursuing the retreating Chinese forces toward Nanjing was paramount.    #164 The Battle of Lake Tai 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. As the Chinese troops fled westwards, at 7:00 am on November 19th, Yanagawa issued instructions to his troops in the field. “The enemy's command system is in disarray, and a mood of defeat has descended over their entire army. They have lost the will to fight. We must not miss the opportunity to pursue the enemy to Nanjing.” The order went out to the 10th Army, sending, the 6th, 18th, and 114th Divisions west along the southern shore of Lake Tai, passing through Huzhou before turning right towards Nanjing. The Kunisaki Detachment, trained for rapid movement by water and land, was ordered east along the Yangtze River near Wuhu city and, if possible, cross the river to cut off the Chinese Army's retreat from Nanjing. Yanagawa envisioned an operation unlike any other conducted by the Japanese Army in recent history. He believed this could not only end the war but also surpass previous victories, such as the defeat of tsarist Russia more than three decades earlier. Confident in a swift victory, he wrote in a follow-up message to his commanders, “The day is near when the banner of the Rising Sun will fly over Nanjing's city wall.” However, Yanagawa's order elicited panic in Tokyo once it became known. His superiors viewed it as an outrageous attempt to entirely change the war focus away from the north. They understood that taking Nanjing was primarily a political decision rather than a strategic one. There was still hopes of finding terms through the Germans to end the conflict, thus carving up more of China. The Japanese did not want to become bogged down in a real war. Major General Tada was particularly opposed to increasing efforts on the Shanghai front. He belonged to a faction that believed the best way to avoid a quagmire in China was to deliver a swift, decisive blow to the Chinese Army. This mindset had turned him into a major advocate for landing a strong force in Hangzhou Bay in early November. Nevertheless, he had initially resisted expanding operations to the Suzhou-Jiaxing line, only relenting on the condition that this line would not be crossed under any circumstances. Tada's immediate response was to halt the 10th Army's offensive. Shimomura Sadamu, Ishiwara Kanji's hardline successor as chief of operations, strongly disagreed, arguing that field commanders should have the authority to make significant decisions. Undeterred, Tada insisted on restraining the field commanders, and at 6:00 pm on November 20th, the Army General Staff sent a cable to the Central China Area Army reprimanding them for advancing beyond Order No. 600, which had established the Suzhou-Jiaxing line. The response from the Central China Area Army arrived two days later whereupon the field commanders argued that Nanjing needed to be captured to bring the war to an early conclusion. To do otherwise, they argued, would provide the enemy with an opportunity to regain the will to fight. Moreover, the officers claimed that delaying the decisive battle would not sit well with the Japanese public, potentially jeopardizing national unity. On the same day it responded to Tokyo, the Central China Area Army instructed the 10th Army to proceed cautiously: “The pursuit to Nanjing is to be halted, although you may still send an advance force towards Huzhou. Each division is to select four or five battalions to pursue the enemy rapidly”. The remainder of the troops were instructed to advance towards Huzhou and prepare to join the pursuit “at any time.” Meanwhile Chiang Kai-shek officially appointed Tang Shengzhi as the commandant of Nanjing's garrison. Born in 1889, Tang embodied the era of officers leading China into war with Japan. They straddled the line between old and new China. During their youth, they lived in a society that had seen little change for centuries, where young men immersed themselves in 2,000-year-old classics to prepare for life. Like their ancestors across countless generations, they were governed by an emperor residing in a distant capital. Following the 1911 revolution, they embraced the new republic and received modern military training, Tang, for instance, at the esteemed Baoding Academy in northern China. Yet, they struggled to fully relinquish their traditional mindsets. These traditional beliefs often included a significant distrust of foreigners. Before his appointment as garrison commander, Tang had led the garrison's operations section. During this time, Chiang Kai-shek suggested that he permit the German chief advisor, General Alexander von Falkenhausen, to attend staff meetings. Tang hesitated, expressing concern due to Falkenhausen's past as a military official in Japan and the current alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan. “That's not good, is it?” he asked. Chiang reassured him that Falkenhausen was an experienced officer who remembered earlier loyalties despite political shifts in Berlin. “It's all right,” Chiang insisted, “we can trust him.” Reluctantly, Tang acquiesced but never fully trusted the German officer. Tang also faced issues with morale. He was Hunanese, the majority of his troops were locals, many from Nanjing. Tang also suffered from many ongoing illnesses. While he put on a bravado face, its unlikely he expected to be able to defend the capital for very long. On November 19th, the IJA 16th division and Shigeto Detachment conquered Changshu, a crucial point along the Wufu defense line, spanning from Fushan on the Yangtze to Suzhou and then to Wujiang sitting on the shores of Lake Tai. The fight for Changshu had surprised the Japanese. As they approached they ran into a network of interlocking cement pillboxes that had to be taken individually, resulting in heavy casualties. Frequently, when the Japanese believed they had finally destroyed a position and advanced, they were dismayed to discover that some defenders remained alive, continuing to fire at their flanks. Another obstacle facing them was Chinese artillery. During the night's capture of the city, the Japanese makeshift camps were hit relentlessly by bombardment. That same day further south, the IJA 9th division captured Suzhou , reporting to the press they did so without firing a single shot. General Matsui wrote in his diary “The enemy troops near Suzhou have completely lost their morale. Some soldiers are discarding their equipment and surrendering, while others flee westward in utter chaos. Our forces have not encountered the resistance we anticipated. So far, the Shanghai Expeditionary Force has achieved all its objectives. I am thrilled by this.” In reality, this was mere propaganda. The IJA 9th Division actually had to overpower a series of Chinese pillboxes outside the city. Once they entered through the medieval walls, they faced the task of eliminating pockets of resistance one by one. According to Japanese sources, over 1,000 Chinese soldiers were killed during these clearing operations. The Japanese found a wealth of spoils in Suzhou. Among the booty were 100 artillery pieces and other military equipment. Historically known as one of China's wealthiest cities, Suzhou still contained an abundance of loot even after months of conflict. Many Japanese soldiers had their pockets filled with cigarettes after raiding a tobacco factory, while others transported barrels filled with coins after robbing a bank. Meanwhile the government had officially moved from Nanjing to Chongqing. Chongqing was an unusual choice for the new capital as it was historically something of a backwater, not very cosmopolitan such as the great coastal cities in the east. However it was distant enough to be out of reach from the Japanese land forces, but not so distant that it would make governing China impossible. Not all the governmental agencies moved to Chongqing at once. The foreign ministry first moved to Wuhan, as did most of the foreign diplomats. Yet out of some several hundred foreign nationals, 30 American and 19 British did stay behind in Nanjing. Tang Shengzhi met with the remaining foreign community and began promising them guarantees of their lives and property would be protected to the fullest. In turn the foreign community were thinking up ways to help defend the city's civilian population. They formed a special demilitarized district, akin to the one in Shanghai. They named it the Jacquinot Safety Zone after its founder, French Jesuit Robert Jacquinot de Besange. An international committee for establishing a neutral zone for noncombatants in Nanjing was formed on November 19th and famously John Rabe chaired it. The committee knew their neutral zone depended solely upon Japan respecting it, thus Rabe was an ideal pick for chairman. Meanwhile Chiang Kai-Shek was determined to stay for as long as possible in Nanjing, and remain in the public view to maintain morale. Song Meiling also went around touring the capital by automobile to raise public spirit. Preparations for battle were being dished out in haste. Du Yuming, the commander of Nanjing's armored regiment was called up to the headquarters of He Yingqin, then chief of staff. There Du was briefed on Chiang Kai-Shek's war plans and how his tiny armored force would fit in. He Yingqin said “It has been decided that Tang Shengzhi is to defend Nanjing. Chairman Chiang wants the German vehicles to stay in Nanjing and fight.” This was referring to their Leichter Panzerspahwagen or “sd KFZ 221” armored cars. These were recent purchases from Germany. Du questioned using them however “The German vehicles are the best armor we have at the moment, but they have no cannon, only machine guns, so their firepower is limited. We just have 15 of them. And they are not suited for the terrain around Nanjing, with all its rivers and lakes.” Du instead argued for using the British-made Vickers Carden Lloyd tanks. Of these China had recently purchased the amphibious variants. Du said “Those tanks both have machine guns and cannon, and they can float. They are much more useful for the Nanjing area.” He further suggested the tanks might even make it to the other side of the Yangtze once all hope was out. To this He replied “No, don't even think about crossing the Yangtze. The chairman wants the tank crews to fight to the death.” As far as war strategy was concerned, China had actually developed one against Japan decades prior. Ever since the nasty conflicts between the two nations had broken out back during the Great War days, China sought an answer to Japan's aggression. One man rose to the occasion, a young officer named Jiang Baili. In 1922 Jiang wrote “The only way to prevail over the enemy, will be to do the opposite of what he does in every respect. It will be to his advantage to seek a quick resolution; we should aim for protracted warfare. He will try to focus on a decisive blow at the front line; we should move to the second line of defense and rob him of the opportunity to concentrate his forces in one place.” Soon Jiang became the forefather in China for theories involving protracted war. One could also call it a war of attrition, and it was the type of war suited to China. In the words of Jiang “We should thank our ancestors. China is blessed with two major advantages, a vast land area and a huge population. Abstaining from fighting will be enough. And if we do fight, we should drag it out. We should force the front to move west, and turn our weakness into strength, while allowing the enemy to overstretch himself”. China's geography significantly influenced Jiang's military strategy. In his works titled Organization of Mechanized Forces, Jiang wrote “The flat North Chinese plain offers ideal conditions for a large mechanized army. In contrast, the agricultural regions further south, characterized by their mix of rice paddies and waterways, are far less suitable.” Faced with a technologically superior enemy, China had no option but to draw the opponent away from the north, where their armored units would dominate the battlefield, to the Yangtze River area, where their mobility would be severely restricted. Jiang served as the director of the prestigious military academy at Baoding, near Beijing, where he could instill his philosophies in the minds of upcoming leaders of the Chinese armed forces, including Tang Shengzhi. Tang was able to put Jiang's theories into practice. In the autumn of 1935, he played a crucial role in planning and executing the decade's largest military maneuver. Conducted south of the Yangtze, between Nanjing and Shanghai, this drill involved over 20,000 troops, allowing for a realistic simulation of battle conditions. Its primary objective was to test the strategy of "luring the enemy in deep." Upon concluding the maneuver, Tang described the location as exceptionally well chosen, a tank commander's nightmare. The area consisted of steep hills alongside rivers, with very few robust roads and virtually no bridges capable of supporting tanks. Countless small paddy fields were divided by dikes that rarely exceeded a few feet in width, perfectly suited for swift infantry movements but utterly inadequate for tracked vehicles. It appeared to be a graveyard for any mechanized army. As the war broke out with Japan, Jiang's ideas initially seemed validated. Chiang Kai-shek deliberately refrained from deploying his best troops to the northern Beijing area. Instead, he chose to instigate a significant battle in and around Shanghai, where the terrain presented the exact disadvantages for Japanese armor that Jiang had anticipated. Although the Japanese gradually introduced tactical innovations that allowed them to navigate the partly submerged paddy fields north and west of Shanghai, their tanks often found themselves forced along elevated roads, making them vulnerable targets for hidden Chinese infantry. For several weeks during September and October, the Shanghai area indeed resembled a quagmire, seemingly poised to ensnare the Japanese forces until they were utterly depleted. However, the successful Japanese landings in early November, first in Hangzhou Bay and then on the south bank of the Yangtze, dramatically changed things. The stalemate was broken, allowing the Japanese Army to advance despite the persistent challenges posed by the local geography. What would happen next would determine whether Jiang's theories from a decade earlier could work or if Japan's tanks would ultimately triumph even in the river terrain south of the Yangtze.  The Japanese field commanders' decision to shift their focus from defeating Chinese forces near Shanghai to pursuing them all the way to Nanjing, sent ripples throughout the ranks. Every unit had to reconsider their plans, but none felt the impact more acutely than the 6th Division. As one of the first contingents of the 10th Army to come ashore in Hangzhou Bay in early November, its soldiers had advanced with remarkable ease, cutting through the defenses like a knife through butter. Now, with orders to drive west towards Nanjing, they were required to make a huge U-turn and head south. Geography hurt them greatly, specifically the presence of Lake Tai. The original Shanghai Expeditionary Force, bolstered by the 16th Division and other newly arrived units, was set to advance north of the lake, while the 10th Army was tasked with operations to the south of it. This situation implied that the 6th Division had to hurry to catch up with the rest of the 10th Army.   Upon turning south, they reached Jiashan on November 21, only to face a brutal outbreak of cholera among their ranks, which delayed their advance by three days. Meanwhile the other elements of the 10th Army, including the Kunisaki Detachment and the 18th and 114th Divisions advanced  rapidly, entering Huzhou on November 23. To speed up their advance they had commandeered every vessel they could grab and tossed men in piece meal across the southern bank of Lake Tai to its western shore.  However the 10th army was unaware that they would soon face a brutal fight. As the Chinese government evacuated Nanjing, fresh troops from Sichuan province in southwest China were being unloaded at the city's docks and marched toward imminent danger. Starting to disembark on November 20, these soldiers formed the Chinese 23rd Group Army. They presented an exotic sight, sporting broad straw hats typical of southern China, often adorned with yellow and green camouflage patterns. While some appeared freshly uniformed, many were ill-prepared for the colder central Chinese winter, dressed in thin cotton better suited for subtropical climates. A number looked as ragged as the most destitute coolie. Nearly all wore straw shoes that required repairs every evening after a long day of marching. Their equipment was rudimentary and often quite primitive. The most common weapon among the newly arrived soldiers was a locally produced rifle from Sichuan, yet many had no firearms at all, carrying only “stout sticks and packs” into battle. Each division had a maximum of a dozen light machine guns, and radio communication was available only at the brigade level and above. The absence of any artillery or heavy equipment was quite alarming. It was as if they expected to be facing a warlord army of the 1920s. They were organized into five divisions and two brigades, supplied by Liu Xiang, a notable southern warlord. Remarkably, Liu Xiang had been one of Chiang Kai-shek's worst enemies less than a year prior. Now, Liu's troops fought alongside Chiang's against Japan, yet their loyalties remained fiercely provincial, listening to Liu Xiang rather than Chiang Kai-shek. China's warlord era never really ended. Chiang Kai-Shek was actually doing two things at once, meeting the enemy but also getting warlord troops away from their provincial powerbase. This in turn would reduce the influence of regional warlords. Now the Chinese recognized the had to stop the Japanese from reaching Wuhu, a Yangtze port city due south of Nanjing, basically the last escape route from the capital. If it was captured, those in Nanjing would be effectively stuck. General Gu Zhutong, who personally witnessed the chaotic evacuation of Suzhou, had already dispatched two divisions from Guangxi province to block the Japanese advance. However, they were quickly routed. Liu Xiang's troops were then sent to fill the gap on the battlefield. By the last week of November, the Japanese 10th Army and the newly arrived Sichuan divisions, were converging on the same area southwest of Lake Tai. Marching as quickly as possible, they were fated to clash in one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Nanjing campaign. As the Sichuanese troops reached the battlefield at the end of November, they  quickly realized just how ill-equipped they were to confront the modern Japanese Army. The Sichuan divisions hurried towards Lake Tai, primarily marching after sunset to avoid harassment from Japanese aircraft. A significant challenge for the soldiers was the condition of the roads, which were paved with gravel that wore down their straw shoes. Despite their best efforts to repair their footwear late at night, many soldiers found themselves entering battle barefoot. Along their route, they encountered numerous Chinese soldiers retreating. One particular column caught their attention; these troops were better uniformed and equipped, appearing as though they had not seen battle at all. They looked rested and well-nourished, as if they had just emerged from their barracks. This prompted unspoken doubts among the Sichuanese soldiers. Upon arriving in Guangde, the 145th Division quickly began fortifying its positions, particularly around a strategic airfield near the city and dispatched units towards the town of Sian. On November 25, skirmishes erupted throughout the day, and on the following day, the Chinese soldiers began facing the full force of the advancing enemy. Japanese planes bombed the Chinese positions near Sian, followed by rapid tank assaults from the 18th Japanese Division. Unaccustomed to combat against armored vehicles, they quickly routed. The Japanese forces rolled over the shattered Chinese defenses and advanced to capture Sian with minimal resistance. To make matters worse, amidst this critical moment when the Sichuan troops were engaged in their first battle against a foreign enemy, Liu Xiang, fell seriously ill. In his place, Chiang Kai-shek assigned one of his most trusted commanders, Chen Cheng. The Sichuanese soldiers were not happy with the new alien commander. Meanwhile, the Nine Power Treaty Conference in Brussels held its final session. The delegates concluded three weeks of fruitless discussions with a declaration that immediately struck observers as lacking any real substance. The decree stated “Force by itself can provide no just and lasting solution for disputes between nations,”. This was met with approval from all participants except Italy, one of Japan's few allies in Europe. They strongly urged that hostilities be suspended and that peaceful processes be pursued, but offered zero consequences for either belligerent should they choose not to comply. As they say today in politics, a nothing burger. China found itself resorting to shaming the international community into action, with barely any success.  In Berlin, the evening following the conference's conclusion, diplomats gathered as the Japanese embassy hosted a dinner to mark the first anniversary of the Anti-Comintern Pact. Among the guests, though he probably really did not want to be there, was Adolf Hitler. The Japanese Communications Minister, Nagai Ryutaro, speaking via radio stated “The Sino-Japanese conflict is a holy struggle for us. The objective is to hold the Nanjing government accountable for its anti-Japanese stance, to liberate the Chinese people from the red menace, and to secure peace in the Far East.” By hosting such an event, Germany was basically signalling that she would abandon her old Chinese ally to forge a stronger partnership with Japan. This was driving the world into two camps that would emerge as the Axis and Allies. My favorite boardgame by the way, I make a lot of goofy videos on my youtube channel about it.  Back at the front, a city sat midway along the Yangtze River between Shanghai and Nanjing, Jiangyin. By Chinese standards, Jiangyin was not a large city; its population numbered just 50,000, most of whom had already fled by the end of November. The city's military significance had considerably diminished after a naval battle in late September resulted in the sinking of half the Chinese fleet, forcing the remainder to retreat upriver. Nevertheless, the Chinese still maintained control on land. This became a pressing concern for the Japanese after the fall of Suzhou and Changshu led to the collapse of the Wufu defensive line. Consequently, the next line of defense was the Xicheng line, of which Jiangyin formed the northern end. The city stood directly in the path of the 13th Japanese Division, positioned at the far right of the front line. Jiangyin featured 33 partially fortified hills, and like many other cities in the region, its primary defense was a robust 10-mile wall constructed of brick and stone. Standing 30 feet high, the wall was reinforced on the inside by an earthen embankment measuring up to 25 feet in diameter. Defending Jiangyin alone was the 112th Division, comprising approximately 5,000 soldiers. Only in November did it receive reinforcements from the 103rd Division, which had previously participated in the brutal fighting in Shanghai and withdrew westward after the Japanese victory there. Like the 112th, the 103rd also consisted of around 5,000 soldiers from former warlord armies, though they hailed from the hot and humid southwest of China rather than the cold and arid northeast. Both divisions faced an adversary with far superior equipment and training. Just hours after Japanese observation balloons appeared on the horizon, their artillery opened fire. The initial shells fell at approximately 30 second intervals, but the pace quickly accelerated. Most of the shells landed near the river, obliterating the buildings in that area. The explosions tore up telephone wires, severing communication between the scattered Chinese units. As the first shells began to fall over Jiangyin, Tang Shengzhi gathered with Chinese and foreign journalists in Nanjing, openly acknowledging the monumental challenge ahead but resolutely vowing to defend Nanjing to the bitter end. “Even though it is lagging behind in material terms, China has the will to fight. Since the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, we have suffered defeats in various theaters, but we will continue to fight until we achieve final victory.” Tang then promised that Nanjing would be fought to the last man. As early as November 14, the central government had ordered the evacuation of women and children from Nanjing, calling for all means of transportation available to be dedicated to this purpose. However, this directive proved to be an empty proclamation. Almost all resources were directed toward relocating government officials westward. Moving office furniture and filing cabinets took precedence over evacuating people. The government commandeered 600 trucks and 220 boats and ships to aid in this effort, but once those means of transportation were exhausted, little remained for the common people. In the final days of November, Nanjing's mayor, Ma Chaojun, attempted to rectify this dire situation. He sent a cable to the Ministry of Communications requesting that the ships used to relocate government agencies be returned to Nanjing as soon as possible to assist with the evacuation. For most vessels, there wasn't enough time to make the journey back. The people of Nanjing were left to fend for themselves. Meanwhile the battles south and west of the Lake Tai continued to rage in late November. While the 18th Japanese Division advanced toward Guangde, aiming eventually for Wuhu and the Yangtze River, the 114th Japanese Division received different orders. It turned right along the western bank of Lake Tai, clearly intending to push onward to Nanjing. Awaiting them was the 144th Chinese Division, consisting primarily of Sichuanese soldiers. They dug in across the one viable road running west of the lake, with a large body of water on one side and rugged terrain on the other. This terrain forced the Japanese to attack over a narrow front, constraining the advantage they held due to their technological superiority. The Chinese were able to concentrate their limited artillery, primarily mountain guns that could be disassembled and transported by mules or even men, on the advancing Japanese attackers, and utilized it effectively. They allowed the Japanese to shell their positions without immediate retaliation, waiting until the infantry was within 1,000 yards before ordering their mountain guns to open fire. The result was devastating; the Japanese column became disorganized, and their advance stalled. However, just as the Chinese artillery appeared on the verge of achieving a significant victory, the decision was made to withdraw. The officers responsible for the mountain guns argued that the Japanese would soon overrun their positions, and it was preferable to take preemptive measures to prevent their valuable equipment from falling into enemy hands. The commanders of the 144th Division reluctantly concurred. The Chinese did their best to maintain the facade that their artillery remained in position, but the Japanese quickly noticed the weakened defense and attacked with renewed fervor. Despite this setback, Chinese soldiers found their morale boosted as their division commander, Guo Junqi, led from the front, issuing orders from a stretcher after sustaining a leg injury. However, deprived of their artillery, the Chinese faced increasingly dire odds, and they were pushed back along the entire front. As the Chinese front neared collapse, the officers of the 144th Division faced yet another challenge: Japanese infantry approached across Lake Tai in boats commandeered in previous days. With no artillery to defend themselves, the Chinese could only direct small arms fire at the vessels, allowing the Japanese to make an almost unimpeded landing. This was the final straw. Under pressure from two sides, the 144th Division had no choice but to abandon its position, retreating westward toward the main Chinese force around Guangde. Jiangyin endured two days of continuous shelling before the Japanese infantry attack commenced, but the city was fortified to withstand such a bombardment of this magnitude and duration. The 33 hills in and around the city had long served as scenic viewpoints and natural strongholds. The tallest hill, known as Mount Ding, rose 900 feet above the area, providing a commanding view and boasted over 100 artillery pieces. By late November, when the Japanese Army reached the area, most civilians had fled, but their homes remained, and the Chinese defenders effectively utilized them, converting them into concealed strongholds. The attack by the Japanese 13th Division on November 29 was led by the 26th Brigade on its right flank and the 103rd Brigade on its left. The advance proved challenging, constantly disrupted by Chinese ambushes. As a row of Japanese soldiers cautiously crossed an empty field, gunshots would erupt, striking down one of their ranks while the others scrambled for cover, desperately trying to identify the source of the fire. The Chinese launched frequent counterattacks, and on several occasions, individual Japanese units found themselves cut off from the main body and had to be rescued. Despite some setbacks, the 13th Division made satisfactory progress, bolstered by both land and ship-based artillery, and soon nearly encircled Jiangyin, leaving only a narrow corridor to the west of the city. However, the Chinese artillery was well-prepared, effectively targeting Japanese vessels on the Yangtze River. This led to an artillery duel that lasted three hours, resulting in several hits on Japanese ships; however, the Chinese batteries also suffered considerable damage. In the sector of the 103rd Chinese Division, the defenders had taken time to construct deep antitank ditches, hindering the advance of Japanese armored units. During the night of November 29-30, the Chinese organized suicide missions behind enemy lines to level the playing field. Armed only with a belt, a combat knife, a rifle, and explosives, the soldiers infiltrated Japanese positions, targeting armored vehicles. They quietly climbed onto the tanks, dropping hand grenades into turrets or detonating explosives strapped to their bodies. Though reducing Japanese armored superiority granted the Chinese some time, the attackers' momentum simply could not be stopped. On November 30, the Japanese launched a relentless assault on Mount Ding, the dominant hill in the Jiangyin area. Supported by aircraft, artillery, and naval bombardments, Japanese infantry engaged the entrenched Chinese company at the summit. After a fierce and bloody battle, the Japanese succeeded in capturing the position. The Chinese company commander, Xia Min'an, withdrew with his troops toward Jiangyin to report the loss to the regimental command post. When the deputy commander of the 103rd Division, Dai Zhiqi, heard the news, he was furious and wanted to execute Xia on the spot. However, Xia's regimental commander intervened, saving him from a firing squad. Instead, he insisted that Xia redeem himself by recapturing the hill from the Japanese. Xia was put in command of a company that had previously been held in reserve. What followed was a fierce battle lasting over four hours. Eventually, the Japanese were forced to relinquish the hill, but the victory came at a steep price, with numerous casualties on both sides, including the death of Xia Min'an. The last days of November also witnessed chaotic fighting around Guangde, where the unfamiliar terrain added to the confusion for both sides. For the Chinese, this chaos was exacerbated by their upper command issuing contradictory orders, instructing troops to advance and retreat simultaneously. Pan Wenhua, the Sichuanese commander of the 23rd Army, prepared a pincer maneuver, directing the 13th Independent Brigade to launch a counterattack against the town of Sian, which was held by the Japanese, while the 146th Division would attack from the south. Both units set out immediately. However, due to a lack of radio equipment, a common issue among the Sichuanese forces, they did not receive the new orders to withdraw, which originated not from Pan Wenhua but from Chen Cheng, the Chiang Kai-shek loyalist who had taken command after Liu Xiang fell ill and was eager to assert his authority. Fortunately, the officers of the 13th Independent Brigade were alerted to the general order for withdrawal by neighboring units and managed to halt their advance on Sian in time. The 146th Division, however, had no such luck and continued its march toward the Japanese-occupied city. It was joined by the 14th Independent Brigade, which had just arrived from Wuhu and was also unaware of the general retreat order. Upon reaching Sian, these Chinese troops engaged in intense close combat with the Japanese. It was a familiar scenario of Japanese technological superiority pitted against Chinese determination. The Japanese brought armor up from the rear, while the Chinese lay in ambush, tossing hand grenades into tank turrets before jumping onto the burning vehicles to kill any surviving crew members. As the fighting around the flanks slowed, the area in front of Guangde became the focal point of the battle. Japanese soldiers advanced toward the city during the day, passing piles of dead Chinese and numerous houses set ablaze by retreating defenders. At night, the situation became perilous for the Japanese, as Chinese forces infiltrated their positions under the cover of darkness. In the confusion, small units from both sides often got lost and were just as likely to encounter hostile forces as friendly ones. Despite the chaos along the front lines, it was evident that the Japanese were gaining the upper hand primarily due to their material superiority. Japanese artillery bombarded Guangde, igniting many structures, while infantry approached the city from multiple directions. The Chinese 145th Division, led by Rao Guohua, was nearing its breaking point. In a desperate gamble, on November 30, Rao ordered one of his regiments to counterattack, but the regimental commander, sensing the futility of the move, simply refused. This refusal was a personal failure for Rao, one he could not accept. Deeply ashamed, Rao Guohua withdrew from Guangde. As darkness enveloped the battlefield, he and a small group of staff officers found a place to rest for the night in a house near a bamboo grove. Overwhelmed with anguish, he penned a letter to Liu Xiang, apparently unaware that Liu had been evacuated to the rear due to stomach issues. In the letter, he apologized for his inability to hold Guangde. Telling his bodyguard to get some rest, he stepped outside, disappearing into the bamboo grove. Shortly thereafter, his staff heard a single gunshot. When they rushed out and searched the dense bamboo, they found Rao sitting against a tree, his service weapon beside him. Blood streamed thickly from a wound to his temple. He was already dead. 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 the Japanese forces advanced on Nanjing, tensions escalated within the Chinese leadership. While Commander Tang Shengzhi fortified the city, some sought retreat. Japanese Commander Yanagawa, confident of victory, pushed his troops westward, disregarding high command's hesitations. Meanwhile, ill-equipped Sichuanese reinforcements hurried to defend Nanjing, braving cholera and disorganization. Intense battles unfolded around Lake Tai, marked by fierce ambushes and casualties. 

