Podcasts about graduates

Graduation marks a pivotal moment—not only for students but for their families too. Whether it's elementary school, high school, or college, the milestone carries a mix of excitement, reflection, and uncertainty. In this heartfelt devotional, Laura Bailey opens up about watching her own daughter graduate and the bittersweet emotions that follow. As parents, we long for God to reveal His plan to our children in unmistakable ways. But often, His direction comes not in grandeur but in stillness. Through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings, Laura reminds us that God’s voice is most often heard in a gentle whisper. This episode is a prayer of hope and trust—that graduates of all ages will remain sensitive to the quiet leading of the Holy Spirit, and that parents can let go with confidence in God’s loving care.

On this episode, Bishop Burbidge: Responds to the tragic killing of two young Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. and calls all to prayer and peace.  Shares early impressions of Pope Leo XIV and the spiritual tone he has set in his first weeks as Holy Father.  Emphasizes the importance of the Catholic Communications Campaign, which supports spreading the Gospel through modern media   Celebrates the diocese's upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of 12 men, reflecting on the beauty and sacredness of the vocation.  Applauds graduates of the Class of 2025 for their academic, athletic, and faith-filled achievements.  Extends a heartfelt invitation to the June 4 Pilgrimage of Hope: Mass for Those Who Are Suffering, offering compassion, healing, and solidarity to all who are experiencing suffering of any kind.     ***    How has Pope Leo inspired hope in you?  Text your message or leave a voicemail at 703-778-9100.  

Ben Abercrombie suffered a severe spinal cord injury in his first Harvard football game. He has worked hard in the following 8 years to finish his degree. Abercrombie joins WBUR's All Things Considered to share how it feels to finally be a Harvard graduate.

Laurel Springs Graduates Cyrus Mahjoob, Larry Melzer, and Jean-Yves Aubone join the show to discuss their educational experiences, the biggest benefits of online schooling, and SO much more!! Don't forget to give a 5 star review on your favorite podcast app! In addition, add your twitter/instagram handle to the review for a chance to win some FREE CR gear!! Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States, Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets

Ben and Nathan investigate income-debt ratios for average law students. Their findings paint a sobering picture for the average law school graduate. In many cases, students are paying champagne prices for beer salaries. Paying full price at even top schools can disrupt personal financial stability for a decade or longer. Then, they review the newly released 2025/2026 LSAT schedule, flag another price increase, and take on two flawed pieces of LSAT advice in a double round of Pearls vs. Turds. The guys help one listener struggling with timed sections and a reapplicant focusing on the wrong priorities in their résumé. JoJo the PoPo takes their shot at the Personal Statement Gong Show, and “normative” is the word of the week.Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 508 on YouTube0:30 – Champagne Prices. Beer Salaries.Ben and Nathan highlight how poorly students understand the long-term impact of taking on massive student loans. The federal government considers the average law grad to be in financial hardship, and income-to-debt ratios back that up. Graduates from top schools like Yale typically spend about 10% of their gross monthly income on loan payments, while some graduates spend over 50%. To make matters worse, top students who secure scholarships and consequently have little to no debt often land the best jobs, while those borrowing median debt levels earn significantly less. Scoring high on the LSAT and attending law school for free remains the safest path.Check your school's median debt and income levels at Lawhub.com27:10 – 2025/2026 LSAT Schedule ReleasedThe LSAT schedule for 2025/2026 shows no significant changes, but the official test cost increased again. Ben and Nathan encourage students not to waste money and wait until their practice test scores show they're ready before signing up.28:55 – Pearls vs. Turds Double HeaderThis episode's Pearls vs. Turds features two submissions. First: “Avoid the obvious answer.” Verdict: turd. If the answer does what the question is asking, it's correct. If it feels easy, it's because the LSAT is genuinely easy. Second: “If the passage doesn't include the word ‘should,' avoid answer choices that do.” Verdict: also a turd. While it hints at something valid—normative conclusions need support—rigid rules like this replace real understanding with memorization and lead to errors.37:20 – Not Improving on Timed SectionsDexter reports that although his untimed drilling has improved, his timed section scores remain flat. Ben and Nathan recommend treating timed sections the same way as drilling. Rather than rushing to finish, focus on solving each problem completely and accurately.42:15 – Law School RésuméAP is applying again after improving their LSAT score and wants feedback on résumé content. Ben and Nathan advise that résumés and soft skills are secondary when the LSAT score isn't competitive. Application materials like the résumé can stay largely the same, but they must be polished and error-free.48:29 – Personal Statement Gong ShowJoJo the PoPo enters the ring as the latest Personal Statement Gong Show contestant. Ben and Nathan read their personal statement and hit the gong when something goes wrong. The standing record to beat is ten lines, held by Greta.1:18:54 - Word of the Week - Normative“Sciences, however, are by definition non-normative: they describe but they do not prescribe.”

