Podcasts about Americans

On episode 430 of Animal Spirits, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michael Batnick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ben Carlson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ discuss Future Proof, 1990s nostalgia, Oasis, why the stock market doesn't care about the labor market, the top 10% is powering the economy, Google vs. ChatGPT, gold vs. AI, IPOs vs. small caps, Americans are richer than you think, a bull market in midwest housing, social media was a mistake, Gen Z wealth inequality and much more. This episode is sponsored by Invesco and YCharts Visit https://www.invesco.com/us/en/solutions/fixed-income/investment-opportunities.html to learn more about their comprehensive fixed income solutions and how they can help strengthen your portfolio's foundation. Get 20% off your initial YCharts Professional subscription when you start your free trial through Animal Spirits (new customers only). Sign up at:⁠ ⁠⁠https://go.ycharts.com/animal-spirits⁠ Sign up for The Compound newsletter and never miss out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecompoundnews.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find complete show notes on our blogs: Ben Carlson's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Wealth of Common Sense⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Michael Batnick's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Irrelevant Investor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Feel free to shoot us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠animalspirits@thecompoundnews.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.   Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ritholtz Wealth Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information. Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this explosive episode, we dive into the rising tide of political violence, media bias, and government corruption threatening our nation. From viral social media posts glorifying attacks on conservative figures like Charlie Kirk to the shocking hypocrisy in how “hate speech” is defined, we unpack the dangers facing Americans who dare to speak freely. We examine real-world consequences, including corporate censorship and societal backlash, and ask the hard questions: who decides what speech is acceptable, and how far will the left go in criminalizing dissent? Our special guest, Dr. Kandiss Taylor, candidate for Georgia's 1st Congressional District, brings her unique perspective as a 22-year educator, counselor, and administrator. Known for her bold campaign slogan, “Jesus, Guns, & Babies,” Dr. Taylor shares her vision for restoring accountability in public office, protecting families, and reforming education and mental health policy. Together, we explore how faith, family, and freedom intersect with public service, and what it takes to stand firm against the rising tide of ideological extremism and government overreach. We're also covering the response of Conservative Media to Charlie's assassination. Milo Yiannopoulos, the provocative British commentator and bestselling author, as he returns to challenge mainstream narratives and defend free speech. From his fearless critiques of political correctness on college campuses to his unflinching takes on media hypocrisy. Ben Shapiro and Megyn Kelly rise to the challenge. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to protecting liberty, exposing corruption, and standing up for truth in a polarized world.  

America's under attack by Jewish subversion, just as Dr. David Duke warned in '78, and it's time to fight back! Dr. Jasi Issa exposes the truth and demands separate, strong nations for our peoples! Peymon Mottahedeh exposes the vile, pedophile-protecting, war-mongering U.S. government's tax scam, siphoning your hard-earned money to fuel their satanic agenda. We're rallying a TAX REVOLUTION to defund this illegitimate beast and reclaim our freedom! Western civilization has been infected by a parasitic invasion of foreign ideals and values that have been introduced into our culture by strange and morally degenerate people whose goal is world domination. We have been OCCUPIED. Watch the film NOW! https://stewpeters.com/occupied/ Locals September Special

Americans don't talk about state attorney generals very much. Technically it's “attorneys general”—like “sisters-in-law” instead of “sister-in-laws”—but don't get hung up on the wording. It's what AGs actually do that matters so much.A state attorney general is basically the top legal expert in their state; they're also known as The People's Lawyers because they fight for us, their constituents, against bad actors who don't have our best interests in mind. That can mean prosecuting companies that are polluting waterways or landlords who are illegally raising rent prices or banks that are selling people's private data. Sometimes state AGs band together on lawsuits, like a recent case against Purdue Pharma for aggressively pushing medications like OxyContin and contributing to the opioid crisis we're facing in this country.Unfortunately, we also have a lot of examples of the harm that a corrupt or extremist attorney general can do. (Ken Paxton, for example) But the good news is, we the people have the power to elect them. In all but seven states (AK, HI, NH, NJ, WY, TN, & ME), voters choose their AG at the ballot box. Most attorneys general are up for election in 2026 or 2028, and in one pivotal state, Virginia, voters will get to elect a new attorney general in just a couple of months.This November, Jay Jones—a lawyer and former member of the Virginia House of Delegates—will square off against the current Virginia Attorney General, Jason Miyares. Miyares is a Republican and a supporter of Donald Trump, campaigning for him and supporting his policies.If you live in Virginia, be sure you come to the polls in November prepared to vote for attorney general. And if you don't live in Virginia, chances are you'll have the chance to vote for your own AG very soon! It's not just about rejecting extremism. It's about choosing a “People's Lawyer” who actually works for the people.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Season Eight! How is it possible you're all still here?! We're so incredibly thrilled to have you all with us for another season. We've got big plans for talking to your favorite people, getting under the hood of your favorite tropes, and filling your TBR pile with your new favorite books. We quickly find ourselves in the deep end, talking about craft, criticism, and romance's place in 2025. But first, we share what we did on our summer vacations. Season Eight. Wowzer. Honestly, we love knowing you're out there. Thank you so much for listening.If you'd like more romance chat in your life, please consider joining our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! There, magnificent firebirds hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com. NotesIf you're a writer looking to learn more about in person events for romance craft, check out Romancing the Craft in Anaheim this fall or Spring Fling which will be hosted by Chicago North Romance Writers in spring of 2026. Australia is not actually a land of criminals, but Tasmania is a dark place…the sky we mean. On the This is Love podcast, there was an episode about it! Check out the Night Sky app, which will help you identify the stars you are seeing in the night sky. Martha's Vineyard is great, actually. But watch out for ticks and sharks. Speaking of Jaws, it's a different vibe without that music and here's more about John Williams and the power of the score.AP isn't doing book reviews anymore, and that means that there will be less book news in papers across America. We talked about the decline of cultural criticism this week. Read more about music criticism and film criticism. This goes hand in hand with news that less Americans are reading for pleasure. Across storytelling mediums, people are noticing a breakdown in the ability to tell a story. Here's a great essay about the difference between premise and narrative in film. Here's a really interesting thread from Blue Sky wondering if

In response to the murder of Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump vows retribution against his political opponents, JD Vance asks Americans to snitch on anyone criticizing Kirk's politics, and Stephen Miller pledges to "disrupt, dismantle, and destroy" left-wing organizations. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy react to these new threats, then break down the latest news about Kirk's killer, Kash Patel's mishandling of the FBI's investigation, and the bleak future of TikTok and of one the legacy media organizations it's supplanting: CBS News. Then, Sen. Chris Murphy joins Lovett to talk about how Democrats should stand up to Trump's impending crackdown on free speech. Get tickets to CROOKED CON November 6-7 in Washington, D.C at http://crookedcon.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight's rundown: Hey BillOReilly.com Premium and Concierge Members, welcome to the No Spin News for Monday, September 15, 2025. Stand Up for Your Country.  Talking Points Memo: Bill says the idea that conservative Americans are just as extreme as progressives is false because the progressive movement has five major networks backing it. The latest information surrounding Charlie Kirk's funeral. Former US Attorney for Utah and CEO of The Tolman Group, Brett Tolman, enters the No Spin Zone to discuss whether Kash Patel and the FBI have done anything wrong in the Kirk investigation. He also breaks down the killer's likely legal journey in Utah. A look at the five NFL teams that did not hold a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk on Sunday. Forensic psychologist Kris Mohandie, Ph.D., ABPP, joins the No Spin News to discuss why people post extreme content on social media following Stephen King's false claims about Charlie Kirk, and what percentage of people are radicalized. Bill urges viewers to write to North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D) to demand the firing of Judge Teresa Stokes following the attack on a Ukrainian refugee by a mentally disturbed criminal. Final Thought: Remembering Charlie Kirk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jubilee Media has figured out a way to make the issues that divide Americans go viral - for better or worse. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Devan Schwartz, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Adriene Lilly and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Vice President JD Vance hosting a podcast episode of The Charlie Kirk Show. Photo by Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Megan Greenwell was 34 she landed a coveted job in journalism as the editor-in-chief of the sports and culture blog, Deadspin. Just over a year later a post about why she was resigning went viral – a private equity firm had bought Deadspin's parent company, and was seeking "a quick cash-out rather than the growth that comes from a well-run business." Her experience led her to spend six years investigating the industry for her book Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream which follows four Americans whose lives were upended by private equity takeovers in retail, healthcare, housing, and media. Death, Sex & Money is now produced by Slate! To support us and our colleagues, please sign up for our membership program, Slate Plus! Members get ad-free podcasts, bonus content on lots of Slate shows, and full access to all the articles on Slate.com. Sign up today at slate.com/dsmplus. And if you're new to the show, welcome. We're so glad you're here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna's newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our new email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lisa breaks down the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about the rise of political violence in America. She’s joined by journalist and author Andy Ngo (Unmasked), who exposes Antifa’s radicalization strategies, the media’s minimization of left-wing extremism, and the ties between Antifa and radical transgender activism. Together, they discuss why accountability for leftist militants remains elusive and why Americans must take the growing threat of left-wing violence seriously. The Truth with Lisa Boothe is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Tuesday & Thursday. Purchase Andy's Book HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's worse than failure? Living a life with no purpose.Most people don't realize they're drifting through life…working jobs they hate, numbing out with distractions, convincing themselves that “this is just how it is.” That's why 75% of Americans say they feel lost, anxious, and unfulfilled.In today's episode of The Bedros Keuilian Show, I'm breaking down why purpose isn't something you “find”… it's something you build. From stacking small daily wins to mastering your craft, I'll show you the exact blueprint to create a life of meaning, impact, and fulfillment.Here's the truth: without purpose, you dig holes in your own life, through bad habits, toxic relationships, or wasted time. But with purpose? You wake up with energy, direction, and the drive to serve at a higher level.You weren't put here to just work, scroll, and survive. You were put here to grow, to create, and to make a difference. Purpose isn't lost…it's waiting for you to develop it.DOMINATION DOWNLOADSTRAIGHT FROM THE DESK OF BEDROS KEUILIANYour weekly no B.S. newsletter to help you dominate in business and in lifehttps://bedroskeuilian.com/MAN UP SCALE BUNDLE: $29 (100% Goes to Charity)Get your Digital Man Up book + Audiobook + 2 Exclusive MASTERCLASSES & Support Shriners Children's Hospital. https://www.manuptribe.com/limited-offerREGISTER FOR THE LEGACY TRIBEGet the Life, Money, Meaning & Impact You Deservehttps://bedroskeuilian.com/legacytribeJOIN MY FREE 6-WEEK CHALLENGE:Transform into a Purpose-Driven Manhttps://bedroskeuilian.com/challengeTHE SQUIRE PROGRAM: A rite of Passage for Your Son as He Becomes a ManA Father and Son Experience That Will Be Remembered FOREVERhttps://squireprogram.com/registerTruLean Supplements | https://www.trulean.com/pages/bedrosGet 50% Off Trulean Subscribe & Save BundleUse Code: BEDROS Few Will Hunt Apparel | https://fewwillhunt.com/Get 20% Off Your Entire OrderUse Code: BEDROSOPEN A FIT BODY LOCATIONA High-Profit, Scalable Gym Franchise Opportunity Driven By Impacthttps://sales.fbbcfranchise.com/get-started?utm_source=bedrosPODCAST EPISODES:https://bedroskeuilian.com/podcast/STAY CONNECTED:Website | https://bedroskeuilian.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bedroskeuilian/LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bedroskeuilianTwitter | https://twitter.com/bedroskeuilian