Sometimes the happiest and most successful people are the ones who know when to stop.Matt O'Neill built Good Mood Revolution into a top 1.5% global podcast with 230,000 downloads, but he's walking away at the peak. Why? Because he learned the ultimate happiness lesson: all the expert advice in the world means nothing if you're too busy to live it.In this deeply personal final episode, Matt shares the most life-changing insights from his journey: from Marianne Williamson's revelation that happiness is love, to Lou Holtz's three principles for winning each day, to Dr. David Burns' discovery that depression often stems from beautiful values we hold too tightly.You'll hear the strategies that transformed Matt's life—from Trish Blackwell's negative thought reframing technique to Sonja Lyubomirsky's research showing that 15-minute conversations are scientifically the happiest thing you can do. Most importantly, you'll understand why Matt realized that all the productivity hacks and goal-setting in the world can't replace the simple joy of being fully present with the people who matter most.This isn't goodbye forever—it's Matt choosing to live the happiness principles he's spent years teaching. Sometimes the most revolutionary act is slowing down to savor what you already have.0:00 Intro2:05 Marianne Williamson: Happiness is love4:02 Lou Holtz's three principles for winning the day6:22 Dr. David Burns: Why depression reveals beautiful values8:48 Dr. Jeffrey Rediger: Happiness is the best medicine10:45 Joe Wechsler: The comfort crisis and why adventure makes us happy12:43 Why Matt's "dream job" was right in front of him15:11 Trish Blackwell's life-changing negative thought technique18:28 Arian Mateo: How core beliefs create your reality21:51 Matt King: If you want a better present, get a bigger future23:20 Sonja Lyubomirsky: The scientifically happiest thing you can do27:55 Eric Weiner: There's no such thing as personal happiness29:01 Phil Moeller's Purpose Matrix: Ordering your life priorities31:26 A final thank you and signing offResources Mentioned:

"The way that institutions emerge and entrench themselves and become a part of the functioning of an economy and society is because they solve some problems. So they're usually a non-market solution toward solving some problem that the economy, that the market system couldn't necessarily solve. Of course the most prominent example of an institution that solves an. Market problem in the non-market way is a firm, as Ronald Coase, of course very early on, taught us that. When a firm realizes that in some cases when transactions costs are high, you want to internalize things within the firm. That the firm is itself an institution. But these other social political institutions, they also exist to resolve some problem. And once they resolve that problem and they're resolving it adequately, then it becomes really hard to bring about change. So the institution solves a problem. So to be clear, it is better than in the absence of the institution, but it also means that without somehow breaking this institution or having some crisis that leads you to substantially reform the institution, you are going to be stuck at a suboptimal equilibrium." - Jamus Lim, author of "Asian Economies: History, Institutions and Structures" Fresh out of the studio, Associate Professor Jamus Lim from ESSEC Business School and author of "Asian Economies: History, Institutions and Structures" joined us in a comprehensive exploration of the economic foundations shaping Asia's remarkable rise. Jamus shared his story on how the Asian Financial Crisis sparked his passion for macroeconomics and development. He unpacked the critical yet often overlooked role of geography, history, and institutional frameworks in explaining Asia's immense economic diversity, arguing that abstract economic models fail to capture the real-world complexities driving regional development. Through deep dives into China's demographic transition and export-driven challenges, South Korea's state-led chaebol industrialization model, and Japan's historic shift from deflation to inflation, Jamus demonstrated how colonial legacies and historical persistence continue to shape modern economic structures across the continent. Throughout the conversation, he revealed why China's middle-income trap escape depends on building domestic consumption to absorb its massive manufacturing capacity, explained how institutional solutions that once solved problems can become growth constraints, and argued that understanding Asia's past is essential for navigating its economic future in an increasingly complex global landscape. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Quote of the Day by Jamus Lim [02:27] Introduction: Jamus Lim, Associate Professor in ESSEC Business School and Author of Asian Economies [04:38] Asian Financial Crisis sparks Jamus' macro economics interest [07:38] Teaching in Asia reveals regional development contrasts [09:10] Middle income trap challenges across Asian economies [10:23] Defining Asia: beyond East Asia stereotypes [15:10] How Geography and History are overlooked in economic discourse [17:26] China's transformation: poverty to economic powerhouse [19:32] Demographic transition challenges across East Asia [22:21] China's manufacturing evolution and export strategy [24:28] Lewis turning point: China's labor transformation [26:11] Housing boom and excess supply challenges [29:10] Hukou system creates unequal access issues [33:30] China shock: WTO entry transforms global manufacturing [38:27] South Korea's state-led industrialization model success [39:10] Zaibatsu to Chaebol: the colonial influence on economic structures [42:00] Heavy chemical industry: successful state intervention in South Korea [44:17] Japan's deflation to inflation transition challenges [46:32] Structural adjustments in Japanese labor markets [48:03] Institutional foundations: solving problems creates persistence [54:04] Academic success vs. real-world policy impact [55:00] Closing Profile: Jamus Lim, Author of Asian Economies, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamuslim/ Podcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. The proper credits for the intro and end music are "Energetic Sports Drive." G. Thomas Craig mixed and edited the episode in both video and audio format. Here are the links to watch or listen to our podcast. Analyse Asia Main Site: https://analyse.asia Analyse Asia Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kkRwzRZa4JCICr2vm0vGl Analyse Asia Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/analyse-asia-with-bernard-leong/id914868245 Analyse Asia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/analyse-asia/ Analyse Asia X (formerly known as Twitter): https://twitter.com/analyseasia Sign Up for Our This Week in Asia Newsletter: https://www.analyse.asia/#/portal/signup Subscribe Newsletter on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7149559878934540288