  Last time we spoke about the Xi'an Incident. In December 1936, tensions in China erupted as Nationalist General Chiang Kai-shek faced a revolt led by his commanders, Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng. Disillusioned by Chiang's focus on battling communists instead of the Japanese invaders, the generals swiftly captured him in a coup. Confined in Xi'an, Chiang initially resisted their demands for a united front against Japan but eventually engaged in negotiation with Zhang and the Chinese Communist Party. As public sentiment shifted against him, Chiang's predicament led to urgent discussions, culminating in an unexpected alliance with the communists. This pact aimed to consolidate Chinese resistance against Japanese aggression, marking a critical turning point in the Second Sino-Japanese War. By December 26, Chiang was released, and this uneasy collaboration set the stage for a more unified front against a common enemy, though underlying tensions remained between the factions.   #152 China Prepares for War Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Before we jump into the Second Sino-Japanese War of 1937-1945, which I honestly have no idea how long will take us, I thought it would be a good idea to dedicate two episodes to how both China and Japan prepared themselves for war.  Going all the way back to the 1910s, Chinese intellectuals began to view an outright conflict between Japan and China was inevitable. In the discussions about China's strategic options, Jiang Fangzhen pioneered a strategy of protracted warfare, a concept that would later shape China's approach during the Sino-Japanese War. Having studied in Japan during his youth, Jiang developed a keen understanding of the Japanese government and military. As early as 1917, he predicted that China and Japan would become embroiled in a long-term conflict, with the battleground likely to be west of the Peiping–Wuhan and Guangzhou–Wuhan railways. In his work titled "Guofang Lun" or “On National Defense”, Jiang reiterated the importance of protracted warfare as a means to thwart Japan's aspirations for a swift victory. He argued that China should leverage its vast population and extensive territory to extend the conflict, gradually wearing down Japanese strength and turning the situation to its advantage. Jiang recommended that China not focus on defending its coastal regions but instead confront the enemy west of the Peking–Wuhan Railway.   Chiang Kai-shek would eventually come to share Jiang's belief that “the longer the war drags on, the more advantageous it will be for China.” Despite significant public criticism, both the Nationalist government and General Zhang Xueliang, decided against military resistance when Japan invaded Manchuria in September 1931 and attacked Shanghai in 1932. Chiang was particularly hesitant to engage Japan directly, as he was also dealing with a Communist insurgency in central China. He feared that Chinese forces would suffer quick defeat, predicting that Japan would capture key coastal areas and critical infrastructure within just three days, crippling China by dismantling its military and economic lifelines. Following the invasion of North China Chiang was forced to adopt a firmer stance. The Nationalist government proposed a dual strategy of pursuing peace and security while simultaneously preparing for war. If peace proved impossible, China would mobilize its resources for ultimate victory through prolonged conflict. This approach was formalized in the National Defense Plan, which China adopted by prioritizing protracted warfare as its core strategy. After the Sino-Japanese clash in Shanghai on January 28, 1932, the Military Affairs Commission devised a plan that divided China into four defense areas along with a preparation area. While some troops were assigned local security, commanders were directed to concentrate their remaining forces for potential confrontations with Japan. That year, the Military Affairs Commission issued General Defense Guidelines that outlined two strategic responses to a potential Japanese invasion. The first, conservative approach focused on maintaining key positions and utilizing protracted warfare to impede the enemy. The second strategy advocated for decisive battles in key regions to thwart Japan's ambitions and protect China's territorial integrity, prioritizing disengagement from Japanese forces along the Yangtze River and coastline. In August 1935, German military adviser General Alexander von Falkenhausen provided recommendations to Chiang Kai-shek based on his predictions of Japanese advance routes into China. He identified three main routes: one from northern Hebei to Zhengzhou, the second from Shandong toward Xuzhou, and the third crossing the Yangtze River to Nanjing and onwards to Wuhan. He suggested treating the Yangtze River as the primary combat zone and highlighted Sichuan as a possible retreat area. Taking all of this into consideration. in 1936, a draft of a new National Defense Plan divided the country into four zones: a war zone, a defense zone, an internal security zone, and a preparation area. The war zone encompassed ten provinces and established strategies for retreating to predetermined defensive positions when necessary, with Sichuan designated as the main base for the war. In January 1937, the Chinese General Staff Department introduced its annual War Plan, outlining three possible military conflict regions between China and Japan. It proposed two main strategies: Proposal A emphasized sustained combat and retreat to fortified positions if the situation became unfavorable, aiming to eventually go on the offensive against Japan. Proposal B focused on repelling Japanese invasions along the coast and from the north, prioritizing counter offensives against Japanese units stationed near key locations. To prepare, the NRA completed several critical projects outlined in its plans, establishing military supply depots in Nanjing, Bengbu, Xinyang, Huayin, Nanchang, and Wuchang to manage logistics for supplies across various strategic railways. These depots were equipped to sustain the military, with ample ammunition and provisions, including 60 million rounds of small-arms ammunition and food for hundreds of thousands. Despite these preparations, not all projects were completed by the time war broke out in July 1937. In contrast to the Japanese military's tactics, Chinese forces prioritized defensive strategies. For example, at the Mount Lushan Military Officer Training Camp in July 1934, Chiang Kai-shek outlined four possible approaches against Japan, favoring a defense-as-offense strategy. Other options included building fortifications, tenaciously defending key positions, and employing guerrilla warfare through irregular forces to constrain enemy advances. Chiang stressed the importance of national mobilization for the war effort.  There was a significant disparity in equipment between the Japanese and Chinese armies. To give you an idea, each Japanese division included a mechanized group featuring thirty-nine light military vehicles and 21 light armored cars, supplemented by 6,000–7,000 horses, 200–300 automobiles, and specialized troops such as poison gas teams. In contrast, Nationalist divisions lacked any of these capabilities, a typical nationalist division theoretically had an armored regiment, but this unit was equipped with fewer than 72 armored vehicles. Another major weakness of the Nationalist forces was their insufficient artillery. In 1936, a division was officially assigned one artillery battalion, which was divided into three batteries totaling twelve guns. It also included a mechanized cannon company with four direct-fire weapons. By comparison, a Japanese division boasted four infantry regiments and one mountain artillery or field artillery regiment, with each artillery regiment comprising three field artillery battalions and one howitzer battalion. The infantry regiment itself included a mountain artillery section with four mountain guns, while the infantry battalion had one Type 70 mountain gun section with two guns. In total, a Japanese division possessed sixty-four artillery pieces of various calibers, four times the number of a Chinese division and of significantly higher quality. In reality, in 1936, twelve of the twenty elite Chinese “reformed divisions” still lacked artillery battalions. The ordnance available in the “reformed divisions” mostly consisted of the outdated Type 60 mountain gun. Nationwide, very few of the 200 divisions were equipped with any artillery, and those that did often used obsolete field artillery pieces or mountain artillery provided to local forces. Some units even relied on trench mortars as a makeshift solution. The artillery weapons came from various countries, but they frequently lacked necessary observation and signal components, and were often low on ammunition. The majority of mountain guns and field artillery were of the Type 75, which, while capable of providing fire support, had limited range and inflicted minimal damage. To give you an idea of the striking inadequacy of the Chinese artillery, during the Shanghai fighting in 1937, the mountain artillery of the Guangxi 21st Army Group could only reach targets within 1,200 yards, while Japanese field artillery had an effective range of 8,000 yards. Chinese-made mountain artillery suffered due to inferior steel-making technology; the gun shields were constructed from low-quality steel, and the barrels often overheated after firing just a few rounds, increasing the risk of explosions. Additionally, the equipment of local forces varied greatly in quality. In fact, some local units had superior equipment compared to Nationalist units. For example, before the Sino-Japanese War, troops from Yunnan were equipped with French antitank guns and heavy machine guns, which were better than the German water-cooled machine guns used by the Nationalist forces. However, the majority of local troops relied on inferior equipment; the 122nd Division under Wang Mingzhang from Sichuan, noted for its brave defense of Tengxian County during the Xuzhou Battle, was armed with locally produced light and heavy machine guns that frequently malfunctioned, and their Type 79 rifles, also made in Sichuan, were often outdated, with some dating back to the Qing Dynasty. These weapons had limited range and sometimes malfunctioned after fewer than one hundred rounds. Now before the war, both Nationalist and local forces acquired weaponry from diverse foreign and domestic sources. Even domestically produced weapons lacked standardization, with those made in Hanyang and Manchuria differing in design and specifications. Arms manufactured in Germany, France, Russia, Japan, and Italy were similarly inconsistent. Consequently, even within a single unit, the lack of uniformity created significant logistical challenges, undermining combat effectiveness, particularly in the early stages of the war. Despite Nationalist ordnance factories producing over three million rounds of small-arms ammunition daily, the incompatibility of ammunition and weapons diminished the usable quantity of ammunition. Chinese communications infrastructure was inadequate. In the Nationalist army, signal units were integrated into engineering units, leading to low-quality radio communications. In emergencies, telegrams could remain undelivered for days, and orders often had to be dispatched via postal services. By 1937, the entire country boasted only 3,000 military vehicles, necessitating heavy reliance on horses and mules for transport. To effectively equip twenty Nationalist divisions, 10,647 horses and 20,688 mules were needed, but by the end of 1935, only 6,206 horses and 4,351 mules were available. A statistic from 1936 indicated a 5 percent mortality rate among military horses, with some units experiencing a rate as high as 10 percent. The distribution of weaponry led to disputes during army reorganization efforts following the Northern Expedition. Although Chiang Kai-shek's forces were part of the regular army, the quality of their equipment varied significantly. Domestic production of weapons was limited, and imports could not close the gap. Priority was given to small arms; through army reorganization, Chiang aimed to diminish the influence of forces less loyal to him. Nationalist army staff officers observed that troops loyal to Chiang received the best weapons. Northwest and Northeast forces, having cultivated good relations