Story #1: American Bitcoin Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Eric Trump and Executive Chairman and Board Member, Asher Genoot join Will to discuss the launch of American Bitcoin on the NASDAQ. Eric also reflects on his friendship with Charlie Kirk and the threats facing his own family, while Asher explains why Bitcoin is the ultimate store of value and how their company aims to make crypto simple and accessible for everyday Americans. Story #2: Author and Host of "Your Welcome", Michael Malice sits down with Will to examine the deeper crisis in America. From calls for violence to the push for “hate speech” laws, Malice argues we've entered a dangerous phase where debate is collapsing. He explains why some ideas must be retired, why others can't be negotiated in good faith, and why this moment will likely mark a turning point in American history. Story #3: Will closes with a monologue on the limits of free speech, the line between hate speech and incitement, and the role of accountability in culture versus government. He calls out politicians like Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) for dangerous rhetoric, and argues that preserving civilization requires truth, responsibility, and a re-commitment to basic decency. Subscribe to 'Will Cain Country' on YouTube here: ⁠⁠Watch Will Cain Country!⁠⁠ Follow 'Will Cain Country' on X (@willcainshow), Instagram (@willcainshow), TikTok (@willcainshow), and Facebook (@willcainnews) Follow Will on X: ⁠⁠@WillCain (00:00) Intro (06:30) Eric Trump on Charlie Kirk & American Bitcoin (15:00) Asher Genoot Explains American Bitcoin (22:30) Michael Malice Interview (41:00) Will & Malice Explore History & America's Future (58:00) Will's Monologue Calling Out the Left (1:14:00) Closing Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For most of the latter half of the 20th century, the world was frozen in a standoff. The Cold War era was defined by the ideological fissure between capitalism, led by the United States, and communism, espoused by the Soviet Union. But in a new book, Vladislav Zubok challenges much of the accepted wisdom that has shaped popular perspectives about this standoff since 1991. Speaking to Danny Bird, Zubok discusses why Americans were far more ideological than their Soviet contemporaries; why decolonisation and the Global South became the ‘nuclear fuel' that sustained the Cold War; and how the conflict's conclusion in the 1990s continues to reverberate in global affairs to this day. (Ad) Vladislav Zubok is the author of The World of the Cold War: 1945-1991 (Pelican). Buy it now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cold-War-New-History/dp/0241696143/?tag=bbchistory045-21&ascsubtag=historyextra-social-histboty The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Economic Update, Professor Wolff delivers updates on Bernie-endorsed Independent U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner in Maine, the latest Gallup poll showing that 68% Americans are pro-union, more than 97%  of park workers at Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon parks vote to unionize, ICE has so far deported half a million, while DOGE has fired a million federal workers (mostly high-wage) resulting in a significant net job loss nationwide. The second half of the show features an interview with Trent Lange, leader of the California movement to get money out of politics.   The d@w Team Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff is a DemocracyatWork.info Inc. production. We make it a point to provide the show free of ads and rely on viewer support to continue doing so.  You can support our work by joining our Patreon community:  https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwork Or you can go to our website: https://www.democracyatwork.info/donate     Every donation counts and helps us provide a larger audience with the information they need to better understand the events around the world they can't get anywhere else.  We want to thank our devoted community of supporters who help make this show and others we produce possible each week. We kindly ask you to also support the work we do by encouraging others to subscribe to our YouTube channel and website: www.democracyatwork.info

This week on the pod, Zarna Garg joins Seth and Josh! She has them laughing the whole way through, telling them all about how she grew up in Mumbai, Chuck-E-Cheese outings in Ohio, food being a huge part of the culture in India, 3 hour breakfasts, the comedy in how Americans view weather, the impact of the TV show Three's Company, her family podcast, and so much more! Plus, she chats about her Hulu special, Practical People Win, out now! Support our sponsors: Mint Mobile Quit stalling and start saving when you make the switch. Shop plans at MINTMOBILE.com/TRIPS. Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo.). Limited time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details. Delete Me Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/trips and use promo code TRIPS at checkout. Fabric Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at meetfabric.com/trips. Policies issued by Western-Southern Life Assurance Company. Not available in certain states. Prices subject to underwriting and health questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America's White population is under attack, with Iryna Zarutska's brutal murder on a Charlotte train by DeCarlos Brown Jr. Zeb Boykin exposed the anti-White hate crime crisis. The system protects these criminals while our people live in fear, and we're here to demand justice! Five days after Charlie Kirk's on-camera assassination at Utah Valley University, the government's lone wolf story about shooter Tyler Robinson stinks of a deep state cover-up. Ryan Matta exposes hidden rooftops, missing surveillance footage, and silenced witnesses, demanding the truth behind this MKUltra-style hit. America's health is under attack, with obesity and chronic diseases fueled by toxic food, air, and water. Energize Health's cellular hydration program fights back, restoring vitality and freeing you from Big Pharma's grip. Western civilization has been infected by a parasitic invasion of foreign ideals and values that have been introduced into our culture by strange and morally degenerate people whose goal is world domination. We have been OCCUPIED. Watch the film NOW! https://stewpeters.com/occupied/ Locals September Special

When Megan Greenwell was 34 she landed a coveted job in journalism as the editor-in-chief of the sports and culture blog, Deadspin. Just over a year later a post about why she was resigning went viral – a private equity firm had bought Deadspin's parent company, and was seeking "a quick cash-out rather than the growth that comes from a well-run business." Her experience led her to spend six years investigating the industry for her book Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream which follows four Americans whose lives were upended by private equity takeovers in retail, healthcare, housing, and media. Death, Sex & Money is now produced by Slate! To support us and our colleagues, please sign up for our membership program, Slate Plus! Members get ad-free podcasts, bonus content on lots of Slate shows, and full access to all the articles on Slate.com. Sign up today at slate.com/dsmplus. And if you're new to the show, welcome. We're so glad you're here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna's newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our new email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wylie McGraw is a 3-tour combat veteran, former star athlete, and competitive bull rider. At 45, Wylie McGraw is the oldest combat veteran in decades to re-enlist for active duty—but for him, this isn’t just about helping to fix a broken military. A devout Catholic, he felt a spiritual calling to serve again, believing God and patriotism left him no choice. After a 16-year career advising/optimizing the lives of Fortune 500 CEOs, pro athletes, and billionaires, Wylie answered the call of duty once again — returning to service as one of the rare few accepted into Special Operations Psychological Warfare. Despite a ruptured ACL he regrew without surgery and 21 years out of uniform, he’s gearing up for his third round of bootcamp, because he believes the US needs a stronger military now. He believes the military is at its weakest point in modern history — plagued by “wokeism,” a leadership vacuum, and a recruitment crisis where 77% of young Americans are unfit to serve. Integrity is gone, lethality has declined, and legacy military families are telling their kids to stay out. Wylie’s mission? Restore core values, mentor future-ready soldiers, and help America face near-peer threats like China and Russia. His views align with veterans like Pete Hegseth, now leading the Pentagon — he sees this as the moment to help course-correct. Having helped over 100 combat vets rebuild their lives, Wylie understands what it takes to face and overcome personal battles. He believes much of today’s cultural decline stems from people avoiding those inner struggles, creating a void now filled by ideologies that prize comfort over strength that are weakening the nation from within.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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***JOIN THE NEXT MASTER YOUR FASTING CHALLENGE THAT STARTS October 1st, 2025!*** We'll GUIDE you on how to FAST to LOSE FAT for good, and use ‘fast cycling' to achieve uncommon results! ⁠REGISTER HERE!⁠ Click the link for DATES, DETAILS, and FAQs! This episode examines a critical 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 966 type 2 diabetic participants, revealing a sobering truth about intermittent fasting: while it produces remarkable short-term benefits, these gains completely disappear after discontinuation. Dr. Scott and Tommy analyze how various fasting protocols (time-restricted eating, fast-mimicking diets, periodic fasting) significantly reduced A1C levels, fasting blood glucose, and body weight in under three months - but all parameters returned to pre-intervention levels within three months of stopping. This research powerfully illustrates why fasting must be approached as a permanent lifestyle change rather than a temporary diet solution. The hosts address the staggering diabetes epidemic: 38 million diagnosed Americans, 9 million undiagnosed, and 98 million with prediabetes - totaling 145 million Americans on the diabetes spectrum. Learn why the "rebound effect" occurs when fasting habits aren't sustained, and discover practical strategies for long-term adherence through personal anecdotes about adapting fasting to real-life situations like family dinners and social pressures. The episode introduces the concept of "momentary maintenance" - deliberate pauses in fat loss to build confidence in weight control rather than viewing plateaus as failures. This research validates that consistency trumps perfection, emphasizing that intermittent fasting works brilliantly when maintained but requires the same ongoing commitment as any other health practice to preserve its metabolic benefits. ⁠⁠⁠Take the NEW FASTING PERSONA QUIZ! - The Key to Unlocking Sustainable Weight Loss With Fasting!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Downloads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR THE DROP OF THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GRAB THE OPTIMAL RANGES FOR LAB WORK HERE! - NEW RESOURCE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE RESOURCE - DOWNLOAD THE NEW BLUEPRINT TO FASTING FOR FAT LOSS!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SLEEP GUIDE DIRECT DOWNLOAD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DOWNLOAD THE FASTING TRANSFORMATION JOURNAL HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner Links: Get your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FREE BOX OF LMNT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ hydration support for the perfect electrolyte balance for your fasting lifestyle with your first purchase⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠25% off a Keto-Mojo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ blood glucose and ketone monitor (discount shown at checkout)! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Community: Let's continue the conversation. Click the link below to JOIN the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fasting For Life Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a group of like-minded, new, and experienced fasters! The first two rules of fasting need not apply! If you enjoy the podcast, please tap the stars below and consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it helps bring you the best original content each week. We also enjoy reading them! Article Links:⁠ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531725000600?via%3Dihub

Last week, the country was shaken to its core by the assassination of Christian husband, father, and patriot Charlie Kirk, one of the most prominent voices in the conservative movement, particularly among young Americans. His death has left countless Americans experiencing combinations of sorrow, fear, and anger. How should we as conservatives respond to this tragic and politically motivated attack, and what role should policy play in our response? President of The Heritage Foundation, Dr. Kevin Roberts, joins this episode of the Heritage Explains podcast to discuss.

Lee Camp covers the 142 countries that voted to create a Palestinian state. Plus, more Americans say they're not doing the job they want AND Fox News says homeless people should be executed. All that and a lot more!Unredacted Tonight has joined the first ever worker-owned anti-capitalist streaming platform - MeansTV! Support my show AND get tons of awesome content by going to means dot tv and using promo code "LEE". You'll get 20% off and a free trial week.My comedy news show Unredacted Tonight airs every Thursday at 7pm ET/ 4pm PT. My livestreams are on Mon and Fri at 3pm ET/ Noon PT and Wednesday at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. I am one of the most censored comedians in America. Thanks for the support!

The assassination of Charlie Kirk and other recent incidents of political violence have instilled fear in many members of Congress. Those who worry they could be the next targets are requesting increased security and canceling public events. Tennessee Republican Congressmen Tim Burchett joins the Rundown to discuss his concerns about personal safety and what leadership can do to help protect Congressional members, their staff, and their families. The suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk is heading to court today. While many Americans mourn his death, some individuals are celebrating it on social media. Numerous posts have been flagged and circulated, leading to some of the authors losing their jobs. George Washington University professor and FOX News contributor Jonathan Turley joins the Rundown to discuss the fallout and what it reveals about free speech in today's political climate. Plus,  commentary from FOX News contributor Joe Concha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Megan Greenwell was 34 she landed a coveted job in journalism as the editor-in-chief of the sports and culture blog, Deadspin. Just over a year later a post about why she was resigning went viral – a private equity firm had bought Deadspin's parent company, and was seeking "a quick cash-out rather than the growth that comes from a well-run business." Her experience led her to spend six years investigating the industry for her book Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream which follows four Americans whose lives were upended by private equity takeovers in retail, healthcare, housing, and media. Death, Sex & Money is now produced by Slate! To support us and our colleagues, please sign up for our membership program, Slate Plus! Members get ad-free podcasts, bonus content on lots of Slate shows, and full access to all the articles on Slate.com. Sign up today at slate.com/dsmplus. And if you're new to the show, welcome. We're so glad you're here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna's newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our new email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hidden Lightness with Jimmy Hinton – What makes this moment so powerful is not just what leaders are saying, but what ordinary Americans are doing. When people online glorified violence, strangers stepped up to report them. When employers discovered hateful rhetoric tied to their staff, they acted immediately. This isn't censorship—it's accountability. The fabric of our society depends on people taking...