This week- what country has the most spoken languages? How much does it cost to have a friend in your life? What is the most popular car logo? Listen, laugh, and learn with Nick & Roy. Brought to you by Tom's Place in Kensington Market in Toronto, Check out Tom's Summer blowout sale!

In this episode, Divya speaks with Sean Fox and Gregory Randolph about urbanization and how it is unfolding amid global shocks and affecting inequality. Sean Fox is a Professor of Geography and Global Development at the University of Bristol. His research focuses on the causes and consequences of global urbanization, the political economy of urban governance, and sustainable city futures. Gregory Randolph is an Assistant Professor in the School of City and Regional Planning at Georgia Tech. His work focuses on how local economies and urbanization patterns are being reshaped by 21st-century transitions namely technological, energy and demographic transitions, with a particular focus on inequality. Together, Sean and Gregory offer rich interdisciplinary insights that challenge conventional understandings of urbanization, showing that urbanization is not just about the growth of cities or a straightforward shift from rural to urban. Rather, it's a geo-demographic transformation that is deeply embedded in political, social, and economic processes. The conversation also sheds light on the hidden stories of urbanization in the global south for example, the stories of migration in the indian state of Bihar where Gregory has been working, deindustrialization, regional divergence, and the hollowing out of labor markets and how these processes contribute to interpersonal and inter-place inequalities. This episode was recorded at a time when massive wildfires in Los Angeles were making headlines everywhere, prompting a timely question for our guests: What should planners be thinking about as they rebuild cities after disasters? Both Sean and Gregory voiced serious concern about the increasing frequency and scale of natural disasters and how such events are amplifying pre-existing inequalities. They emphasized that recovery and rebuilding cannot be the task of planners alone. It must also be a political project—one that demands bold, inclusive, and forward-thinking political leadership committed to building cities that account for vulnerability, address structural inequalities, and prioritize resilience for all. Sean and Gregory are both compelling storytellers, and their work offers a grounded and timely lens on how urbanization is evolving in a world marked by rising uncertainties and deepening inequalities, and I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to engage with them and their brilliant & relevant scholarship   References:  Fox, S., & Goodfellow, T. (2022). On the conditions of ‘late urbanisation'. Urban Studies, 59(10), 1959-1980. Randolph, G. F., & Currid-Halkett, E. (2022). Planning in the era of regional divergence: place, scale, and development in confronting spatial inequalities. Journal of the American Planning Association, 88(2), 245-252. Randolph, G. F., & Storper, M. (2023). Is urbanisation in the Global South fundamentally different? Comparative global urban analysis for the 21st century. Urban Studies, 60(1), 3-25. Fox, S., & Wolf, L. J. (2024). People make places urban. Nature Cities, 1(12), 813-820. Fox, S., Agyemang, F., Hawker, L., & Neal, J. (2024). Integrating social vulnerability into high-resolution global flood risk mapping. Nature communications, 15(1), 3155. Randolph, G. F. (2024). Does urbanization depend on in-migration? Demography, mobility, and India's urban transition. Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 56(1), 117-135. Randolph, G. F., & Deuskar, C. (2024). Urbanization beyond the metropolis: Planning for a large number of small places in the global south. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 44(1), 279-291. Randolph, G. F. (2025). Planning the “Ruralopolis” in India: Circular Migration, Survival Entrepreneurship, and the Subversive Non-Farm Economy. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 45(2), 305-317.  

Episode Description:  When Max and Molly receive a mysterious telegram, it sends them straight to the North Atlantic—just in time for the Titanic disaster. Luckily, they are aboard the RMS Carpathia – the ship that came to the rescue of the Titanic's passenger.  Using math, maritime history, and quick thinking they are able to help with one of the greatest rescues at sea ever! Math Concepts:  Calculating distance between coordinates using the Haversine formula; Nautical miles and knots as units of distance and speed; Unit conversion: knots to miles per hour; Multiplication and division with decimals; Lifeboat capacity analysis through multiplication and addition.History/Geography Concepts: The sinking of the Titanic (April 14th, 1912); Role of the RMS Carpathia in the Titanic rescue; Guglielmo Marconi and the development of wireless communication; Lifeboat design innovation by Maria E. Beasley; Geography of the North Atlantic Ocean and use of coordinates; Contributions of Molly Brown & Captain Arthur Rostron; Women's suffrage & early 20th-century activism

How can geography guide us through the Bible? Dr. Cyndi Parker, director at Resurrection Philadelphia, offers a unique perspective shaped by years of living in Jerusalem and leading immersive educational trips to Israel.Cyndi Parker holds a Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies from the University of Gloucestershire and teaches in churches and universities around the world. She is the creator of Narrative of Place, the host of the Context Matters podcast, and the Director of Education and Conversation at Resurrection Philadelphia. At the core of many of her projects is the desire to help people learn to read the Land of the Bible. Cyndi lived in Jerusalem for five years, and she continues to develop innovative educational trips to Israel, seeking to inspire students of all ages through experiential education. Her research interests include biblical views of Place, Biblical History and Geography, and the correlation between Theology and Ecology. Dr. Parker's Website: https://www.narrativeofplace.com/new-page-2 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-parker-ph-d-2372b573/ Podcast: Context Matters Author of Books: https://www.narrativeofplace.com/books Encountering Jesus in the Real World of the Gospels Women of the Bible: Old Testament Bible Study Women of the Bible: New Testament Stay up to date with Museum of the Bible on social media:  Instagram: ⁠@museumofBible⁠  X: ⁠@museumofBible⁠  Facebook: ⁠museumofBible⁠  Linkedin: ⁠museumofBible⁠  YouTube: ⁠@museumoftheBible⁠ 

This lively episode of Talking Real Money features trivia-packed investing fun, smart listener questions, and sharp commentary from Don and Tom. They dive into a Wall Street Journal quiz on investing genius, exploring surprising historical returns and market myths. Listener calls span a range of financial planning topics—from special needs trusts and Roth IRAs for kids to emergency fund placement and ETF selection. 0:04 Don and Tom banter about working weekends and boomers in the office 1:55 Wall Street Journal quiz: Are you a stock market genius? 3:20 Which stock created the most wealth in 100 years? (Hint: it wasn't Apple) 4:19 Why Altria (Philip Morris) beat the rest 5:31 Berkshire Hathaway drops 99%—would Buffett still beat the market? 6:37 Show mission: make investing simple, not complex 8:28 Caller Valerie: Investing for a daughter with disabilities using Vanguard ETFs 10:24 Portfolio review and discussion of special needs trusts 11:20 Structuring brokerage accounts with trust beneficiaries 13:31 Caller Steve: Roth IRAs for sons, target date vs. all-equity funds 14:36 Tom critiques Schwab's target date funds—Vanguard preferred 16:20 Future value of $10K over 50 years at 10%—retirement math 17:20 Caller Sam: Can he gift stock into a Roth IRA? (Spoiler: No, but workarounds exist) 18:59 Economist “Felicity Foresight” exercise—guess the ending balance after 100 years of perfect timing 20:34 The shocking power of compound returns: $10 quintillion 22:15 Geography jokes, the U.S. “Middle East,” and why cruises go to Juneau 23:39 Written Question (Bruce): Keeping emergency funds in a Schwab money market fund 25:10 Online bank trust vs. FDIC insurance—why it's safe 27:51 Don calls Tom a “premature curmudgeon” 28:30 Caller West: Should he add SGOV to his BND bond portfolio? 29:52 BND vs SGOV explained—behavior during rate changes 30:37 Back to WSJ quiz: investing trivia and early company names 31:31 Bezos almost named Amazon “Kadabra”; Google was almost “Backrub” 33:20 What's a googol? And why Google isn't even the biggest number 34:48 Shoeshine story: how Joe Kennedy dodged the ‘29 crash 36:39 Caller Diana: Investing for four grandkids—gold coins vs stocks 38:41 Why diversified ETFs beat Boeing stock or gold coins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you really need a local financial advisor to manage your money? Geography doesn't matter anymore when it comes to building wealth and securing your financial future. Lance previews this week's Jackson Hole consortium; what will Jerome Powell Infer? Lance Roberts & Jonathan Penn cover the conundrum of local vs virtual financial advisors; how college students are lured by credit card offers, and the dangers of credit accounts. This leads to a discussion of personal budgeting, and how deceptively easy it is to begin a culture of savings; the "B-word" is Budget; the importance of controlling discretionary spending and leakage of money; Lance shares an example by working with an income of only $50k; the surprising result of pre-tax contributions and their impact on income; 401k's vs Roth; the benefits of speaking with a "coach" about money, i.e., a financial advisor. SEG-1a: Jackson Hole Preview - What's the Fed going to do? SEG-1b: Negative Divergences are Increasing SEG-2a: Local vs Virtual Financial Advisors SEG-2b: Do You Need a Financial Advisor? SEG-2c: Getting Started So You Can Save & Invest SEG-2d: Stay Away from Credit Cards SEG-2e: Everything's on a Payment Plan SEG-2f: Addressing the "B-word" (Budgeting) SEG-2g: What's Your Number? SEG-2h: Controlling Your Discretionary Spending SEG-2i: Budgeting w $50k SEG-2j: 401k's vs Roth's SEG-2k: Why Should You Speak With a Financial Advisor? Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisor, Jonathan Penn, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch today's video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNJaSxQqghA&list=PLVT8LcWPeAuhi47sn298HrsWYwmg8MV7d&index=2&t=6s -------- Articles mentioned in this report: "Inflation Data Sends Markets To New Highs" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/inflation-data-sends-markets-to-new-highs/ "Excess Bullishness & 10-Rules To Navigate It" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/excess-bullishness-10-rules-to-navigate-it/ ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "What is Bitcoin Telling Us Now?" is here: http://bit.ly/463MS4b ------- Our previous show is here: "Ten Rules for Navigating Excessive Market Bullishness" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogzk5Y4D7b0&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 ------- Register for our next Candid Coffee, "Savvy Social Security Planning," August 23, 2025: https://streamyard.com/watch/pbx9RwqV8cjF ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #BitCoin #JacksonHole #FederalReserve #JeromePowell #MarketCorrection #MarketRisk #FinancialAdvisor #VirtualAdvisor #OnlineFinancialPlanning #InvestingTips #PersonalFinance #InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing

Do you really need a local financial advisor to manage your money? Geography doesn't matter anymore when it comes to building wealth and securing your financial future. Lance previews this week's Jackson Hole consortium; what will Jerome Powell Infer?  Lance Roberts & Jonathan Penn cover the conundrum of local vs virtual financial advisors; how college students are lured by credit card offers, and the dangers of credit accounts. This leads to a discussion of personal budgeting, and how deceptively easy it is to begin a culture of savings; the "B-word" is Budget; the importance of controlling discretionary spending and leakage of money; Lance shares an example by working with an income of only $50k; the surprising result of pre-tax contributions and their impact on income; 401k's vs Roth; the benefits of speaking with a "coach" about money, i.e., a financial advisor. SEG-1a: Jackson Hole Preview - What's the Fed going to do? SEG-1b: Negative Divergences are Increasing SEG-2a: Local vs Virtual Financial Advisors SEG-2b: Do You Need a Financial Advisor? SEG-2c: Getting Started So You Can Save & Invest SEG-2d: Stay Away from Credit Cards SEG-2e: Everything's on a Payment Plan SEG-2f: Addressing the "B-word" (Budgeting)    SEG-2g: What's Your Number? SEG-2h: Controlling Your Discretionary Spending SEG-2i: Budgeting w $50k SEG-2j: 401k's vs Roth's SEG-2k: Why Should You Speak With a Financial Advisor? Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisor, Jonathan Penn, CFP   Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch today's video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNJaSxQqghA&list=PLVT8LcWPeAuhi47sn298HrsWYwmg8MV7d&index=2&t=6s -------- Articles mentioned in this report: "Inflation Data Sends Markets To New Highs" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/inflation-data-sends-markets-to-new-highs/ "Excess Bullishness & 10-Rules To Navigate It" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/excess-bullishness-10-rules-to-navigate-it/ ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "What is Bitcoin Telling Us Now?" is here:  http://bit.ly/463MS4b  ------- Our previous show is here: "Ten Rules for Navigating Excessive Market Bullishness" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogzk5Y4D7b0&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 ------- Register for our next Candid Coffee, "Savvy Social Security Planning," August 23, 2025: https://streamyard.com/watch/pbx9RwqV8cjF ------- Get more info & commentary:  https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #BitCoin #JacksonHole #FederalReserve #JeromePowell #MarketCorrection #MarketRisk #FinancialAdvisor #VirtualAdvisor #OnlineFinancialPlanning #InvestingTips #PersonalFinance #InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing

Personal AI is pioneering the next generation of artificial intelligence with their memory-first platform that creates personalized AI models for individuals and organizations. Having raised over $16 million, the company has evolved from targeting consumers to focusing on enterprise customers who need highly private, precise, and personalized AI solutions. In this episode of Category Visionaries, we sat down with Suman Kanuganti, CEO and Co-Founder of Personal AI, to explore the company's journey from early AI experimentation in 2015 to building what he envisions as the future AI workforce for enterprise organizations. Topics Discussed: Personal AI's evolution from consumer-focused to enterprise B2B platform The technical architecture behind personal language models vs. large language models Privacy-first approach and competitive advantages in regulated industries Go-to-market pivot and scaling from small law firms to enterprise contracts Unit economics advantages and 10x cost reduction compared to traditional LLMs Vision for AI workforce integration in public companies within 3-5 years GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Recognize when market timing doesn't align with your vision: Suman's team was building AI solutions as early as 2015, nearly a decade before the ChatGPT moment. When ChatGPT launched in November 2022, Personal AI faced confusion from investors and customers about their differentiation. Rather than forcing their sophisticated personal AI models on consumers who wanted simpler solutions, they recognized the market mismatch and pivoted. B2B founders should be prepared to adjust their go-to-market approach when market readiness doesn't match their technical capabilities, even if their technology is superior. Find your wedge in enterprise through specific pain points: Personal AI discovered their enterprise entry point by targeting "highly sensitive use cases that LLMs are not good for" where companies would be "shit scared to put any data in the LLM." They focused on precision and privacy pain points that large language models couldn't address. B2B founders should identify specific enterprise pain points where their solution provides clear advantages over existing alternatives, rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Let customer expansion drive revenue growth: Personal AI's enterprise strategy evolved organically as existing contracts "started growing like wildfire as more people had a creative mindset to solve the problem with the platform." They discovered that their Persona concept allowed enterprises to consolidate multiple AI use cases into one platform. B2B founders should design their platforms to naturally expand within organizations and reduce vendor fragmentation, creating stickiness and increasing average contract values. Leverage architectural advantages for unit economics: By positioning their personal language models between customer use cases and large language models, Personal AI achieved "10x lower cost" per token. This architectural decision created both privacy benefits and economic advantages. B2B founders should consider how their technical architecture can create sustainable competitive advantages in both functionality and economics, not just features. Geography matters more than you think for fundraising: Suman identified his biggest fundraising mistake as not moving to San Francisco earlier, stating "back in 2022 or 2023 is when I should have moved to San Francisco, period." He learned that being part of the Silicon Valley ecosystem and conversation is critical for fundraising success. B2B founders should consider the strategic importance of physical presence in key markets, especially when raising capital, and not underestimate the value of in-person relationship building.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM 

In this episode, we delve into the environmental toll of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Comparing the impacts with our multiple climate disasters, we have witnessed how environmental destruction has dramatically altered our understanding of home, place, and belonging. To trace ways in which ecological grief is echoed and reckoned with across these different contexts, EcoJustice Radio shares the Thomas Mann House presentation of a conversation between Darya Tsymbalyuk (University of Chicago) and Ursula K. Heise (UCLA). Support the Podcast via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Tsymbalyuk's recent book, ‘Ecocide in Ukraine', highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on Ukraine's ecosystems and landscapes. From pollution and destruction of habitats to the emotional connections of locals to their environment, this episode sheds light on the often-overlooked ecological consequences of war. Drawing connections between Ukrainian experiences, the scarred lands of the Pacific Palisades, and beyond, Tsymbalyuk and Heise discuss the loss of cherished places and species to examine the role of storytelling and the cultural imaginations in ways of inhabiting the damaged Earth. For an extended interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio Ecocide in Ukraine Book: https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=ecocide-in-ukraine-the-environmental-cost-of-russias-war--9781509562497 Darya Tsymbalyuk [https://daryatsymbalyuk.com/] is an interdisciplinary scholar, and her practice includes writing and image-making. Most of Darya's work lies at the intersection of environmental humanities and artistic research. She is a recipient of the Mary Zirin Prize from the Association of Women in Slavic Studies (2023), and the author of multiple articles in environmental humanities. Her book “Ecocide in Ukraine: The Environmental Cost of Russia's War” from Polity Press was published in 2025. Darya serves as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures and the Committee on Environment, Geography, and Urbanization (CEGU), University of Chicago. Ursula K. Heise [https://english.ucla.edu/people-faculty/heise-ursula-k/] holds the Marcia H. Howard Term Chair in Literary Studies in the Department of English and the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA. She is co-founder and current Director of the Lab for Environmental Narrative Strategies (LENS). Her books include, among others, Sense of Place and Sense of Planet: The Environmental Imagination of the Global (Oxford University Press, 2008) and Imagining Extinction: The Cultural Meanings of Endangered Species (University of Chicago Press, 2016). Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes a column on PBS SoCal called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs. Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/ Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/ Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats Episode 264

Ben Maller talks about MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's plan for MLB to geographically realign, who is in line for MLB expansion franchises, Jim Harbaugh staying mum on NCAA punishments for Michigan, Insta-Advice Line, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even as efforts to transition Appalachia out of coal receive broad policy support, the fate of the landscape is ultimately driven by incumbent actors used to getting what they want. Dr Lindsay Shade and Dr Karen Rignall discuss their research about how legacies of land ownership frustrate equitable and effective transition strategies. While an "Abundance"  argument suggests that  "the Democratic fetish for legalistic procedure has in so many places, made it impossible to get stuff done," the afterlives of coal provides a stark reminder of the deeper powers that control what happens on the land. Confronting the legacies of landownership may be the only path to meaningful landscape transformation.  Episode Links Dr Lindsay Shade Dr Karen Rignall Shade, L., Schwartzman, G., Rignall, K., Slovinsky, K., & Johnson, J. (2025). Afterlives of coal: land and transition dynamics in Central Appalachia. Environmental Research: Energy, 2(1), 015015. Also see: Shade, L., Rignall, K., Tarus, L., & Starr, C. (2025). The role of land in a just transition: the Appalachian Land Study collective. Environmental Research: Energy, 2(2), 025010. The ongoing Appalachian Land Study and the historic Appalachian Land Ownership Study Martin County solar project on the former Martiki mine The Cumberland Forest Project (The Nature Conservancy) Congressman Hal Rogers and prison development Carbon sequestration court case: Pocahontas Surface Interests and Forestland Group The Alliance for Appalachia The Appalachian Rekindling Project  The Abundance critique of process The Heavens, by Sandra Newman Landscapes is produced by Adam Calo. A complete written transcript of the episode can be found on Adam's newsletter: Land Food Nexus. Send feedback or questions to adamcalo@substack.com or Bluesky Music by Blue Dot Sessions: “Kilkerrin” by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue). Podcast Guest Correction: "At minute 26.41 - 27.55 it is implied that The Nature Conservancy (TNC) acquired all 253,000 acres as a single parcel and that it all passed through Pocahontas Land Company and Heartwood Forestland Fund, and also that The Forestland Group "sold" land to the former. Heartwood Forestland Fund is managed by The Forestland Group and holds land under various subsidiaries. In the three states where TNC brokered land deals for the Cumberland Forest Project, the land is held by various LLC's that TNC controls, all of which purchased land from subsidiaries of either The Forestland Group or Molpus-Woodlands, two different timber investment management organizations (TIMO's). These TIMO's previously bought land and/or timber rights from various coal and natural resource landholding companies in the region, including Pocahontas. As we describe in our paper on p. 8, the trajectory of the land in our case study in East TN is as follows: the land was first consolidated by the 19th century British coal company and land speculation firm "The American Association Ltd," later sold to JM Huber Coal, and then to Molpus-Woodlands, before being acquired by Cumberland Forest LLC, which The Nature Conservancy has a controlling share and manages."