with the KMT, were similarly better equipped, while Shanxi troops received inferior supplies. Troops associated with the Guangxi Clique were given even poorer quality weapons due to their leaders' stronger political ambitions. Troops regarded as “bandit forces,” such as those led by Shi Yousan, Li Hongchang, and Sun Dianying, were naturally assigned the least effective weaponry. This unequal distribution of arms increased some local forces' inclination to align with the KMT while alienating others, which inadvertently led to additional turmoil in the aftermath of the Northern Expedition. Logistical accounting within the Nationalist military was severely lacking. Military expenditures accounted for a significant portion of government spending, roughly 65.48 % in 1937, with personnel costs being the largest component. However, military units prioritized boosting their own resources over accurate accounting. Surpluses were not returned but rather utilized to reward military officers and soldiers for merits in battle, care for the wounded, or to create a reserve. Conversely, if deficits arose, troops would resort to “living off vacancies,” a practice in which they would fail to report desertions promptly and would falsely claim new soldiers had arrived. Military leaders typically appointed their most trusted subordinates to serve as accountants and logistic officers. As the war commenced, these issues became readily apparent. During the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, frontline soldiers sometimes went days without food and went months without pay. Wounded soldiers and civilians had to search tirelessly for medical treatment, and when main forces relocated, they often abandoned grain, ammunition, weapons, and petroleum along the way. General Chen Cheng, the commander in chief during the Battle of Shanghai, noted, “This phenomenon clearly revealed our inability to supply frontline troops, indicating that China remains a backward country with poor management.” Many logistical shortcomings severely impacted troop morale and combat effectiveness. In a 1933 speech, Chiang Kai-shek acknowledged that poor food, inadequate clothing, and ineffective logistics contributed to widespread desertion. Soldiers were further demoralized by reduced or embezzled salaries. A lack of professional medical staff and equipment hampered healthcare efforts, leading to high disease and mortality rates. According to official statistics from 1936, approximately 10 percent of soldiers fell ill annually, with a mortality rate as high as 5 percent. Japanese military authorities reported that one in three wounded Japanese soldiers died, while a Dutch military officer present during the early stages of the Sino-Japanese War observed that one in every two wounded Nationalist soldiers perished. Due to inadequate equipment and limited transport options, Nationalist forces were compelled to recruit farmers and rent vehicles, as they lacked essential facilities such as tents. This reliance on local resources inevitably led to frequent conflicts between military personnel and civilians. China is clearly a vast nation with an extensive coastline, requiring the construction of several significant fortresses during the modern era. These included Wusong, Jiangyin, Zhenjiang, Jiangning, and Wuhan along the Yangtze River, as well as Zhenhai, Humen, and Changzhou along the seacoast. Except for the Wuhan fortress, built in 1929-1930, all other fortifications were established during the late Qing Dynasty and featured uncovered cannon batteries. These fortresses suffered from inadequate maintenance, and many of their components had become outdated and irreplaceable, rendering them militarily negligible. Following the January 1932 Shanghai Incident, the Japanese military destroyed the Wusong forts, leaving the entrance to the Yangtze River completely unfortified. Consequently, there were no defenses along the coastline from Jiangsu to Shandong, allowing the Japanese to land freely. In December 1932, the Military Affairs Commission established a fortress group tasked with constructing fortresses and defensive installations, seeking assistance from German military advisers. After the North China Incident in 1935, the Nationalist government accelerated the construction of defensive structures in line with national war planning, focusing particularly on Nanjing. The Nationalists prioritized building fortifications along the seacoast and the Yellow River, followed by key regions north of the Yellow River. The government also ordered a significant quantity of heavy artillery from Germany. This included several dozen pieces of flat-fire antiaircraft and dual-purpose heavy artillery, which were installed at fortifications in Jiangyin, Zhenjiang, Nanjing, and Wuhan. By the summer of 1937, the construction of nine fortified positions was complete: Nanjing, Zhenjiang, Jiangyin, Ningbo, Humen, Mawei, Xiamen , Nantong, and Lianyungang. In total, China had established 41 forts and equipped them with 273 fortress cannons. Some defensive installations were poorly managed, with many units assigned to their perimeters lacking training and access to proper maps. The barbette positions in the fortresses were not well concealed and could hardly store sufficient ammunition. Troops stationed at these fortresses received little training. Despite these shortcomings, the fortresses and fortifications were not entirely ineffective. They bolstered Chinese positions along the defense line stretching from Cangxian County to Baoding and from Dexian County to Shijiazhuang, as well as in southern Shandong.  Before the war, China's political and economic center was situated along the seacoast and the Yangtze River. As Japanese influence expanded, the Nationalist government was compelled to establish bases in China's inner regions, very similar to how the USSR pulled back its industry further west after Operation barbarossa.The Japanese attack on Shanghai in 1932 prompted the Nationalists to relocate their capital to Luoyang. On March 5, during the Second Plenary Session of the KMT's Fourth Congress, the Western Capital Preparation Committee was formed to plan for the potential relocation of all governmental bodies to Xi'an in the event of full-scale war. In February 1933, the Central Political Conference approved the Northwest Development Bill, and in February 1934, the National Economic Commission set up a northwestern branch to oversee development projects in the region. On October 18, 1934, Chiang Kai-shek traveled to Lanzhou, recording in his diary that “Northwest China has abundant resources. Japan and Russia are poised to bully us. Yet, if we strengthen ourselves and develop northwest China to the fullest extent, we can turn it into a base for China's revival.” Interestingly, it was Sichuan, rather than the northwest, that became China's rear base during the 2nd Sino-Japanese War. In October 1934, the Communist army evacuated its Soviet base in southern China, initiating the Long March that would ultimately end in the northwest. By this time, Chiang Kai-shek had decided to designate Sichuan as the last stronghold for China. In January 1935, the Nanchang Field Headquarters of the Military Affairs Commission, responsible for combatting the Communists and serving as the supreme military and political authority over most provinces along the Yangtze River and central China, dispatched a special advisory group to Chongqing. Following this, the Nationalist army advanced into Sichuan. On February 10, the Nationalists appointed a new provincial government in Sichuan, effectively ending the province's long-standing regionalism. On March 2, Chiang traveled to Chongqing, where he delivered a speech underscoring that “Sichuan should serve as the base for China's revival.” He stated that he was in Sichuan to oversee efforts against the Communist army and to unify the provincial administration.  After the Xinhai revolution, the Republic of China was still suing the Qing Dynasty's conscription system. However, once in power, the Nationalist government sought to establish a national military service program. In 1933, it enacted a military service law, which began implementation in 1936. This law categorized military service into two branches: service in the Nationalist army and in territorial citizen army units. Men aged eighteen to forty-five were expected to serve in the territorial units if they did not enlist in the Nationalist army. The territorial service was structured into three phases: active service lasting two to three years, first reserves for six years, and second reserves until the age of forty-five. The Ministry of Military Affairs divided China into sixty divisional conscription headquarters, initially establishing these headquarters in the six provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, and Hubei. By December 1936, approximately 50,000 new soldiers had been drafted. The military service law disproportionately favored the middle and upper classes. Government personnel were exempt from enlistment, allowing privileged families to register their children with government agencies. Similarly, students in middle and higher education were excused from service, while youth from poorer backgrounds often felt compelled to enlist due to financial constraints that limited their educational opportunities. Village and town leaders were responsible for executing the recruitment process and frequently conspired with army recruiters. Recruitment principles often favored wealthier families, with guidelines stating that one son should be drafted for every three sons, two for five sons, but no drafts if there was only one son. Wealthy families could secure exemptions for all their male children, while poor families might see their only son conscripted if they were unable to provide the requisite bribe. Town and village heads wielded significant power in recruitment. This new recruitment system also created numerous money-making opportunities. Military personnel assigned to escort draftees to their units would often allow draftees to escape for a fee. Additionally, draftees could monetize their service by agreeing to serve as substitutes for others. For some, being drafted became an occupation. For example, in 1936, 600 individuals were drafted in the Wuhu area of Anhui province, and accounts from regional administrators indicated that every draftee had either been traded, replaced, or seized. Beginning in 1929, the Nationalist government also instituted military training for high school students and older individuals. Students were required to participate in one theoretical class and one practical class each week, totaling three hours. Starting in 1934, students had to complete a three-month military training program before graduating. Graduates of military academies were employed as military instructors. By the end of 1936, over 237,000 high school students had undergone military training. This student military training was overseen by the Society for the Implementation of the Three People's Principles of Sun Yat-sen, which also provided political education and sometimes gathered information on students' political beliefs.  