Former FBI agent and Yale University lecturer Asha Rangappa talks about Kash Patel's leadership of the FBI, after criticism grows over Patel's handling of the investigation into who killed conservative Charlie Kirk. Then, in the wake of Kirk's death, some Americans have lost their jobs for their social media posts about the killing. We hear more from Will Creeley, legal director of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. And, actor Robert Redford has died at 89. Here & Now's Robin Young shares a portion of her interview with Redford from 2015. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week two races happen in the Provence of Quebec, some Americans do quite and some French guy wins. Plus, the Vuelta is done a little early and Matt sees a big car. This podcast is also supported by the generous and amazing donors to the Wide Angle Podium Network, and buy Hammerhead cycling! Visit hammerhead.io to check out the Karoo cycling computer, and use code SLOWRIDE at checkout to get a Heart Rate strap for free! Find us, and other fantastic cycling podcasts on the Wide Angle Podium Network, at wideanglepodium.com! Check out the brand new WAP app available in the Apple and Android app stores! You can email us at theslowridepodcast@gmail.com

FBI Behavior Expert Robin Dreeke On Radicalization in Real Time: How Online Echo Chambers Fueled the Charlie Kirk Assassin How does a 22-year-old go from honor student to accused assassin? In this powerful discussion on Hidden Killers Live, Tony Brueski, Stacy Cole, Todd Michaels, and Robin Dreeke explore how online radicalization happens in real time. Dreeke explains how social media algorithms feed vulnerable young people a steady diet of fear, negativity, and outrage — creating echo chambers where violence is normalized. The conversation explores how platforms like Discord and online gaming chats become breeding grounds for extremist thinking, not through shadowy “radicalizers,” but through peer-to-peer validation. The suspect wasn't groomed in a cave halfway around the world — he was groomed in his own living room. The team also examines foreign interference. Drawing on his counterintelligence career, Dreeke explains “active measures” — how Russia and other foreign powers exploit America's freedoms to sow distrust, disinformation, and division. From bots to anonymous accounts, much of the online noise after the assassination attempt appears designed to pit Americans against each other. Stacy raises a critical point: are today's young people living in a constant trauma response, marinated in fear from birth, without tools to manage it? Robin agrees, pointing out how chronic fear escalates into anger, rage, and ultimately violence when curiosity and constructive outlets are missing. This segment reveals how radicalization isn't abstract anymore — it's woven into the everyday online world. And without intervention, more young people may follow the same dangerous path. #CharlieKirk #AssassinationAttempt #HiddenKillers #Radicalization #RobinDreeke #SocialMediaEchoChamber #FBI #Counterintelligence #TrueCrime #ForeignInfluence Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

My life goals have never included making a lot of money… and I've certainly succeeded in that regard.Yet, I do consider myself rich. Not like the Wall Street “richie-rich,” but in the modest sense of middle-class well-being – basically, enough to make ends meet. It's not my good looks that puts me in this lucky zone, but one particular public asset that has long been serving the common good for decades, lifting millions of workaday Americans to some decent level of shared prosperity: Social Security.Plutocratic elites and their political puppets constantly wail that it's a socialist scam, a wasteful giveaway to old people. But regular folks know that's hokum, since nearly all of us pay into the plan every month of our working lives. In short, it's our money!Moreover, each of our Social Security accounts steadily build up. So, consider this: The most valuable financial asset for 9 out of 10 American families, is not their houses or Aunt Tillie's will – but their Social Security holdings. Even for rock-solid, middle-class families, Social Security provides for about a third of their total lifetime wealth.This is Jim Hightower saying… When right-wingers screech that “fiscal prudence” demands they slash the program's benefits, that's bank-robber code for looting wealth you've banked for years in this People's retirement system. Plus, there is absolutely no excuse for such thievery, since an honest, fair, and simple adjustment would keep the program fully funded in perpetuity: Rather than letting gabillionaires like Elon Musk put practically none of their massive incomes into this egalitarian effort to provide a decent retirement for all, make them pay Social Security taxes exactly like regular workers do.Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

FBI Behavior Expert Robin Dreeke On Radicalization in Real Time: How Online Echo Chambers Fueled the Charlie Kirk Assassin How does a 22-year-old go from honor student to accused assassin? In this powerful discussion on Hidden Killers Live, Tony Brueski, Stacy Cole, Todd Michaels, and Robin Dreeke explore how online radicalization happens in real time. Dreeke explains how social media algorithms feed vulnerable young people a steady diet of fear, negativity, and outrage — creating echo chambers where violence is normalized. The conversation explores how platforms like Discord and online gaming chats become breeding grounds for extremist thinking, not through shadowy “radicalizers,” but through peer-to-peer validation. The suspect wasn't groomed in a cave halfway around the world — he was groomed in his own living room. The team also examines foreign interference. Drawing on his counterintelligence career, Dreeke explains “active measures” — how Russia and other foreign powers exploit America's freedoms to sow distrust, disinformation, and division. From bots to anonymous accounts, much of the online noise after the assassination attempt appears designed to pit Americans against each other. Stacy raises a critical point: are today's young people living in a constant trauma response, marinated in fear from birth, without tools to manage it? Robin agrees, pointing out how chronic fear escalates into anger, rage, and ultimately violence when curiosity and constructive outlets are missing. This segment reveals how radicalization isn't abstract anymore — it's woven into the everyday online world. And without intervention, more young people may follow the same dangerous path. #CharlieKirk #AssassinationAttempt #HiddenKillers #Radicalization #RobinDreeke #SocialMediaEchoChamber #FBI #Counterintelligence #TrueCrime #ForeignInfluence Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

In this powerful episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Hall of Fame speaker, podcast host, and author Bill Cates to uncover how your mindset can either rob you of success or unlock lasting wealth. Bill takes us behind the scenes of his new book, The Hidden Heist, a parable filled with suspense, humor, and unforgettable lessons about money. Together, Gerald and Bill explore why beliefs are the foundation of every decision you make, how to maintain composure and clarity when life gets stressful, and why mastering your inner dialogue is the secret to real productivity. You'll also learn how compounding interest can change your future, why many people sabotage their own financial potential, and how finding the right financial advisor can protect and grow your wealth. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but still falling short, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach, rewrite your limiting stories, and start building a life of abundance and purpose. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction to Bill Cates [05:00] Hidden Heist: concept, plot, structure and lessons [12:49] Character spotlight: Elden, handling pressure and decision-making [14:55] Identifying and replacing unproductive money beliefs in daily life and work [22:02] Beliefs as the foundation for problem-solving [23:39] Aligning yourself with a trusted financial professional [25:54] Bill's financial habits and mindset shifts that boosted his productivity [28:09] Where to find The Hidden Heist and connect with Bill Cates Notable Quotes [05:27] “When someone says they sold a business, maybe they made money, maybe they didn't. I experienced both.” – Bill Cates [13:22] “Composure comes from clarity. Composure comes from clarity of purpose. It comes from mastering your inner dialogue, what you're saying to yourself.” – Bill Cates [14:03] “Wisdom is knowledge that is kilned in the fire of experience.” – Bill Cates [15:15] “Every human has stuff around money. I have met wealthy individuals that have fear around money when you don't think they should.” – Bill Cates [17:17] “Most Americans couldn't handle an 800 car repair bill without selling something or borrowing money. What's wrong with that picture?” – Bill Cates [20:06] “Some are, most aren't. So whenever we think about generalizations like rich people are greedy... there's usually these stereotypes and these generalizations.” – Bill Cates [22:40] “If we believe it's not fixable, then it's not fixable. If we're in a marriage and we believe the marriage isn't fixable, then it's not fixable.” – Bill Cates [26:11] “Those who understand it earn it, those who don't pay it.” – Bill Cates[26:51] “Some of my self worth was tied up in money. And so, you know, I bought a Lexus when I could have bought a Toyota.” – Bill Cates Resources Bill Cates Website - https://referralcoach.com/the-hidden-heist/ LinkedIn: Bill Cates Book: The Hidden Heist Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola dive into a packed week of American soccer storylines. With the UEFA Champions League underway, can midfielders like Weston McKennie, Johnny Cardoso, and Yunus Musah turn strong club form into a USMNT recall (07:35)? Ricardo Pepi scored a brace in his first Eredivisie start of the season - is it time he leapfrogs Folarin Balogun as the U.S.'s number nine, or should Mauricio Pochettino experiment with two strikers (23:37)? The guys also spotlight their must-watch UCL matchups (41:25), break down the U.S. Open Cup semifinals as four teams chase their first-ever trophy (46:55), and assess Gio Reyna's start at Borussia Mönchengladbach (57:08). Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Follow the Call It What You Want team on X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JimmyConrad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @CharlieDavies9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TMeola1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betting arena on CBSSports.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for all the latest in ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sportsbook reviews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sportsbook promos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betting on soccer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also watch Call It What You Want on the CBS Sports Golazo Network for free on connected TVs and mobile devices through the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CBSSports.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as well as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, EFL, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, Brasileiro, Argentine Primera División, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up to the Golazo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, your ultimate guide to the Beautiful Game as our experts take you beyond the pitch and around the globe with news that matters. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Megan Greenwell was 34 she landed a coveted job in journalism as the editor-in-chief of the sports and culture blog, Deadspin. Just over a year later a post about why she was resigning went viral – a private equity firm had bought Deadspin's parent company, and was seeking "a quick cash-out rather than the growth that comes from a well-run business." Her experience led her to spend six years investigating the industry for her book Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream which follows four Americans whose lives were upended by private equity takeovers in retail, healthcare, housing, and media. Death, Sex & Money is now produced by Slate! To support us and our colleagues, please sign up for our membership program, Slate Plus! Members get ad-free podcasts, bonus content on lots of Slate shows, and full access to all the articles on Slate.com. Sign up today at slate.com/dsmplus. And if you're new to the show, welcome. We're so glad you're here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna's newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our new email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode exposes the shocking rise of political violence targeting ICE agents, including documented attacks and assassinations by Antifa militants. We examine how mainstream media coverage often buries these stories, leaving Americans unaware of the danger faced by federal law enforcement. We also tackle controversial political narratives, separating fact from fiction, including claims about policing origins and the misrepresentation of ICE agents as “slave patrols.” Beyond the attacks on law enforcement, we dive into a horrifying crisis: tens of thousands of migrant children lost under the Biden administration, many subjected to sex trafficking and death, according to international reporting. From Antifa's lethal campaigns to the systemic failures endangering vulnerable children, this episode sheds light on the violence, deception, and bureaucratic negligence that few are talking about — and what it means for the safety of America.

Ruby Ridge, in the summer of 1992, a remote mountaintop in northern Idaho became the battleground for one of the most explosive standoffs in American history.This week, we take you deep into the story of Ruby Ridge — a case of government overreach, deadly miscommunication, and ideological extremism that changed the way Americans viewed law enforcement forever. It started with a man named Randy Weaver — a former Green Beret wannabe, white separatist, and survivalist who moved his family off-grid to escape what he believed was a collapsing society. But when he refused to become a federal informant, the ATF set a trap: two illegally sawed-off shotguns would snowball into an arrest warrant, a missed court date, and an 11-day siege that left a 14-year-old boy, his mother, and a U.S. Marshal dead.We walk you through the moment-by-moment timeline: the surveillance missions, the fatal gunfight at “the Y,” the controversial FBI sniper rules of engagement, and the second shot that would shatter America's faith in its own government — killing Vicki Weaver as she held her baby in her arms. We explore how the cabin became a fortress of grief and resolve, how negotiators like Bo Gritz broke through the silence, and how the aftermath shook Washington to its core.But Ruby Ridge didn't just end in 1992. It became fuel for the militia movement, a martyr tale for the far-right, and a conspiracy flashpoint that still echoes today. What really happened on that ridge? Who fired first? And why did the federal government quietly settle for millions afterward?Join us as we untangle the real story of Ruby Ridge — a tragedy that lives on in court records, extremist manifestos, and a deeply divided American memory.www.patreon.com/theconspiracypodcast

Charlie Kirk and the concealed legacy of American Nazi George Lincoln Rockwell / Trump signs declaration making Memphis, Tennessee next target for military, federal police occupation / As over 1 million Americans are infected with COVID daily, Trump administration plans further cutoff of vaccines

A late night knock. A false report. An arrest that should never have happened. And a landmark case that would change the lives for millions of queer Americans. What began as a humiliating raid in a small Houston apartment would ignite a legal battle that reshaped queer life in America. In 1998, John Geddes Lawrence and Tyron Garner were dragged from Lawrence's home and charged under a Texas law that criminalized their very existence. They were not activists. They were not politicians. They were ordinary men caught in an extraordinary injustice that exposed how fragile freedom could be when queerness was treated as a crime.This case, Lawrence v. Texas, became a turning point in LGBTQ+ history. It struck at the heart of sodomy laws still on the books in more than a dozen states. In this episode, we trace the humiliating arrest, the years of legal battles, and the cultural shockwaves that followed. The story reveals how one case helped dismantle centuries of stigma and changed the landscape for queer rights in the United States. This is queer history, true crime, and justice colliding in one of the most important cases in American law.Hosted by Jordi and Brad, Beers With Queers brings chilling crimes, queer stories, and twisted justice to light all with a cold one in hand.Press play, grab a drink, and join us as we uncover the darkest corners of LGBTQ+ history.

In this unguarded episode of Citizen McCain, Meghan and Miranda process the assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it means for the country and the culture. They're joined by U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard for a candid conversation about grief, faith, and why choosing strength and love over hate is not weakness but resolve. Journalist Salena Zito adds on-the-ground perspective about media blind spots, public safety, and how leaders, and everyday Americans, should think about security without surrendering open debate. Listener call-ins push the discussion further: mental health and accountability, the future of campus events and “open-air” conversations, and how to keep civic dialogue accessible and safe. It's a heavy episode... honest, questioning, and determined to find a way forward. Note: This episode contains discussion of political violence and may be difficult for some listeners.

WMAL GUEST: JUSTIN KEENER (President, Americans for Public Safety) WEBSITE: A4PublicSafety.com SOCIAL MEDIA: X.com/A4PublicSafety Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 8 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: WMAL GUEST: BILL O'REILLY (Legendary Broadcaster & Bestselling Author) on His New Book, Confronting Evil VIDEO: Leftists 'Chalk' Hateful Messages Outside Stephen Miller's Home FLASHBACK: J.D. Vance’s D.C. Suburb Is Only ‘Hate-Free’ If You Agree With Democrat Authoritarians WMAL GUEST: JUSTIN KEENER (President, Americans for Public Safety) on Trump's Efforts to Combat Crime NBC NEWS: Robert Redford, Magnetic Hollywood Icon and Sundance Founder, Dies at 89 Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 70 million Americans have incarceration records that make finding work after serving time extremely difficult. In today's tight labor market, overlooking this vital talent pool could be a costly mistake.   Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.) — now director of the Los Angeles County Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department — explains how HR teams can embrace second-chance hiring for these individuals. Learn how to recognize the skills justice-involved candidates bring, navigate fair and comprehensive background checks, and reimagine recruitment and retention practices to match these often-neglected workers to the right roles at your organization.   

We're digging into the latest updates in the Charlie Kirk shooting case. New evidence shows the shooter's roommate, who happens to be transgender, has been overwhelmingly cooperative and helpful to police. But predictably, MAGA is already weaponizing this fact to fuel even more anti-trans hate. This moment is dark and deeply troubling, not just for the trans community but for all Americans who care about safety, truth, and equality. Don will break down what this means, the dangerous narrative being pushed, and why we can't look away. Joining us tonight to break it all down is friend of the show, Reecie Colbert. This episode is brought to you by ZBiotics. Go to https://zbiotics.com/LEMON and use LEMON at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. This episode is sponsored by Mint Mobile. Quit stalling and start saving when you make the switch. Shop plans at https://MINTMOBILE.com/DONLEMON. Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo.). Limited time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details. This episode is sponsored by MSI Choices. Go to https://msiunitedstates.org or text “lemon” to five eleven five eleven. Text “lemon” to 511511 and see all the Wonderful services they provide. Text Fees May Apply. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Not all fish are the same! Get seafood you can trust. Go to https://wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is sponsored by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://shopify.com/lemon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Latinos are no longer an “up-and-coming” community. The numbers tell a different story. By 2050, one in three Americans will be Latino. Today, 78% of new workers entering the labor force are Hispanic, and Latino-owned businesses are growing 10 times faster than white-owned businesses. Bilingualism has become a cultural and business superpower, and the contributions of our community are fueling the economy, culture, and future of the United States. Yet, even with this undeniable growth, representation and opportunity do not always reflect our impact.In this episode of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, we welcome back our amigas Marisela Arechiga and Lizette Espinoza. Together, we have an honest conversation about what the data means for our future, how to raise bicultural families while honoring immigrant legacies, and why mindset shifts are critical if Latinas want to move from consumers to investors, from employees to entrepreneurs, and from overlooked voices to decision-makers.Tune in to episode 248 to hear us unpack Hollywood's gatekeeping and the lack of Latino-led stories, the challenges of raising kids in a consumer-driven, social media-saturated culture, and why education and parenting must push the next generation to think beyond worker-bee mindsets. We also discuss how community, mentorship, and financial literacy can break cycles of fear and scarcity, helping Latinas step fully into their power as leaders, wealth-builders, and cultural changemakers. If you are ready for real talk on how Latinas are shaping America now and what it takes to ensure our future, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and motivated to act.Episode TakeawaysWhy speaking Spanish at home is both a cultural connection and a business superpower (03:50)The data: Hispanics are projected to account for 78% of net new workers between 2020 and 2030 (07:00)Why Hollywood resists Latino-led stories and Marisela's HGTV pitch experience (12:10)The role of decision-makers and gatekeeping in representation (14:00)Why thinking like an employee keeps you stuck as an employee (22:00)The pressure of social media on today's Latino youth (24:00)“You're working hard at playing small”: shifting from consumerism to investment (28:20)Why masterminds, mentorship, and community are key to breaking fear around money (35:30)Connect with Marisela Arechiga:InstagramNew Generation Home Improvements WebsiteNew Generation Home Improvements InstagramConnect with Lizette Espinosa:InstagramLinkedInInfanttech's WebsiteLet's Connect!WebsiteFacebookInstagramArbonne's websiteBook: The AMIGA Way Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FBI Behavior Expert Robin Dreeke On Radicalization in Real Time: How Online Echo Chambers Fueled the Charlie Kirk Assassin How does a 22-year-old go from honor student to accused assassin? In this powerful discussion on Hidden Killers Live, Tony Brueski, Stacy Cole, Todd Michaels, and Robin Dreeke explore how online radicalization happens in real time. Dreeke explains how social media algorithms feed vulnerable young people a steady diet of fear, negativity, and outrage — creating echo chambers where violence is normalized. The conversation explores how platforms like Discord and online gaming chats become breeding grounds for extremist thinking, not through shadowy “radicalizers,” but through peer-to-peer validation. The suspect wasn't groomed in a cave halfway around the world — he was groomed in his own living room. The team also examines foreign interference. Drawing on his counterintelligence career, Dreeke explains “active measures” — how Russia and other foreign powers exploit America's freedoms to sow distrust, disinformation, and division. From bots to anonymous accounts, much of the online noise after the assassination attempt appears designed to pit Americans against each other. Stacy raises a critical point: are today's young people living in a constant trauma response, marinated in fear from birth, without tools to manage it? Robin agrees, pointing out how chronic fear escalates into anger, rage, and ultimately violence when curiosity and constructive outlets are missing. This segment reveals how radicalization isn't abstract anymore — it's woven into the everyday online world. And without intervention, more young people may follow the same dangerous path. #CharlieKirk #AssassinationAttempt #HiddenKillers #Radicalization #RobinDreeke #SocialMediaEchoChamber #FBI #Counterintelligence #TrueCrime #ForeignInfluence Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Top Stories for September 16th Publish Date: September 16th PRE-ROLL: From The BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, September 16th and Happy Birthday to B.B. King I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia Jam Across Georgia to host health fair in Norcross Braselton Library hosting book sale Tax litigation firm Wiggam Law opens new office in Gwinnett All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Break 1: Kia MOG STORY 1: Jam Across Georgia to host health fair in Norcross Jam Across Georgia is bringing the energy this October with “Fall Into Fitness,” a free community event focused on health, movement, and connection. Happening Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lucky Shoals Recreation Center in Norcross, the event promises something for everyone—free health screenings (thanks, Gwinnett Health Department), Red Cross demos, wellness vendors, and live DJs to keep the vibe upbeat. Feeling extra motivated? Join the $25 dance fitness session featuring Zumba, Hip Hop, Caribbean Dance, and Afrobeats. Register at jamacrossgeorgia.org or call 404-654-3589. STORY 2: Braselton Library hosting book sale Love books? The Friends of the Braselton-West Jackson Library are hosting their massive book sale Sept. 18-20, and it’s a treasure hunt for readers. Swing by the Braselton Police and Municipal Court building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 18th and 19th, or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 20th. Here’s the deal: fill a bag of books for $8 or a box of books for $14—bags and boxes provided. Cash, cards, and checks are all good. Proceeds go straight to supporting the library’s programs and collections. Oh, and parking? Free at the Braselton deck. Don’t miss it! STORY 3: Tax litigation firm Wiggam Law opens new office in Gwinnett Wiggam Law, a firm known for tackling tough federal and state tax cases, has set up shop in Gwinnett County. Their new office, at 3790 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 101 in Peachtree Corners, marks a big step outside of downtown Atlanta. Why the move? To work more closely with Gwinnett clients and stay ahead of shifting tax enforcement trends. The firm handles everything from IRS collections to audit defense, penalty abatement, and even innocent spouse relief—helping taxpayers face the messiest situations with confidence. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: GWINNET FAIR STORY 4: EXPLORING GWINNETT'S HISTORY: Gwinnett County Veterans Memorial Museum preparing for 20th anniversary Did you know Gwinnett has its own veterans museum? Tucked inside the first floor of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville, the Gwinnett County Veterans Memorial Museum (GCVMM) is a hidden gem. It’s free, volunteer-run, and packed with over 4,000 artifacts honoring those who’ve served since 1776. The museum’s story is as rich as its collection. It started in 1989 as a small military display, born from a mission to preserve the courthouse and the graves of eight soldiers from the Creek Indian War. After years of effort, it officially opened on Veterans Day 2005. Now, 20 years later, GCVMM is celebrating its anniversary on Nov. 11 from 3–6 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse. Expect patriotic demos, speakers, and tours. It’s free, it’s meaningful, and it’s a chance to honor history. See you there! STORY 5: From Ada Twist to Rosie Revere: New hands-on exhibit inspires young problem-solvers at Children's Museum of Atlanta Things are about to get very curious at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Starting Sept. 20, they’re unveiling a new traveling exhibit: “The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY!”—a hands-on, life-sized dive into Andrea Beaty and David Roberts’ beloved book series. Kids (and let’s be honest, probably some adults too) can step into Miss Lila Greer’s classroom and join Ada Twist, Scientist; Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; Sofia Valdez, Future Prez; and Aaron Slater, Illustrator. Build bridges with Iggy, fly Rosie’s Cheese Copter, or dream big in Ada’s thinking chair. It’s all about curiosity, creativity, and, yes, a little failure along the way. Running through Jan. 4, 2026, this bilingual exhibit (English and Spanish) is packed with STEM, art, and civic lessons—plus a whole lot of fun. Find it at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW. More info? Head to childrensmuseumatlanta.org. STORY 6: 4-H Farm Friends — A Gwinnett County Fair tradition for more than 3 decades Logan, a sixth-grader with a heart for animals, has always been drawn to anything with fur, feathers, or scales. At his first 4-H event, he spent the day doting on baby ducklings, goats, and sheep—each lovingly named, of course. This year, 4-H Farm Friends is back at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, running through Sept. 21. For just $1, visitors can cuddle baby chicks, meet cows like Moolan and Ellie May (who turns five on Monday!), and even hang out with goats—new this year. For Logan and his mom, Misty, 4-H is more than animals—it’s community. Pam Bloch, a 4-H leader for 17 years, says the program is about more than cute animals. “We’re teaching kids where their food, clothes, and milk come from,” she said. “It’s hands-on learning they don’t always get in urban areas.” And for Logan? It’s pure joy. STORY 7: Police arrest suspect in North Gwinnett Co-Op burglary A Clarkston man, already serving time in a work-release program for burglary convictions, is now facing fresh charges tied to last month’s break-in at the North Gwinnett Co-Op’s Second Blessings Thrift Store in Buford. Lavan Hickman, 38, was charged with burglary and second-degree criminal damage to property after investigators determined he left the Gwinnett County Correctional Institute on work release before committing the Aug. 19 crime. Surveillance footage showed someone smashing a window with a rock to enter the store, causing over $10,000 in damages. Stolen items included a cash box, money bags, and a Sony camera. Kim Phillips, the co-op’s executive director, expressed heartbreak but also compassion. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break 4: Ingles Markets Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com  www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Megan Greenwell was 34 she landed a coveted job in journalism as the editor-in-chief of the sports and culture blog, Deadspin. Just over a year later a post about why she was resigning went viral – a private equity firm had bought Deadspin's parent company, and was seeking "a quick cash-out rather than the growth that comes from a well-run business." Her experience led her to spend six years investigating the industry for her book Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream which follows four Americans whose lives were upended by private equity takeovers in retail, healthcare, housing, and media. Death, Sex & Money is now produced by Slate! To support us and our colleagues, please sign up for our membership program, Slate Plus! Members get ad-free podcasts, bonus content on lots of Slate shows, and full access to all the articles on Slate.com. Sign up today at slate.com/dsmplus. And if you're new to the show, welcome. We're so glad you're here. Find us and follow us on Instagram and you can find Anna's newsletter at annasale.substack.com. Our new email address, where you can reach us with voice memos, pep talks, questions, critiques, is deathsexmoney@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Herold delivers a shorter, pre-recorded episode while traveling, focusing on what he sees as a dangerous psyop unfolding after Charlie Kirk's assassination. He warns that many on the right are abandoning principle for emotion, embracing cancel culture tactics once decried as corrosive. Drawing on clips from Pam Bondi and Matt Walsh, Jon highlights the hypocrisy of calling for hate speech crackdowns and firings while simultaneously claiming to defend free expression. He argues that labeling ugly speech as “incitement” mirrors the very tactics used against Trump after January 6 and risks eroding First Amendment protections for all. Alongside this cultural critique, Jon touches on fundraising efforts by TPUSA, questions around Tyler Robinson's Discord “confession,” and Trump's remarks on Antifa and TikTok negotiations. The episode is a call for discernment, reminding listeners that the true enemy is the entrenched establishment and psyops designed to divide, not ordinary Americans on the other side of the aisle.

Five days ago, Charlie Kirk was shot. Some Americans are very sad over this. Some Americans are happy. In today's English lesson, we look to see if the U.S. is closer to war with itself over the assassination. Want more ENGLISH: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribe✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use Code SUMMER10 for 10% off your conversationLink to the Newscast: https://youtu.be/3VuM7UKtWbo?si=ozim1msHKh9IDzJpPored Over – looked at something very carefully. The detectives poured over the photos to find a clue.District Attorney – the main lawyer for the government in a city or county. The District Attorney spoke to the news about the case.Mountain of Evidence – a lot of proof or facts. The police had a mountain of evidence against the suspect.File Charges – to officially say someone broke the law. The District Attorney will file charges tomorrow.Suspect – a person who may have done something wrong. The police questioned the suspect about the robbery.Turned Himself In – went to the police to admit or face accusations. After two days, he turned himself in at the station.Cooperating – working or helping together. The students are cooperating to finish the group project.Roommate – a person you share a room or apartment with. My roommate and I share the kitchen and living room.Grainy – not clear or smooth, like a low-quality photo. The old video was grainy but you could still see the car.Acquaintances – people you know a little, but not close friends. We are not close friends, just acquaintances from school.Resembled – looked like or was similar to. The new teacher resembled my uncle.Skull – the bones in your head. The doctor showed a picture of the human skull.Doppelganger – a person who looks almost exactly like someone else. She met a stranger who was her doppelganger.Obtained – got or received something. He obtained his French passport after living in France for only two years. Alleged – said to be true, but not proven. The alleged thief denied the accusations.Stiff – hard to move or not flexible. My neck felt stiff after sleeping on the couch.Fired Up – very excited or angry. The team was fired up for the championship game.Made His Way – went or traveled to a place. He made his way through the crowd to the exit.Roof vs. Ceiling – roof is outside on top of a building; ceiling is inside on top of a room. The rain hit the roof while we painted the ceiling.Sprang – jumped or moved quickly. The cat sprang onto the table to catch the toy.Sniper – a person who shoots from a hidden place, usually with a long gun. The movie showed a sniper watching from the hill.Tributes – actions or words that show respect or thanks. Fans left flowers and tributes at the singer's memorial.Pours In – comes in quickly and in large amounts. Donations began to pour in after the news story aired.Ultra-Conservative – having very traditional or strict political or social views. Her grandfather is ultra-conservative about family rules.Detractors – people who criticize or say bad things about someone or something. Despite his detractors, the artist kept painting.

Americans may be getting relief at the pump this year, but U.S. oil companies are feeling the squeeze, cutting jobs and scaling back investments. POLITICO's Ben Lefebvre explains why these conflicting trends are happening and what they mean for President Donald Trump's energy dominance agenda. Plus, a new study published shows that climate change will cost the European Union an estimated $50 billion this year.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy.  Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.   Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.   Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO.    For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch    And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy    Our theme music is by Pran Bandi.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello Youtube Members, Patreons and Pacific War week by week listeners. Yes this was intended to be an exclusive episode to join the 29 others over on my Youtube Membership and Patreon, but since we are drawing to the end of the Pacific War week by week series, I felt compelled to make some special episodes to answer some of the bigger questions. Why did Japan, or better said, why did Emperor Hirohito decide to finally surrender? It seems obvious on the face of it, but there is actually a lot more to it than bombs or Soviet invasions. I guess you can call this episode a teaser or a shameless plug for going over to my Youtube Membership or Patreon. There's honestly a lot of interesting subjects such as ‘why was the japanese army so brutal”, “Hirohito's war time responsibility”, “the 4 part Kanji Ishiwara series”. Thus if you liked this one please show some love and check out my other stuff on my Youtube Membership or over at www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel.   Stating all of that lets just jump right into it.   We first need to start off briefly looking at Emperor Hirohito.    Upon taking the throne, Emperor Hirohito in 1926 Hirohito inherited a financial crisis and a military that was increasingly seizing control of governmental policies. From the beginning, despite what many of you older audience members may have been told, Hirohito intensely followed all military decisions. Hirohito chose when to act and when not to. When the Kwantung Army assassinated Zhang Zuolin, he indulged their insubordination. This emboldened them to invade Manchuria in 1931, whereupon Hirohito was furious and demanded they be reigned in. Attempts were made, but they were heavily undermined by radicals. Hirohito could have put his foot down, but he chose not to. On September 22nd, at 4:20pm Hirohito said to the IJA Chief of General staff, Kanaya Hanzo “although this time it couldn't be helped, the army had to be more careful in the future”. Thus Hirohito again acquiesced to the military, despite wanting them to stop or at least localize the conflict. The military had disregarded his wishes, they should have been severely punished. Why did Hirohito not take a firmer stance?    Again for older audience members you may have heard, “hirohito was a hostage at the whim of his own military”. This narrative made it seem he was some sort of hostage emperor, but this is not the case at all. In fact Hirohito was instrumental in many military decisions from 1931-1945. The reason this, I will call it “myth” , went on was because after Japan's surrender, the US basically rewrote the Japanese constitution and covered up the Emperor's involvement in all the nasty stuff, to maintain control over Japan. Yeah it sounds a bit conspiracy esque, but I assure you it was indeed the case. This narrative held firm all the way until Hirohito's death, when finally meeting notes and personal accounts from those close to him came out, illuminating a lot. Though to this day, many records are still red -tapped.   The reason Hirohito did not stamp his foot down has to do with the Kokutai.    The Kokutai   So before I carry on, I have to explain what exactly is the Kokutai.    The Kokutai, loosely translated as "national essence," refers to the qualities that distinguish the Japanese identity. However, this concept is remarkably vague and poorly defined; even Japanese historians acknowledge this ambiguity. In contrast to Kokutai is seitai, or "form of government." While the Kokutai embodies the eternal and immutable aspects of Japanese polity—rooted in history, traditions, and customs centered around the Emperor—Japan's seitai has evolved significantly throughout its extensive history. For instance, shoguns governed for over 700 years until 1868, when the Meiji Restoration reinstated direct imperial rule.   Nevertheless, Emperor Meiji's direct authority came to an end with the adoption of the Meiji Constitution in 1889, which established a constitutional monarchy, introducing significant complexities into the governance system.   Article 4 of the constitution declares: “The Emperor is the head of the Empire, combining in Himself the rights of sovereignty, uniting the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, although subject to the consent of the Imperial Diet.” Under this framework, the Emperor alone possessed the power to appoint or dismiss ministers of state, declare war, negotiate peace, conclude treaties, direct national administration, and command the army and navy.   A glaring flaw in this arrangement is the inherent ambiguity of the Meiji Constitution. While it established a democratic parliament, it simultaneously afforded the Emperor absolute authority to usurp it. The document failed to clearly define the relationships between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and its language was intentionally vague. Most critically, the military—the army and navy—were not directly accountable to the civilian government.    So with the kokutai, the Emperor is a divine figure who embodies the state's sovereignty. It was not necessarily the Emperor's job to surrender on behalf of the official government of Japan, but he most certainly could do so, given the Japanese people still remained faithful to the kokutai.    Now Hirohito did not live an ordinary life. According to the imperial custom, Japanese royals were raised apart from their parents, at the age of 3 he was placed in the care of the Kwamura family who vowed to raise him to be unselfish, persevering in the face of difficulties, respectful of the views of others and immune to fear. One thing that was absolutely indoctrinated into him was to defend the kokutai. It became his top mission as a monarch, it was the only mission in many ways. At the very core of how he saw the world and how he acted, it was always to protect the kokutai.    So when the Japanese military began these insubordinate acts, Hirohito's primary concern was to the kokutai, ie: anything that threatened his imperial authority and the imperial institution itself. Although the military usurped his authority, the operations had been successful. Hirohito was not at all opposed to seeing his empire expand. He understood the value of manchuria, he was fully onboard with the military plans to eventually seize control over it, but these radicals were accelerating things to quickly for everyone's liking. He turned a blind eye, dished light punishments and carried on. However the local conflict escalated. It traveled to Shanghai by 1932 and here Hirohito took action. He understood Shanghai was full of western powers. Nations like Britain and America could place economic sanctions on Japan if things were allowed to get out of hand here. So he ordered General Yoshinori Shirakawa to bring the Shanghai expedition to a close.    During this period, two factions emerged within the Japanese military: the Kodoha, or “Imperial Way,” and the Toseiha, or “Control” faction. The Kodoha was founded by General Sadao Araki and his protégé, Jinzaburo Masaki. Their primary objective was a Shōwa Restoration aimed at purging Japan of corrupt politicians and businessmen, especially those associated with the zaibatsu. Composed mainly of young army officers, the Kodoha espoused a romanticized and radical interpretation of Bushido, idealizing pre-industrial Japan, which Araki believed had been tainted by Western influences. To achieve their goals, they resorted to assassinations and planned a coup d'état.   In response, the Toseiha faction was formed, initially led by Lt. General Tetsuzan Nagata and later by Hideki Tojo. Like the Kodoha, the Toseiha sought a Shōwa Restoration but adopted a more moderate and conservative approach. They recognized the importance of preserving traditional values while integrating Western ideals, advocating for a balanced perspective. The Toseiha promoted pragmatic military strategies to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. Although they acknowledged the existence of corrupt politicians and zaibatsu, they preferred to work within the existing political system, anticipating that future total wars would necessitate a strengthened industrial and military capacity. Their ranks primarily included promising graduates from the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Academy, Army Staff College, and select naval members. The most significant distinction between the two factions was that the Toseiha explicitly rejected the use of a coup d'état in pursuit of their goals.   Between 1932-1936 radical officers, mostly of the Kodoha faction assassinated politicians and military leaders trying to usher in a showa restoration. You might be led to believe this was in the interest of Hirohito, you would be mistaken. Hirohito did not want a military dictatorship at the whim of the cult of the emperor. Ironic to say, given how WW2 turns out mind you. This really would have been a hostage situation. Hirohito wanted to maintain the exact ambiguous situation that was Showa Era Japan pre 1945. He saw this as the most ideal structure to defend the kokutai, because blame could not be placed solely upon his shoulders. He always maintained a get out of jail free card one could say.    The February 26 incident of 1936, was the climax of the Kodoha faction. They performed a mutiny trying to usher in a SHowa restoration. They assumed when their messenger came to the emperor he would join them and take direct rule. Instead Hirohito was furious. His first thought was the mutineers were trying to enlist his brother Chichibu to overthrow him. He dragged his brother who was a fraternizer amongst the kodoha members mind you, into a meeting, demanding he never associate with them again nor attempt to challenge him. Then Hirohito furious demanded the mutineers be dealt with. At one point he even threatened to lead the imperial guards to put them down. The coup failed, the kodoha faction was destroyed. Ironically the toseiha faction were the ones to do it and thus they became the defacto ruling clique.    The military, especially the kwantung army did not stop with their insubordination.    On July 8th of 1937 the Kwangtung army performed the Marco Polo Bridge incident, ushering in the second sino-japanese war. This was one of many false flag operations they had pulled off over the years. Upon being told about this Hirohito's first response was whether the USSR would invade Manchukuo over the matter. This is what he said to Prime Minister Konoe and army minister Sugiyama “What will you do if the Soviets attack us from the rear?” he asked the prince. Kan'in answered, “I believe the army will rise to the occasion.” The emperor repeated his question: “That's no more than army dogma. What will you actually do in the unlikely event that Soviet [forces] attack?” The prince said only, “We will have no choice.” His Majesty seemed very dissatisfied. Hirohito furious demanded to know what contingency plans existed and his advisors told him before he gave his red seal of approval to invade northern china.   Henceforth he micromanaged a lot of the military decisions going forward and he oversaw the forming and dissolving of numerous cabinets and positions when things went his way or did not in the military and political scene.  Emperor Hirohito was presented with several opportunities to cause cease-fires or peace settlements during the war years. One of the best possible moments to end it all came during the attack on Nanking when Chiang Kai-sheks military were in disarray. On July 11 of 1938, the commander of the 19th division fought a border clash with the USSR known to us in the west as the battle of Lake Khasan. It was a costly defeat for Japan and in the diary of Harada Kumao he noted Hirohito scolded Army minister Itagaki “Hereafter not a single soldier is to be moved without my permission.” When it looked like the USSR would not press for a counter attack across the border, Hirohito gave the order for offensives in China to recommence, again an example of him deciding when to lay down the hammer.   By 1939 the US began threatening sanctions for what Japan was doing in China. Hirohito complained to his chief aide de camp Hata Shunroku on August 5th “It could be a great blow to scrap metal and oil”. Hirohito was livid and scolded many of his top officials and forced the appointment of General Abe to prime minister and demanded of him “to cooperate with the US and Britain and preserve internal order”.   Fast forward a bit, with war raging in Europe Hirohito, on June 19th of 1940 Hirohito asked if chief of staff Prince Kan'in and Army Minister Hata “At a time when peace will soon come in the European situation, will there be a deployment of troops to the Netherlands Indies and French Indochina?” This question highlighted Hirohito's belief at that time that Germany was close to achieving victory, which led him to gradually consider deploying troops to French Indochina and the Dutch East Indies since neither of those parent nations was in a position to protect their territories and vital resources. Regarding the war in China, the Japanese aimed to stop the flow of materials entering China from places like Hong Kong. Hirohito received reports indicating that Britain would not agree to block the shipment of materials into China via Hong Kong. The military recognized that an invasion of Hong Kong might be necessary, which would mean declaring war on Britain. When this was communicated to him, Hirohito responded, “If that occurs, I'm sure America will enforce an embargo, don't you think?” In response, Kido, the lord of the privy seal, reassured him by stating, “The nation must be fully prepared to resist, proceeding with caution and avoiding being drawn into events instigated by foreign interests.”   Hirohito went through countless meetings, but eventually signed order number 458 authorizing the invasion of French Indochina, knowing full well the consequences. The US,UK and Netherlands began embargoes of oil, rubber and iron. In the words of Admiral Takagai “As time passes and this situation continues, our empire will either be totally defeated or forced to fight a hopeless war. Therefore we should pursue war and diplomacy together. If there is no prospect of securing our final line of national survival by diplomatic negotiations, we must be resolved to fight.” Hirohito understood the predicament full well, that each day Japan was wasting its oil reserves, if they were to strike it had to be quickly.   On October 13th Hirohito told his closest advisor Koichi Kido “In the present situation there seems to be little hope for the Japan–U.S. negotiations. If hostilities erupt this time, I think I may have to issue a declaration of war.”   The reason I am bringing up all this stuff is to solidify, Hirohito had agency, he was micromanaging and forming decisions. After the war broke out with the west, Hirohito did have the ability to stamp his foot down. Of course there could have been wild repercussions, his military could have usurped him with Chichibu, it was definitely possible. But you need to keep this mind set, as far as why Hirohito acts or doesn't, its always to protect the Kokutai. Thus one of the levers for peace, solely rested on Hirohito's perception if the kokutai could be retained or not.    From the outset of the Pacific War, Hirohito believed Germany was going to defeat the USSR. In line with his military leaders, they all believed Japan had to seize everything they could in the asia-pacific and thwart off the US until a negotiated peace could be met. Hirohito committed himself to overseeing the war, determined to achieve victory at any cost. He was a very cautious leader, he meticulously analyzed each campaign, anticipating potential setbacks and crafting worst-case scenario predictions. He maintained a skeptical view of the reports from his senior officials and was often harshly critical of high commanders.   While he did not frequently visit the front lines like other commanders in chief, Hirohito wielded significant influence over theater operations, shaping both planning and execution whenever he deemed necessary. Similar to his approach during the war in China, he issued the highest military orders from the Imperial Headquarters, conducted audited conferences, and made decisions communicated under his name. He regularly welcomed generals and admirals to the imperial palace for detailed briefings on the battlefront and visited various military bases, battleships, and army and naval headquarters. His inspections encompassed military schools and other significant military institutions, adding to his comprehensive involvement in the war effort.   Now the war went extremely well for Japan until the battle of Midway. This was as major setback, but Japan retained the initiative. Then the Guadalcanal campaign saw Japan lose the initiative to the Americans. Upon receiving the initial report of the Ichiki detachment's destruction, Hirohito remarked, “I am sure it [Guadalcanal] can be held.” Despite the numerous reports detailing the devastating effects of tropical diseases and starvation on his troops, he persistently demanded greater efforts from them. Hirohito exerted continuous pressure on his naval and land commanders to retake the island. On September 15th, November 5th, and November 11th, he requested additional Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) troops and aircraft to be allocated to the cause.   General Sugiyama expressed concerns about dispatching more IJA pilots due to their inexperience in transoceanic combat, preferring to reinforce the North China Army for an attack on Chongqing instead. Hirohito pressed the issue again, but Sugiyama responded that the IJA had diverted its air resources to New Guinea and Rabaul. Undeterred by the objections from senior commanders, Hirohito persisted in his demands. By late November, it became evident that Guadalcanal was a lost cause.   At an Imperial Headquarters conference on December 31st, 1942, the chiefs of staff proposed canceling the attempts to recapture Guadalcanal. Hirohito sanctioned this decision but stated, “It is unacceptable to just give up on capturing Guadalcanal. We must launch an offensive elsewhere.” He insisted on this point, leading to the selection of new strategic targets in the Solomons, north of New Georgia, and in the Stanley Range on New Guinea. Hirohito even threatened to withhold authorization for withdrawing troops from Guadalcanal until a new plan was established. He later opposed the withdrawal from Munda Airfield, as it contradicted the newly defined defensive line.   As the defensive perimeter in the central and northern Solomons began to crumble, Hirohito continued to insist that the navy engage in decisive battles to regain the initiative, allowing for the transport of supplies to the many soldiers trapped on various islands. When he learned of the navy's failure to reinforce Lae on March 3rd, he asked, “Then why didn't you change plans immediately and land at Madan? This is a failure, but it can teach us a good lesson and become a source of future success. Do this for me so I can have peace of mind for a while.” The phrase “Do this for me” would come to be his signature rallying cry.   After Guadal canal, it was loss after loss for Japan. By February of 1944, Hirohito forced Sugiyama to resign so Hideki Tojo could take his position as chief of the general staff, note Tojo was prime minister and army minister at this point. Hirohito worked alongside Tojo to plan some last ditch efforts to change the war situation. The most significant one was Operation Ichi-Go. As much damage as they did to China with that, Chiang Kai-Shek's government survived. Hirohito watched as island by island fell to the Americans. When the Americans were poised to take Saipan he warned Tojo “If we ever lose Saipan, repeated air attacks on Tokyo will follow. No matter what it takes, we have to hold there.” Saipan fell, so Hirohito stopped supporting Tojo and allowed his rivals to take down his cabinet by june 18th of 1944.    Hirohito remained resolute in his determination to wrest victory from the Allies. On October 18th, the Imperial Headquarters ordered a decisive naval engagement, leading to the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the war, Hirohito publicly stated, "Contrary to the views of the Army and Navy General Staffs, I consented to the showdown battle at Leyte, believing that if we launched an attack and America hesitated, we might find an opportunity to negotiate." Leyte Gulf didnt work. The military began the kamikaze program. On new years day of 1945 Hirohito inspected the special last meal rations given to departing kamikaze units. Iwo Jima fell. Okinawa remained, and Hirohito lashed out “Is it because we failed to sink enemy transports that we've let the enemy get ashore? Isn't there any way to defend Okinawa from the landing enemy forces?” On the second day of Okinawa's invasion Hirohito ordered a counter landing by the 32nd army and urged the navy to counterattack in every way possible. It was a horrible failure, it cost the lives of up to 120,000 Japanese combatants, 170,000 noncombatants. The Americans lost 12,500 killed and 33,000 wounded. An absolute bloodbath.    The Surrender time   Now we come to the time period where Japan seriously began looking for ways to surrender. In Europe Germany was heading to its defeat and Japan knew this. As for Japan, their army in Burma had been annihilated. Their forces in China were faring better after Operation Ichi-go, having opened up a land corridor along the main railway from Beiping to Wuhan and from throughout Guangdong but still stuck in a deadlock stalemate, facing a guerrilla war that was costing them 64% of their military expenditures. They deeply feared once the Soviets finished up with Germany, they would undoubtedly turn east against Manchuria. With the Soviets attacking from the north, the US would attack from the south, perhaps landing in Shanghai and the home islands. The Kamikaze tactics were proving formidable, but not nearly enough. By 1945, 43% of the IJA were now stationed in Japan, Korea and Formosa, bracing for the final stand. Former prime minister Reijiro Wakatsuki came out of retirement in may of 1945, having heard Germany collapsed, to urge Hirohito and the Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki to open negotiations with the US as soon as possible. However he also said “the enemy must first be made to see the disadvantages of continuing the war”. To this Hirohito's chief counselor Makino Nobuaki said that “the ultimate priority is to develop an advantageous war situation.” Advisor admiral Kesiuke Okada said Japan should wait for “a moment favorable for us,” then make peace. Advisors Kiichiro Hiranuma and Koki Hirota advised the emperor to fight on until the end.   Now I want to bring in a key player to the surrender decision, that of Prince Konoe. Konoe was very close to Hirohito and understood the emperors mentality, especially how he viewed things in relation to the kokutai.    The senior statesman Prince Konoe had been consulting with Hirohito for over 18 months at this point trying to convey the message that if the war continued it would threaten the kokutai. Many months prior, he confided in the emperor's brother, Prince Takamatsu, that the army was suffering from “a cancer” in the form of the Toseiha faction. However, he noted that “Kido and others” did not share his perspective, while “his Majesty is relatively unconcerned with ideological issues.” For the past four years, he continued, the emperor had been advised and still believed that “the true extremists are the Kodoha faction.” In reality, the greater threat to the kokutai arose from the Toseiha faction. Konoe further asserted that if the war escalated, they would attempt to alter the kokutai.   Konoe speculated that whether the threat originated from communists within the nation, primarily referring to left-wing radicals in the Toseiha faction, or from the “Anglo-American enemy,” both would seek to preserve the emperor while pushing towards the country's communization.In his written report to the emperor on February 14, which Kido listened to attentively, Konoe elaborated on his conspiracy theory. He asserted that the Soviet Union regarded Japan as its primary threat in East Asia. The Soviets had allied with the Chinese Communists, the largest and most formidable Communist party in Asia, and were collaborating with the United States and Britain to drive Japan out of China. He warned that they would enter the war when the opportunity arose.   Defeat, he cautioned the emperor, was inevitable if the conflict persisted. However, he emphasized that a far greater fear was the potential destruction of the kokutai. The ongoing war was eroding the domestic status quo, unleashing forces that threatened Japan and its imperial institution from within as much as from external adversaries. The real danger lay in the emperor's and Kido's trust in the generals of the Toseiha faction, who were unintentionally facilitating the communization of Japan. Konoe implored for a swift peace settlement before a Communist revolution emerged, making the preservation of the kokutai impossible. Hirohito agreed with Konoe but stated “ To end the war would be “very difficult unless we make one more military gain.” Konoe allegedly replied, “Is that possible? It must happen soon. If we have to wait much longer, . . . [a mere battle victory] will mean nothing.” Hirohito replied “If we hold out long enough in this war, we may be able to win, but what worries me is whether the nation will be able to endure it until then.”   On February 15th of 1945, Hirohito's intelligence warned the Soviet Union would likely abrogate its Neutrality Pact with Japan. Even Tojo conceded there was a 50/50 chance the USSR would invade Manchuria. In March, the US began B-29 incendiary bombing raids over Tokyo, turning 40% of the capital into ash. On March 18th, Hirohito with some aides drove around the capital to witness the devastation. The civilians looked exhausted and bewildered to Hirohito. Factory production was collapsing, absenteeism was rising, instances of lese majeste were running rampant. For the next 5 months imperial family members and senior statesmen all began speaking to Hirohito about the “crises of the kokutai”. The threat Konoe had warned about for months was becoming the main talking point. It seemed like the Japanese people within the countryside and urban areas remained steadfast in the resolve to obey their leaders, work and sacrifice for their nation, but for how long would they feel so?    It was only after the battle for Okinawa was lost and 60 Japanese cities had been leveled by American incendiary bombs that Hirohito openly indicated he wanted to negotiate a surrender.   Kido's diary reveals the first clear indication that the emperor might be urged to consider an early peace on June 8, 1945, when Kido drafted his “Draft Plan for Controlling the Crisis Situation.” This marked a pivotal moment. It followed the unintentional bombing of the Imperial Palace, the complete loss of hope for saving Okinawa, and coincided with the day the Supreme War Leadership Council adopted the “Basic Policy for the Future Direction of the War.” With the fighting in Europe concluded, Japan found itself entirely isolated. Kido's plan, although vague, proposed seeking the Soviet Union's assistance as an intermediary to help Japan gain leverage in negotiations with its adversaries. By drafting this plan, Kido signaled the end of his long alliance with the military hard-liners. Hirohito's acceptance of it indicated his readiness for an early peace.   Hirohito was moved to an underground bunker in the mountains of Matsushiro in Nagano prefecture where upon those around him noted he fell into a deep depression. On June 22nd  Hirohito informed the Supreme War Leadership Council he wanted them to open diplomatic maneuvers to end the war. In early July Soviet Ambassador Jacob Malik broke off inconclusive talks with Hirota. Hirohito stepped in immediately and ordered a new special envoy be sent to Moscow. However Hirohito nor the Suzuki government had concrete plans on how to mediate a surrender through the Soviets. The only things they did prioritize was a guarantee of the emperors political position and retainment of the imperial system, ie the kokutai. This was taken into consideration rather than ending the war as quickly as possible to save the lives of millions.    From April 8, 1945, until Japan's capitulation, the Suzuki government's chief war policy was “Ketsugo,” an advanced iteration of the “Shosango” (Victory Number 3) plan for defending the homeland. The hallmark of this strategy was a heavy reliance on suicide tactics, including deploying a massive number of kamikaze “special attack” planes, human torpedoes launched from submarines, dynamite-stuffed “crash boats” powered by truck engines, human rocket bombs carried by aircraft, and suicide assaults by specially trained ground units.   While preparations for Operation Ketsu progressed, the Imperial Diet convened on June 9 to pass a Wartime Emergency Measures Law, along with five additional measures aimed at mobilizing the entire nation for this final battle. On the same day, the emperor, who had yet to initiate efforts to end the war, issued another imperial rescript in conjunction with the Diet's convocation, instructing the nation to “smash the inordinate ambitions of the enemy nations” and “achieve the goals of the war.” Concurrently, the controlled press launched a daily die-for-the-emperor campaign to foster gratitude for the imperial benevolence and, from around mid-July onward, initiated a campaign to “protect the kokutai.”   The Americans countered with their own propaganda aimed at breaking Japan's will to fight. B-29 bombers dropped millions of leaflets written in Japanese, announcing the next scheduled targets for bombing raids and urging surrender, while using the emperor to challenge the militarists. Leaflets bearing the chrysanthemum crest criticized the “military cliques” for “forcing the entire nation to commit suicide” and called on “everyone” to “exercise their constitutional right to make direct appeals [for peace] to the Emperor.” They asserted that “even the powerful military cliques cannot stop the mighty march for peace of the Emperor and the people.” One notable batch of seven million leaflets conveyed the terms of the “joint declaration” issued by the United States, Great Britain, and China. “Today we come not to bomb you,” they stated. “We are dropping this leaflet to inform you of the response from the United States government to your government's request for conditions of surrender.... Whether the war stops immediately depends on your government. You will understand how to end the war if you read these two official notifications.”   Amid pressures from imperial edicts to continue preparations for a final battle and focus solely on victory, the Japanese people were also subjected to an intense American psychological warfare campaign in addition to aerial bombardment. During late July and August, prefectural governors, police chiefs, and officers of the “special higher police” submitted reports to the Home Ministry detailing the rapidly deteriorating national morale.    Now on the other side, Roosevelt made it known back in January of 1943 at the Casablanca conference, the allies would only accept unconditional surrender. By 1945, the allies understood the predicament this left Japan with. On May 8th of 1945, Truman added “Japan's surrender would not mean the extermination or enslavement of the Japanese people” trying to indicate a non vindictive spirit. However the Kokutai question always remained ambiguous. State Department Joseph Grew, the former ambassador to Japan, began arguing to Truman they needed to make public a clear definition of the terms to persuade Japan to surrender. As he argued to Truman: Emperor Hirohito was seen as the key figure in Japan's surrender, likened to a "queen bee in a hive... surrounded by the attentions of the hive." Throughout the war, he was characterized in various ways—as a “puppet” of the militarists, a constitutional monarch, and a pacifist. Grew had immense faith in the influence exerted by what he referred to as the “moderates” surrounding the Japanese throne.    However many of Grew's colleagues argued the future existence of the monarchy was intolerable as it was akin to fascism. Many wanted to punish the emperor. Truman was in a tug of war. The Potsdam declaration issued on July 26th of 1945 came in the form of a ultimatum aiming to quicken japans surrender. Truman clarified the terms for the unconditional surrender at the end of its terms: "We call upon the government of Japan to proclaim now the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces, and to provide proper and adequate assurances of their good faith in such action. The alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction." Zero mention of the emperor. Grew had argued to add “this may include a constitutional monarchy under the present dynasty.” But it was deleted from the article. The status of the emperor was not guaranteed, the kokutai was thus up in the air.    The next day, the Suzuki cabinet rejected the terms. The Japanese leadership and Hirohito were still banking and awaiting Soviet replies to their terms.    Lets talk about the Soviet talks now   Back on July 12th ambassador Naotake Satō sent this message to the Soviets: “His Majesty the Emperor, mindful of the fact that the present war daily brings greater evil and sacrifice upon the peoples of all the belligerent powers, desires from his heart that it may be quickly terminated. But so long as England and the United States insist upon unconditional surrender, the Japanese Empire has no alternative but to fight on with all its strength for the honor and existence of the Motherland”.  However the Soviets had made commitments to their allies, promising in fact to invade Japan to aid them.    As for the Soviets their primary objective was to ensure unrestricted access to the Pacific Ocean. The year-round ice-free areas of the Soviet Pacific coastline, particularly Vladivostok, could be blockaded by air and sea from Sakhalin Island and the Kurile Islands. Securing these territories to guarantee free access to the Soya Strait was their main goal. Secondary objectives included acquiring leases for the Chinese Eastern Railway, the Southern Manchuria Railway, as well as gaining control over Dairen and Port Arthur.   To achieve these aims, Stalin and Molotov prolonged negotiations with the Japanese, creating a false sense of hope for a Soviet-mediated peace. Simultaneously, in their discussions with the United States and Britain, the Soviets insisted on strict adherence to the Cairo Declaration, which had been reaffirmed at the Yalta Conference. This declaration stipulated that the Allies would not accept a separate or conditional peace with Japan; thus, the Japanese would need to surrender unconditionally to all the Allies. The Soviets aimed to prolong the war by opposing any efforts to dilute this requirement. This approach would provide the Soviets with the necessary time to complete the transfer of their troops from the Western Front to the Far East and to conquer Manchuria, Inner Mongolia, northern Korea, South Sakhalin, the Kuriles, and potentially Hokkaidō, starting with an assault on Rumoi. AUGUST 1945   Thus we come to at last the critical point, August of 1945.    The Americans prepared for the deployment of atomic bombs and for an invasion of southern Kyushu, known as Operation Olympic, scheduled to commence on November 1. At 8:15 A.M. on August 6, a single B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay dropped little boy, devastating much of the undefended city of Hiroshima, instantly killing an estimated 100,000 to 140,000 people and leading to the deaths of possibly another 100,000 over the next five years. At the epicenter of the explosion, “a light appeared 3,000 times brighter than the sun,” creating a fireball that emitted thermal radiation capable of “instantly scorching humans, trees, and houses.” As the air heated and rushed upward, cold air surged in to ignite a firestorm. Hours later, a whirlwind escalated the flames to their peak until more than eight square miles were virtually reduced to cinders. Subsequently, black, muddy rain filled with radioactive fallout began to fall. Two days later, using Japan's rejection of the Potsdam Declaration as a pretext, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. Then on August 9, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, resulting in the immediate deaths of approximately 35,000 to 40,000 people and injuring more than 60,000.   Meanwhile, in Tokyo, during the critical period between the Potsdam Declaration and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Emperor Hirohito remained silent about accepting the Potsdam terms. However, on July 25 and 31, he explicitly conveyed to Kido that the imperial regalia must be defended at all costs. The three sacred objects—a mirror, a curved jewel, and a sword—symbolized the legitimacy of his rule through the northern court and were integral to his identity as the divine sovereign. Hirohito's focus was on protecting these symbols of office, as he insisted on having them brought to the palace. This fixation on maintaining his symbols occurred during a pivotal moment when the pressing issue was whether to accept immediate capitulation. Reflecting on this, he was unprepared to seize the opportunity to end the war himself.   Prime Minister Suzuki, following his initial rejection of the Potsdam ultimatum, also saw no need for further action. His Cabinet Advisory Council, which included the president of Asano Cement, the founder of the Nissan consortium, the vice president of the Bank of Japan, and other representatives from the nation's leading business interests that had profited significantly from the war, convened on the morning of August 3. They recommended accepting the Potsdam terms, arguing that the United States would permit Japan to retain its non-military industries and continue participating in world trade.    Here are some reactions to the two bombs and invasion of Manchuria.    Yonai Mitsumasa said to admiral Takagi Sokichi, on August 12, that “I think the term is perhaps inappropriate, but the atomic bombs and the Soviet entry into the war are, in a sense, gifts from the gods [tenyu, also “heaven-sent blessings”]. This way we don't have to say that we quit the war because of domestic circumstances. I've long been advocating control of our crisis, but neither from fear of an enemy attack nor because of the atomic bombs and the Soviet entry into the war. The main reason is my anxiety over the domestic situation. So, it is rather fortunate that we can now control matters without revealing the domestic situation”.    Konoe's characterized the Soviet involvement in the war as “a godsend for controlling the army,”. Kido viewed of both the atomic bombings and the Soviet entry into the conflict as “useful” elements for ensuring a smooth transition. A nascent power struggle was unfolding, rendering the potential death toll—whether one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand—immaterial to those involved, as long as their desired outcome was achieved: an end to the war that would leave the monarchy intact and capable of managing the discontent that defeat would inevitably provoke. Throughout the final acts of this wartime drama, the Japanese “moderates” found it easier to capitulate to external pressures than to take decisive action on their own to conclude the war.   Another illuminating looks at Japan's elite's perspective on surrender terms was the document titled “Essentials of Peace Negotiations” (wahei kosho no yoryo). Drafted by Konoe and his adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Sakai Koji, after Konoe had reluctantly accepted a mission to Moscow, this document, stipulated the preservation of the emperor system, along with most of the imperial prerogatives, as the absolute minimum condition for peace. It defined the “original” or “essential homeland” as including the southern half of the Kurile Islands but showed a willingness to concede all overseas territories to the enemy, including Okinawa and the American-occupied Bonin Islands, as well as the southern half of Sakhalin. The “Essentials” also accepted complete disarmament for an unspecified period, thereby compromising on the issues of demobilizing and disarming the armed forces. More significantly, an “explanation” attached to the “Essentials” emphasized that “the main aim is to secure the imperial line and maintain the political role of the emperor.”    Why Japan surrendered   We come to it atleast after a long podcast. Why did Japan ultimately surrender?   The twin psychological shocks of the first atomic bomb and the Soviet entry into the war, combined with Kido's and the emperor's concern over escalating public criticism of the throne and its occupant, fueled an almost paranoid fear that, sooner or later, the populace would react violently against their leaders if the war persisted much longer. These factors ultimately led Hirohito to accept, in principle, the terms of the Potsdam Declaration.   At the first meeting of the six member constituents of the Supreme War Leadership Council, held from 10:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on August 9, Army Minister Anami Korechika, Chiefs of Staff Umezu Yoshijiro, representing the army, and Yonai, representing the navy, along with Tōgō, from the Foreign Ministry, were expected to discuss the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration. Instead, the conversation revolved around whether to attempt a conditional surrender—specifically, should they insist on one condition, the preservation of the kokutai, or four?   After Suzuki addressed the assembly regarding the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the Soviet attack, Yonai, as recounted by Navy Chief of Staff Toyoda, was the first to speak, framing the issue in terms of four conditions. “Let's start to talk, Do we accept the Potsdam Declaration with no conditions? If not, and we wish to insist on attaching hopes and conditions, we may do so this way. First, preservation of the kokutai; then for the rest, the main items in the Potsdam Declaration: treatment of war criminals, method of disarmament, and the matter of sending in an army of occupation.” Thus, the participants identified what they perceived to be the ambiguous points within the Potsdam Declaration and used them as the foundation for their discussions.   The army insisted on four conditions: First, the preservation of the kokutai, which they considered distinct from the Potsdam Declaration itself. The other conditions proposed were, second, that the Imperial Headquarters assume responsibility for disarmament and demobilization; third, a prohibition on occupation; and fourth, the delegation of the punishment of war criminals to the Japanese government. The army equated the kokutai with the emperor's right of supreme command. Their self-serving desire for autonomous war crimes trials was based on the belief that the Allies would use such trials to politically indict the military. Consequently, army leaders aimed to preempt the activities of any international tribunal by conducting their own trials—similar to the approach taken by the uninvaded and unrepentant Germans after World War I.   Supporting the military's views during cabinet meetings that day were three civilian members of the Suzuki cabinet: Justice Minister Matsuzaka Hiromasa, Home Minister Yasui Toji, and Minister of Health Okada Tadahiko. At the imperial conference that night, which extended into the early hours of the tenth, Foreign Minister Tōgō's interpretation of the “preservation of the kokutai” referred solely to the safeguarding of the Imperial House or dynasty, rather than the continuation of Hirohito's reign.   Hiranuma, another advocate for the single condition, interpreted the kokutai as the “emperor's sovereign right to rule the state [not] deriving from national law. Even if the entire nation is sacrificed to the war, we must preserve both the kokutai and the security of the imperial house.” This discrepancy illustrated that there was no completely unified understanding of what the kokutai entailed; the debate over one condition versus four represented conflicting visions for the future of the Japanese state and masked the competition for political power that was already unfolding.   It remains doubtful whether the emperor and Kido initially sided with Tōgō against the four conditions proposed by the senior military leaders. A more likely inference is that both men retained sympathies for the hardliners, both military and civilian, who preferred to continue the futile war rather than surrender immediately and unconditionally. This may explain why, on August 9, Konoe had Hosokawa Morisada approach Navy General Headquarters to urge the emperor's brother, Prince Takamatsu, to pressure Hirohito (through Kido) to accept the Potsdam terms. Later that afternoon, Konoe enlisted the help of diplomat Shigemitsu Mamoru to persuade Kido to reconsider his stance on the four conditions. Ultimately, at the urging of Takamatsu and Shigemitsu, Kido did shift to support Tōgō's position.   At the end of the war, as at its beginning and throughout every stage of its progression, Emperor Hirohito played a highly active role in supporting the actions carried out in his name. From the very beginning of the Asia-Pacific war, the emperor played a significant role in the unfolding events around him. Prior to the Battle of Okinawa, he consistently advocated for a decisive victory. Afterward, he acknowledged the necessity of pursuing an early peace, although he did not favor an immediate cessation of hostilities. Instead, he wavered, steering Japan toward ongoing warfare rather than direct negotiations with the Allies. When the final crisis fully unfolded, the only option left was unconditional surrender. Even then, he continued to procrastinate until the atomic bomb was dropped and the Soviets launched their attack. The wartime emperor ideology that once sustained morale made it exceedingly difficult for Japan's leaders to accept the act of surrender. Aware of their objective defeat, yet indifferent to the suffering the war inflicted on their own people—as well as on the populations of Asia, the Pacific, and the West whose lives they had disrupted—the emperor and his military leaders sought a means to lose without appearing to lose. They aimed to mitigate domestic criticism following surrender while preserving their power structure.   Blinded by their fixation on the fate of the imperial house and committed to an overly optimistic diplomacy toward the Soviet Union, Japan's leaders missed several opportunities to end their lost war. Would Japan's leaders have surrendered more promptly if the Truman administration had “clarified” the status of the emperor before the cataclysmic double shocks of the atomic bomb and the Soviet entry into the war? Probably not. However, it is likely they would have surrendered to prevent the kokutai from being destroyed from within. The evidence suggests that the first atomic bomb and the Soviet declaration of war led Hirohito, Kido, and other members of the court to believe that continuing the war would inevitably result in that destruction. They recognized that the populace was war-weary and despondent, with rising hostility toward the military and the government, accompanied by increasing criticism of the emperor himself. More specifically, Kido and Hirohito were privy to Home Ministry reports, which contained information from governors and police chiefs nationwide. These reports indicated that citizens were beginning to label the emperor as an incompetent leader responsible for the deteriorating war situation.   This is the third variable, never spoken about. Many first look at the atomic bombs. Bigger brain people turn to the Soviet Invasion of Manchuria. But hardly anyone reads about how the collapse of Japan's social fabric, scared the shit out of the Emperor and his closest advisors. You can't have a kokutai, without a populace that worshiped you.    When the emperor expressed in February, “What worries me is whether the nation [could] endure” long enough to achieve victory, he was not merely voicing concern for the suffering of his subjects; rather, he feared that such suffering could lead to social upheaval—in short, revolution. At that time, he referred to the ordinary, war-related hardships of food shortages, air raids, devastated cities, destruction of homes, and the omnipresent grief from the loss of loved ones. The atomic bomb escalated death, pain, and suffering to unimaginably higher levels, intensifying the threat from within. After the bombings of Japan and two atomic bombs, Hirohito was in a dark way, given a golden get out of jail free card. Hirohito could now save his suffering people from further anguish by surrendering, allowing him to deflect responsibility for leading them into misery while adopting an air of benevolence and care. Indeed, Hirohito did care—though not primarily for the Japanese people, but rather for the survival of his own imperial house and throne.   After the bombing of Hiroshima, Hirohito delayed for a full two days before instructing Kido, shortly before 10 A.M. on August 9, to “quickly control the situation” because “the Soviet [Union]” had declared war. Kido immediately communicated with Prime Minister Suzuki, who began arrangements for an Imperial Conference scheduled for later that night. Following the seidan of August 10, Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakomizu took charge of drafting the “Imperial Rescript Ending the War” based on Hirohito's directives. Assisted by two scholars of the Chinese classics, Kawada Mizuho and Yasuoka Masahiro, Sakomizu worked tirelessly for over three days before submitting a version of the rescript to the Suzuki cabinet. After six hours of contentious discussion on the night of August 14, the cabinet modified and approved the document. Hirohito promptly signed it, and Shimomura and Kido persuaded him to record a suitably opaque final version for broadcast to the nation.   On the night of August 14, the Suzuki government notified the United States and other Allied nations that it had accepted both the Potsdam Declaration and the Byrnes letter of August 11. Accelerating the emperor's actions during this climactic moment of the unconditional surrender drama was the American psychological warfare campaign. When a leaflet dropped from B-29 bombers came into Kido's possession on the night of August 13 or the morning of the fourteenth, he conferred with the emperor and explained the gravity of the situation. The latest enemy leaflets were informing the Japanese people of the government's notification of surrender under one condition, along with the full text of Byrnes's response. If this continued, it would undermine the imperial government's reliance on secrecy to obscure the true nature of the lost war and the reasons for the prolonged surrender delay.   Given Kido's and the emperor's concerns about rising signs of defeatism, including criticism of the throne, immediate action was necessary to prevent the populace from acting on their own initiative. Thus, the second seidan was convened. At noon on August 15, the Japanese people gathered around their radio receivers and heard, for the first time, the high-pitched voice of their emperor telling them:    “After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration. To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors and which lies close to Our heart. Indeed, We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Japan's self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement. But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone—the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State, and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people—the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects, or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers... The hardships and sufferings to which Our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all of you, Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of time and fate that We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is unsufferable”.   Clearly Hirohito sought to justify his decision to surrender by citing the dropping of the atomic bombs. He wanted to become the saviour of the Japanese people. Hirohito wanted to obfuscate the issue of accountability, to prevent expressions of strife and anger and to strengthen domestic unity around himself, to protect and raise the kokutai.  Interestingly, the surrender declaration to the civilian population was not the same one sent to the military. On August 17th Hirohito issued a second “rescript to soldiers and sailors” throughout the asia-pacific.   “ Now that the Soviet Union has entered the war against us, to continue . . . under the present conditions at home and abroad would only recklessly incur even more damage to ourselves and result in endangering the very foundation of the empire's existence. Therefore, even though enormous fighting spirit still exists in the Imperial Navy and Army, I am going to make peace with the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union, as well as with Chungking, in order to maintain our glorious national polity”.   The lesser-known August 17 rescript to the army and navy specified Soviet participation as the sole reason for surrender, while maintaining the kokutai as the primary aim. Dissembling until the end—and even beyond—it was noted that the emperor presented two different justifications for his delayed surrender. Both statements were likely true.   Months later Hirohito's said this about his decision to surrender “The main motive behind my decision at that time was that if we . . . did not act, the Japanese race would perish and I would be unable to protect my loyal subjects [sekishi—literally, “children”]. Second, Kido agreed with me on the matter of defending the kokutai. If the enemy landed near Ise Bay, both Ise and Atsuta Shrines would immediately come under their control. There would be no time to transfer the sacred treasures [regalia] of the imperial family and no hope of protecting them. Under these circumstances, protection of the kokutai would be difficult. For these reasons, I thought at the time that I must make peace even at the sacrifice of myself.”    There exists this sort of childish argument today whether it was the atomic bombs or the Soviet Invasion that caused Japan to surrender. However, this overlooks as I think I've explained in 9000 words jeez, the influence of the kokutai. Defending the kokutai was Hirohito's number one priority. The Soviets threatened it. Communism threatened it. What Japan perceived to be “democracy” threatened it. American victory threatened it. And the destruction of Japan's social fabric threatened it. I love this one piece of history, that I have only come across in one book, that being the main one I am using here.   On August 12th, Hirohito came to the imperial family to tell them he had made the decision to surrender. His uncle Prince Yasuhiko Asaka asked him whether the war would be continued if the kokutai could not be preserved. Hirohito replied “of course”.