Gediminas Lesutis works at the intersection of global politics, human geography, and critical theory. In 2018, he completed a PhD in Politics at the University of Manchester, UK. This was followed by a 3.5-year research fellowship in Geography at the University of Cambridge and Darwin College, Cambridge, UK. He is currently a Marie Curie Fellow in the Department of Geography, Urban Planning, and International Development Studies, at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. A note from Lev:I am a high school teacher of history and economics at a public high school in NYC, and began the podcast to help demystify economics for teachers.  The podcast is now within the top 2% of podcasts worldwide in terms of listeners (per Listen Notes) and individual episodes are frequently listed by The Syllabus (the-syllabus.com) as among the 10 best political economy podcasts of a particular week.  The podcast is reaching thousands of listeners each month.  The podcast seeks to provide a substantive alternative to mainstream economics media; to communicate information and ideas that contribute to equitable and peaceful solutions to political and economic issues; and to improve the teaching of high school and university political economy. Best, Lev

For much of America's history, the promise of greater economic opportunities in new places was an intrinsic idea to the country's identity. But in recent decades, it's become increasingly difficult to pack up and chase that American dream. Why? Yoni Appelbaum is a deputy executive editor at The Atlantic and the author of the book, Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity which explores the significant decline in geographic and economic mobility in the United States over the past 50 years.Yoni and Greg analyze the historical context of mobility trends in America, the role of zoning laws, the influence of homeownership policies, and the changes brought about by millions of moves within American society. They also discuss possible reforms and a generational shift towards embracing growth and community development.*unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*Episode Quotes:How America got stuck in a mobility decline16:00: For almost all of American history, when a place was thriving economically, we threw up new housing to accommodate all the new arrivals who would flock toward that opportunity. And then, 50 years ago, we pretty much made it impossible to do that. And so, as a result, when people are in a place today with declining opportunity, they really are kind of stuck—the places that they could move just can't accommodate them.The hidden costs of not building30:09: If you do not build housing that is affordable, if you do not build new luxury housing that rich people move into, thereby letting the older housing stock become available to people on, on more limited incomes, if you are not building, then you are shutting out those people. And so, it is not just the crisis of homelessness, which is a real crisis, it is also that lack of mobility.Why newcomers make communities thrive06:45: Loneliness is good, aloneness is bad, but loneliness is like hunger. It is a spur to action… [07:09] It is that loneliness of the new arrivals in town that has traditionally spurred people to form social relationships. You are much likelier to join something if you are new in town. And then, there is the other part of it too, which is that a community that is full of new arrivals will have a much more vibrant civic life.Geography as a tool for reinvention08:26: Everything that mattered about you was defined at your birth. You inherited your spot in the social hierarchy, your religion, often your father's occupation, your prospects, your identity — all of that — and largely your geographic location, right? You lived on the land your family had lived on for generations and where you expected your grandkids and your great-grandkids to live. You were defined at birth. What America did by allowing people to choose their own communities, by giving a legal right — and this was a bit of a legal revolution — the chance for people to move where they wanted to, we gave people the chance to decide who they wanted to be through their physical geography, through those serial relocations. Because Americans did not just move once, maybe not 40 times, but by moving repeatedly through their lives, Americans were able to continually reinvent themselves and to fashion their own identities. All of these things became matters of choice.Show Links:Recommended Resources:The Opportunity AtlasOkie Jacob RiisGuest Profile:Author Bio at The AtlanticProfessional Profile on XGuest Work:Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity

The term “Heimat,” referring to a local sense of home and belonging, has been the subject of much scholarly and popular debate following the fall of the Third Reich. Countering the persistent myth that Heimat was a taboo and unusable term immediately after 1945, Geographies of Renewal uncovers overlooked efforts in the aftermath of the Second World War to conceive of Heimat in more democratic, inclusive, and pro-European modes. It revises persistent misconceptions of Heimat as either tainted or as a largely reactionary idea, revealing some surprisingly early identifications between home and democracy. Jeremy DeWaal further traces the history of efforts to eliminate the concept, which first emerged during the Cold War crisis of the early 1960s, and reassesses why so many on the political left sought to re-engage with Heimat in the 1970s and 1980s. This revisionist history intervenes in larger contemporary debates, asking compelling questions surrounding the role of the local in democracy, the value of community, and the politics of place attachments. Guest: Jeremy DeWaal (he/him), is Lecturer in European History at the University of Exeter. His research focuses on German cultural history, spatial history, memory, and the history of emotions. DeWaal's work on Heimat and democracy has been supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, the Central European History Society, and the Berlin Programme at the Free University of Berlin. Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Scholars@Duke: https://scholars.duke.edu/pers... Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jennapittman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

An interesting Cracked.com article prompted this week's discussion. Is much of Trump's appeal about rural Americans feeling ignored and insulted by the Elites?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Vincent and Joel sit down with guest - candidate in South Carolina's 2026 Governor's race - Republican Josh Kimbrell. They discuss the importance of State institutions, an insider's look at the brutality of State Politics, updates on State policy, his vision for the future of South Carolina, and his background in politics!In Bourbon Briefs hear about the hot Governor's race in South Carolina, Ralph Norman's announcement, Nancy Mace's latest messaging, Senator Wes Climer's bid for Congress, possible tax changes, and much more!Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills. Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C.  Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com

Today's episode is on geography of the island that Logan and Aurora from The Thirteenth Hour make their eventual home on.  While they initially think it's uninhabited, it turns out to be the home of half elves who take refuge there.  Logan and Aurora eventually become ingrained in their community, learning their way of life, and because they are more mobile, take to trading and selling things on the mainland, things they and the half elves can't so easily make.I made a top down map of the island which you can see below:⁠https://13thhr.wordpress.com/2025/08/11/the-thirteenth-hour-podcast-522-thirteenth-hour-sequel-writing-update-geography-of-logan-and-auroras-island/⁠Thanks for listening!∞∞∞∞∞∞∞Once Upon a Dream, the second Thirteenth Hour soundtrack, is now out in digital form and on CD!   It is out on most major streaming services such as Bandcamp, Spotify, and YouTube Music.  (If you have no preference, I recommend Bandcamp since there is a bonus track there and you will eventually be able to find tapes and special editions of the album there as well.)  The CDs are out now!-Check out the pixelart music videos that are out so far from the album:-->Logan's Sunrise Workout: www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7SM1RgsLiM-->Forward: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9VgILr1TDc-->Nightsky Stargazing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S0p3jKRTBo-->Aurora's Rainy Day Mix: https://youtu.be/zwqPmypBysk∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ Signup for the mailing list for a free special edition podcast, a demo copy of The Thirteenth Hour, and access to retro 80s soundtrack!Like what you see or hear? Consider supporting the show over at Thirteenth Hour Arts on Patreon or adding to my virtual tip jar over at Ko-fi. Join the Thirteenth Hour Arts Group over on Facebook, a growing community of creative people.Have this podcast conveniently delivered to you each week on Spotify,  iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, Tunein, and Googleplay Music.Follow The Thirteenth Hour's Instagram pages: @the13thhr for your random postings on ninjas, martial arts, archery, flips, breakdancing, fantasy art and and @the13thhr.ost for more 80s music, movies, and songs from The Thirteenth Hour books and soundtrack.Listen to Long Ago Not So Far Away, the Thirteenth Hour soundtrack online at: https://joshuablum.bandcamp.com/ or Spotify.  Join the mailing list for a digital free copy.  You can also get it on CD or tape.Website: https://13thhr.wordpress.comBook trailer: http://bit.ly/1VhJhXYInterested in reading and reviewing The Thirteenth Hour for a free book?  Just email me at writejoshuablum@gmail.com for more details!

This week Sue, Jesse, and Frank have a conversation about Geography, disciplines, where we are, and where we were. Music: Imaginary by Oceanne

Jack and Steven are back for the 2nd episode of Season 8 with a variety of different conversation points... talking about Jack's birthday festivities, some road rage and general anger-management stories, some Pokémon and Geography trivia (nerd shit), and of course, debating the recently-discussed TikTok argument over what the 4 major cities in the U.S. are. The fact that the top 3 is up for debate is simply pathetic. Also ads are back, sorry folks.

Mountains, meridians, rivers, and borders--these are some of the features that divide the world on our maps and in our minds. But geography is far less set in stone than we might believe, and, as Maxim Samson's Earth Shapers contends, in our relatively short time on this planet, humans have become experts at fundamentally reshaping our surroundings. From the Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca's "great road," and Mozambique's colonial railways to a Saudi Arabian smart city, and from Korea's sacred Baekdu-daegan mountain range and the Great Green Wall in Africa to the streets of Chicago, Samson explores how we mold the world around us. And how, as we etch our needs onto the natural landscape, we alter the course of history. These fascinating stories of connectivity show that in our desire to make geographical connections, humans have broken through boundaries of all kinds, conquered treacherous terrain, and carved up landscapes. We crave linkages, and though we do not always pay attention to the in-between, these pathways--these ways of "earth shaping," in Samson's words--are key to understanding our relationship with the planet we call home. An immense work of cultural geography touching on ecology, sociology, history, and politics, Earth Shapers argues that, far from being constrained by geography, we are instead its creators. 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

Mountains, meridians, rivers, and borders--these are some of the features that divide the world on our maps and in our minds. But geography is far less set in stone than we might believe, and, as Maxim Samson's Earth Shapers contends, in our relatively short time on this planet, humans have become experts at fundamentally reshaping our surroundings. From the Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca's "great road," and Mozambique's colonial railways to a Saudi Arabian smart city, and from Korea's sacred Baekdu-daegan mountain range and the Great Green Wall in Africa to the streets of Chicago, Samson explores how we mold the world around us. And how, as we etch our needs onto the natural landscape, we alter the course of history. These fascinating stories of connectivity show that in our desire to make geographical connections, humans have broken through boundaries of all kinds, conquered treacherous terrain, and carved up landscapes. We crave linkages, and though we do not always pay attention to the in-between, these pathways--these ways of "earth shaping," in Samson's words--are key to understanding our relationship with the planet we call home. An immense work of cultural geography touching on ecology, sociology, history, and politics, Earth Shapers argues that, far from being constrained by geography, we are instead its creators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Mountains, meridians, rivers, and borders--these are some of the features that divide the world on our maps and in our minds. But geography is far less set in stone than we might believe, and, as Maxim Samson's Earth Shapers contends, in our relatively short time on this planet, humans have become experts at fundamentally reshaping our surroundings. From the Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca's "great road," and Mozambique's colonial railways to a Saudi Arabian smart city, and from Korea's sacred Baekdu-daegan mountain range and the Great Green Wall in Africa to the streets of Chicago, Samson explores how we mold the world around us. And how, as we etch our needs onto the natural landscape, we alter the course of history. These fascinating stories of connectivity show that in our desire to make geographical connections, humans have broken through boundaries of all kinds, conquered treacherous terrain, and carved up landscapes. We crave linkages, and though we do not always pay attention to the in-between, these pathways--these ways of "earth shaping," in Samson's words--are key to understanding our relationship with the planet we call home. An immense work of cultural geography touching on ecology, sociology, history, and politics, Earth Shapers argues that, far from being constrained by geography, we are instead its creators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