Although the Nationalists made significant efforts to improve the military training of both officers and troops, they inherited deep-seated challenges that they were unable to completely overcome. A lack of facilities, outdated training manuals, low regard for military instructors, and the ongoing influence of regionalism and warlordism hindered progress. The Japanese would also later exploit these shortcomings of the Nationalist army. The Central Military Academy, which evolved from the Whampoa Military Academy established in 1923 in Guangzhou to train officers for the Northern Expedition, became the primary training institution for junior military officers. The academy offered a basic course, lasting eighteen months, which included general education, specialized training in various subjects, and field practice. This was followed by a two-year cadet training program focused on developing the skills necessary for junior military officers. Seventeen classes were admitted before the outbreak of war. Admission to the academy was highly competitive, with military officers receiving attractive salaries. For instance, in 1935, the academy received 10,000 applications for the twelfth class, but only 7% were accepted. Upon graduation, cadets were typically assigned to divisions within the Nationalist army loyal to Chiang Kai-shek. Their training, influenced by German advisors, resulted in a high-quality cadre. In modern China, most sergeants were veterans. While some units provided training for sergeants, a lack of formal education led to their diminished status. Truly qualified sergeants were rare. During his tenure as Minister of Military Training, General Bai Chongxi proposed establishing a sergeant school and creating a professional noncommissioned officer system; however, the Ministry of Military Affairs opposed this on financial grounds. While commanding officers enjoyed rapid promotions, military instructors did not. Furthermore, there was no system for transferring instructors to field commands or assigning commanders to military academies for extended periods. Despite minor updates to cover modern warfare concepts such as tank warfare and machine guns, Qing Dynasty military manuals were still in use at the Central Military Academy at the start of the war. Yeah, 1937 they were still rocking the old Qing books. Following the establishment of the Ministry of Military Training, a bureau for military translation was set up to evaluate existing course materials and translate military manuals, but its contributions were limited. Another significant shortcoming of military instruction focused on theory at the expense of practical application.  To enhance the quality of military officers, the Nationalist army instituted specialized schools for artillery, infantry, transport, engineering, and signals starting in 1931. These institutions were considered to have high-quality administrators and facilities. The Nationalists adopted German military training models, replacing the previously used Japanese models. They appointed German advisors to oversee instructor training at military academies and established three instructional divisions. By the onset of the Sino-Japanese War, 15,000 students had graduated from programs with a German military influence, resulting in the creation of about fifty combat divisions from these instructional units. However, the progress of other Nationalist army units was limited because their training was not aligned with contemporary battlefield realities. Before World War I, troops operated in close formations due to limited firepower. The widespread introduction of machine guns after World War I necessitated a shift to dispersed formations. Although a new drill manual issued by the Ministry of Military Training in 1935 introduced small-group tactics, few units adopted these methods. General Chen Cheng highlighted another underlying issue in 1938, commenting on the outmoded focus on parade ground drills and formal military manners. He noted, “We have paid too much attention to stereotypical formality and procedures of no practical use. Sometimes, even though soldiers could not get a haircut or take a bath for several months, their camps had to be in order. They underwent intensive training in close-order drill but learned little about gun handling, marksmanship, or maneuvering. This was inappropriate in peacetime, yet we continued this practice even after the Sino-Japanese War started, even using it on highly educated youth.” In contrast, the Communist army simplified training, emphasizing two essential skills: live-fire exercises and physical endurance, which significantly enhanced troop effectiveness in the challenging terrain characteristic of the Sino-Japanese War. Ultimately, the Nationalist army's training did not reach all soldiers. Only about half of all combat soldiers received adequate training, while the rest were neglected. According to statistics from the time, there were approximately five million military personnel during the Sino-Japanese War, with three million serving in logistics. Most of these logistics personnel had received little training, leading to disastrous consequences for overall combat effectiveness. As warfare has become more complex, the role of highly trained staff officers has become increasingly important. Napoleon developed operational plans close to the front and communicated orders via courier. During World War I, military commanders collected information at their headquarters and utilized telephones and automobiles to relay orders to the front lines. In World War II, with the battlefield expanding to include land, sea, and air, senior commanders often made decisions from headquarters far from the action, relying on a significant number of staff officers with specialized skills to keep them informed. In China, however, the staff officer system was underdeveloped. By 1937, only about 2,000 commanders and staff officers had received training. Prior to the Sino-Japanese War, most commanders managed staff work themselves, with staff officers serving primarily as military secretaries who drafted orders, reports, and maps. Many staff officers had no formal military training, and as a whole, the branch lacked respect, causing the most talented officers to avoid serving in it. The situation was even more dire for staff officer departments within local forces. For example, in March 1937, Liu Ziqing, a graduate of the Whampoa Military Academy, was appointed as the director of political instruction in the Forty-fourth Army, a unit under Sichuan warlord Liu Xiang. Liu Ziqing's account illustrates the dysfunction within the ranks: “The commander in chief was not supposed to manage the army and even did not know its whereabouts... But he could appoint relatives and former subordinates—who were officials and businessmen as well—to the army. Each month they would receive a small stipend. At headquarters, there was a long table and two rows of chairs. Around ten o'clock in the morning, senior officers signed in to indicate their presence. Those with other business would leave, while the remaining officers sat down to leisurely discuss star actresses, fortune-telling, business projects, mah-jongg, and opium. Occasionally they would touch on national affairs, chat about news articles, or share local gossip. In the afternoons, they primarily played mah-jongg, held banquets, and visited madams. Most mornings, the commander usually presided over these activities, and at first, I reported for duty as well. But I soon realized it was a waste of time and came very rarely. At headquarters, most staff members wore long gowns or Western-style suits, while military uniforms were a rare sight.” Most senior military personnel were trained at the Baoding Military Academy during the early republic. 2/3rds of commanders in chief, 37 %of army commanders, and 20 % of division commanders were Baoding graduates. Higher-ranking officers were more likely to have launched their careers there. In contrast, only 10 % of division commanders and a few army commanders were graduates of the Whampoa Military Academy. Additionally, commanders trained in local military schools and those with combat experience accounted for 1/3rd of all commanders. While the prevalence of civil war provided opportunities for rapid promotion, it also hindered officers' ability to update their training or gain experience in different military branches. German advisors expressed their concerns to Chiang Kai-shek, emphasizing that officers should first serve in junior roles before taking command. During one battle in 1938, Chiang noted, “Our commanders in chief are equivalent only to our enemy's regiment commanders, and our army and division commanders are only as competent as our enemy's battalion and company commanders.” Despite not viewing high-ranking Japanese officers as great strategists, Nationalist officers respected them as highly competent, diligent, and professional commanders who rarely made critical errors. The infantry was the primary component of the Nationalist army, with middle and junior infantry officers constituting over 80 %of all army officers. A 1936 registry of military officers listed 1,105 colonels and 2,159 lieutenant colonels within the infantry, demonstrating a significant outnumbering of Baoding graduates at ranks below lieutenant colonel. However, the quality of middle and junior infantry officers declined during the Sino-Japanese War; by 1944, only 27.3 % of these officers were from formal military academies, while those promoted from the ranks increased to 28.1 %. In 1937, 80 % of officers in an ordinary infantry battalion were military academy graduates, but this percentage dropped to 20 % during the war. Its hard to tell how educated soldiers were before the war, but it is generally believed that most were illiterate. In 1929, sociologist Tao Menghe surveyed 946 soldiers from a Shanxi garrison brigade and found that only 13 percent could compose a letter independently, while the rest had either never learned to read or were unable to write. In contrast, in August 1938, General Feng Yuxiang found that 80 percent of a regiment in Hunan were literate. Regardless, during the Sino-Japanese War, the quality of recruits steadily declined. More than 90 percent of soldiers were illiterate, and few possessed any basic scientific knowledge, which hindered their ability to master their weapons. On the battlefield, they heavily relied on middle and junior officers for guidance.  In autumn 1933, General Hans von Seeckt, the architect of the post World War I German army, visited China at the personal invitation of Chiang Kai-shek. In his recommendations for military reform, he identified China's greatest problem as its excessively large forces drawn from diverse backgrounds. He stated, “At present, the most pressing goal is to... establish a small, well-equipped army with high morale and combat effectiveness to replace the numerous poorly armed and trained forces.” He suggested forming an army of sixty divisions and recommended the establishment of a training regiment for military officers to equip them with the skills needed for modern warfare. Chiang Kai-shek accepted von Seeckt's proposals, and on January 26, 1935, he convened a National Military Reorganization Conference in Nanjing. On March 1, the Army Reorganization Bureau was established in Wuchang, under the leadership of General Chen Cheng. In the same month, General Alexander von Falkenhausen took charge of the German Military Advisors Group. Before war broke out, around nineteen divisions, roughly 300,000 troops received training from German advisors and were equipped with German-style weapons. At the onset of the Sino-Japanese War, the forces stemming from the First Army of the National Revolutionary Army and the Whampoa cadets, who had fought in the Northern Expedition, held the highest reputation and were referred to as the “core central forces” by the Japanese. Other notable forces included the Guangxi Army, Northwestern Army, Northeastern Army, some Uyghur units, the Guangdong Army, and the Shanxi Army. In contrast, provincial forces such as the Yunnan Army and Sichuan Army were viewed less favorably. Nationalist forces were generally far inferior to those of the Japanese enemy. In 1937, General He Yingqin noted that Nationalist forces had failed to prevail in 1932 and 1933, even when outnumbering the Japanese by 4-1.  In November 1937, during a national defense conference, Chiang Kai-shek stated, "In recent years we have worked hard, prepared actively, and achieved national unification. By the time of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, we were in a better domestic situation and had improved military preparedness compared to before. Since 1935, our strength has doubled. It increased by more than two to three times since January 1932 or September 1931 [when Japan attacked Shanghai and Mukden]. If peace had been achievable, we should have delayed the war for two or three years. Given an additional three years, our defensive capabilities would have been drastically different... Now, if we merely compare the military strength of China and Japan, we are certainly inferior." However, such assessments were overly optimistic, as Chiang failed to recognize that Japan's military capabilities would not have stagnated. 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. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek certainly was dealt a difficult hand of cards for the upcoming poker match he was to play. Yet the Chinese were resilient and they had to be for the absolute horror that would be inflicted upon them from 1937-1945. Until this point, their enemies had been far more lenient, the Empire of Japan would show no mercy.

Graduation is an exciting milestone—but it's also a launching point into a brand-new season of life. In this episode, Kari and Thomas share heartfelt, biblical advice for graduates stepping into the next chapter. Packed with Scripture, encouragement, and practical insight, this is the episode every graduate, and every parent of a graduate, needs to hear. Tune in, share it with a graduate you love, and keep moving forward in faith.

Acts 16:6-15They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.' When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district* of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.' And she prevailed upon us. This weekend kicks off not only the start of summer for so many, but it also serves as the unofficial beginning of graduation season. In the office this week, I asked the question: what gift should you get a graduate? I told them about a friend's mom who would give monogrammed towels as her graduate gift. +Mark and Amanda informed me that I should not pick up that tradition. Money was the consensus, just get a card with some cash. I don't disagree, but I am warning you graduates now, I can almost guarantee that someone will give out a copy of the Dr. Suess classic, “Oh The Places You'll Go”. And it is a fitting tribute for the occasion:“ Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the person who'll decide where to go.”It is a remarkable feeling, no? To be on the precipice of what comes next and then to set off on the journey. It is so exciting, perhaps a little frightening, if not for you, then for your parents or grandparents and other loved ones. Timothy likely felt this same way when he began his journey with Paul and Silas. In our text, the “they” we hear is in reference to those three Paul, Silas, and Timothy, maybe more. Timothy just joined the group. In the passage immediately before this, Paul and Silas stop in Lystra, where they hear about this young disciple named Timothy. Among believers in Lystra, Timothy is well spoken of. So Paul asks Timothy to join him on this mission. Timothy probably thought “oh the place I'll go”. And go they did, from town to town, the churches were growing, everything was great!That is until they came to Phrygia. Paul and crew want to go to Asia. They think, “that's where God is calling us to proclaim the Gospel. So that must be the right place for us.” So they went to turn left and head to Asia, but the Holy Spirit forbade them to go. That's strange… why would the Holy Spirit not let me go? And what does that even mean? Did a giant wind push against them every time they tried to turn left? Did their compass only point them east? However it happened, they couldn't go into Asia. So the crew thinks well what do you do when you can't turn left… you go right! And so they try to turn right and go to Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit doesn't allow that either. With no other options left, they go to Troas.If you are Timothy, you've got to wonder what went wrong? Everything was so good? We were going to all these places, the church was growing, we had a great plan! But just when everything seemed great, suddenly it wasn't anymore. Graduates, this will undoubtedly happen to you. Surely everyone gathered has had a time like that: when everything seemed to be going great, you thought you were doing what God wanted you to do, but suddenly your plans changed (or they were changed for you), and the roads you wanted to take became blocked. Maybe the major you'd hope for didn't work out. Or you didn't get that job you thought you always wanted or were let go of the job you loved. Maybe that relationship you never thought would end came to a close. Or an unexpected trip to the doctor makes you put everything on hold. Despite your best efforts you ended up in a place you never wanted to be. We've all been there. As Dr Suess says: “I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you. You can get all hung up, in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You'll be left in a Lurch. You'll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you'll be in a Slump. And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.Yet, it is at those places you never wanted to be, in the times you least expect, that something will happen or someone will come and help and get you unslumped. For Timothy and crew their unslumping came from a vision that Paul had while in Troas: a man saying “Come to Macedonia and help us.” The three of them got up and immediately headed to Macedonia, “convinced that God had called them to proclaim the good news there”.They set sail from Troas, landed in Samothrace, and then came ashore at Neapolis. Neapolis is this wonderful little seaside town, the kind of place you want to land in, and maybe put down some roots; enjoy the sandy beaches and nice weather. I could imagine Timothy saying to Paul and Silas, “we don't really need to follow that vision, that dream, that call, right?” But Paul and his companions don't stop and stay there. It's nice, but they know it's not where they are supposed to be. You'll have your own Neapolis too, places and opportunities that seem really nice, the city or job or relationship you could see yourself in. And the temptation to stay will be strong, yet you'll know it's not right. Heed the voice, the vision, the calling God has placed on you. There will be a reason you move on, even if it is not clear in the moment.Finally Paul, Timothy, and Silas land in Philippi, even though that was not the original goal. Remember Paul wanted to spread the Gospel and grow the church in Asia. But listen to how this part of Paul's mission ends. On the sabbath they all go to the river, hoping to find people praying. They join a group of women and among them is Lydia, likely a wealthy business woman with great influence. She listened eagerly to Paul, had herself and her whole family baptized, and then opened her home to Paul and Timothy and Silas. Lydia is from Thyatria, which is in Asia, the very place Paul hoped to spread the gospel in the first place. Through all the travels, the wrong turns, and the change of plans, Paul does in fact fulfill his mission of growing the church in Asia, just not where and how he expected too.Despite our best efforts, God's calling and leading come through mistaken directions and failed attempts, which can certainly be frustrating and make discernment difficult.We'd like to think “we are the one's who decide where to go”. As Dr/ Seuss puts it. But that's where he's wrong. As Paul, Timothy and Silas attest, it is an illusion to think it's all up to us. God is in charge of the journey you're on. At times, it won't look the way you want or lead to the places you'd hoped. But thankfully Jesus promises us an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, that helps us in discernment and guides us to where we need to go, what we need to do, and who we should meet along the way. For Paul and Timothy, the journey nor the destination were likely what the team imagined. The wandering, the rejection, the vision in a dream, and the people they met. They did not expect a woman, that wasnt what the vision showed. Yet, in the end God's will was done, not their own, which is what we all pray for.Graduates/young people, it's okay if your journey in life looks like this. Parents/grandparents, it's okay if your young person's journey looks like this. God is still at work in the mess of it all. The reality for not just graduates but for all of us is our own journeys will be less like us deciding the places we go, and more like the wanderings of Paul and the rest: ending up in places we didn't expect, receiving direction in ways we didn't anticipate, and meeting people we never predicted, but trusting that God is still leading.“Plans are made. Plans come apart.” Says Kate Bowler, “New delights or tragedies pop up in their place. And nothing human or divine will map out this life, this life that has been more painful than I could have imagined. More beautiful than I could have imagined.”Amen.

Graduation is a time of excitement, transition, and growth—but also uncertainty and change. In today’s devotional, Alicia Searl offers heartfelt encouragement and a prayer for graduates stepping into a brand-new chapter. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, listeners are reminded of the importance of building their life on the solid rock of faith. Whether on a mountaintop or in a valley, God is faithful, present, and ready to guide each step forward. Themes Explored: Encouragement for graduates Building a foundation on Christ Trusting God in new seasons The importance of godly community Spiritual preparation for the future Scripture References Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Congratulations, graduate! You've survived the lesson plans, late nights, and student teaching. You crossed the stage at graduation, now what? Whether you've landed your first teaching job or are still searching, this episode will help you transition from cap and gown to classroom and beyond. Here are three graduation tips to focus on as you step into this exciting new chapter. Graduation Tip 1: Find the Right Job FitGraduation Tip 2: Budgeting, DIY, and Meal PrepGraduation Tip 3: Grow as a Future Teacher Connect with Dr. Sam FecichDo you want to continue the conversation beyond the podcast? You can connect with me online for more resources, inspiration, and support tailored to future educators and teachers.

Senior Shoutouts 2025, Congrats to all the grads Headlines

Come Back to Love® Radio: Reclaiming the Abandoned Self  Summary: In this rich and thought-provoking episode of Come Back to Love®, host Robyn Vogel is joined by Joanna Lindenbaum, founder of the Applied Depth Institute, for a deep dive into the transformative world of Jungian Shadow work. Together, they explore how uncovering and integrating the hidden parts of ourselves—our “shadow”—can lead to profound healing, deeper self-love, and more authentic relationships. Joanna shares her deep wisdom on how shadow aspects form, how they show up in our lives and relationships, and why embracing these parts is essential for personal and relational growth. Through insightful examples and compassionate guidance, she illustrates how the very parts we try to suppress or deny often hold the keys to our greatest power, intimacy, and wholeness. A standout moment in the conversation is when Joanna introduces a powerful reflection exercise to help listeners begin to explore their own shadow. She invites them to ask: “What qualities in others trigger me the most—and what might those reactions reveal about parts of myself I've disowned or rejected?” This gentle but illuminating practice opens the door to greater self-awareness and compassion, allowing individuals to bring more of themselves—light and shadow—into love and connection. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to do deeper inner work, release old patterns, and come back to love with greater depth, authenticity, and wholeness. Bio: Joanna Lindenbaum is the founder of the Applied Depth Institute, and teaches master level facilitation and coaching skills to coaches, therapists and leaders so they can respond powerfully & effectively to the issues their clients bring to them. Using her 20+ years of experience and extensive background with coaching, human behavior, embodiment practices, and Archetype & Shadow, Joanna's approach to ethical and trauma-informed facilitation and coaching supports her students to gain a level of skill, confidence and depth the majority of their peers don't have. Graduates of her signature Sacred Depths Practitioner Certification become the best of the best at what they do, plus they experience life-changing personal transformations as they step into this mastery level. All of this, in turn, positively impacts their businesses as their proven results then attract more renewals, referrals, and professional opportunities.   Joanna has led hundreds of retreats, workshops, and trainings with thousands of participants and clients in the US and abroad.  WEBSITE: applieddepthinstitute.com FREE GIFT: https://pages.applieddepthinstitute.com/resistance Learn more about Robyn here: https://www.comebacktolove.com

What do Mario Puzo's “The Godfather” and Colin Powell's life rules have in common? According to Admiral James Stavridis—quite a bit. Listen in as Michael sits down with the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander to unpack his bold and unconventional commencement address recently delivered at Adelphi University. Drawing surprising leadership lessons from The Godfather, Stavridis inspires graduates with wisdom from Don Corleone to Colin Powell. The conversation then widens to geopolitics including NATO strategy and the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel and Iran, and the controversy over the gifted Qatari jet. Timely, thoughtful, and unexpectedly entertaining—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Original air date 22 May 2025.

For our second episode in the "Corman Graduates: Jack Hill" series, we talk with director, writer and cinematography, Elle Schneider (THE FOOD THAT BUILT AMERICA, PLEDGE NIGHT: AN INTERVIEW WITH ROGER CORMAN, BLISS BLUE, THAT GUY DICK MILLER), about Jack Hill's MONDO KEYHOLE and PIT STOP.  In addition to being friends with Dick Miller and interviewing Jack Hill and Roger Corman on multiple occasions, she is a huge fan of PIT STOP.  She brings an technical perspective on both of the films that you won't find anywhere else. First, we talk about MONDO KEYHOLE.  We discuss the history and legal challenges with making "Nudie Cuties" and "Roughies" films during the 1960s and how that impacted the distribution of MONDO KEYHOLE.  We talk about how Jack Hill got involved with movie, the unique approach he took to casting and filming the movie and the fact that it had to play in adult theaters upon it's initial release. Next, we dive into fan favorite, PIT STOP - one of Jack Hill's most impressive films.  We talk about the struggle the movie faced trying to get an audience in an era when black and white films were going out of vogue in the drive-in circuit.  We share mutual appreciation for Sid Haig's emotional performance - one that is unique to his filmography.  Finally, we discuss the filming approach by cinematographer, Austin McKinney and the unfortunate rift with Jack Hill.  We even talk a tiny bit about Sorceress. Elle shares stories about Roger Corman including his ambitions to be a studio director and the decision to step away to start New World Pictures. We also spend a little time talking about serial killers, the fallout between Jack Hill and Austin McKinney, and movies with the best scenes featuring Dune Buggies.  Why Dune Buggies?  Because Dune Buggies are awesome. We want to generously thank Elle for being on the podcast and sharing her perspectives on these films.  You can check out her website at http://elleschneider.com and look for her next documentary about educational films.  Maybe she'll cover For Safety's Sake: In the Neighborhood?  Probably not. For all the shows in Someone's Favorite Productions Podcast Network, head here:  https://www.someonesfavoriteproductions.com/ 

Ever wondered what to gift a graduate that's more meaningful than cash or towels? In this episode of Health with Hashimoto's, Esther shares her new book, Wellness Wisdom for Graduates, a holistic health guide for graduates packed with practical tips for young adults.   As a mom of four boys, Esther knows the challenges teens face, and she's created a short, affordable book to help them thrive. You'll discover why spiritual health comes first, how simple hacks like mindful eating can make a big difference, and ways to support graduates in building a healthy life. Hit play to learn about this perfect graduation gift idea!   Get the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44Jpzxm   All other links: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/   ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER: The Health with Hashimoto's podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.   This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional.  

We just so happen to be in a career where passion fuels you a bit more than the bank account and we wouldn't trade this job away! Graduates need to consider this group of gigs. Plus, a Panic Button about a girlfriend doing some cleaning and finding something putting her in a tough spot with her man!

In this episode, Tyler gives updates on his journey and shares his message from Sunday, May 18th at New City Church in Des Moines, IA.   To view Tyler's message (speaking starts at 57:20) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X6V4O3GqL0   To view Tyler's message from Freedom Fellowship Church, in Indianola, IA (5-11-25) - https://youtu.be/LXzK_m6fbjI?si=-o3nzYx_xMx_UL32   To connect with Tyler: https://www.tylerkamerman.com/

A blog by Jason Cherry. Jason Cherry is an elder at Trinity Reformed Church, as well as a teacher and lecturer of literature, American history, and economics at Providence Classical School in Huntsville, Alabama. He graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary with an MA in Religion and is the author of the book The Culture of Conversionism and the History of the Altar Call, now available on Amazon. He is husband to Traci, who is proficient at blessing others, and father to Anily and Gaby, who are gifted in the art of laughter. Trinity Reformed Church is a CREC church in Huntsville, AL. seeking to extend and unite the Kingdom in the Huntsville area. Check out our website, Facebook or YouTube!

AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports on graduation day for a student who was in ICE custody.

1. Be committed to walk with Christ A. Stay in Church B. Steadfast faith C. Stable faith D. Speak words of thanks2. Be ready for the "replace Jesus" crowd A. Persuasive words B. Philosophical world C. Performance of working D. Plus another way3. Be smart - keep Jesus on the throne of your life A. Your commitment at baptism B. The truth of the cross C. The reward of faith

In this sermon, Youth Pastor Wes commemorates our 2025 Graduates with a message of encouragement and the promise that Second Baptist will always be here for them no matter how far they go.Read along with us in 1 Corinthians 12: 14-26

Paul's letter to Timothy from prison reveals the beautiful patterns of discipleship that create a legacy of faith across generations.• Paul's letter to Timothy shows his investment in the next generation despite being imprisoned• Timothy's faith foundation came through his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice• Four generations of discipleship appear in 2 Timothy 2:2 showing how faith passes through generations• We must all eventually make our faith our own rather than relying on someone else's faith• Paul calls Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" rather than sitting on the sidelines• God gives us a spirit of power, love and self-control, not fear• Graduates should find a church, get involved, and serve rather than merely attending• Being a disciple who makes disciples continues the chain of spiritual investment• Legacy isn't claimed at the end of life but built throughout every season• Every person whose legacy we admire was once young, making daily decisions about faithIf you don't know Jesus Christ and want to understand the gospel message more deeply, please reach out – we'd love nothing more than to talk with you about it.

Dr. Ben Mayfield interviews 2025 senior graduates.

There are now 98 confirmed and probable cases of salmonella tied to an outbreak at Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe in Clairemont. Carlsbad police say they recently shut down a scam that defrauded seniors out of gold and 140-thousand dollars in cash. Three San Diego State triplets are all graduating on the same day, with the same majors, and same honors.

For this episode, the Activist Lab welcomes our Spring 2025 graduates, Gabriella Hinks and Maria (Mia) Alamo-Worley,  who discuss why they joined the Activist Lab Advisory Board, what were their highlights, and how the Activist Lab has prepared them for the future.  Guest:  Activist Lab Student Advisory Board members and 2025 graduates, Gabriella Hinks and Mia Alamo-Worley

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Heather Stone, a leading functional medicine practitioner with over 20 years of experience,  to unpack why so many thyroid issues go undiagnosed or mismanaged. We go beyond the standard TSH lab test to explore the real drivers of thyroid dysfunction — from gut imbalances and hormone shifts to environmental triggers often overlooked in conventional care. You'll hear why medication alone rarely resolves symptoms long term, and why a precision-based, root-cause approach is essential for lasting healing. We dive deep into Hashimoto's, autoimmune flare-ups, and the exact moments in life when women are most vulnerable to thyroid breakdown — like postpartum and menopause. If you've ever been told “your labs look normal” but you still feel off, this episode is for you. It's time to move from symptom management to root cause resolution. Key Takeaways: Identify Underlying Causes: Healing thyroid dysfunction requires looking beyond hormone prescriptions to address immune, gut, adrenal, and environmental triggers. Comprehensive Testing: Traditional TSH testing is inadequate alone; a full thyroid panel and additional health markers are crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Lifestyle Integration: Dietary changes, particularly eliminating gluten and dairy, and stabilizing blood sugar are pivotal for improving thyroid function and overall health. Functional vs. Traditional Medicine: Functional medicine offers a holistic approach that focuses on the root causes of symptoms rather than managing them with medications. Women's Health Concerns: Women are more susceptible to thyroid issues due to hormonal fluctuations and stress, necessitating tailored approaches to diagnosis and care.   More About Dr. Heather Stone, DC: Dr. Heather Stone, DC is one of the top functional medicine practitioners in the world. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in private practice. During that time she has successfully helped thousands of women overcome the symptoms of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Her thyroid transformation blueprint has been used by hundreds of doctors, and thus has helped countless women return to happy, healthy, & lean. Her mission is to change the face of healthcare through her private practice, books, masterclasses, webinars, education programs, and retreats on her ranch in Texas. SPECIAL GIVEAWAY! Download exclusive resources here: http://thyroidtransformationblueprint.com/ Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube   This episode is sponsored by Professional Co-op®, where clinicians gain exceptional access to industry-leading lab services without the hefty price tag—since 2001, they've been redefining what efficient, patient-focused support looks like. Imagine no hidden fees, no minimums, and only paying for completed tests. Experience lab services that not only meet but also exceed your expectations. Join the co-op trusted by countless licensed clinicians nationwide. Visit www.professionalco-op.com to learn more! This episode is also made possible by Functional Medicine University. FMU is a fully online, self-paced training program in functional medicine, founded in 2006 by Dr. Ron Grisanti. With students in all 50 U.S. states and 68 countries globally, FMU has become a cornerstone in advanced clinical education for healthcare practitioners. The curriculum is led by Dr. Grisanti, alongside contributions from over 70 distinguished medical experts on FMU's advisory board. Graduates earn the prestigious Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP®) credential upon completion. FMU is also a nationally approved provider of continuing education for a wide range of licensed professionals, including MDs, DCs, DOs, NDs, acupuncturists, PAs, NPs, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and dentists. Whether you're looking to expand your clinical knowledge or bring a functional approach to your practice, FMU offers the tools, guidance, and certification to help you thrive. Visit www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com to learn more!http://reversemycondition.com/

Pippa speaks to Professor Vinny Naidoo, who is the Dean of the Pretoria University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science about the 100th class of students to complete the Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Lunch with Pippa Hudson is CapeTalk’s mid-afternoon show. This 2-hour respite from hard news encourages the audience to take the time to explore, taste, read and reflect. The show - presented by former journalist, baker and water sports enthusiast Pippa Hudson - is unashamedly lifestyle driven. Popular features include a daily profile interview #OnTheCouch at 1:10pm. Consumer issues are in the spotlight every Wednesday while the team also unpacks all things related to health, wealth & the environment. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Lunch with Pippa Hudson Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 13:00 and 15:00 (SA Time) to Lunch with Pippa Hudson broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/MdSlWEs or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/fDJWe69 Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A traumatic first birth can shape everything that follows—but with the right support, education, and advocacy, it's possible to turn fear into empowerment.   In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker sits down with EBB Childbirth Class Graduates Rivka and Steven Dubinsky as they share the transformative journey from a traumatic hospital induction and birth injury to a redemptive second birth experience centered on autonomy, education, and trust. Rivka opens up about how her first birth left her physically injured and emotionally shaken, and how she didn't initially recognize it as trauma. Over time—and with therapy, research, and support—she came to understand what had been taken from her. Determined to have a different experience with her second child, she carefully selected a trauma-informed OB, dove into birth education, and found strength in preparing for every possibility.   Together, Rivka and Steven share how they prepared as a team, how Steven stepped into his advocacy role during labor, and why they chose to “fire” a hospital-assigned doula. They also reflect on the surprising power of reclaiming their voice—even in the midst of pain—and how a supported birth experience can shift everything.   Content Note: This episode includes discussion of birth trauma. This episode also contains mild language at 45:55.   (01:48) Rivka's First Birth and the Silent Cost of Lost Autonomy (07:13) Steven's Reflections on Feeling Unprepared to Support (10:45) Moving to Ohio and Choosing Trauma-Informed Care (14:02) Becoming an “Information Junkie” and Taking the EBB Childbirth Class (17:02) Steven Learns Advocacy Through EBB (22:14) From Elective Cesarean Plan to Informed Induction (29:18) Navigating Nursing Styles and Hospital Systems (36:00) Epidural Differences and Listening to Her Body (40:50) Hands-On, Informed Support During Pushing (43:39) A Sunny-Side-Up Baby and Immediate Skin-to-Skin (45:53) Feeling Empowered, Present, and Powerful (50:06) Advice for Families Seeking Trauma-Informed Birth Care   Resources Learn more about Rivka and Steven's EBB Instructor, Aly Romot: @alyromotdoula For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.  

Description: New Jersey Partners in Policymaking graduates Fanny Ochoa, Millie Gonzalez, Colleen Roche, Nicky Samuels, and Jenn Boyle discuss their advocacy journeys and the transformative impact of the program. Interviewer: Jaime Zahid, BA, Training & Consultation Specialist at The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development Click for Full Transcript of Episode 37

In Episode 197 of Theology In Particular, I interview two 2025 IRBS Graduates, Samuel Medina & Benedict Allmand-Smith.    Announcements: May 16, 2025: IRBS Faculty Conference On Church Planting, Mansfield, TX May 17, 2025: IRBS Commencement, Mansfield, TX   Contact: For information about International Reformed Baptist Seminary, go to irbsseminary.org. For feedback, questions, or suggestions, email Joe Anady at tip@irbsseminary.org.  

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A Lesson for Graduates of MAK

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An 88-year-old Korean War veteran and a great-grandfather graduates from college! AND It has been a year since Reina and James Brice lost their sons, 6-year-old William and 3-year-old Zachariah, in a devastating house fire. To see videos and photos referenced in this episode, visit GodUpdates! https://www.godtube.com/blog/great-grandfather-graduates-from-college.html https://www.godtube.com/blog/one-year-after-losing-boys-in-fire.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This Laurel Ridge Community College episode featured Brandy Hawkins Boies, the college's Director of Public Relations, and Deborah Zelleka-Yearwood, an inspiring student and commencement speaker. Brandy shared updates about the upcoming commencement ceremonies, which will be spread across two days to accommodate the large number of health profession graduates. With 795 graduates, the college is celebrating their achievements with grand festivities, including a significant tent setup on campus.  Graduates are invited, along with friends, family, faculty and staff, to gather in person to collectively recognize the accomplishments and confer the degrees of the class of 2025. The Health Professions Commencement and Pinning Ceremonies will take place on Thursday, May 15, with Commencement at 2pm and Pinning at 4pm on the Middletown campus. Commencement for all other programs will take place on Friday, May 16 at 2pm on the Middletown campus. In a heartwarming segment, Deborah recounted her journey to earning an associate's degree in surgical technology. She started her academic pursuit in her forties, motivated by the neonatal care her son, Joshua, received. Juggling family life and studies during the COVID pandemic, Deborah's story epitomizes perseverance. She expressed immense gratitude for her supportive family and highlighted the opportunities provided by Laurel Ridge, including scholarships and grants that made her education affordable - ZERO out-of-pocket expense! Janet and Deborah discussed the transformative power of education and the deep bonds formed with classmates. Deborah lauded her favorite professor, Ashley Seabolt, for her support. She shared insights about the practical and theoretical components of her coursework, enhancing her passion for surgical technology. The conversation also covered the broader impact of community college education, with Brandy emphasizing the financial benefits and career readiness offered by Laurel Ridge. The episode closed with an uplifting note, as Deborah dedicated her degree to her late father and encouraged everyone, regardless of age, to pursue their educational dreams. Brandy also invited the community to attend two upcoming events being hosted at the Middletown Campus of Laurel Ridge Community College. A Student Art Show will be held on Friday, May 9, from 3pm - 5pm in the Sekel Art Atrium next to the Wolk Library. On Saturday, May 10, at 4:30pm, the college will host a film screening and Q&A with the filmmaker, Andre Ferguson. 33 Black Frog: An American Story showcases the life and career of Chief Petty Officer Eddie L. Ferguson (Ret.), United States Navy, who was among the first African American members of the Underwater Demolition Team, the precursor to the Navy SEALs. His son, filmmaker Andre Ferguson, brings his inspiring story to life—from his childhood growing up in the South during the Jim Crow-era, where he didn't learn to swim until age 22, to his rise as an elite Navy Frogman. There will be a special guest appearance by Chief Petty Officer Eddie L. Ferguson.

05-04-2025Rev. Mason Briggs

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Pedram Shojai to dive into the fascinating connection between your gut and your overall health. We break down neuroception — how your body subconsciously scans for safety — and why it plays such a critical role in healing and performance. We get into the gut's “second brain,” the enteric nervous system, and how it drives your physical and mental well-being without you even realizing it. Dr. Shojai also shares real-world insights on tackling dysbiosis, understanding gut-immune symbiosis, and how simple lifestyle shifts can radically improve your health. If you've ever wondered how stress, gut health, and the nervous system all tie together — and how to actually use that knowledge to feel better — this is an episode you won't want to miss. Key Takeaways: Understanding Neuroception: Neuroception refers to the subconscious detection of safety or threat in the body, playing a crucial role in both gut health and overall well-being. Gut as an Immune Organ: The gut houses the majority of the body's immune cells, acting as a critical barrier between the inside of the body and external threats. Role of Stress in Gut Health: Chronic stress can disrupt gut microbiota, leading to issues like dysbiosis and gut permeability, thereby affecting mental health. Food Sensitivities: Identifying and avoiding food sensitivities can prevent chronic inflammation, leading to better overall health. Holistic Approaches to Wellness: Emphasizing mind-body practices, such as meditation and breath work, can improve gut health by promoting a balanced parasympathetic state.   More About Dr. Pedram Shojai: Dr. Pedram Shojai is a man with many titles. He is the founder and director of The Urban Monk Academy. He's the NYT Best Sellingauthor of the books Rise and Shine, The Urban Monk, The Art ofStopping Time, Inner Alchemy, Exhausted, Trauma, Focus, andConscious Parenting.He's the producer of the movies Vitality, Origins, Prosperity, and TheGreat Heist and the docuseries: Interconnected, Gateway to Health,Exhausted, Trauma, Conscious Parenting, Hormones Health & Harmony, and Gut Check.He's the host of“The Urban Monk” podcast and is a key influencer in the health and personal development space.He's a prominent physician in the functional medicine space and is known for his ability to bring people together around ideas that matter. oing all this, he's a chill guy who now lives up in the mountains and values his days on how much time he gets with his family. As a former monk, he strives to bring enlightenment and peace to the orld around him. Website Instagram Interconnected FREE screening event | REGISTER HERE Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube   This episode is sponsored by Professional Co-op®, where clinicians gain exceptional access to industry-leading lab services without the hefty price tag—since 2001, they've been redefining what efficient, patient-focused support looks like. Imagine no hidden fees, no minimums, and only paying for completed tests. Experience lab services that not only meet but also exceed your expectations. Join the co-op trusted by countless licensed clinicians nationwide. Visit www.professionalco-op.com to learn more! This episode is also made possible by Functional Medicine University. FMU is a fully online, self-paced training program in functional medicine, founded in 2006 by Dr. Ron Grisanti. With students in all 50 U.S. states and 68 countries globally, FMU has become a cornerstone in advanced clinical education for healthcare practitioners. The curriculum is led by Dr. Grisanti, alongside contributions from over 70 distinguished medical experts on FMU's advisory board. Graduates earn the prestigious Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP®) credential upon completion. FMU is also a nationally approved provider of continuing education for a wide range of licensed professionals, including MDs, DCs, DOs, NDs, acupuncturists, PAs, NPs, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and dentists. Whether you're looking to expand your clinical knowledge or bring a functional approach to your practice, FMU offers the tools, guidance, and certification to help you thrive. Visit www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com to learn more!

Your burning questions fuel this episode! Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and special guest Christine Benz of Morningstar unpack some of the biggest questions facing investors today—especially those just starting out. We kick things off by diving deep into target date funds. They promise simplicity—but do they deliver long-term results? We explore when they work, when they don't, and what you should consider if they're part of your portfolio. Then Christine shares a graduation-season masterclass in financial advice: How to begin investing, even when you feel behind Why lifestyle creep is the silent killer of wealth The importance of building habits now that will serve you for decades Resources and reading recs that can actually move the needle for new grads (and not-so-new grads) We also answer listener questions on: Whether refinancing your mortgage is still a smart move How global shifts in labor and supply chains may impact your finances And why it's time to give your favorite retirement calculator a second look And somewhere in all this… someone may or may not reveal a dream dinner scenario that involves a pair of country music legends. But, you know, that part probably didn't happen. Probably. Whether you're just graduating, recalibrating, or rethinking your strategy entirely, this episode is your invitation to stack smarter—and have a little fun while you do it. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TCU Child Development Graduates join Dr. Casey Call to talk about their experience in the TCU Child Development Program and what the future holds for them.

What happens to your business after you graduate from Fitness Coach Academy? In a world full of fast wins and false claims, I'm bringing together a group of clients who all graduated FCA and are still operating successful, profitable and predictable businesses. Each graduate has a different story and they all have different visions, but the one commonality: they all wanted to build a business that gave them predictability for their future. –Learn more about Fitness Coach Academy. https://taelerdehaes.com/fitness-coach-academy Join our Fit Pro Business Secrets Made Simple group over on Facebook for exclusive resources, trainings and help as you're growing your online fitness business. https://www.facebook.com/groups/fitprobusinesssecrets/  Follow Taeler on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/taelerfit/

Join us as Pastor Anthony Penick gives a sermon for Southwestern Adventist University's 2025 Graduates.

'Tis graduation season. High School graduates are ready to take on the new adventure of college. I have 4 pieces of advice for Christian students entering the lion's den of college. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show, we take your questions on whether to host a party for a college grad, confusion over a very casual wedding, and etiquette around prescription sunglasses. For community members, your question of the week is about what to do when your mother-in-law invites extra guests to your wedding. Plus, your weekly challenge, an etiquette salute, and a postscript segment on graduation announcements. Join the community, support the show - emilypost.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Tis graduation season. High School graduates are ready to take on the new adventure of college. I have 4 pieces of advice for Christian students entering the lion's den of college. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's about time.