Mountains, meridians, rivers, and borders--these are some of the features that divide the world on our maps and in our minds. But geography is far less set in stone than we might believe, and, as Maxim Samson's Earth Shapers contends, in our relatively short time on this planet, humans have become experts at fundamentally reshaping our surroundings. From the Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca's "great road," and Mozambique's colonial railways to a Saudi Arabian smart city, and from Korea's sacred Baekdu-daegan mountain range and the Great Green Wall in Africa to the streets of Chicago, Samson explores how we mold the world around us. And how, as we etch our needs onto the natural landscape, we alter the course of history. These fascinating stories of connectivity show that in our desire to make geographical connections, humans have broken through boundaries of all kinds, conquered treacherous terrain, and carved up landscapes. We crave linkages, and though we do not always pay attention to the in-between, these pathways--these ways of "earth shaping," in Samson's words--are key to understanding our relationship with the planet we call home. An immense work of cultural geography touching on ecology, sociology, history, and politics, Earth Shapers argues that, far from being constrained by geography, we are instead its creators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

The Daily Quiz - Geography Today's Questions: Question 1: What is the capital city of New Zealand? Question 2: What is the largest island in the Indian Ocean? Question 3: In which country is the city of Plock? Question 4: What Mexican state is home to the city of Ciudad Juarez? Question 5: Which region of the world uses '.sk' at the end of its web addresses? Question 6: Bucharest is the capital city of which country? Question 7: What is the capital city of Latvia? Question 8: Where is Le Figaro published? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mountains, meridians, rivers, and borders--these are some of the features that divide the world on our maps and in our minds. But geography is far less set in stone than we might believe, and, as Maxim Samson's Earth Shapers contends, in our relatively short time on this planet, humans have become experts at fundamentally reshaping our surroundings. From the Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca's "great road," and Mozambique's colonial railways to a Saudi Arabian smart city, and from Korea's sacred Baekdu-daegan mountain range and the Great Green Wall in Africa to the streets of Chicago, Samson explores how we mold the world around us. And how, as we etch our needs onto the natural landscape, we alter the course of history. These fascinating stories of connectivity show that in our desire to make geographical connections, humans have broken through boundaries of all kinds, conquered treacherous terrain, and carved up landscapes. We crave linkages, and though we do not always pay attention to the in-between, these pathways--these ways of "earth shaping," in Samson's words--are key to understanding our relationship with the planet we call home. An immense work of cultural geography touching on ecology, sociology, history, and politics, Earth Shapers argues that, far from being constrained by geography, we are instead its creators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/geography

Mountains, meridians, rivers, and borders--these are some of the features that divide the world on our maps and in our minds. But geography is far less set in stone than we might believe, and, as Maxim Samson's Earth Shapers contends, in our relatively short time on this planet, humans have become experts at fundamentally reshaping our surroundings. From the Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca's "great road," and Mozambique's colonial railways to a Saudi Arabian smart city, and from Korea's sacred Baekdu-daegan mountain range and the Great Green Wall in Africa to the streets of Chicago, Samson explores how we mold the world around us. And how, as we etch our needs onto the natural landscape, we alter the course of history. These fascinating stories of connectivity show that in our desire to make geographical connections, humans have broken through boundaries of all kinds, conquered treacherous terrain, and carved up landscapes. We crave linkages, and though we do not always pay attention to the in-between, these pathways--these ways of "earth shaping," in Samson's words--are key to understanding our relationship with the planet we call home. An immense work of cultural geography touching on ecology, sociology, history, and politics, Earth Shapers argues that, far from being constrained by geography, we are instead its creators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

A research team from the University of Galway has captured a rarely observed ocean mixing process during an expedition to the Greenland Sea, a finding that could improve our understanding of Arctic climate change. The research team spent several weeks at sea during the summer of 2023 aboard the Marine Institute's research vessel RV Celtic Explorer, carrying out surface ocean measurements in one of the most remote and climate-sensitive parts of the world. The team focused on a phenomenon known as cabbeling. This process involves the temperature and salinity (concentration of salt) in the ocean, which together make up the ocean density. Cabbeling occurs when two water masses with different temperatures and salinities, but the same density, are mixed together. The result is a denser mixture than either of the original water masses, a consequence of the non-linear behaviour of seawater. This denser mixture then sinks, triggering turbulence and vertical mixing. Cabbeling has important implications for melting Arctic sea ice as it can increase the amount of heat from below to the ocean surface. The study has been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. To observe the cabbeling process, the team deployed a robotic instrument known as the Air-Sea Interaction Profiler (ASIP), which is a unique instrument specifically designed to study small-scale processes at the ocean surface. The ASIP is 2.8 metres in length, weighs about 90 kilograms, and is completely autonomous. Repeated dives and ascents by the robotic instrument carry its sensors through the upper 100 meters of the upper ocean, making fine-scale physical measurements including turbulence, temperature, and salinity. The results have implications for improving scientists' understanding of cabbeling and its potential role in models of sea surface warming and Arctic ice loss, particularly as climate patterns shift. The Greenland Sea is expected to experience increased freshwater outflow from melting ice in a warmer climate, altering the regional dynamics. Understanding and incorporating the effects of cabbeling will enhance the accuracy of predictions of ocean heat transport, especially in polar regions where warming is accelerating and sea ice is in decline. The study was led by PhD candidate Kevin McGraw, Professor Audrey Morley and Professor Brian Ward from the University of Galway, and took place along the East Greenland Polar Front, an area where cold, fresh Arctic water meets warmer, saltier Atlantic water. Kevin McGraw, PhD candidate at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, said: "Cabbeling is rarely observed because it is sporadic and short-lived, with its intensity and reach varying across Polar Regions. Our underwater robotic platform, Air-Sea Interaction Profiler, is a unique instrument designed specifically to study the upper ocean without interference from the ship. Because it can capture rapid changes on the scale of seconds to minutes, it allowed the team to detect cabbeling in action, which would have been nearly impossible with conventional methods." Professor Audrey Morley, Professor of Marine Geology at the School of Geography and Archaeology, University of Galway, said: "The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a system of ocean currents that circulates water within the Atlantic Ocean, bringing warm water north and cold water south, thereby distributing heat around the globe. Density gradients have been identified as a main driver of the AMOC, which may be altered by high-latitude cabbeling in a warming ocean. This suggests that the cabbeling effect needs to be considered to explain past and future AMOC variability." Professor Brian Ward, Professor of Ocean Physics at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, said: "These observations are a good example of the subtle processes associated with climate change and how small-scale processes can have broader implications. New methods of detection, such...

Where in the world is Bretman Rock? Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gaza: Famine doesn't happen overnight, says UN aid agency In Sudan, children are ‘just skin and bones': UNICEF  Geography shouldn't define destiny, UN chief tells summit on landlocked nations  

In this episode, we're heading north to explore the magic of Finland with Tarja Koivisto of Visit Finland. From the stylish streets of Helsinki to the peaceful beauty of the archipelago, the sparkling waters of the Lakelands, and the snow-covered wonderland of Lapland, we're covering all the highlights.And we'll talk about a few hidden gems that make Finland such a unique and unforgettable destination.Tarja shares her insider perspective on what makes Finland special.Think saunas, forests, design, delicious Finnish cuisine and a deep connection to nature. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy winter escape or a summertime lake retreat, this episode will inspire you to add Finland to your travel list.Want to chat more about Finland?Send me a message at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.In this episode:1:12: Intro 2:13: Introducing Tarja Koivisto of Visit Finland (bio)4:40: Meeting Tarja5:31: Placing Finland on the Map5:54: Geography of Finland7:56: Highlights9:53: Food18:01: Sauna Culture22:53: Helsinki25:39: Lakeland Area30:32: Western Finland & Islands33:40: Golf in Finland35:05: Making Your Way North36:17: Lapland41:18: Seasons  44:10: Sami Culture45:25: Travel Considerations + Finnish Happiness47:48: Finnish Traditions51:24: Off The Main Tourist Track and Tarja's Favorites54:20: Practical Information1:00:16: Wrapping it up with Tarja1:02:45: Wrapping it up + Final Thoughts1:06:27: Listener ReviewImportant links:Visit FinlandTravel Bucket List Revisited 2025My Ultimate Europe Wish List — Category By CategoryLonely Planet FinlandVisit Finlandia InstagramTASC ClothingWander Your Way ResourcesWander Your WayWander Your Way Adventures ★ Support this podcast ★

Episode #191 of the Last Call Trivia Podcast begins with a round of general knowledge questions. Then, let's enjoy the great outdoors with a themed round of “In the Yard” Trivia!Round OneThe game kicks off with a Candy Trivia question that asks the Team to name the company that became the first to use cellophane in the candy industry.Next, we have a Places Trivia question about a name shared by several Olympic venues in Atlanta.The first round concludes with a Comics Trivia question about a famous character's dog, Sandy.Bonus QuestionToday's Bonus Question is a follow-up to the Comics Trivia question from the first round.Round TwoWe're taking this party outside for today's theme round of “In the Yard” Trivia!The second round begins with a Companies Trivia question about a distinctive grass-cutting method once employed by Google.Next, we have a Science Trivia question about a highly corrosive substance used in swimming pool maintenance to regulate pH levels.Round Two concludes with a Slogans Trivia question that asks the Team to identify a brand of tools and lawn and garden equipment based on its slogan.Final QuestionWe've reached the Final Question of the game, and today's category of choice is Geography. We're bending this river to our will!For today's Final, the Trivia Team is asked to name the river that forms part of the border between five pairs of states.Visit lastcalltrivia.com to learn more about hosting your own ultimate Trivia event!

This week on Sibling Rivalry, Bob and Monét dive into geography, pronunciation quirks, and what exactly counts as the earlobe. They debate whether Wendy Williams is a true New Yorker and whether it is possible to forget working with someone before they became famous. Bob and Monét talk about their longest flights, do a geography challenge, and question how maps work. How big is Greenland really? Plus, St. Lucian swamps, high school math flashbacks, the quadratic equation, and whether Bob is really wearing Jacob's grandmother's earring. Thanks to our sponsors: Download the free Rakuten App or go to https://Rakuten.com to start saving today.  Go to https://HomeChef.com/RIVALRY for 50% off your first box and free dessert! Go to https://paireyewear.com/SIBLING15 for 15% off your first pair.  Want to see exclusive Sibling Rivalry Bonus Content? Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/siblingrivalrypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to see our latest Sibling Rivalry Podcast Videos! @BobTheDragQueen @MonetXChange Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#coltondowling and #DylanCarlino w/ #SevrinRemmo Chapters: 0:06 - Intro 0:16 - Pressure, Women & Austin Dating Scene 1:05 - Comedians: Geniuses or Mentally Ill? 1:28 - Gay Vibes at the Retreat 2:00 - Hypnosis, Trauma & Therapy Fails 3:05 - Natty or Not & Testosterone Chats 4:00 - Cage Play: Nope. 5:15 - Silk Pajamas and Nana's Beard Rule 6:10 - Horse Dreams, Lifestyle Creep & Daughters with Ponies 7:50 - Hair Plugs Abroad: Turkey Talk 9:20 - Emotional Distance & Touring Woes 10:45 - Depression, Distraction, and Geography 12:00 - OnlyFans, TikTok Loads & Filters Gone Wild 13:15 - Judgment, Whore Discourse, and Sex Metrics 14:40 - Jobless Comics & Couch Existentialism 16:00 - Gay Phone Calls & Masculinity Myths 17:30 - Life on the Road & Relationship Logistics 19:00 - Geographic Cures for Depression 20:30 - Gay Records & Sex Metrics 22:00 - Comedians and Day Jobs 23:00 - Phone Calls and Masculine Tenderness 24:30 - Saying Goodnight Like a Man 26:00 - TikTok Chaos & Algorithm Mayhem 27:20 - Viral Gay Clips & Black Instagram 28:40 - OnlyFans Ethics & Filter Madness 30:10 - Breath Check & Blowjob Bails 31:30 - Awkward Hookups & Emotional Recovery 33:00 - Race Wars in the Comments 34:30 - Gym Funk & Oral Speculation 36:00 - Persistent Haters & Comment Trolls 37:30 - Table Etiquette vs. Table Jerking 39:00 - Phone Trolls & Arrested Pranks 40:30 - Do You Have Any Questions for Us? 42:00 - Touring, Dogs & Friendship Feels 43:30 - Emotional Check-ins & Independence 45:00 - The Big Question: Who Would You Rather? Follow Sevrin Remmo: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sevrinremmo/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@sevrinremmo?hl=en Follow the Show: Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/0rIdFG1tD5NPDm9bwgd0B5 Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/someofthisisbad/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@someofthisisbad Patreon- https://patreon.com/SomeofThisisBad?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link Follow Colton Dowling: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/coltondowling/ Twitter- https://twitter.com/colton_dowling TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@coltondowling Follow Dylan Carlino: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/dylanpcarlino/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanpcarlino?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow Jimmy Clifford: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thejimmyclifford/ Production Company- https://www.instagram.com/arrogantmenacecomedy/

Pack your bags and grab your compass — it's time for a globe-trotting adventure on the Family Trivia with Dad and Lad Podcast! In this episode, we're exploring the wide world of geography trivia with questions for all ages!Whether you're a map whiz or just along for the ride, we've got 15 fun, challenging, and family-friendly questions sorted into different difficulties. We'll cross deserts of knowledge, sail the oceans of curiosity, and climb the mountains of trivia greatness — all while dropping funny jokes and surprising facts along the way.If you'd like to be the fan question of the week, log on to www.speakpipe.com/dadladtrivia and record your question and answer to be featured on an upcoming episode!

FULL EPISODE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/macrodose⁠⁠With James Meadway away this week, we're bringing you another conversation from our State Of The Nation live event earlier this month.Kwajo Tweneboa is a housing activist confronting the worst living conditions people are having to experience in the UK, who sat down with Dalia Gebrial - Lecturer in Geography and Social Justice at Kings College London.Together, Tweneboa & Gebrial explore what's at the heart of Britain's housing crisis, what falsehoods explanations are being peddled by the right, and what change is required to create safe & healthy living conditions for all.Subscribe on patreon to hear the full discussion.

The term “Heimat,” referring to a local sense of home and belonging, has been the subject of much scholarly and popular debate following the fall of the Third Reich. Countering the persistent myth that Heimat was a taboo and unusable term immediately after 1945, Geographies of Renewal uncovers overlooked efforts in the aftermath of the Second World War to conceive of Heimat in more democratic, inclusive, and pro-European modes. It revises persistent misconceptions of Heimat as either tainted or as a largely reactionary idea, revealing some surprisingly early identifications between home and democracy. Jeremy DeWaal further traces the history of efforts to eliminate the concept, which first emerged during the Cold War crisis of the early 1960s, and reassesses why so many on the political left sought to re-engage with Heimat in the 1970s and 1980s. This revisionist history intervenes in larger contemporary debates, asking compelling questions surrounding the role of the local in democracy, the value of community, and the politics of place attachments. Guest: Jeremy DeWaal (he/him), is Lecturer in European History at the University of Exeter. His research focuses on German cultural history, spatial history, memory, and the history of emotions. DeWaal's work on Heimat and democracy has been supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, the Central European History Society, and the Berlin Programme at the Free University of Berlin. Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Scholars@Duke: https://scholars.duke.edu/pers... Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jennapittman 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

The term “Heimat,” referring to a local sense of home and belonging, has been the subject of much scholarly and popular debate following the fall of the Third Reich. Countering the persistent myth that Heimat was a taboo and unusable term immediately after 1945, Geographies of Renewal uncovers overlooked efforts in the aftermath of the Second World War to conceive of Heimat in more democratic, inclusive, and pro-European modes. It revises persistent misconceptions of Heimat as either tainted or as a largely reactionary idea, revealing some surprisingly early identifications between home and democracy. Jeremy DeWaal further traces the history of efforts to eliminate the concept, which first emerged during the Cold War crisis of the early 1960s, and reassesses why so many on the political left sought to re-engage with Heimat in the 1970s and 1980s. This revisionist history intervenes in larger contemporary debates, asking compelling questions surrounding the role of the local in democracy, the value of community, and the politics of place attachments. Guest: Jeremy DeWaal (he/him), is Lecturer in European History at the University of Exeter. His research focuses on German cultural history, spatial history, memory, and the history of emotions. DeWaal's work on Heimat and democracy has been supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, the Central European History Society, and the Berlin Programme at the Free University of Berlin. Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Scholars@Duke: https://scholars.duke.edu/pers... Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jennapittman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/german-studies

What if the things we avoid the most—like messing up, slowing down, being bored, or even facing our own death—are actually the gateways to lasting joy?Join Matt O'Neill and award-winning journalist Eric Weiner as they shatter everything you thought you knew about happiness. Eric, author of the New York Times bestseller "The Geography of Bliss" (now a Peacock docu-series), has mapped happiness across the globe from Bhutan to Iceland, uncovering the counterintuitive secrets that separate the world's happiest cultures from America's convenience-obsessed society.This isn't your typical happiness advice. You'll discover why failure is celebrated in Iceland, how boredom becomes bliss in Switzerland, why silence is sacred in Thailand, and the profound truth that happiness isn't personal—it's relational. Eric reveals why America, the wealthiest nation on Earth, doesn't even crack the top 20 in happiness rankings, and what we can learn from cultures that prioritize relationships over results.Whether you're caught in the convenience trap, struggling with the paradox of choice, or wondering why all your achievements haven't made you happier, this conversation will revolutionize your understanding of what true contentment looks like.0:00 Introduction1:06 What sent Eric on his global happiness quest2:56 Failure, silence, boredom, death6:02 Why happiness is relational, not personal8:58 The Thai teacher's wisdom12:18 How envy destroys happiness and why the Swiss hide wealth15:24 Why Iceland celebrates heroic failure19:46 The surprising statistics about happiness23:02 The experience machine thought experiment25:04 Why thinking about happiness makes you unhappy27:33 America's convenience trap destroys connection32:45 The power of putting effort without attachment to resultsResources Mentioned:Eric Weiner's books:

The story of Osman of Timisoara continues, and on this episode we follow him out of his initial adventures in captivity and into the years that came after, years of "toil and misery," he would say, along with hunger and sickness, but also of surprising moments of friendship and intimacy. If you like what you hear and want to chip in to support the podcast, ⁠⁠my Patreon is here⁠⁠. I'm on BlueSky ⁠⁠@a-devon.bsky.social⁠⁠, Instagram ⁠⁠@humancircuspod⁠⁠, and I have some things on ⁠⁠Redbubble⁠⁠. Sources: Osman Aga of Timisoara. Prisoner of the Infidels. Edited, translated, and introduced by Giancarlo Casale. University of California Press, 2021. Büsching, Anton Friedrich. A New System of Geography, Volume 4. A. Millar, 1762. Finkel, Caroline. Osman's Dream: The History of the Ottoman Empire. Basic Books, 2005. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Jacquelyn Gill is an Assistant Professor of Paleoecology and Plant Ecology at the University of Maine. Jacquelyn is a paleoecologist. She studies ecology and climate change over the past 20,000 years since the end of the ice age. This involves taking a forensics-like approach to analyzing the sediments and fossil records in lakes and bogs that give clues about past climates and landscapes. When she's not thinking about science, Jacquelyn likes to be outdoors, exploring the forest and coastline in Maine. Her indoor hobbies include a weekly trivia night, knitting, and reading. She received her Masters degree and PhD in Geography from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Afterward she served as a the Voss Postdoctoral Fellow at Brown University before joining the faculty at the University of Maine. She was the recipient of the E. Lucy Braun Award for Excellence in Ecology, the Student Section Award for Excellent Women in Ecology, and the Cooper Award all from the Ecological Society of America. She also received the Trewarth Award for Best Student Paper, the Graduate Peer Mentor Award, and the Whitbeck Dissertator Fellowship from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Jacquelyn is with us today to tell us all about her journey through life and science.

Tim Marshall is one of the world's most successful authors on foreign affairs. He's the writer who put the ‘geo' into geopolitics with his multi-million selling books Prisoners of Geography and The Power of Geography.  Marshall's principal argument is that without geography we cannot understand the world. Geography explains why Donald Trump wants to control Greenland. Greenland is of strategic military importance given it sits in the Arctic Ocean along the shortest route for Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles or submarines to reach the United States. It is also a land mass rich in rare earth metals like lithium and tungsten which will be key in building artificial intelligence and military hardware in the coming years.  Geography also explains why China would find it highly difficult to invade Taiwan. The Taiwan Strait is about 130 km wide at its narrowest point, which is roughly three times the distance from Dover to Calais. Any invading force would face inhospitable coastlines, unpredictable monsoons and muddy, tidal beaches. Beijing might decide in time that these are risks worth taking. But these basic and immutable facts of natural terrain still matter hugely in international affairs.  Join Marshall as he comes to Intelligence Squared stage to celebrate the release of a new 10 year anniversary edition of Prisoners of Geography updated with new chapters on Russia's war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and The United States and China's battle for global supremacy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices