Podcasts about Belgium

Ralph welcomes international human rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber to discuss the U.S. and Israel's illegal war on Iran. Then, Ralph speaks to investigative reporter David Cay Johnston about the finances of Donald Trump.Craig Mokhiber is an international human rights lawyer and activist, and a former senior United Nations human rights official. A human rights activist in the 1980s, he would go on to serve for more than three decades at the United Nations, with postings in Switzerland, Palestine, Afghanistan, and UN Headquarters in New York. In October of 2023, he left the United Nations, penning a widely read letter criticizing the UN's human rights failures in the Middle East, warning of unfolding genocide in Gaza, and calling for a new approach to Palestine and Israel based on international law, human rights, and equality.Anyone who pays attention knows that Iran wasn't attacked because it has nuclear weapons. It was attacked because it doesn't have nuclear weapons, and was therefore viewed by Israel and the U.S. as being a state that could be overcome militarily. But what really is, I think, most telling about this is the hypocrisy of the claims, because the only party in the region that has stockpiles of nuclear weapons (which are entirely undeclared and unsupervised) is the Israeli regime, not the Iranian. And the Israeli regime was joined in attacking Iran by another nuclear power—the United States.Craig MokhiberIsrael (which has attacked the United Nations throughout its entire life and declared that the United Nations is an anti-Semitic terror organization) fights like hell to stay in the United Nations, pays its dues every year to make sure that it stays in…and renews its treaty obligations as a member of the United Nations (that, of course, it violates with impunity). So it's very funny that Israel calls the UN an anti-Semitic terror organization, yet it insists on being a member and paying its dues to fund that so-called anti-Semitic terror organization.Craig MokhiberI don't think that putting Iran in an existential crisis is the best way to tell them you don't need nuclear weapons. I think stopping attacking them, their economy, their currency, their scientists, their political leaders, their military personnel, their civilians, their girls' schools—if you want a country to believe that it doesn't need to arm itself, this is not the way to go about it.Craig MokhiberDavid Cay Johnston is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter, specialist in economics and tax issues, and a professor of practice teaching law, public policy, and journalism at Rochester Institute of Technology. He is the author of several books, including The Making of Donald Trump and It's Even Worse Than You Think: What The Trump Administration Is Doing To America. He is also the co-founder of DCReport, a nonprofit news service that reports what the President and Congress DO, not what they SAY.Convicting Donald Trump of tax fraud would be very easy. You establish these corporations [reporting major losses] don't exist. You establish that he took tax losses from these multiple corporations (in all, about 60 entries over the six years of tax returns). And there's no defense for that. It's flat-out fraud. It's blatant fraud. So Trump has gotten away with this because we don't seriously treat high-level tax fraud in this country.David Cay JohnstonNews 3/20/26* Our top story this week concerns a new study titled “Inequality, not regulation, drives America's housing affordability crisis.” As summarized in Hell Gate, this study demonstrates that the precipitous rise in rent prices are not primarily the result of insufficient housing supply or of vacancy rates. Moreover, contrary to the claims of the so-called Abundance movement, reducing regulations to spur new construction is unlikely to create significantly more housing. Even if it did, that would probably fail to bring down rents, because the real cause of the rental spike is “Steep national inequality.” So, what can be done to bring down rents? Maximilian Buchholz, the lead author of the study, puts it bluntly in this interview: “rent control, tenant protection policies like just cause eviction, and income supports for people toward the bottom.” Simply put, the best policies to lower rents are policies that lower rents. This has been demonstrated time and time again in different policy areas, yet on the whole, Democrats still seem to prefer byzantine policy formulae instead of straightforward policy solutions to the glaring issues facing the American people. * Speaking of rising costs, Washingtonian magazine is out with a new story on the Washington Post hiking prices for subscribers. Yet apparently not all subscribers are created equal. According to this story, these increases are accompanied by a simple yet insidious message: “This price was set by an algorithm using your personal data.” This is the latest deployment of what has become known as algorithmic – or “surveillance” – pricing. This piece notes other examples of surveillance pricing, ranging from the Princeton Review charging more for the same SAT tutoring package in areas with higher Asian populations (they called it the “tiger mom tax”) to Amazon charging local school districts vastly different prices for the same supplies. However, this new policy from the Post is especially brazen given the straits the paper has recently found itself in, declining by a million subscribers between 2021 and 2026 and hemorrhaging key reporters to a new rival paper sponsored by Robert Albritton, including Dana Milbank, Jeff Stein, Paul Kane and Paige Cunningham, among others, per the Hill.* In more media news, Variety reports that ratings for CBS Evening News are cratering, falling back to where executives at the news division behind the show “hoped never to return.” The nightly news program, anchored by Tony Dokoupil, has fallen below 4 million viewers; when the previous iteration of the program anchored by Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson fell to this nadir, Paramount Skydance pulled the plug. While this is perhaps just a symptom of the collapse of cable news, Variety notes that ABC's “World News Tonight,” averaged nearly 8 and a half million viewers and “NBC Nightly News” scored just over 6 and half million. Dokoupil did score a slight uptick in viewership when he took over the Evening News, but that seems to have been nothing more than a flash in the pan. This pathetic showing seems to confirm what seemed obvious all along: there is simply little audience for the editorial viewpoint espoused by CBS's new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss.* The bad news for Bari doesn't end there, either. According to the Wrap, the new chief is locked in contentious negotiations with the unionized staff of CBS, specifically the 60-person unit behind the network's streaming service, “CBS News 24/7.” These workers staged a 24 hour walkout earlier this week. Their grievances include everything from new grueling 12-hour weekend shifts – despite no weekend-specific live programming – as well as CBS News' reported plans to lay off 15% of staff. CBS News already laid off roughly 100 people in October after Paramount merged with Skydance and many believe more layoffs will come if the merger with CNN, which is not unionized, goes through as part of the Paramount Warner Bros. deal.* In other news, a recent study reveals a fascinating disconnect between the self-description of Democrats and their policy preferences. The study, conducted on behalf of the New Republic by Embold Research, gave respondents five choices to describe their ideology: conservative, moderate, moderate-to-liberal, liberal, and progressive. Only 12% identified as moderate, but another 21% called themselves moderate-to-liberal. Yet, among this combined group, approximately 70% said Democrats are “too timid” on taxing the rich and corporations, and cracking down on corporate criminals. Fewer than 5% of moderates said Democrats are “too aggressive” on these issues. In a word, even the moderates among the Democratic base think the party should take a more strident economic populist line. This tracks with polling conducted during the Texas Democratic Senate primary which found that 47% of voters who identified as socialists also identified as moderates.* Our next several stories this week have to do with the intersection of foreign policy and energy. The AP reports that on Tuesday, Cuba reconnected its energy grid following a 29-hour long nationwide blackout. This story notes that this reconnection will only provide scant and temporary relief, because not enough power is being generated. The energy crisis in Cuba has gotten progressively worse since the beginning of the year, as the new government in Venezuela and the newly reinforced sanctions regime have both served to cut off the island from energy imports. That said, cracks in this blockade are beginning to form. Bloomberg reports that a “tanker carrying more than 700,000 barrels of Russian crude is expected to arrive in Cuba by the end of the month,” and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that her administration is “looking into different possibilities” to resume fuel shipments to Cuba as well. Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico is “sovereign” and able to “have trade agreements with any country in the world,” per the Latin Times. The U.S. government has already eased sanctions on Russian oil sales to India, but has now announced that they will not allow the Russians to send oil to Cuba, per Bloomberg. As the ship is already on its way, it is an open question of how far the U.S. will go to prevent Russia from sending lifesaving resources to the country that has held out against American pressure for so long.* Next, a stunning story in the Wall Street Journal documents how the Trump administration settled on their final course of action in Venezuela. According to this piece, the Central Intelligence Agency consulted former Chevron executive Ali Moshiri, described as the oil company's man in “Man in Venezuela—and a CIA Informant.” Apparently, Moshiri warned that if the U.S. government tried to oust the Chavista government of Nicolás Maduro and install María Corina Machado and her exile comrades in its place, the country would turn into “another quagmire like Iraq.” Moshiri specifically warned that Machado did not have the support of the country's security services or control of its oil infrastructure. For their part, Chevron issued a statement claiming that “between spring of 2025 and the removal of Maduro, Chevron did not authorize anyone working for, or on behalf of, the company to engage with the CIA related to Venezuela's leadership, including assessments of government officials or opposition leaders.” Moshiri, formally left Chevron in 2017 and ended his consulting relationship with the company in 2024. Unlike many other oil companies, Chevron maintained a presence in Venezuela over the years, positioning the company to benefit most from the new extraction political environment under the leadership of upjumped Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.* Meanwhile, a story from NOTUS highlights why this kind of outside advice is likely more heeded than ever in the halls of power: the publication reports that six months ago, the State Department under the leadership of Secretary Marco Rubio, fired its in-house oil and gas experts, including laying off staff who “would have been responsible for gaming out possible scenarios if the Strait of Hormuz was closed” and “staffers with close professional relationships at oil and gas companies in the Middle East and experts tasked with maintaining diplomatic contacts at foreign energy bureaus.” This is a final nail in the coffin for the misguided logic of Elon Musk's DOGE initiative and serves as a crystal clear example of why it is so dangerous to purge experts with significant institutional knowledge from the federal bureaucracy.* Another consequence of this lack of diplomatic expertise is the ultimate cost to the taxpayer – $200 billion in additional Pentagon funding, to be exact, per CNBC. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, defending the request in typically childish terms, said “It takes money to kill bad guys.” In similarly childish terms, President Trump, asked why the Pentagon is seeking so much money, said, “We're asking for a lot of reasons,” and while he told a reporter he would not send U.S. troops to the region, he added, “If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you.” Beyond the flippant attitude towards the immense sums of taxpayer money they are requesting from Congress, to say nothing of the cost in American and Iranian lives, the American people would do well to remember how casually the political class treats $200 billion when it is to be spent on war instead of social programs. All this as gas prices spike, with price increases rippling out to all other consumer goods.* Finally, the BBC reports a Belgian court has ruled that a former diplomat, Etienne Davignon, can stand trial in connection with the 1961 killing of Congo's first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba. Davignon, 93, is the “only surviving member of the 10 Belgians accused in a criminal case brought by Lumumba's family in 2011.” At the time, Davignon was a diplomat in training. He would go on to become a vice-president of the European Commission. Lumumba meanwhile was ousted in a Belgian and U.S.-backed coup led by Mobutu Sese Seko, who would rule Congo (renamed Zaire) until 1997. In 1961, Lumumba was executed by a Belgian-backed Congolese firing squad and his body was dissolved in acid. Lumumba's grandson, Mehdi Lumumba, is quoted saying “We are all relieved…Belgium is finally confronting its history.” Many have remarked that while this has taken over 50 years, it sets a powerful precedent that justice can be found even after so many decades. Many of the war criminals that walk the Earth today are far younger than Mr. Davignon.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

13. Anatol Lieven Headline: Seeking a Settlement in the Eurasia Crisis High energy prices are pressuring Europeannations like Belgium and Hungary to consider resuming trade with Russia. Lieven proposes a deal exchanging energy for compromises on the Donbass, though European leadership remains divided. (13)1900 MOSCOW

SHOW SCHWDULE 3-19-20261939 OKLAHOMA OILFIELDS, ROUSTABOUT FAMILY HOUSING1. Gregory Copley Headline: The Strait of Hormuz and Global Energy Panic Copley analyzes the strategic fallout of Iranian attacks on Qatari gas fields, which have sent global markets reeling. He argues the Iranian Navy is finished, yet regional instability requires American leadership to ensure regime change. (1)2. Gregory Copley Headline: Russia's Energy Leverage and the Donbass Proposal Russia benefits significantly from rising oil prices and its desanctioned shadow fleet. Copley notes that some European nations are considering a "Donbass for energy" deal with Putin to stabilize their struggling economies. (2)3. Gregory Copley Headline: China's Economic Paralysis and Naval Limitations China faces deep internal trouble, with growth expectations falling and Xi Jinping struggling to trust his military commanders. Copley highlights that the PLA Navy remains significantly behind the United States in carrier operations. (3)4. Gregory Copley Headline: British Political Turmoil and the Monarchy's Role King Charles III plans to attend America's 250th anniversary despite potential diplomatic friction with President Trump. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces historic unpopularity and internal party dissent, though he remains difficult to remove. (4)5. Evan Ellis Headline: Cuba's Energy Crisis Amidst Cold War Echoes Cuba suffers from nationwide blackouts as Russian oil shipments attempt to bypass U.S. surveillance. Ellis explores the symbolic importance of the island and the complexities of U.S. negotiations with the Castro family. (5)6. Evan Ellis Headline: Venezuela's Oil Interests and Democratic Hopes While the Trump administration views Venezuela as a success, the Chvista regime remains entrenched through hardline appointments. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado pushes for democratic stability to attract essential foreign investment into the oil sector. (6)7. Evan Ellis Headline: Crime and Political Instability in Latin America Violent spillover from drug trafficking affects the Colombia-Ecuador border, leading to significant casualties and military strikes. Ellis also discusses the arrest of a major gang leader and the ongoing cabinet instability in Peru. (7)8. Evan Ellis Headline: Chile's Security Reforms Under President Kast President Jose Antonio Kast has prioritized border security and tackling organized crime since his inauguration. His inclusive approach aims to stabilize the economy and address social frustrations lingering from the 2019 riots. (8)9. Edward J. Larson Headline: The Bombardment of Norfolk: A Revolutionary Turning Point In January 1776, the Royal Navy's attack on Norfolk, Virginia, destroyed civilian homes and convinced colonists that reconciliation with Britain was impossible. George Washington viewed this aggression as a decisive catalyst for independence. (9)10. Edward J. Larson Headline: Henry Knox's Heroic Artillery Mission Larson recounts the daring winter transport of heavy cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. This strategic feat allowed Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights, forcing British evacuation and marking his first major military victory. (10)11. Edward J. Larson Headline: Washington's Desperate Defense of New York Following the victory in Boston, Washington moved to defend New York against an overwhelming British force. Despite the Howe brothers' initial desire for negotiation, the conflict escalated as the colonies formally declared independence. (11)12. Edward J. Larson Headline: The Intellectual Shift Toward Republican Sovereignty Larson explores how 1776 transformed colonists into independent actors seeking republican governance over royal charters. Washington adopted a "Fabian" strategy, prioritizing army survival over holding territory after the defeat in Manhattan. (12)13. Anatol Lieven Headline: Seeking a Settlement in the Eurasia Crisis High energy prices are pressuring European nations like Belgium and Hungary to consider resuming trade with Russia. Lieven proposes a deal exchanging energy for compromises on the Donbass, though European leadership remains divided. (13)14. Anatol Lieven Headline: NATO Disunity and Eastern European Hardliners Lieven highlights internal friction within NATO regarding Donald Trump's isolationist rhetoric. While hardliners in Eastern Europe demand unity against Russia, countries like Poland remain primarily focused on their own national defense strategies. (14)15. Sadanand Dhume Headline: India's Strategic Neutrality in the BRICS Grouping Dhume analyzes India's unique position, balancing relationships with the U.S. and Israel against energy needs. He describes BRICS as an economically underperforming and politically fractured group with deep-seated internal rivalries. (15)16. Conrad Black Headline: Canada's Commitment to Arctic Defense Black praises Prime Minister Mark Carney for prioritizing Arctic defense and military modernization. He notes that while Canadians support pulling their weight in NATO, challenges persist regarding pipeline development and international participation. (16)

Vince and Belz talk briefly through the roster, hear a bunch of clips from Poch's press conference, and give their XIs for next Saturday's match against Belgium. Skip the ads! Subscribe to Scuffed on Patreon and get all episodes ad-free, plus any bonus episodes. Patrons at $5 a month or more also get access to Clip Notes, a video of key moments on the field we discuss on the show, plus all patrons get access to our private Discord server, live call-in shows, and the full catalog of historic recaps we've made: https://www.patreon.com/scuffedAlso, check out Boots on the Ground, our USWNT-focused spinoff podcast headed up by Tara and Vince. They are cooking over there, you can listen here: https://boots-on-the-ground.simplecast.comAnd check out our MERCH, baby. We have better stuff than you might think: https://www.scuffedhq.com/store Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Humanity is going back to the Moon, and Europe is already playing a critical role in making it happen. This week, Planetary Radio brings you voices straight from the 18th European Space Conference in Brussels, Belgium, where more than 2,000 of the world’s top space leaders gathered to shape the future of European space exploration. We begin with conference co-organizer Tomas Dimitrov of Logos and Business Bridge Europe, who sets the stage for the conversations ahead. From there, we hear from European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad, and Germany’s Federal Space Minister Dorothee Bär. We also take you inside the Moonlight Initiative panel, bringing you the full conversation as scientists and engineers from ESA, NASA, and industry lay out their vision for building GPS and communications infrastructure around the Moon, and wrestle with what it will really take to support a permanent human presence there. Then, Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for What’s Up to tackle one of the most fascinating and unexpected challenges of lunar exploration: what time is it on the Moon? Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-european-space-conference See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

⁠The World Athletics Indoor Championships descend on Toruń, Poland this weekend. Here's your event-by-event preview via Chris Chavez and Preet Majithia.- Men's 60m: Defending champion Jeremiah Azu faces the deepest field in recent memory, led by American Jordan Anthony (world list leader, 6.43) and Jamaica's Kishane Thompson (6.46).- Women's 60m: Julien Alfred vs. Zaynab Dosso, both at 6.99 and both in career form. Alfred seeks history as a two-time world indoor champion; Dosso has silver and bronze but never gold.- Men's 60m hurdles: A three-way tie at 7.37 between Poland's unbeaten home favorite Jakub Szymański and Americans Dylan Beard and Trey Cunningham, with three-time defending champion Grant Holloway absent for the first time in years.- Women's 60m hurdles: Devynne Charlton can become the first woman to win three consecutive world indoor titles in the event, having won in Glasgow and Nanjing. Swiss world champion Ditaji Kambundji has been just 0.01 behind her twice this season.- Men's 400m: Two of the three fastest short-track 400m runners ever, Khaleb McRae (world record pending, 44.52) and Christopher Morales Williams (44.49 all-time best, unratified), meet in a new split-final format using only lanes 3 to 6.- Women's 400m: Several top seeds are absent, opening the door wide for Norway's Henriette Jæger and the Netherlands' Lieke Klaver, who beat Jæger at last year's European Indoors.- Men's 800m: Belgium's Eliott Crestan enters as the top seed chasing history, but American teenager Cooper Lutkenhaus, just 17, set a world U20 short-track record of 1:44.03 last month and could become the youngest men's 800m medalist in World Indoor Championships history.- Women's 800m: Keely Hodgkinson is the story of the meet. The British Olympic champion broke a 24-year-old world record last month, running 1:54.87 on the very day she was born. Three injuries have kept her from the World Indoors. She finally arrives healthy and dangerous.- Men's 1500m: World champion Isaac Nader looks to finally convert after two consecutive fourth-place finishes, chasing Portugal's first title here since 2001. Dutch 800m specialist Sam Chapple brings a dangerous finishing kick.- Women's 1500m: Georgia Hunter Bell leads a deep field stacked against Ethiopia's three-athlete squad, with Nikki Hiltz's big kick a wildcard in the final lap.- Men's 3000m: The entire Paris Olympic 1500m podium, Cole Hocker, Josh Kerr, and Yared Nuguse, races together, making this arguably the meet's marquee event.- Women's 3000m: Freweyni Hailu is chasing a third straight world indoor distance title, representing a broader Ethiopian dynasty that has won 10 of the last 12 world indoor 3000m crowns.____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Preet Majithia | @preet_athleticsProduced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@jasminefehr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSOLIPOP: Olipop's Tropical Punch tastes like a vacation in a can. It has the perfect balance of pineapple, passionfruit, mandarin, and apple. You get that nostalgic fruit punch flavor, but way more crisp and way more refreshing. Every can contains their Olismart blend, which includes ingredients designed to support digestive health and help feed your gut microbiome. If you haven't had tried Olipop yet, grab a can and see what the hype is all about!⁠⁠ Head to DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.⁠⁠XENDURANCE: When you finish a hard workout, the work isn't actually done. That's when recovery starts. Xendurance Protein is designed specifically to help your body recover, rebuild, and get stronger after training. It combines four different types of protein, so your body gets both fast absorbing protein for immediate recovery and slower release protein to support muscle repair over time. ⁠⁠Check it out at Xendurance.com and use code CITIUS for 25% off your first order.

Join Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, Stu Holden & John Strong as they guys react to the penultimate roster release ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. will face Portugal and Belgium in Atlanta next weekend. What are your burning questions ahead of this crucial window? We dive into potential position changes for players, who to start up top for both matches, and who is missing on this roster. Reyna vs Luna, Noahkai Banks drama, Pepi to Fulham, Freese & Balgun to start both games and so much more. Presented by @Zillow #Zillow Intro (0:00)Goalkeepers: Freese to start both matches? (5:02)Defenders: Noahkai Banks Duel-National Drama (10:40)Midfielders: Luna still a lock to make final roster? (25:20)Forwards: What to do up top at striker? (36:58)What does a successful window look like? (41:30)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last Beguine died in 2013. Her name was Marcella Pattyn, she was 92 years old, and she was the final link in an 800-year chain of women who refused to be nuns or wives and built something entirely their own instead. The Beguines lived in community, supported themselves, and wrote theology in languages ordinary people could actually read, all without answering to any bishop, abbot, or husband. The medieval Church had no category for them, and that uncertainty turned dangerous fast. This episode follows the Beguines from their origins in 13th century Belgium and the Netherlands through the trial of Marguerite Porete, a mystic who wrote a book the Church burned twice, sat before the Inquisition in silence for eighteen months, and was executed in Paris in 1310. Her book survived. It's still in print. The begijnhofs her community built are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They were not waiting for permission. They just kept going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last time we spoke about the Soviet-Japanese neutrality pact. In the summer of 1939, the Nomonhan Incident escalated into a major clash along the Halha River, where Soviet-Mongolian forces under Georgy Zhukov decisively defeated Japan's Kwantung Army. Zhukov's offensive, launched on August 20, involved intense artillery, bombers, and encirclement tactics, annihilating the Japanese 23rd Division and exposing weaknesses in Japanese mechanized warfare. The defeat, coinciding with the Hitler-Stalin Nonaggression Pact, forced Japan to negotiate a ceasefire on September 15-16, redrawing borders and deterring further northern expansion. Stalin navigated negotiations with Britain, France, and Germany to avoid a two-front war, ultimately signing the German-Soviet pact on August 23, which secured Soviet neutrality in Europe while addressing eastern threats. Post-Nomonhan, Soviet-Japanese relations warmed rapidly: fishing disputes were resolved, ambassadors exchanged, and the Chinese Eastern Railway sale finalized. By 1941, a neutrality pact was concluded, allowing Japan to pivot southward toward China and Southeast Asia.   #193 The Chiang-Wang Divide Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. After that lengthy mini series covering the battle of Khalkin Gol, we need to venture back into the second sino-japanese war, however like many other colossal events….well a lot was going on simultaneously. I wanted to take an episode to talk about the beginning of something known as the Reorganized National Government of the Republic of China, or much shorter, the Wang Jingwei Regime. It's been quite some time since we spoke about this character and he is a large part of the second sino-japanese war.    After the fall of Tianjin and Beiping, the government offices in Nanjing entered their annual summer recess. All of GMD's senior leadership, from Chiang Kai-shek down to Wang Jingwei, gathered on Mount Lu, a picturesque resort in northern Jiangxi, south of the Yangtze, famed for cliffs, clouds, and summer villas. Although Chiang had visited Mount Lu every summer, this was the first occasion that nearly the entire central government assembled there. Analysts suspected the gathering was a deliberate move to relocate government functions inland in the event of total war. Dozens of the nation's leading intellectuals were invited to Mount Lu to discuss strategies for countering Japan's ambitions. The forum was scheduled to begin on July 15 and to last twenty-seven days in three phases. The bridge incident caught them off guard. Unlike Manchuria, Beiping had long been the nation's capital, and the shock added urgency to the proceedings. When the forum, chaired by Wang, finally opened on July 16, speculation ran as to whether this signaled another regional conflict or the onset of full-scale war. The media pressed for a resolute stance of resistance from the government. To dispel the mounting confusion and perhaps his own indecision, Chiang delivered a solemn speech on July 17, declaring that if the incident could not be resolved peacefully, China would face the "crucial juncture" of national survival and would consider military action; if war began, every Chinese person, from every corner of the country and from every walk of life, would have to sacrifice all to defend the nation.   Chiang's Mount Lu Speech was now commonly regarded as the moment when China publicly proclaimed its firm commitment to resistance. Contemporary observers, however, did not take Chiang's stance at face value. Tao Xisheng, a Peking University law professor who had been invited, recalled that after the speech, people gathered in Hu Shi's room to discuss whether a peace option remained. Chiang left the mountain on July 20, leaving Wang to chair the conference. The discussions continued upon their return to Nanjing, where a National Defense Conference was organized in mid-August. It was also Tao's first encounter with Wang Jingwei. A "peace faction," largely composed of civil officials and intellectuals, began to take shape around Wang, favoring diplomatic solutions over costly and potentially ineffective military action.   During this period, both Chiang and Wang publicly called for resistance, while both harbored hopes for a peaceful solution. Yet their emphases differed. On July 29, Wang Jingwei delivered a radio address from Nanjing titled "The Critical Juncture," echoing Chiang's slogan. He likewise asserted that after repeated concessions and retreats, the critical juncture had come for China to rise against Japan. It would be a harsh form of resistance, since a weak nation had no alternative but to sacrifice every citizen's life and scorch every inch of land. Yet toward the end, Wang's speech took on an ironic turn. He stated, "The so-called resistance demands sacrificing the whole land and the whole nation to resist the invader. If there is no weakness in the world, then there is also no strength. Once we have completed the sacrifice, we also realize the purpose of resistance. We hail 'the critical juncture'! We hail 'sacrifice'!" The sentiment sounded almost satirical, revealing his doubt about the meaning of total sacrifice.   The hope for containment was crushed by Japan's ongoing advances. On November 12, Shanghai fell. Chiang's gamble produced about 187,200 Chinese casualties, including roughly 30,000 officers trained to German standards. Japanese casualties were estimated at a third to a half of the Chinese losses, still making it their deadliest single battle to date. The battered Japanese Imperial Army and Navy, long convinced of their invincibility, were consumed by vengeful bloodlust. The army swept from Shanghai toward Nanjing, leaving a trail of murder, rape, arson, and plunder across China's heartland.   With the fall of Nanjing looming, the central government announced on November 20 that it would relocate to Chongqing, a city upriver on the Yangtze protected by sheer cliffs. Plans for Chongqing as a reserve capital had already begun in 1935, with Hankou as the midway station. To preserve elite troops for the future while saving face, Nanjing was entrusted to General Tang Shengzhi and his roughly one hundred thousand largely inexperienced soldiers. Nanjing fell on December 13. Despite this victory, Japan's hopes of ending the China Incident within three months were dashed. The carnage produced by the war, especially the Rape of Nanjing, left a profound moral stain on humanity. A mass exodus from the coastal provinces toward the hinterland began. People fled by boats, trains, buses, rickshaws, and wheelbarrows. Universities, factories, and ordinary households were moved halfway across China, step by step. The nation resolved to persevere, even in distant mountains and deserts if necessary. In Sichuan alone, government relief agencies officially registered about 9.2 million refugees during the war years.   Chiang Kai-shek, after paying respects at Sun Yat-sen's mausoleum, flew to Mount Lu with Song Meiling. The so-called Second Couple chose a more modest path: like most refugees, the Wang family traveled upriver along the Yangtze. On November 21, they left Nanjing, abandoning a recently renovated suburban home and thirty years of collected books. Coincidentally, the ship carrying Wang Jingwei from Nanjing to Wuhan was SS Yongsui, the former SS Zhongshan that had escorted Sun Yat-sen to safety and witnessed Wang's ascent and subsequent downfall from power. Ironically renamed "Yong-sui," the ship's new title meant "peace," while the compound term suijing denoted a policy of appeasement. This symbolism—Wang being carried away from Nanjing by a ship named "Eternal Peace"—foreshadowed his eventual return to the city as a champion of a "peace movement."   After the Mount Lu Forum, Hu Shi and Tao Xisheng could not return to Beiping, now under Japanese occupation. They joined the government in Nanjing. Beginning in mid-August, Japanese bombers began attacking Nanjing. Air power—an unprecedented weapon of mass destruction—humbled and awed a Chinese public largely unfamiliar with airborne warfare. By striking a target that did not serve its immediate interests, Japan demonstrated its world-class military might and employed psychological warfare against the Chinese government and people. Because Zhou Fohai's villa at Xiliuwan had a fortified cellar suitable as an air-raid shelter, a group of like-minded intellectuals and civil servants sought refuge there. They preferred a peaceful approach to the conflict, subscribing to the idea of trading space for time—building China's industrial and military capabilities before confronting Japan. Tao Xisheng and Mei Siping, old allies of Zhou Fohai, lived in his house. Another frequent guest was Luo Junqiang, an ex-communist. The former CCP leader Chen Duxiu, recently released from prison, joined their gatherings a few times. Gao Zongwu hosted another meeting site. Hu Shi, as a guest himself, jokingly called this circle the "Low-Key Club" (Didiao julebu), a label that underscored their pragmatic defiance of the government's high-flown rhetoric urging all-out resistance. Many members of this group would later become central figures in a conspiracy known as the "peace movement," with Wang Jingwei as its leader and emblem.   As Gerald Bunker noted, the peace scheme did not originate with Wang but with certain associates of Chiang, elements in Japanese military intelligence, and members of liberal-minded Japanese political circles who were linked to Konoe. Zhou Fohai belonged to the Chiang-loyalist CC faction, named for Chen Guofu and Chen Lifu. Zhou believed that resistance under current conditions was suicidal. He sought to influence Chiang through people around him, including Wang Jingwei, whom he found impressionable and began visiting at Wang's salon. Gao Zongwu, head of the Foreign Ministry's Asian Department, felt sidelined by Chiang's uncompromising stance. They shared the sense that Chiang might be willing to talk but feared the price, perhaps his own leadership. They were dismayed by the lack of a long-range war plan beyond capitulation. Their view was that China's battlefield losses would worsen the terms of any settlement, and that the war's outcome seemed to benefit Soviet Russia and undermine the GMD more than China itself. The rapid collapses of Shanghai and then Nanjing vindicated their pessimism. Chiang's autocratic decision-making only deepened their dissatisfaction. They feared China was again at risk of foreign conquest from which it might not recover.   Wang Jingwei became the focal point for these disaffected individuals, drawn by his pacifist leanings, intellectual temperament, and preference for consensus-building. After the government relocated to Hankou, he lent guidance to the Literature and Art Research Society (Yiwen yanjiu hui), a propagandist body led by Zhou Fohai and Tao Xisheng. Its purpose was to steer public opinion on issues like the war of resistance and anticommunism, and to advocate a stance that the government must preserve both peace and war as options. Many believed it to be Wang's private organization; in truth, Chiang supported its activities. For much of 1938, Chiang's belligerent anti-Japanese rhetoric and Wang's conciliatory push were two sides of the GMD's broader strategy.   Among the society's regional branches, the Hong Kong chapter flourished under Mei Siping and Lin Baisheng. In addition to editing South China Daily News, Lin established Azure Books and the International Compilation and Translation Society (Guoji bianyishe) as primary propaganda organs. Ironically, Mei Siping had himself been a radical during the 1919 student protests, when he helped set fire to the deputy foreign minister's house in protest of perceived capitulation to Japan.   Wang Jingwei also actively engaged in international efforts to broker peace between Japan and China, including Trautmann's mediation by the German ambassador. Since the outbreak of war, various Western powers had contemplated serving as mediators, but none succeeded. Nazi Germany, aligned with Japan in an anti-Soviet partnership, emerged as China's most likely ally because it did not want Japan to squander its strength in China or compel China to seek Soviet help. Conversely, Japan's interest lay in prolonging the war or achieving a swift settlement. Ambassador Trautmann met with Wang Jingwei multiple times from October 31 to early November 1937 to confirm China's preference for peace before negotiating with Japan. The proposal Trautmann carried to Chiang Kai-shek on November 5 proposed terms including autonomy for Inner Mongolia, a larger demilitarized zone in North China, an expanded cease-fire around Shanghai, a halt to anti-Japanese movements, an anti-communist alliance, reduced tariffs on Japanese goods, and protection of foreign interests in China. Although Japan did not specify territorial gains, these terms deviated significantly from Chiang's demand to restore pre–Marco Polo Bridge status. After Shanghai fell, Chiang's rigidity softened.   On December 5, at Hankou, the National Defense Conference agreed to begin peace negotiations based on Trautmann's terms, a decision Chiang approved. But it was too late: Nanjing fell on December 13, and a provisional Beiping government led by Wang Kemin was established, signaling Japan's growing support for regional separatism. On December 24, Japan issued an ultimatum for a harsher deal to be accepted by January 10. In response, Chiang resigned as chairman of the Executive Yuan on January 1, 1938, and was succeeded by his brother-in-law Kong Xiangxi. Chiang declared that death in defeat was preferable to death in disgrace and refused to yield under coercion. The Konoe Cabinet announced on January 16 that Japan would not negotiate with Chiang Kai-shek. Trautmann's mediation had failed.   After Konoe's announcement, mediation became even more precarious, as it placed the already deadly, no-win situation between the two nations in deeper jeopardy. Secret contacts between the two governments persisted through multiple channels—sometimes at the direction of their own leaders, other times at the initiative of a cadre of officials and quasi-official figures of dubious legitimacy. Many of these covert efforts were steered by Chiang himself. In late 1937, Wang Jingwei even sent Chen Gongbo to Rome to explore the possibility of Italian mediation between China and Japan. After meetings with Mussolini and Foreign Minister Ciano, Chen concluded that Italy had no genuine goodwill toward China and favored Japan. His conversations with other Western leaders (Belgium, France, Britain, and the United States) proved equally fruitless. In diaries, Zhou Fohai and Chen Kewen recorded a pervasive mood of pessimism among Hankou and Chongqing's national government factions. Although direct champions of negotiating with Japan were few, many voices insisted that China was on the brink of collapse while secretly hoping peace talks would begin soon. Gao Zongwu's mission emerged from this tense atmosphere.   With Konoe's cabinet refusing to negotiate with Chiang Kai-shek, many regarded Wang as the best candidate to carry forward a diplomatic solution. Yet Wang remained convinced of his loyalty to Chiang and to Chiang's policy. The Italian ambassador visited Wuhan to offer mediation between Wang and the Japanese government, an invitation Wang declined. Tang Shaoyi's daughter traveled to Wuhan to convey Tokyo's negotiation intent, but was similarly turned away. Even Chen Bijun, then in Hong Kong, urged Wang to join her and start peace negotiations; he again declined. Tao Xisheng remembered a quiet night when Wang confided in him: "This time I will cooperate with Mr. Chiang until the very end, regardless of how the war unfolds." His stance did not change when Gao Zongwu reported that the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff Office wanted him to head the peace talks.   Gao Zongwu's bid was brokered by Dong Daoning, head of the Japan Affairs Section in the Foreign Ministry. Shortly after Konoe's statement, Dong traveled to Shanghai to meet Nishi Yoshiaki, representative of Mantetsu, and Matsumoto Shigeharu, a Dōmei News Agency journalist. Nishi and Matsumoto then introduced Dong to Kagesa Sadaaki, head of the Strategy and Tactics Department in the General Staff Office. Kagesa introduced Dong to Deputy Director Tada Hayao and colleagues Ishiwara Kanji and Imai Takeo, who agreed that a peaceful resolution to the China crisis aligned with Japan's interests. It would be inaccurate to paint these figures as pacifists: Ishiwara, who helped build Manchukuo, also recognized that further incursions into China could jeopardize Japan's hard-won gains. They proposed a temporary resignation by Chiang to spare Konoe from having to retract his refusal to negotiate, thereby allowing Wang to lead the talks. In short, the scheme aimed to save face for Konoe.   Dong returned to Hong Kong and delivered the proposal to Gao Zongwu, who had been stationed there since February under Chiang's orders to oversee intelligence and liaison with Japan. Luo Junqiang, Gao's contact, testified that Gao was paid monthly from Chiang's secret military fund. Gao went back to Hankou twice, on April 2 and May 30. On the second trip, he personally conveyed Japan's terms to Chiang. Gao later admitted that Chiang never gave him explicit instructions, but rather cultivated an impression of tacit approval. At no point did Gao view the deal as Chiang's betrayal. As long as Chiang retained control of the military, Wang's leadership could only be nominal and temporary. Unbeknownst to Wang, Gao's personal ties to Chiang remained hidden from him; he learned of them only through Zhou Fohai. Startled, he handed the information to Chiang Kai-shek and told Tao Xisheng: "I cannot broker peace with Japan alone. I will not deceive Mr. Chiang." Given Tao's later departure from Wang's circle to rejoin Chiang, Tao's recollection could be trusted.   Two months later, Wang left Chongqing to pursue a peace settlement. A key factor may have been persistent lobbying by Zhou, Gao, Mei, Tao, and especially his wife Chen Bijun. Luo Junqiang recalled that Kong Xiangxi objected that Gao acted without him, prompting Chiang to order Gao to halt his covert efforts, an order Gao ignored. Gao and Mei Siping continued to press for a deal. Gao even spent three weeks in Japan in July, holding extensive talks with Kagesa Sadaaki and Imai Takeo. Their discussions produced the first substantive articulation of the Wang peace movement as a Sino-Japanese plot to end the "China incident." On November 26, Mei flew from Hong Kong to Chongqing with a draft of Japan's terms and Konoe's planned announcement. The proposal stated that the Japanese army would withdraw completely within two years once peace was reached, but it demanded that China formally recognize Manchukuo. Wang was to leave Chongqing for Kunming by December 5, then proceed to Hanoi. Upon Japan receiving news of his arrival in Hanoi, the telegram would reveal the peace terms. This pivotal moment threw Wang into intense inner turmoil. Zhou Fohai visited Wang daily, and Wang delayed decisively each time, much to Zhou's frustration. Ultimately, it seemed that Chen Bijun rendered the final judgment on Wang's behalf. As in earlier episodes, Wang found himself trapped by an idealized image of himself held by family, followers, and loyalists, seen by them as a larger-than-life figure who must undertake a mission too grand to fail.   Yet Wang's stance was not purely involuntary. As Imai Takeo noted, he fundamentally disagreed with Chiang's strategy of resistance. The so-called scorched-earth approach caused immense suffering. Three episodes stood out: the 1938 Yellow River flood, ordered by Chiang to impede Japan's advance, which destroyed dikes and displaced millions, yielding devastating agricultural and humanitarian consequences; the subsequent epidemics and famine that followed, producing about two million refugees and up to nine hundred thousand deaths, while failing to stop the Japanese advance toward Wuhan (which fell in October); and the Changsha fire, ignited in the early hours of November 13, which killed nearly thirty thousand people and devastated most of the city. These events sharpened Wang's doubts about Chiang's defense strategy, especially its reckless execution and cruelty. By late November, Wang began to openly challenge Chiang's approach, delivering a series of speeches advocating his own war-weariness and preference for limiting resistance to preserve national strength for future counterstrikes. He argued that guerrilla warfare burdened the people and wasted national resources that could be saved for a later, more effective defense. He urged soldiers to exercise judgment and listen to their consciences, and he attributed much of the civilian suffering to the Communists; nonetheless, with General von Falkenhausen, Chiang's German adviser, now urging a shift toward smaller-unit mobile warfare, Wang's critique of Chiang's strategy took on a more pointed, risksome tone. If resistance equaled total sacrifice, Wang was not prepared to endorse it. As Margherita Zanasi noted, Wang Jingwei and Chen Gongbo had long shared a vision of a self-consciously anti-imperial "national economy", the belief that China's economy had not yet achieved genuine nation-power and that compromising with the foe might be necessary to save the national economy.   Wang and Zhou also worried that continuing resistance would strengthen the Communists and that genuine international aid would not arrive, at least not soon. After Nazi Germany occupied Czechoslovakia, Wang briefly hoped for the formation of an antifascist democratic alliance. Yet the Munich Agreement disappointed him. Viewing Western democracies as culturally imperialist, he doubted they would jeopardize their relations with Japan, another imperial power, on China's behalf. This view was reinforced by Zhou Fohai and other China specialists who had recently joined Wang's circle; they argued that China would fall unless the international situation shifted dramatically. Their forecast would prove accurate only after Pearl Harbor.   In the end, Wang longed for decisive action. He had been sidelined since the government's move to Wuhan. At the GMD Provisional National Congress in Hankou (March 29–April 1), the party resolved to restore Chiang Kai-shek to near-total control by reasserting the authoritarian zongcai system. The Congress also established the People's Political Council as a nominal nod to democracy, but it remained largely consultative. Wang was elected deputy director and chairman of the council, yet he clearly resented the position. Jiang Tingfu described Wang's Hankou mood as "somewhat resentful," recognizing the role as largely ceremonial. More optimistic observers attributed his dismay to the return of dictatorship, and he likely felt increasingly useless. Since the Mukden Incident, Wang had prioritized party unity and been content to play a secondary role to Chiang, but inaction did not fit his sense of historical purpose. It was Zhou Fohai who urged Wang to risk his reputation for a greater cause, presenting a calculated nudge to someone susceptible to idealism. A longing to find meaning through action may have finally pushed him toward a fateful decision. As Chen Bijun bluntly told Long Yun, her husband "was merely an empty shell in Chongqing and could contribute nothing to the country; thus he wanted to change his surroundings."   Wang considered staying abroad as a serious option amid the Hanoi uncertainty. Gao Zongwu had previously told Japanese negotiators that if Konoe's stance did not satisfy Wang, he might head to France. Chongqing echoed this possibility. On December 29, Ambassador Guo Taiqi, acting on Chiang's orders, telegraphed Wang suggesting he go to Europe "to take a break." It would have offered a graceful exit. Kagesa recommended Hanoi as Wang Jingwei's midway station because, as a French colony, it offered a relatively safe environment. Only the French were armed there, and several members of the extended Wang family had grown up in France, enabling them to communicate with the colonial authorities.   After Wang departed for Hanoi, Long Yun hesitated for weeks. On December 20, he telegraphed Chiang, saying Wang had paused in Kunming on the way to Hanoi to seek medical treatment. Knowing this was untrue, Chiang replied on December 27 with a stern warning about Japan's unreliability, a message that appeared to have persuaded Long. A day later, Long urged leniency for Wang. Following Wang's publication of the "yan telegram," public anger likely pushed Long toward a final decision. On January 6, he informed Chiang of a letter from Wang delivered by Chen Changzu, and he noted that the Wangs were considering the French option, but recommended allowing Wang to return to Chongqing to show leniency and to enable surveillance.   Chiang replied two days later that Wang would be better off going to Europe. The extended Wang family resided in two Western-style mansions at 25 and 27 Rue Riz Marché, surrounded by high walls. On February 15, Chongqing's envoy Gu Zhengding brought their passports to Hanoi. Accounts differed on what happened next. One version had Wang offering to travel abroad if Chongqing accepted his proposal to start peace talks; if Chongqing remained indecisive, he would return to voice his dissent. Another version claimed Gu's primary task was to bring Wang back to Chongqing, which Wang declined, preferring France.   Although the French option was gaining favor, the Wang circle continued to explore other avenues. In early 1939, secret contacts with the Japanese government persisted, though not always in a coordinated way. Chiang's intelligence advised that the Wang group was forming networks in Shanghai and especially Hong Kong, with Gao Zongwu playing a central role. On February 1, Gao returned from Hong Kong and stayed for five days, finding Wang in a despondent mood. Wang asked Gao to pass along a few letters to Japanese leaders urging the creation of a unified Chinese government to earn the Chinese people's understanding and trust. Wang believed his actions would serve the best interests of both China and Japan. On March 18, the Japanese consulate in Hong Kong informed Gao that funding for the Wang group would come from China's customs revenues that Japan had seized.   Meanwhile, Chiang Kai-shek sensed a shift in the war's direction. On February 10, Japan seized Hainan, China's southernmost major island. The next day, Chiang held a press conference describing the development as "the Mukden Incident of the Pacific." He warned that Japan's ambitions could threaten British and French colonial interests and U.S. maritime supremacy. Gao Zongwu read the speech and concluded that Chiang's outlook had brightened.   For three months, the Wang circle met frequently to weigh options. The prominent writer and scholar Zhou Zuoren, who had already accepted a collaborationist post as head of the Beiping library, warned Tao Xisheng, saying "Don't do it," signaling his misgivings about collaborating with Japan based on his reading of Japanese politics. As Zhou observed, many young Japanese militarists did not even respect General Ugaki, let alone a foreign leader.   Then the assassination of Zeng Zhongming, Wang's secretary and protégé, abruptly altered the meaning of Wang's mission. The Wang group was deeply unsettled by Zeng Zhongming's assassination. The event came as a shock. On March 20, Gu Zhengding's second Hanoi visit concluded. Allegedly Gu delivered passports and funds for a European excursion. On a bright spring day, the entire Wang family enjoyed a lighthearted outing to Three Peaches Beach, only to be halted by a French officer who warned they were being followed. During their afternoon rest, a man posing as a painter, sent by the landlord to measure rooms for payment, appeared at the door and was turned away when he insisted on entering every room. More than twenty people in the household, none were armed.   Since January, Hanoi had been a hive of BIS activity. The ringleader was Chen Gongshu, a veteran operative under spymaster Dai Li, though Chen's recollections clashed with those of other witnesses, leaving the exact sequence unclear. Chen claimed their role was intelligence and surveillance until March 19, when an unsigned telegram from Dai Li ordered, "Severest punishment to the traitor Wang Jingwei, immediately!" The mission supposedly shifted. The Wang family was followed the next day but evaded capture in traffic, prompting a raid on the house. Reports varied: some said Wang resided on the second floor of No. 27; others suggested he lived in No. 25, with No. 27 used for day guests. The force entered the courtyard, forced open the door to Wang's room, and a getaway car waited outside. Chen, in the car, heard gunshots: initial shots toward a downstairs figure, then three shots through a bedroom door hacked open with an axe, aimed at a figure beneath the bed, believed to be Wang Jingwei. The team drove off after four to five minutes. Vietnamese police soon detained three killers who lingered in the courtyard and even listened in on a hospital call. Chen didn't realize the target had been misidentified until the next afternoon. Some BIS records suggested Wang and Zeng Zhongming had swapped bedrooms that night, a detail Chen doubted. Chen did not mention a painter's earlier visit.   There were competing accounts of the event with their numerous inconsistencies that fueled conspiracy theories. Jin Xiongbai outlined three possibilities: (1) the killers killed the "wrong person" as a warning to Wang Jingwei; (2) they killed Zeng to provoke Wang toward collaboration; or (3) the episode was always part of a broader Chiang-Wang collaboration plan.   In any case, Dai Li showed unusual leniency toward Chen Gongshu, who was never punished and later led the Shanghai station. After Dai Li's agent Li Shiqun was captured in 1941, Li not only spared Chen's life but recruited him on a double-agent basis for the remainder of the war, with Chen retiring to Taiwan. Chiang Kai-shek never discussed the case publicly or in his diary, and his silence was perhaps the strongest indication that he ordered the killing.   I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Wang Jingwei, once a key figure in China's resistance against Japan, grew disillusioned with Chiang Kai-shek's scorched-earth tactics during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Amid devastating events like the Yellow River flood and Changsha fire, which caused immense civilian suffering, Wang joined a peace faction advocating negotiation. Secret talks with Japanese officials led to his defection in 1938. He fled Chongqing to Hanoi, where an assassination attempt, likely ordered by Chiang, killed his secretary Zeng Zhongming instead.   

Now, When people think of the British Army in the age of Napoleon, they usually picture the big stuff - Waterloo. Salamanca. Lines of redcoats smashing French columns.  But that was only part of the story. Because the British Army of this era was not just fighting set-piece battles in Spain and Belgium. It was everywhere. Corsica. Egypt. The Low Countries. Strange little expeditions, half-forgotten raids, awkward amphibious landings, sieges, disasters, and operations that now sit in the shadows of the more famous campaigns. And some of them are extraordinary. In this episode, I'm joined once again by historian Steve Brown - he is a Goliath of British military history of the Napoleonic era and his books are incredible . Today he is digging into three neglected actions: the invasion of Corsica in 1794, the Ostend raid of 1798, and the Fraser expedition to Egypt in 1807. They may be obscure, but they are anything but dull. We've got Horatio Nelson losing the sight in an eye, British troops smashing their objectives and then being wrecked by the weather and Highlanders and Swiss soldiers ending up in Egyptian slave markets. So put the big battles out of your mind for a bit and grab a brew. I started off by asking Steve what made him want to research these obscure corners of the Great War against France.   Buy Steve's books here - https://amzn.to/4rlq6x1  Join my Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory  

Anand Menon and Rainbow Murray discuss Europe and Canada’s alignment on Iran, why Belgium’s prime minister wants normalisation with Russia and France’s regional elections. Plus: Rebecca C Lubot on presidential succession.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Pink Floyd decamp to France to record a make or break high-concept double album as tensions within the band continue to mount. After the classic lineup breakup, they stay together as friends (just kidding) and only one person gets paid (this part's true). The boys continue their milestone celebration and talk fretless bass, emotional peaks, and unsavory dalliances with authoritarianism.Join us on Patreon to continue the conversation and get early access to the weekly show 100% ad free, plus 60+ bonus shows like Song Battle and Guilty Pleasureshttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6s6ligjsi17evwO7C0hL85?si=6f9e903b4be642c6Listen to The Wall here:https://open.spotify.com/album/5Dbax7G8SWrP9xyzkOvy2F?si=Am_8HFWtS5GB3Gyc98w9xwAnd our international playlists continue to grow:Thai, German, Sweden 1, 2, & 3, Italian, Australian, Belgium 1 & 2Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreNext week's album: Eminem - The Slim Shady LP

Dr Haley Ellis from Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, Prof Eric Van Cutsem from University Hospitals Leuven in Belgium, Dr Zev Wainberg from UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles, California, and moderator Dr Lionel A Kankeu Fonkoua from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, discuss recent data and provide their perspectives on the management of HER2-positive GI cancers.CME information and select publications here.

Bassoonist Amy Harman and concert pianist Nicholas McCarthy are the studio guests of Jeffrey Boakye and Anna Phoebe as they add five more tracks. Kicking off with an internationally famous track written in Ostend in Belgium, they end up in a gravel pit via a ticking clock or two.Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented with musical direction by Jeffrey Boakye and Anna PhoebeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye Clocks by Coldplay The Clock (the 2nd mvt) from Symphony No 101 in D Major by Haydn Precipitato (the 3rd mvt) from Piano Sonata No 7 in B Flat Major by Prokofiev Gravel Pit by Wu-Tang ClanOther music in this episode:Etudes: Op 8 No 12 in D-Flat Minor by Scriabin, played by Nicholas McCarthy Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D-Major by Ravel, played by Nicholas McCarthy On the Road Again (Live) by Willie Nelson Who'll Buy My Memories by Willie Nelson Impulse by Hans Zimmer Lux Aeterna by Clint Mansell Nautilus by Anna Meredith It's a Man's Man's Man's World by James Brown Da Mystery of Chessboxin by Wu-Tang Clan

Mac Millings makes his tournament debut as England's hopes hang by a thread. Bobby Robson is forced into some changes and, although familiar issues are still apparent early on against Poland, goals change games. And careers. There is also Morocco discovering what can be done when you cross the halfway line, progress for the hosts, Paraguay and Belgium fight to avoid the USSR, Italy remain unconvincing and some love for Jorge Valdano. South Korea v Italy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ISodmB7jg Argentina v Bulgaria - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyy0KjsS0os Mexico v Iraq - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G2xrWF-sIQ Paraguay v Belgium - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8opR05tJ-E England v Poland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jcCQetmfAU & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBmpdKC1Ye8 Morocco v Portugal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkauTeF1NA8 If you want weekly exclusive bonus shows, join our Nessun Dorma community chat, want your episodes without ads and a couple of days earlier or just want to support the podcast, then head over to ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/NessunDormaPodcast⁠⁠⁠ where you can subscribe for only $3.99 a month (less than 75p a week!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CONQUER BINGE EATINGHelena came to me struggling with her relationship with food & bingeing since she was 12 years old. She would come home from school and binge on a bunch of snacks when her parents weren't home.She tried therapy, eating disorder treatment and worked with dieticians but always felt like she was the exception. She had thoughts that maybe she'd just struggle with bingeing & thinking about food for the rest of her life.Until she found my podcast, joined CONQUER & decided to trust the process and believe that she could CONQUER. She was fully open to a new approach of rewiring her brain after understanding that binge eating was a habit. (THIS IS KEY!!!)

"Are you still translating every Chinese sentence into English in your head? You're doing it the hard way!"In this episode of Da Shu Mandarin, we're joined by Teacher Lin, a master of the "No-English" immersion method. She's taught students from the mountains of Thailand to the heart of Belgium, proving that the fastest way to fluency isn't through a dictionary—it's through pure immersion.

The Context of White Supremacy welcomes Dr. Sean O'Dubhghaill live from Belgium. Classified as a White Man, Dr. O'Dubhghaill “is a social and cultural anthropologist who is interested in the topics of Irish identity, mobility and diaspora matters.” He's currently “working in the field of International Relations at the Brussels School of Governance.” Gus T. located his newly printed text, How the Irish Became White Supremacists (Dec. 2025). This book examines what it means to be classified as White and “Irish.” Dr. O'Dubhghaill investigates how White people in Ireland allege to be the “blacks of Europe” - even going so far as to claim solidarity with the non-white people in Palestine and the Choctaw Natives in the US. This work challenges this claim while highlighting the anti-immigrant, anti-black violence in Ireland that produced an “Irish Lives Matter” campaign and Racist legislation to restrict non-white people's access to the region. He even spends a chapter interrogating former C.O.W.S.'s guest and Racist Suspect Noel Ignatiev's How The Irish Became White and the book's lack of scientific evidence to help Replace White Supremacy With Justice. Ignatiev's lauded work recommends we discontinue use of the term "Racism" - even while White people continue to practice Racism. #ConnorMcGregor INVEST in The COWS – http://paypal.me/TheCOWS Cash App: https://cash.app/$TheCOWS CALL IN NUMBER: 720.716.7300 CODE 564943#

Call It What You Want, presented by Zillow, turns its attention to the imminent announcement of the March roster. Jimmy Conrad, Tony Meola, and Benny Feilhaber put their heads together and try to predict the USMNT's 26-man squad to face Belgium and Portugal (3:58). Is Noahkai Banks a lost cause (08:06)? And what did Mauricio Pochettino learn after traveling to watch Johnny Cardoso dunk on his former team Tottenham (19:56)? Benny reflects on accepting the role of impact sub in Bob Bradley's team, and how those experiences apply to today's USMNT roster (28:25). And with four strikers in red-hot form, is it a given all of them will make the cut (33:21)? The guys react to Alphonso Davies, Luis Malagón, and Marcel Ruiz suffering untimely injuries, and the impact that might have on fellow World Cup co-hosts Canada and Mexico (4247). And in Concacaf Champions Cup news, San Diego recorded a statement win over Liga MX champions Toluca (52:32)! 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/⁠ Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, UEFA Women's Champions League, EFL Championship, EFL League Cup, Carabao Cup, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the betting arena on CBS Sports.com: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/⁠ For all the latest in sportsbook reviews: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/⁠ And sportsbook promos: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/ 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

Looking radiant might have less to do with makeup and more to do with how you care for yourself every day. In this recap, Lesley Logan and special guest co-host Clare Solly break down the advice shared by double board-certified aesthetic nurse Rachel Varga. They explore how simple rituals, nervous system support, and intentional self-care can transform both skin health and your overall wellbeing. From hydration and breathwork to lymphatic massage and shower routines, this episode highlights small habits that can create powerful results. If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:Why daily skincare routines can become powerful acts of self-love.Activating your parasympathetic system to boost natural beauty.A simple salt scrub hack for better sleep and skin.How posture and humming instantly regulate your nervous system.The importance of filtering your water for hair and health.Episode References/Links:Contrology Pilates Conference (Wroclaw, Poland) - xxll.co/polandPilates Workshop (Bruges, Belgium) - xxll.co/brusselsPilates On Tour® (London, UK) - xxll.co/potOPC Spring Training (Virtual Event) - opc.me/events30-Minute Biohacking Video for Skin - https://www.theschoolofradiance.comRachel Varga Website - https://theschoolofradiance.com (Discount Code: Use LesleyLogan15)The School of Radiance Podcast – https://theschoolofradiance.comHigherDOSE Red Light Shower Head - https://www.google.com/search?q=https://beitpod.com/higherdose (Code: BALANCEDDOSE for 20% off)Self-Love Ep 640 - https://beitpod.com/ep640Self-Love Ep 641 - https://beitpod.com/ep641Jessica Valant Podcast - https://jessicavalant.com/podcast If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Lesley Logan 0:00  And she said, look, the best makeup doesn't work on bad skin, so your best thing you could be doing for looking beautiful is to have a really good skincare routine. Lesley Logan 0:14  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 0:56  Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It interview recap where my co-host in life, well, not. Clare Solly 1:02  I totally could be. Lesley Logan 1:05  Well, you are my slingshot friend. So my my co-host and my part time co-host in life, Clare Solly and I are going to dig into the vital convo I have with Rachel Varga in our last episode. If you haven't yet listened to that one. You have no idea the number of tools you I have to listen to it twice. I'm definitely already re-listening to it because I took one of her ideas from this episode. I have been doing it every day ever since. I'm like, okay, I'm ready to add in a new one from that. So I definitely think it's one you'll go back to. Clare Solly 1:36  Yeah. I took notes, copious notes. Lesley Logan 1:38  I was like, okay, thank God, because Brad would love this. But like, the like I said last week, the timing of you being here so you could be my co-host on this episode, way more fun, way more fun, because you and I have shared so just when you're here, you're like, oh, did you know if you spray this, like antibacterial stuff on your armpits, and then you're deodorant, it lasts longer. And I was like, life has changed. I don't even know how to start that process, but I'm going to. Lesley Logan 2:00  Anyways, we are gonna jump right into things. Today is March 12th, 2026, it's Girl Scouts Day, everyone. Clare Solly 2:07  I love Girl Scout cookie. Lesley Logan 2:09  I told Clare. I was like, do you know it's Girl Scouts Day? She's like, are you serious? I'm like, yeah, it is. So steal your resolve. Dieters, beware. This is obviously like, pre you know, body neutrality. There are Girl Scouts everywhere, and they're all trying to sell you kryptonite, aka their most delicious cookies, whether your favorite flavor is minty Thin Mints or googie, gooey, gooey, Gooey Tagalongs.Clare Solly 2:31  Those are my two favorites, both the googie and the Gooey Tagalongs.Lesley Logan 2:35  I love a Thin Mint. If I could have gluten and dairy, I would be all over these Girl Scouts of America. I'm just saying in the year of our Lord.Clare Solly 2:43  They do make a gluten free cookie, but it's not. Lesley Logan 2:45  Well on the year of our Lord 2026 I think you could find a way to make a gluten free cookie in Vegas, there's a brewery who does Girl Scout Cookies with beers. And they like do a whole thing. It's like, I don't know, Google it Vegas. I don't know where it's at, because I can't drink beer or have these cookies, but I do know that I sent all the men in my life to do it, and they had the best time. They're so good. They deserve a holiday, and they have one of sorts get ready to celebrate this March 12, because it's National Girl Scout day, part of Girl Scout week. National Girl Scout Day commemorates the anniversary of the first girl scout meeting. In 1912, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low organized the meeting. That's a that's a name that's a definitely sign of the times. Gordon Low organized the meeting in Savannah, Georgia, and Girl Scouts have only grown from there. So grab a cookie or 12 and get ready to celebrate. Honestly, buy them even if you can't eat them and give them to people.Clare Solly 3:32  You can, yeah, you can actually donate them to soldiers and and folks like on their website too. Yeah, it's easy. And actually you can just donate money to help Girl Scout troops.Lesley Logan 3:41  Because that would allow Girl Scout troops, of all areas, to be able to join in and do what they want to do.Clare Solly 3:46  When I was a daisy through a senior Girl Scout, it really changed out my life. So I'm a Girl Scout supporter.Lesley Logan 3:52  I love that. I, you know, Girl Scouts weren't a thing for me. Because I think I don't know. I might I think, because my I was already over scheduled as a child. Clare Solly 4:00  So many sports. Lesley Logan 4:01  I have sports, dance, sewing classes, but, and I was in like, a church version of the whole thing, which still had patches. And you know what? I'm just gonna say, I missed out. I missed out. I think that's why I probably don't have as many girlfriends. Clare Solly 4:12  We could be a we could be adult Girl Scouts. Lesley Logan 4:14  Is there a way to do that? Anyways, I want patches. Do you remember? Okay, hold on side note. Do you remember Troop Beverly Hills? Clare Solly 4:20  I love Troop Beverly Hills. Such a good movie. Lesley Logan 4:23  The best movie, like, the opposite of, like, oh my god, her outfits. Beverly Hills, what a thrill. Beverly. And they do, and like, I love how they made up their own patches. Like, I just like, that was a, that's a be it till you see it movie. I mean, yes, that's your like, no one's crying for the rich girls. But also, like, I liked what they did. They got outside, they tried to do things, and I hope it ages well, sorry if it doesn't, okay. So real quick I leave next week for Poland, so if there is space is not too late, xxll.co/poland it's me and Karen Frischmann and all the Controlology stuff and some really epic workshops. And even if you're not Polish, you can come because Karen and I will speak in English, and it'll be translated to Polish, and so you have double the time to write your notes, and then we'll be in Bruges. And I thought we're in Brussels. So this is why Brad travels with me, because I've been telling everyone to be in Brussels and we are going to be in Bruges. So.Clare Solly 5:13  It's good to have, everyone needs a Brad.Lesley Logan 5:15  Everyone needs a Brad. And when I told my psychiatrist, the reason I didn't think I had ADHD is because I was an Aquarius. This is a this is evidence.Clare Solly 5:24  I love this for you, though. Lesley Logan 5:25  I know xxll.co/brussels to get your tickets to Bruges. It's still in Belgium, so I didn't fuck it up that much and and so it's gonna be a really fun time. That's Karen Frischmann and myself and Ignacio and Els of Pilatal. And it's just gonna be a wonderful time with some friends who love to teach alongside each other, and you're gonna want to come because the spots are almost sold out. And then after Brad and I finally get to France, that's the goal. It's been a set time with the second honeymoon. We'll be in London, and they'll probably be the last time in London for a couple of years. So, xxll.co/pot. Actually can see all the POT's from Balanced Body on that schedule. The only one I'm excited to teach at right now that I can share is London, so you want to come. My first workshop is sold out, but the second one has a couple spots left, and that's on a Sunday, so why not? And then when I come home, we'll be doing spring training. That is a virtual week long event where, no matter your Pilates level, we are going to help you understand the foundations to getting Pilates deeper in your body. It's at opc.me/events. Okay, Clare's taken over the the questions, and so it's like, what is Clare gonna ask me?Clare Solly 6:27  They're always kind of fun and kind of scary. So today, you're gonna get a multiple choice. Are you ready for that? Lesley Logan 6:32  I'm ready. Clare Solly 6:33  Would you rather be able to teleport so you can go anywhere at any time in an instant? Would you rather have six more hours in the day, and it won't feel like your day's any longer. It's just like you'll have six more hours to get all the stuff done, and everybody else will be on 24 or would you rather have, like, an on call body technician to like massages, do your hair, do your makeup, you know, anything you want that like, is self-care, body stretch you out, anything. What of those three would you rather have?Lesley Logan 7:01  Well, instant, my first gut before I heard the second two would have, I would hit the buzzer, but like, teleport, because that's like the problem. I want to just teleport. I hate the time, like, in between things. But when you got me to the third one, it was the on, like the body technician, like I do. I am jealous that, like, these amazing, famous people have, like, someone who, like, does their hair, does their nails, like, I have to do my makeup, and I hate the lighting in my bathroom where my makeup is I realized I could just switch bathrooms, but, like, no, the annex is the bathroom, so I but I just want someone to do that for me, because I look so good when someone else does it. Like Cynthia Rivo, her team is amazing, right? Like, obviously she has good, like aesthetic and like, lens and style, but like, that's what happens when you have an on call team. So I think I have to do number three.Clare Solly 7:47  Yeah, yeah, that's a good one. I don't know which. Lesley Logan 7:49  Also, if I could be doing, like, if someone's doing my hair, I could be actually getting other things done. So I think I would like solidly fix number 3.Clare Solly 7:56  We know how you like to multitask on this pod. Lesley Logan 7:59  What would you choose? What would you choose? Clare Solly 8:01  I even though I think I would like the on body technician, I think I would take teleport. Because if I could save the time in traveling, I think I would just like, I mean, I like, you can kind of hear it like I've been traveling for two weeks. So I'm like, travel makes me if I don't hydrate enough, I, you know, don't do so well. So I think I would take teleport. What do you think Brad would do? Lesley Logan 8:21  Brad? Brad would teleport in a second? Clare Solly 8:23  Would he? Lesley Logan 8:23  Yeah, in a second. Clare Solly 8:24  Okay. Well, we'll have to see. Maybe he can put it in the show notes and confirm that for everybody listening. Lesley Logan 8:28  Yeah, put it in the show notes, go read the show notes to see if I got it right. We'll put it in there. If you don't know how to find the show notes, I can't help you know what device you're on. But like usually, if you go to the episode, then you can click, there's a link for the show notes. Or if you go to our website, you actually can see every single podcast has a blog and a transcription. So if you want to read what we're saying, because I talk too fast.Clare Solly 8:47  And then you can binge everything too, all the podcasts you missed. Lesley Logan 8:50  Everything is there, still there you know. So however, you like it. Okay. Clare Solly 8:53  Should we talk about Rachel Varga now?Lesley Logan 8:55  Before we do that, you need to also send your questions in, because Clare can't be here every week to be the question asker, so go to beitpod.com/questions you can also send your wins in. I share those on Fridays.Clare Solly 9:07  Oh, fantastic. I love this. I love it. You can also text them right, to 1-310-905-5534.Lesley Logan 9:15  Yeah. Someday I'll remember that number, and then I'll become like, who should we call on emergency? And I'll be like, that's the one I know.Clare Solly 9:22  Why? Is it your own voice?Lesley Logan 9:27  You know what, here's the thing, I'm gonna die when I actually put that number down for Brad, and they're like, I got your customer service team is like, look, I'm calling your customer service. You can call mine.Clare Solly 9:38  Okay, now let's talk about Rachel Varga. Rachel Varga is a double board certified aesthetic nurse specialist who has been practicing since 2011, created skin care products and hosts The School of Radiance Podcast. As a traditionally trained esthetic nurse, she's performed thousands of rejuvenation procedures on patients, including peels, lasers, injectables and assisting with surgery. After years in traditional medical aesthetics, she incorporated biohacking longevity practices and home care routines that make a significant long-term difference. Then you can see it in Lesley already, and it's been short term. Her overall mission is to help people both look and feel their best.Lesley Logan 10:19  Oh my gosh. Okay, so here's the deal. She's been on this podcast for a second time. Probably have to have her back, because there's like, so many tools in my mind, too, but I really was like, peppering her with, like, do I need to, like, derma plane? Do I need to do this kind of thing, like, anything? I was like, What about the Gua Sha? Should I do this X, Y and Z? So I'm going to tell you right now. We can't get into all the things, because she said it best, and she's the expert. Clare Solly 10:40  Yeah, just listen to the podcast and take notes. Lesley Logan 10:42  But I will say, so what I love that she said is, like, self-care, particularly your morning and evening rituals, are an act of self-love. And if you don't know what self-love is, go listen my self-love series, it came out in February. But like, I think that that is a lot of people are like, trying to find the new the right mascara or right foundation color, but truly, like when I got rid of my fake lashes, and I was like a mole rat with, like, no lashes, like alopecia on my eyes. No offense to people with alopecia, but like, it was like, a shocking difference from having zero. And the girl was helping. I said, you have to teach me to do my makeup, because I've had fake lashes for five years, so I've just never done it, and she said, look the best makeup doesn't work on bad skin, so your best thing you could be doing for looking beautiful is to have a really good skincare routine. Now, luckily, I did do that, because I'm a Californian afraid of wrinkles, all that stuff, but like, so I was like, Okay, so I'm halfway there. And so I couldn't agree with her more about like your evening and night routines are part of the of the self-love that you can give yourself, and also, like she gave you in that episode, so many ways of doing things for free or for low cost money. And then she stressed the importance of of engaging the parasympathetic nervous system so your body's rest and regenerate mode. Ladies, like, if you are not sleeping, you're not digesting. If you're not digesting, you're not absorbing stuff. You're getting high cortisol. That is not fun in the perimenopause. So it's not fun. Clare Solly 12:09  Start those practices now.Lesley Logan 12:10  So I you should. And if you're already in it, and you're like us, like if you owe it to yourself to try out something, one thing at a time, trying to do all the things at a time to really help you intentionally drop into your parasympathetic of the nervous system.Clare Solly 12:22  Well, and to piggyback on that, like, do one thing at a time, even though you're like, I mean, I took notes and not like, and I know you did too. And like, all the things, try one thing at a time and give it like, a week or two to see if it's actually working for you. Because if you do five things at once, I mean, yes, we want you to, like, give yourself all the self-care you can. Lesley Logan 12:39  You won't know what's working. Clare Solly 12:40  You don't know what's working.Lesley Logan 12:41  And then you can't drop it off. And then you're gonna freak out like, oh my god, I can't take this on the plane. I can't do this. So I was on a podcast with Jessica Valant, her her podcast, and she was asking about, like, when I travel, how I take care of myself. And I'm like, because when I'm at home, I'm so good about knowing all the different things that work for me. I know what I can do when I travel and what I can't get away with. I'm not experimenting on a trip, you know, so but you have to do one thing at a time. And she said, the more relaxed you are in the parasympathetic state, the more beautiful you are going to be perceived as. And that is so true. I don't ever see someone walking around stressed out, going, look how pretty she is. You're kind of like, oh my god, that woman scares the hell out of me. Like, but we like, see these people who look so calm and confident. It's like, oh, because they're parasympathetic nervous system, it's like, totally taking, like, getting it what it needs. Clare Solly 13:27  Well, and two of the easiest way to help. It's the Wonder Woman pose that, like, was big a couple years ago. You know, the little the little girl next to the bull, put your arms on your and your shoulders back and down, and like, already, like, if you're watching on YouTube, you can see, like Lesley and I just became 10 times more beautiful. Lesley Logan 13:42  Yeah, adjusted ourselves in our chairs. You totally do. Clare Solly 13:45  It posture does so much for you and like and it does actually do something to your heart and makes you, like, radiate, and opens up your chest and your body, and then humming. Like, honestly, if you're nervous about anything, it will also help you regulate. This is I'm a trained singer, so like that. And Brad can probably like recount this too, but just humming to yourself, even if it's quietly, even in the car, if you're traveling to something that you're nervous about, just hum.Lesley Logan 14:09  Also just inhale for five counts and exhale for five counts. So the perfect breath is between 10 and 11 seconds long. And if you just go inhale and count and exhale and count, you can, I can feel myself even just talking about it, like, drop in. There's also a way that you can breathe. You do two inhales, one exhale, yeah, and that's an instant reset as well. Clare Solly 14:30  Yeah, all the breath work, all the breath work. Lesley Logan 14:33  I know. So I mean, like, you might even have tools that you used to do, and we haven't brought them up, and you haven't done them in a while. And I would just say it's worth it to do because, like, like, my, my Sephora girl said, I can teach you all the makeup tips in the world. But if you are tired and stressed out, and your skin is not, you know, shining and glowy like it, it won't be as wonderful. And we're talking about beauty like, beauty is skin deep. I think it's really, truly, like how you take care of of the skin that you're in, then whatever you apply to that is gonna be better. Doesn't have any makeup. It could actually just be, maybe don't wear any makeup. But like, just taking care of yourself is gonna be a really nice, wonderful thing.Clare Solly 15:11  And also just like, again, gut check when you're like, when something feels like it's too much for you, or, like, too long of I mean, take care of yourself in any way you can. But if it's too long of a commitment or too difficult for you to resource the things, like, don't like, it's not, it's not going to help you.Lesley Logan 15:26  No and real quick, I'll just say one of the things that I have been doing from this talk, because everyone talks about Epsom salt baths, and like, because, like, you know, I'm perimenopausal and like, inflammation, all these things and like, my joints were bothering me, and everyone's like, Epsom salt bath. Are you kidding me? My bath is set up as a cold plunge. I can't have a cold plunge Epsom salt bath. So I was just like, and I'm not a bath person. Like, the cold plunge is easy, because I can drop in, I wake right up, right? But like, a bath, it's kind of like that, like you just said, it takes more time than I want to give it. And so, like, the like, it just doesn't feel like doable, right? Who's going to take a five minute hot bath? First of all, it takes 15 minutes to load the tub up, right? And I'm in Vegas, and they check our water. So at any rate, she said, you don't even need to do an Epson salt bath. She said, get some oil, avocado, or, like, I think human sesame, but, like, single source oil, put it on your body in the shower. So I get a hot shower on me. I put the oil on, and then I just take a bag of Epsom salt bath. I put my wet hand in it. It's covered in Epsom salt, and I just scrub. And she was very clear on the episode. We're not. Clare Solly 16:26  I was gonna ask you about that. So as you said you were doing it. Lesley Logan 16:28  I do it. I don't do it every single night, just because it is a drier climate here, but I do it like at least every other night. But if I'm having, if I had a more stressful day, I'll just do it anyways, even if I did the night before. So arms, legs, and I, first of all, I don't even need to put lotion on afterwards. Your skin is so soft. It's like, we went to the Korean spa and, like, they took off the skin so so soft. And I sleep like a baby. You get all the benefits of the Epsom salt bath without having to take the bath. And then it all just washes down the drain. So real quick, we have a bag of Epsom salt on subscription. So it comes, it's a wonderfully sourced Epsom salt, and then we took those, like, restaurant like, like, mustard squeeze bottle, and we just poured a bunch of oil in it. It's in the shower, and it's just, like, easy, easy. And you walk out so clean, and I have a bath to clean afterwards.Clare Solly 17:15  And what I really loved was her skeptical on a lot of these, like, I loved that you were, like, asking about all these tools. And she was like, well, and she, like, she had opinions on all of them. You like, you could hear it. But she was also like, yeah. And I, like, I loved that she, like, gave you different things to do, like, you asked her about face yoga, and should you do it? And she was like, No, do the lymph node things. And like, automatically I was starting to do that. And like, and, you know, press things. And it felt so much better. Like, and I like that she also, like, gave you things like, you know, was the was the lady who did the thing on the one side of her face, like, didn't actually work. She's like, well, it could be that because, because she sleeps on that side, and because she, like, she dries and gets sun on that side, things you don't think about. Lesley Logan 17:57  I know she's like, she had a healthy skepticism that made me go, oh, okay, she's like, I'm watching it, and I know that there's like, fake stuff out there. But also, like, I don't know, like, my girlfriend does this, like, brushing to her face, and it her face looks so good so, you know, like, but it's that lymphatic drainage stuff, I don't know, like, so. Clare Solly 18:16  Oh and lymphatic drainage is something like, I'm convinced that's actually why I have this little bit of a head cold right now because I had like, a massage with, like, massive lymphatic (inaudible).Lesley Logan 18:23  If Rachel is listening to this, she's gonna send us a link of, like, what you should be doing. Clare Solly 18:26  Oh, please, please Rachel, please send it. Please, please, like I would listen to you and like I'm following you and I'm doing all the things. But I loved that, like that just working out, like things that you do and adding to your normal routine. I think you mentioned, like, can I do the massage while I'm putting on my facial lotion? And she was like, yes, absolutely.Lesley Logan 18:45  Is that great? Because you're already doing it. You're already doing your skincare. And you can, just like, make sure your hands are nice and moisturized, and you can do the things. I'm like, if you're watching this, I'm like, doing the things. And, like, it really does make a massive difference.Clare Solly 18:57  Yeah, it does. It does well and make sure your hands are clean and moisturized, not and just like, you've had French fries and you're like, oh, there's some (inaudible).Lesley Logan 19:05  Like, let's not, let's not make it, let's not it's like they no good deed goes unpunished. Like, don't fuck up. We don't, like, clean your hands. I think people need to wash their hands more. But anyways, I couldn't agree more. And I just thought, like, I just keep going back to, like, self-care is, like, such a self act of love. And like, I mean, we always think, oh, I should go get a facial. Oh, I should go get a massage. And think you could be doing like, little massages to yourself. Clare Solly 19:28  Yeah, yeah. I mean, again, not after French fries, but like at the stoplight, while you're driving in your car. You could do something like quick, like knuckle Gua Sha on yourself, press those lymph nodes in your in your clavicle, and release things. Lesley Logan 19:39  Oh, yeah. I love this one girl online, she like, shows you, like, okay, clear your things. And I'm like, whenever I see her, I'm like, let's just clear them. Like, what are we doing here? And I feel like mine are so tight, no wonder, like, my eyes are always so puffy.Clare Solly 19:48  Oh yeah, yeah. So so many good tips that she had. And I love that you were like, I felt like you were asking the hard questions. And then one thing that I'm fascinated with is the energy in your fingertips. Like, I want to read more about that. I'm like, my fingers are magic. Lesley Logan 20:03  I know the visualization of me is like, oh, does that mean like, I have, like, little like, I want that. What a super power. Like, then you can just, like, someone who annoys you just walk by and, like, shock them. Clare Solly 20:22  So good, so good. Lesley Logan 20:23  Yeah. But, you know, I really so one of the things, like, she's so educated, and obviously the way you can do Botox and things like that, like, she's not any anti any of that stuff, but I really appreciate her honesty. Like, you could also try these things first, if you're, like, not interested in the injectables and but then also, don't just go buy anything that says it's, like, better than Botox. Like, yeah, you know, it's just, I just appreciate like, she's like, you can spend good money in good places, and you could waste it, or you could use your own hands. Clare Solly 20:48  Yeah, well, and, like, I mean, you and I talked about Gua Sha, I think, like, a year ago, and you were like, you have to do this. And I started doing it, and I was good for like, two months, and then I'm like, oh, and I travel, and I forget to take my Gua Sha or, Oh, I'm, you know, you know, off doing whatever and forget to Gua Sha, but my fingers are always attached, and I can't use that as an excuse. Lesley Logan 21:08  I agree, and like, I still like my Gua Sha, but also, it's not always where I am, you know, like it's or it's I found, like I almost want a Gua Sha in the shower, because I'm in the shower already, you know, like I'm already there, but then, like, I have dropped a Gua Sha, don't do that. Then it cracks, and you don't want to scratch your face, so, like, it's so I kind of like that, if I forgot my Gua Sha, if I can't travel with it, if I'm asleep, I could still do it, you know, like, because I think a lot of us look for an excuse of why we can't do something. You have, you know, you have your hands. If you have hands, and if you don't have hands, then teach someone to Gua Sha you.Clare Solly 21:43  Oh, and you said the thing, sorry, I'm circling back to the thing that you said about the like the cold well, she said something about the cold plunge, like you should rinse off at the end of you can stand it. And I am a person that likes the water so hot that it burns my skin when I'm in the shower. Lesley Logan 21:55  I agree with you, because I think that's effective. Clare Solly 21:57  I love a hot, hot shower. I love a hot shower. And I know she was saying she, you know, prefers a shower in the morning. I'm a night person because I like to, like, calm down and cool down and, like, it makes me sleep better. But here's a tip for somebody like me that is, like, afraid of the cold water. I turned down my hot just a little bit so I have, like, room temperature water, and I'll do that for a couple of showers, and then slowly, like, turn down the heat a little bit more, a little bit more. Lesley Logan 22:22  Yeah, I so there's a lot of studies on, like, women's temperature for cold plunge. And so I, you know, like, our cold plunge is set 50. I mean, like, I'm sure men will say that Brad should have it colder, like, he doesn't like cold, like, it's not good for his constitution. So 50, 50, is fucking cold. I'll just say that. And I we use it in the morning as a such a great way to, like, wake up. Like it is, like, better than coffee, like it's you do. You can, like, be hung over and get in that fucking thing, and you are not hung over anymore. You're like, okay, it's not going over my head, it's not going my face, but, like, I get up to my neck and shoulders. I do it for a few minutes. It's enough. I like the routine of it. I like the way I'm starting the day. Like, hello. Like, let's go. But we used to do cold showers. And I will just say, those suck. Those are so miserable. But obviously, like, not everyone can have a cold plunge. So I think that you have to figure out what works for you. And I will say, like, the act of doing something that's uncomfortable does allow me to be in more discomfort on most days, not on my worst days, but like on my best days. Discomfort happens things. And I because, like, kind of trained my mind, like I can handle this only a few minutes, like, not a big deal. It does translate. So I think even if you're not doing it for like, the aesthetics of it or the biohacking of it, like, there's reasons to do it. But I also, like to me, the shower needs to burn my skin. I want to be a red I want to be a lobster. I tell Brad, I'm like, it's killing the germs. He's like, That's not it. I'm like, it's gotta be doing something there's never too hot of a hot shower for me. I am, like, just so.Clare Solly 23:52  I'm a lizard. I just want the hot. Lesley Logan 23:54  Yeah, what he used to do is, like, get in the shower at like, the middle, and then, you know, get himself wet at that, like, more like, room temperature water, and then, like, dip it down to a cold that he could tolerate, and then he would do it. That is too long of a commitment, but, hey, you know, but that that's how we're different. Clare Solly 24:13  That's how we're different, yeah, and it's good to talk about these things and things that, like, work for you and don't work for you, and try things.Lesley Logan 24:18  I think it's so funny because the internet's like, you must do this. It's the best thing for, like, the belly fat or the cortisol or the menopause or whatever. If you don't like it, don't do it. Like, oh my god, you know, like, there's so many tools out there, and they might have worked for someone. They don't have to work for you. And then also, like, Whatever happened to like, if it doesn't work for you, it's okay for it to work for someone else. Don't you? I just feel like, you know, we don't have to be the same.Clare Solly 24:43  Yeah, well, and your body changes too. Like Rachel was saying, like, some of the things that you'll do, and that she suggests, your body will actually change while you're doing it. And so maybe the thing that you're you start doing today isn't going to work for you in a year. And so, you know, just, you know. Find a new thing. Lesley Logan 25:00  I know I had to change my skincare line after 40 I found a really great one that I love, but, like, the stuff I was doing before, just like, stopped being great. That's okay. It's not there's nothing wrong with the line. It just wasn't right for me. And like, oh my god, you know. So if you love your Gua Sha, keep doing it. But if you if you hate your cold plunge, don't. Find something else that like challenges your body a different way? Clare Solly 25:22  Yeah, absolutely. Let's talk about the Be It Action Items. What bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted action items can we take away from your convo? I know I took away two crucial foundational elements for overall health and skin, drink 1.2 to 2.5 liters of water daily. One of my hacks for this, I actually, when I'm setting up my coffee at night, I put a cup of water by the coffee machine so I don't even have to fill it up. It's ready when I wake up, and I like, I'm just like, I dummy proof it like I drink my cup of water while I'm waiting for the coffee to brew. And then I'm gonna start doing this. I'm gonna put a pinch of salt in it. I actually put magnesium drops in mine, because I drink them all day long, because, like, your bottled waters, like Perrier and those mineral waters that are European have magnesium in them. So I get my magnesium that way too, although they say magnesium is best absorbed through the skin. So I could just be doing it for fun. Lesley Logan 26:19  That's why the Epsom salt thing is so good. Clare Solly 26:21  Yeah, I'm gonna try that. Lesley Logan 26:22  I'm telling you tonight, since you have one more night here, yes, put it in your bathroom. You're doing it. We're gonna do all the magnesium, and then make sure that water is filtered, whether you're putting it on your body or in your body.Lesley Logan 26:33  Yeah, guys, find a shower filter. Oh, my god. Like, even if you're renting, like, you gotta do it, yeah? Because, like, there's so much crap in that water, or they've taken everything out of it, so there's nothing good in it, like you got, if you can't change the filtered water in your house, we could, but because we, but, like, that's, it's an investment we're not making right now. So we have a shower head filter, and we've had it for a year. Whole my hair is different, my skin is different, everything's different. Clare Solly 26:59  Yeah, I just got one. I rent my apartment, and I just bought one. Pro tip, though, make sure you can actually find filters for your shower head and for if you I have one on my sink, too, make sure you find filters that like they're out there and they're not hard to find, and they're not expensive, or the way you can afford them.Lesley Logan 27:14  Ours is like, ours was a gift because we asked for it at Christmas, and I actually do wonder if, like it even as a filtered change, or if we just buy it a whole new thing, if we can find a filter for it, I'm gonna move it to the guest bathroom, because, yeah, I got you guys to listen to the HigherDOSE. I was like, oh, we're due for a new filter. And then HigherDOSE is like, hey, we have a red light filtered water head.Clare Solly 27:35  Ooh, okay, maybe I need to try that one while I'm here too. Lesley Logan 27:39  Okay, I'm we're recording it, and it's supposed to ship tomorrow. So I don't have it, I can tell you right now, like, the number of red lights that I live under. Like, I can't even wait to shower, light off. Red in the bathroom, red light on.Clare Solly 27:51  Amazing, amazing, amazing.Lesley Logan 27:55  Rachel's probably like, girl, I don't know. I fell for all of it. I'm in.Clare Solly 28:00  You know what? Sometimes, sometimes things that we think make us beautiful actually do make us beautiful because we like them. Lesley Logan 28:06  Yeah, beitpod.com/higherdose okay, use that link. It's our affiliate, so that helps you support this podcast. And then Balanced Dose, Balanced with so, like, like, two Ds in the middle, we'll get you 20% on anything you want there. But I'm, like, big on the show. I'm so excited about it.Clare Solly 28:22  Amazing. So Lesley, what were your biggest takeaways?Lesley Logan 28:25  Okay, so she said, we just have to, like, hear this, look at your beautification routine as self-love, because you're worth it. You are worth it, right? And so we've said it already, but I think, I think some of the best, Be It Action Items are the ones we repeat. Because, like, I just think so many people see it as, like, something they have to buy into. And it's like, it is part of it. We did this with the fascia blaster lady. She's like, massaging your body is like time spent with your body. It's an act of self-love and like, so that you guys, we don't realize when things change in our body, because we're just so used to kind of like living with it. We're kind of like a frog like, although I have heard that the frog in boiling water is, is a myth but everyone says it, so it makes sense, so we'll use it, but it is a totally, apparently, a myth. So we don't realize, like, that ache we had yesterday, and we're like, oh, it's still there. And then we kind of, like, we kind of start to live with it. So I just really believe, the more time you spend with yourself, like you will recognize when things are changing and some of those things are changing, or your moles, like, I have pre skin cancer, and I didn't know you could be I thought we were all pre, weren't you? Apparently there's another level. It's an in between. But it's because I was like, hey, this mole is acting differently. Can you check it out? You know? And so, like, if you're not spending time with yourself and your body, you don't notice these changes that are happening, so. Clare Solly 29:38  Yeah, and it's really worth it. I mean, you taught me years ago to put on my calendar the things that were worth it for me to do for myself. So like, even if you have to block off your like, mentally block off your calendar for 15 more minutes to, like, go take that extra time in the shower, to do your Gua Sha, to do your Epsom salt. Like, do it like, you are worth the extra five minutes, 15 minutes out. You're worth it.Lesley Logan 30:00  You really are. I mean, I think, I think a lot of us are spending way too much time on things that actually don't care for us, make us feel good. And so I just think that, like, notice if you actually made the time for your skincare, notice what you don't have time for. And I promise you, you're letting go of the things you didn't need to be doing. Clare Solly 30:16  I'm sure we could all stop scrolling for 15 minutes. Lesley Logan 30:18  Well, here's the thing. Like, if I was to say, hey, you know, like, Clare, you're like, Oh, I'm flying down. Oh, you're flying tomorrow, right? Yeah. Oh, my God, Clare, I just want a shopping spree. You know, at our favorite store that you're, you know, it's at two o'clock, you move your fucking flight. I would move it. You would move it. You would just do that. Like, so we make time for things we want to do. And if you say you really want to take care of yourself, you will make time for it. If you just so she also reminded us, we have one body, so we have to care for it. We have to make good decisions for it. And like, I was telling you the other day, I don't always feel motivated to work out, but I I want to when I'm 80, I'm gonna be glad I did. So that's why I do it. Like, that's literally, like, the days I want to do I'm like, I have this one body, and when I'm 80, I'm gonna be glad I did it. So she also wanted to remind you she has a free 30 minute biohacking video. It's for the skin video. So I think you should go do that. Why not? You can find it at theschoolofradiance.com so I would go do that. Clare Solly 31:11  I'm gonna go click on it after this, I'm gonna go watch it. Lesley Logan 31:14  Also, her skin is fucking stunning. I thought I had good skin. She is great, great skin. Clare Solly 31:20  I also wanted to train me how to do that like, three way braid like that was awesome.Lesley Logan 31:23  I I know that's my next thing is to learn how to braid my hair. But at any rate, maybe that's funny. If you have someone who teaches people how to braid hair as that you follow or you love, like that, I need that person on the pod. I want them to teach me on the pod like that is, oh yeah, like, that's why i It's the year of learning how to deal with my hair so.Clare Solly 31:42  Because you tried them, then I could come try your red lights. Lesley Logan 31:45  I'm at the point where I would chop it off, but it does look beautiful when it's done. So you know, I feel really good about my mascara. Feel really good about my brows. I feel really good about the skincare. I just need someone to fucking do my hair. So she's brilliant. So go check that out, schoolofradiance.com you guys, I'm Lesley Logan. Clare Solly 32:00  And I'm Clare Solly. Lesley Logan 32:01  And tell us what you what of these things you're trying, what? Try one at a time if you hate it, right? Move on. The next thing we want to know, and also Rachel's gonna want to know, so make sure you let her know and send us a friend who is buying all the things off of Instagram that they think will work, so that they can, you know, maybe hear some tricks that are better and that you'll have a fun more conversation, I think, than one on. Hey, did you try this 17th thing that you have to buy and then it doesn't work? Send it to anybody who needs to hear it and until next time, Be It Till You See It. Clare Solly 32:30  Bye. Lesley Logan 32:32  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 33:14  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 33:19  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 33:23  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 33:30  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 33:34  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Transcribed by https://otter.aiSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, R explores a reality that sets today's children apart from every previous generation: they have never known a world without smartphones and screens. Unlike the arrival of radio, television, or even the early internet, there is no collective memory of "before" for kids born after 2012. The numbers are striking. Children aged 8 to 18 now average seven and a half hours of daily screen time. Attention spans on digital devices have plummeted from two and a half minutes in 2004 to just 47 seconds today, according to research from UC Irvine. Nearly half of preschoolers already own a tablet. R examines why the common rebuttal of "people said the same thing about TV" falls short. Unlike television, smartphones are interactive, algorithmic, personalized, and socially mandatory. More than a dozen countries have now moved to ban or restrict phone use in schools, from France and Sweden to Brazil and South Korea. The episode closes with a reflection on what it means to be the last generation with a memory of life before screens, and why that perspective is something worth preserving and passing on. Key Data Points: Children ages 8-18 average 7.5 hours of daily screen time 87% of children exceed recommended screen time guidelines Attention spans on devices dropped from 2.5 minutes (2004) to 47 seconds (today) Nearly half of preschoolers own a tablet; by age 8, 1 in 4 have a phone 12+ countries have passed or are passing school smartphone bans (France, Sweden, Brazil, South Korea, Finland, Chile, Belgium, and more) Subscribe to The Healthier Tech Podcast for more episodes on living well alongside technology. This episode is brought to you by Shield Your Body—a global leader in EMF protection and digital wellness. Because real wellness means protecting your body, not just optimizing it. If you found this episode eye-opening, leave a review, share it with someone tech-curious, and don't forget to subscribe to Shield Your Body on YouTube for more insights on living healthier with technology.

How is artificial intelligence reshaping the future of crypto and the internet as we know it?In this conversation, Punit and Gokhan explore the current landscape of AI and break down its core concepts in simple terms before diving into the fundamentals of cryptocurrency. The discussion highlights how AI is increasingly shaping the crypto ecosystem, from real-world use cases to the evolution of Web 3.0 and what may come next. The episode concludes with insights into the growing convergence of AI and crypto and how these technologies together are transforming the digital economy.Tune in to gain practical insights, stay ahead of emerging trends, and learn how to get involved in the AI–crypto revolution.KEY CONVERSATION 00:02:09 Gokhan's Introduction 00:03:35 How would you put AI in a few words 00:06:22 What is crypto and what is it all about 00:10:42 What is this web 3.0 or is 4.0 on the way 00:12:09 Cases in which AI is being used in crypto and it's changing the game 00:21:01 What is happening with crypto and AI combined 00:28:25 About Gokhan's podcast 00:31:10 Get in Touch with Gokhan ABOUT THE GUEST Gokhan Polat, a visionary leader on a mission to transform challenges into opportunities and foster growth in every endeavor. With a rich background in strategic growth, risk management, and community building, Gokhan has honed his skills in the dynamic realm of crypto asset services. As a seasoned leader, he navigated the intricacies of enterprise risk management, mastering the art of problem-solving in high-stakes environments. Driven by a profound desire to empower others, Gokhan co-founded the Databulls community, cultivating a vibrant space for learning and collaboration in the tech and business spheres. This experience reinforced his belief in the transformative power of collaboration and shared knowledge. Gokhan leads strategy and business development at his company, where he thrives on crafting and executing ambitious plans that fuel sustainable growth. His strategic acumen and collaborative approach empower teams to surpass expectations and achieve remarkable results. Gokhan's leadership style is characterized by a human touch, fostering strong, motivated teams through open communication, trust, and a focus on personal development. With strategic foresight, he translates vision into actionable plans, driving growth and maximizing team potential. His deep industry knowledge, spanning both crypto and professional services, equips him with invaluable insights into diverse domains. Gokhan is a champion of community, believing in the transformative power of collaboration and meaningful connections.  ABOUT THE HOST   Punit Bhatia is one of the leading privacy experts who works independently and has worked with professionals in over 30 countries. Punit works with business and privacy leaders to create an organization culture with high privacy awareness and compliance as a business priority. Selectively, Punit is open to mentor and coach privacy professionals.    Punit is the author of books “Be Ready for GDPR'' which was rated as the best GDPR Book, “AI & Privacy – How to Find Balance”, “Intro To GDPR”, and “Be an Effective DPO”. Punit is a global speaker who has spoken at over 30 global events. Punit is the creator and host of the FIT4PRIVACY Podcast. This podcast has been featured amongst top GDPR and privacy podcasts.    As a person, Punit is an avid thinker and believes in thinking, believing, and acting in line with one's value to have joy in life. He has developed the philosophy named ‘ABC for joy of life' which passionately shares. Punit is based out of Belgium, the heart of Europe.   RESOURCES  Websites www.fit4privacy.com,www.punitbhatia.com, https://growskills.store/ Podcast https://www.fit4privacy.com/podcast Blog https://www.fit4privacy.com/blog YouTube http://youtube.com/fit4privacy Insights https://growskills.store/insights/ ISO Standard Courses at https://growskills.store/courses/ 

Dr. Hoby Wedler, a PhD organic chemist and sensory expert, is back on Brew Ha Ha with Herlinda Heras and Daedalus Howell. He has been on the show before, the last time was this episode back in August of 2020. His Instagram has almost 480,000 followers as of today’s show date. Hoby was born sightless, and was raised to have high expectations for himself. He was inspired by his great high school chemistry teacher who has worked at Petaluma High School for a while. He thought he might study history because the prospect of needing an assistant to perform manual jobs in a chem lab. But his graduate advisor was a computational organic chemist. This subject provided an avenue for him to study chemistry with more independence. His original goal was to teach freshman chemistry at the college level. He is an inspired teacher and wants to make his subject more than a requirement. “Hey maybe this is something really interesting that I never thought I would love.” He taught several freshman chemistry courses while at UC Davis. He prepared lessons and study materials carefully, but found that many students just wanted “the minimum knowledge value” to simply pass the class. Russian River Brewing Co. is open in Santa Rosa on 4th St. and at their big Windsor location. Visit their website for up-to-date Pliny the Younger 2026 information. Then Hoby met Francis Ford Coppola, who asked to organize truly blind tastings at his winery. Hoby then trained his palette by tasting and smelling things, day after day. He was at UC Davis where the brewing program was going on right next to where he was getting his PhD in computational organic chemistry. Professor Charlie Bamforth, “The Pope of Foam” worked nearby, so did Michael Lewis. An Intersection of Art and Science Hoby thinks of wine and spirits and beer as a very fine intersection between art and science. Science gives us the tools and art gives us the way we want to use those tools. Herlinda first met Hoby Wedler at one of his Tasting in the Dark events. Guests were encouraged to take their time and focus on taste and smell. They use the blindfold “…so people can focus on their other senses even more.” Today they will taste two brews, a barleywine and a Tripel from CuVer Brewing in Windsor. Herlinda admits that as a beer judge, she begins by looking at the beer. Is it clear? What color is the foam? Hoby says you can smell the carbonation. Hoby points out that you can hear the carbonation too. When he smells the cuVer, he tastes clove, allspice, a bit of nutmeg and orange peel. These elements are coming from the yeast, which produces esters. Belgian yeast is special and produces esters that carry these fruity flavors. He can also taste the malt. It has a low-to-mid hop profile but the flavor is dominated by grain and malt, and the ester compounds coming from the yeast. He also knows that the water in Belgium is special, it's very pure. Herlinda smells coriander and also the alcohol. Tasting in the Dark Hoby promotes his tasting experience called Tasting in the Dark. It works with many kinds of foods and beverages, including wine, beer, spirits, olive oil, vinegar and even beef. He did a tasting experience of scotch, gin and bourbon for the launch of a new kind of freshwater fish bait. The bait is designed to be attractive to the fishes' sense of smell. Hoby's Instagram has grown explosively in the last year. He put a few reels online from their tastings and they proved to be very popular. Some of them were from Hawaii about tropical fruit. They went from 3000 followers to 480,000 followers today. The second tasting is a Barleywine called Bigfoot from Sierra Nevada. Hoby knows Ken Grossman who started Sierra Nevada out of the back of his pickup truck in 19790. Barleywine uses light hops and so much malted barley that the beer has a similar alcohol concentration to wine, 9.6% ABV.

On this episode of the Wonbyone Podcast, Obi Emegano sits down with pro hooper and brand founder Cameron McGriff to talk about the grind of going pro, building confidence without shortcuts, and how a 10-day NBA contract changed everything. From overlooked high school talent to Big 12 standout to overseas rookie trying to adapt in Belgium, Cam's journey is about betting on yourself. They talk training camp battles, the real life of playing overseas, and how Cam turned isolation into inspiration by launching his clothing brand, No Cosign. For any athlete navigating the in-between, this one's a reminder that the journey is the reward.

Learn Slokas | Durbuy, Belgium | Svayam Bhagavan Keshava Maharaja by Wisdom That Breathes by Keshava Maharaja

The USMNT roster for the March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal is expected to be announced next week! On today's show, we're going to predict what that roster will look like.To help me do that, I've invited Larry Henry Jr to join the show. Larry is the Managing Editor for SBI Soccer. You can follow Larry on X at: @lhenry019Here And Abroad is produced by me, Frank Garza. You can follow me on X at: @FrankGarza007

Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent Lectionary: 239 The Saint of the day is Saint John Ogilvie Saint John Ogilvie's Story Saint John Ogilvie's noble Scottish family was partly Catholic and partly Presbyterian. His father raised him as a Calvinist, sending him to the continent to be educated. There, John became interested in the popular debates going on between Catholic and Calvinist scholars. Confused by the arguments of Catholic scholars whom he sought out, he turned to Scripture. Two texts particularly struck him: “God wills all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth,” and “Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.” Slowly, Saint John Ogilvie came to see that the Catholic Church could embrace all kinds of people. Among these, he noted, were many martyrs. He decided to become Catholic and was received into the Church at Louvain, Belgium, in 1596 at the age of 17. Saint John Ogilvie continued his studies, first with the Benedictines, then as a student at the Jesuit College at Olmutz. He joined the Jesuits and for the next 10 years underwent their rigorous intellectual and spiritual training. At his ordination to the priesthood in France in 1610, Saint John Ogilvie met two Jesuits who had just returned from Scotland after suffering arrest and imprisonment. They saw little hope for any successful work there in view of the tightening of the penal laws. But a fire had been lit within John. For the next two and a half years he pleaded to be placed there as a missionary. Sent by his superiors, he secretly entered Scotland posing as a horse trader or a soldier returning from the wars in Europe. Unable to do significant work among the relatively few Catholics in Scotland, John made his way back to Paris to consult his superiors. Rebuked for having left his assignment in Scotland, he was sent back. He warmed to the task before him and had some success in making converts and in secretly serving Scottish Catholics. But he was soon betrayed, arrested, and brought before the court. His trial dragged on until he had been without food for 26 hours. He was imprisoned and deprived of sleep. For eight days and nights he was dragged around, prodded with sharp sticks, his hair pulled out. Still, he refused to reveal the names of Catholics or to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the king in spiritual affairs. He underwent a second and third trial but held firm. At his final trial, he assured his judges: “In all that concerns the king, I will be slavishly obedient; if any attack his temporal power, I will shed my last drop of blood for him. But in the things of spiritual jurisdiction which a king unjustly seizes I cannot and must not obey.” Condemned to death as a traitor, he was faithful to the end, even when on the scaffold he was offered his freedom and a fine living if he would deny his faith. His courage in prison and in his martyrdom was reported throughout Scotland. Saint John Ogilvie was canonized in 1976, becoming the first Scottish saint since 1250. His liturgical feast is celebrated on March 10. Reflection John came of age when neither Catholics nor Protestants were willing to tolerate one another. Turning to Scripture, he found words that enlarged his vision. Although he became a Catholic and died for his faith, he understood the meaning of “small-c catholic,” the wide range of believers who embrace Christianity. Even now he undoubtedly rejoices in the ecumenical spirit fostered by the Second Vatican Council and joins us in our prayer for unity with all believers. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

436: Box Hill Classic | Lisbon Half Marathon | Nagoya Marathon This episode is brought to you by SAYSKY. The Spring/Summer 26 collection is inspired by the unspoken poetry of running. Shop the full range at saysky.com, where you can also score 15% off with our exclusive discount code using the code IRP15 at checkout. Brad gets in a workout while managing the community 5K track event. Julian gives shoe advice for fitting shoes over the phone and makes progress in recovery. Brady starts sizing up race shoe options.   This week's running news is presented by Precision Fuel & Hydration, they make it simple with a free online planner, visit precisionhydration.com and get your numbers.   Claudia Hollingsworth ran 3:58.09, the fastest ever 1500m by an Australian on home soil at the Box Hill Classic. Thomas Moorcroft won the Men's 1500m. Junya Matsumoto of Japan won the 800m in 1:47:40, while Rachel O'Brien won in 2:06.55 Tom Bowers and Aynslee Minnaar won their 3000m races. AthsVic Results Hub   Jacob Kiplimo won the Lisbon Half Marathon in a(nother) World Record time of 57:20. World Athletics Report   Gen Gregson placed 8th in the Nagoya Marathon in 2:25:06, while Brett Robinson took out the win in the attached Nagoya City Half Marathon in 1:03:47. Japan Running News    Liam Boudin placed 6th in Bashir's Run Half Marathon in Gent, Belgium, running 1:01:08, with Tim Vincent 7th in 1:01:17. Results   Jaylah Hancock-Cameron won the 800m A race in 2:02.37 at the NSW Milers Meet, Lachlan Raper won the Men's 800m A in 1:48.79. Results   Atlanta Track Club agreed to pay Jess McClain $20,000 USD as compensation following developments made after an investigation into lead car debacle. Lets Run Article Only 1% of 240,000 applications were successful for this year's NYC Marathon. Run247 Article   Ethiopian Junior U20 records not to be ratified with AIU finding evidence of age falsification. Canadian Running Magazine   Whispers are compiling the lists of top 10 running songs from IRP hosts, then Moose wants to know what little habits of self-improvement the boys are going to do.   This episode's Listener Q's/Training Talk segment is proudly brought to you by Precision Fuel & Hydration. Thoughts on using Training Blocks to structure your running?  Visit precisionhydration.com for more info on hydration and fuelling products and research, and use the discount code given in the episode.  The boys close out with discussions on the Adelaide Invitational and Bluff 2 Boat Ramp. Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/insiderunningpodcast Opening and Closing Music is Undercover of my Skin by Benny Walker. www.bennywalkermusic.com Join the conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/insiderunningpodcast/  

IN THIS EPISODE: Every organization begins by serving customers. Not all of them get it right — or keep it that way. So where does the customer  relationship break down? In this episode, Denise Silber speaks with HBS MBA Caroline Evans de Gantes, a transformation leader who has spent more than two decades helping companies design strategy, culture, and operations around customer love as an organizing principle. Caroline recalls arriving at Harvard Business School in 2008 just as the Lehman Brothers collapse unfolded — an experience that shaped her leadership perspective: progress comes from experimentation, learning quickly, and working closely with frontline teams. Drawing on transformations across industries known for difficult customer relationships, she shares what it takes to reconnect organizations with the people they serve. From mobile phone insurance and broadband installation to the transformation of leading real-estate marketplace SeLoger within the Aviv Group, the conversation explores how leadership culture, incentives, and technology can be realigned around customers — and how doing so improves business performance. Throughout the discussion, Caroline shows that making customer love an organizing principle starts on Day 1. GUEST BIO: Caroline Evans de Gantès, a 2010 MBA graduate of the Harvard Business School, has over 20 years experience transforming offline industries by placing the client front and center. From insurance to telecommunications  to real estate, Caroline has deployed this approach to transform culture, product, and strategy, and turn profits around. Most recently, Caroline led a transformation at SeLoger (a 30 year old French real estate marketplace) to 2X the growth rate and a great NPS (Net Promoter Score), through redesigning culture, organisation, and business model. She merged SeLoger, and other real estate companies in France, launched new services to take back market share from rivals and championed a customer-centric culture in France, Belgium, and Germany. The resulting business, Aviv, is the leading European real estate marketplace with 50M monthly active users.  Caroline is originally from the State of Mississippi and has fashioned a career as the bridge between people and technology and the US and Europe. 

Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk and Deputy Minister Alona Shkrum join Lisa Burke to discuss the Advocacy Coalition and the cost of silence for Europe My Guests: - Her Excellency Ambassador Barbara Karpetová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg - Inna Yaramenko, the Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Vice President at LUkraine - Oleksandra Matviichuk, Chairwoman of the Center for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. - Alona Shkrum, First Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. - Kristina Mikulova, Head of Regional Hub for Eastern Europe for the European Investment Bank In this powerful episode, the conversation shifts from the abstract concept of 'aid' to the urgent reality of strategic investment in European security. As Ukraine enters its fourth year of full-scale invasion, a new initiative has been developed by Ambassador Karpetová with the help of Inna Yaramenko. 'The Advocacy Coalition - Defending Our Future Now' has launched in Luxembourg to remind the continent that defending Ukraine is synonymous with defending the future of democracy itself. This year-long set of events will pass the baton between the founding embassies: Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom, to stand united in the conviction that defending Ukraine means defending Europe's future. Beyond Charity: A Strategic Investment Supporting Ukraine in 2026 is now viewed as a strategic investment in the infrastructure of European security. Alona Shkrum, Ukraine's First Deputy Minister for Reconstruction, explained that waiting for hostilities to cease before rebuilding is not an option. "If we do not reconstruct water, utilities, energy supply, schools, and hospitals, then people will leave," she noted, emphasising that keeping the economy functioning allows Ukraine to fund its own defence and protect the eastern borders of the European Union. The scale of destruction is staggering: the road damage alone is equivalent to the distance from Luxembourg to Iran, and the amount of housing destroyed, over 3 million units, exceeds the total housing stock of Denmark. Humanising the Numbers Whilst the statistics are overwhelming, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk focuses on "humanising the numbers". She shared the harrowing story of 10-year-old Ilya from Mariupol, whose mother died in his arms in a frozen apartment after they were caught in Russian shelling. Matviichuk also recounted the experience of Professor Irak Kyvslovski, a philosopher who spent 700 days in captivity and gave lectures on philosophy to rats in his solitary cell just to hear a human voice. "Dignity is action," Matviichuk told the audience, asserting that the "accountability gap" in international law must be closed by establishing a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression. A Year of Intensive Advocacy The Advocacy Coalition, a partnership between LUkraine, the European Commission, and nine resident embassies in Luxembourg (but they're open for more partners), will host monthly events throughout 2026. These events will tackle critical themes such as countering disinformation, reconstruction, and the role of the Ukrainian diaspora. The first event will take place at the European Parliament in Luxembourg on March 23, featuring a keynote address by Matviichuk, focussing on the abducted children. Unity as the Strongest Weapon The message from my guests underlines that unity is the strongest weapon against authoritarianism. As Ambassador Barbara Karpetová noted, even a small nation like Luxembourg can provide "shared inspiration" by standing together, mirroring the visionary leadership of historical figures like Pierre Werner, former Prime Minister of Luxembourg, whose home she now resides in. The Power of Ordinary People Matviichuk emphasises that "ordinary people can do extraordinary things". Inna cites the 700 Luxembourgish families who offered to host refugees within just three days after the invasion began. Digital Engagement: The Coalition is launching an Advocacy Platform, a digital ecosystem featuring authentic testimonies from diplomats, volunteers, and citizens to humanise the impact of solidarity.

In our news wrap Monday, federal prosecutors charged two men with attempting to support ISIS after they allegedly brought bombs to a New York City protest, several European countries are stepping up security after explosions in Norway and Belgium, and the Justice Department says it reached a tentative agreement in its antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The Belgian government has seized a tanker of the shadow fleet. With the United States, India, and now the Europeans intervening, it is only a matter of time – months at most – before the entire fleet is shut down. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihan Full Newsletter: https://bit.ly/40EeUk9

Sign up for the new free Friday newsletter! www.send7.org/newsletterWorld news in 7 minutes. Tuesday 10th March 2026.Today : Iran new leader. Oil price highs. Australia Iranian women. Indonesia dump. Colombia elections. Peru unsure. Kenya floods. Guinea dissolved. Ukraine helping. Turkiye trial. Belgium antisemitism. Germany pull the plug.SEND7 is supported by our amazing listeners like you.Our supporters get access to the transcripts and vocabulary list written by us every day.Our supporters get access to an English worksheet made by us once per week.Our supporters get access to our weekly news quiz made by us once per week.We give 10% of our profit to Effective Altruism charities. You can become a supporter at send7.org/supportWith Stephen DevincenziContact us at podcast@send7.org or send an audio message at speakpipe.com/send7Please leave a rating on Apple podcasts or Spotify.We don't use AI! Every word is written and recorded by us! We do not consent to the podcast being used to train AI.Since 2020, SEND7 (Simple English News Daily in 7 minutes) has been telling the most important world news stories in intermediate English. Every day, listen to the most important stories from every part of the world in slow, clear English. Whether you are an intermediate learner trying to improve your advanced, technical and business English, or if you are a native speaker who just wants to hear a summary of world news as fast as possible, join Stephen Devincenzi, Juliet Martin and Niall Moore every morning. Transcripts, vocabulary lists, worksheets and our weekly world news quiz are available for our amazing supporters at send7.org. Simple English News Daily is the perfect way to start your day, by practising your listening skills and understanding complicated daily news in a simple way. It is also highly valuable for IELTS and TOEFL students. Students, teachers, TEFL teachers, and people with English as a second language, tell us that they use SEND7 because they can learn English through hard topics, but simple grammar. We believe that the best way to improve your spoken English is to immerse yourself in real-life content, such as what our podcast provides. SEND7 covers all news including politics, business, natural events and human rights. Whether it is happening in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas or Oceania, you will hear it on SEND7, and you will understand it.Get your daily news and improve your English listening in the time it takes to make a coffee.For more information visit send7.org/contact or send an email to podcast@send7.org

On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss another down week on Wall Street on an unexpectedly low employment figures combined with the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran; expectations the Trump administration will ask Congress for $50 billion in supplemental funding to cover the cost of a conflict; a 35 percent jump in energy prices as Washington considers letting Russia resume oil sales; Ukraine's offer to counter Iranian air attacks; resilience of the global commercial air transport system as regional air traffic has been derailed and energy prices soar; President Trump convenes US defense executives at an emergency meeting at the White House on Friday to “quadruple” production of “exquisite” weapons; whether the supply chain can support can surge defense production as commercial aerospace orders also peak; reports that Boeing is closing in on a 500-jet order with China in advance of Trump's April meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing; Europe's response to the war as Lithuania warns Russian forces are increasing along NATO's borders; French President Emmanuel Macron's pledge to increase nuclear weapons production and field a new ballistic missile submarine by 2036 as Britain, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden join Paris' new forward deterrent strategy; Switzerland's decision to pared back its F-35 Lightning II order from 36 to 30 planes on rising costs; Embraer's earnings; and takeaways from the commercial edition of Joanna's Speed's Aerospace Event this week in LA. The Defense & Aerospace Report is a proud media partner on the defense edition of The Aerospace Event in October in Washington, DC.

Please join us on the Boardgames To Go discord server where you can chat online with other podcast listeners. Play along and predict the winners at https://challonge.com/MarkMadness2026 Predictions must be submitted by March 13 to be in the contest Mark Johnson @MarkEJohnson Adam Brocker @abrocker The calendar says March so that means it's time for "Mark Madness" again, my podcast-hosted voting contest. Like its namesake sports tournament, Mark Madness is where 64 games are pitted against each other in successive rounds of single-elimination votes. As before, I took the winner of llast year's contest, Adam Brocker, and asked him to co-host this year's contest. Adam told me he's interested in the designers behind our games, specifically when famous designers partner with others or create other games on their own. Just thinking about boardgame designer partnerships makes me immediately think of Wolfgang Kramer & Michael Kiesling, though there many others. Kramer himself has done many games on his own, other famous ones with Kiesling, still more with Ulrich, and that's not all. Before long, we realized that we could have a 16-game subset "Division" of Kramer games, which happen to feature German designers. Alan R. Moon is another famous designer who's worked alone or with others. Sure enough, that American designer primarily (but not exclusively) has worked with other Americans on their collaborations. Same for Bruno Cathala with the French designers (or French-speakers from nearby Belgium). With those three divisions established, we just needed one more to fill out the contest. Turning to Italy, some of the hottest games and designers come from that country & community. A little bit unique from the divisions previously devised, the Italians appear to work together in small groups that overlap and change from game-to-game. That itself is fascinating. Play along! I hope we get a good number of folks who submit their own official predictions at challonge.com, which is free. Some have already done it. You've until March 13 to submit your guesses, so you need to move quickly. Then the voting rounds will start via Geeklist polling. As you can see from the chart above, the successive rounds of this voting will start happening every three days: On March 15 we'll have the results of the first round, when 64 teams are winnowed down to 32 survivors. Then it proceeds to the Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final 4, and Championship. Who will be the winner? We expect to do "micro-episode" podcasts throughout the month to talk about each round. They'll show up in your regular feed, and I will link them here, too. -Mark

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, Benoy Thanjan sits down with Hervé Billet, CEO and co-founder of Sunvoy, the first white-label customer portal and fleet management app built by solar installers for solar installers. Hervé shares his entrepreneurial journey, from helping design Belgium's first solar car to building and selling a solar installation company in the U.S., and now leading Sunvoy. The conversation covers what solar companies need to do to create long-term enterprise value, how branding and systems drive successful exits, and why clean accounting, process, and operational discipline matter if you want to sell a business. Benoy and Hervé also discuss how Sunvoy helps installers improve operations by bringing critical project and O&M data into one place, reducing time spent hunting for information and improving the customer experience. They also explore current solar industry trends, including the shift toward Third Party Ownership (“TPOs”) and leases, rising electricity prices as a driver of solar adoption, technology improvements in solar hardware and storage, and why installer-built software creates a real competitive advantage.   Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla's Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm's renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Hervé Billet As the CEO of Sunvoy, I'm committed to empowering solar businesses with innovative technology that streamlines operations and enhances customer experience. Sunvoy is the first white-label customer portal and fleet management app, built by solar installers for solar installers. Our platform simplifies the complexities of running a solar business, enabling companies to scale efficiently with seamless integration and effortless results. Sunvoy offers powerful tools to manage solar fleets, automate communication, and deliver an exceptional customer journey, helping companies thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Previously, I served as the CEO of Ipsun Solar, where we revolutionized the residential and commercial solar market by enabling customers to own their power, reduce their utility bills, and add value to their properties through clean, renewable energy. Ipsun Solar, a B-Corporation, was known for its commitment to sustainability, being part of the Amicus and Amicus O&M networks, and serving as a certified Tesla Powerwall installer. Before venturing into the solar industry, I worked at Accenture, where I consulted with Fortune 500 companies, U.S. Federal agencies, and large non-profits. My projects included: Calculating Greenhouse Gas emissions for the U.S. Department of Energy Headquarters. Business development for Accenture's Sustainability Services. Leading digital implementation teams for organizations like Goodwill Industries International. Providing strategic support to global institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, UNICEF, United Nations, and U.S. Department of Labor. At 21, I co-founded my first company, Solar Team, an initiative to showcase the power of solar energy through solar-powered vehicles. This early venture sparked my enduring passion for renewable energy and continues to inspire my work today.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/   Hervé Billet Website: https://sunvoy.com/  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hervebilliet/      Please provide 5 star reviews      If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.    Reneu Energy Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets. Email us at info@reneuenergy.com to learn more.

On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former DoD Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, and Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the US-Israel war on Iran and the Trump administration's supplemental funding request to cover mounting operations costs as well as growing weapons needs as the stocks of precision air defense and strike weapons diminishes in the wake of campaigns over the past year; the administration's shifting goals for the Iran war from the president's call for regime change — and now unconditional surrender — to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's goal of destroying Tehran's military and nuclear capabilities; analysis of the administration and its alies' stance that the Venezuela and Iran operations are about pressuring China and curbing Beijing's global influence; the failure of Senate and House war powers resolutions; European reaction to the war and impact on India after a US submarine sinks an Iranian ship invited by New Delhi to participate in naval exercises; France's plan to increase nuclear weapons stocks and field a new ballistic missile submarine by 2036 and discussions with Britain, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden join Paris' new forward deterrent strategy; impact of Iran war on Ukraine as Kiev deploys air defense specialists to help counter Iranian attacks; Trump's decision to replace Kristie Noem as Homeland Security secretary with Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.; and Beijing's decision to pare its economic growth target to 5 percent or below for the first time in decades, but boost defense spending by 7 percent to counter a “grave and complex security environment.”

Mike takes to the lectern as he guides us through the crushing beauty of Denmark's destruction of Uruguay. There's also Gordon Strachan's struggles with advertising boards, iconic branding of World Cups, Belgium get back on track while France and the USSR warm down into the knockouts. Iraq v Belgium - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liOXMZwJkF8 West Germany v Scotland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr3WW3pjpXs Denmark v Uruguay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdI0DbGGbJw&t=4s Hungary v France - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt0pBAeQuC0 USSR v Canada - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Faxr6OSiGC4 If you want weekly exclusive bonus shows, join our Nessun Dorma community chat, want your episodes without ads and a couple of days earlier or just want to support the podcast, then head over to ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/NessunDormaPodcast⁠⁠⁠ where you can subscribe for only $3.99 a month (less than 75p a week!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Call It What You Want, presented by Zillow. Someone from the great state of New Jersey will be crowned a Copa del Rey champion when Pellegrino Matarazzo's Real Sociedad face Johnny Cardoso and Atlético Madrid in the final! Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola welcome Spanish soccer expert Phil Kitromilides to break down the all-American showdown, the secret behind Matarazzo's instant impact in San Sebastián, and whether Cardoso's club form can translate to the USMNT. The crew debates expectations for Josh Sargent after his big-money move to Toronto FC - what would success actually look like for both player and club? Then, attention turns to two players making their case for March call-ups: Alex Zendejas and Yunus Musah. After midweek goals, could they catch the eye of Mauricio Pochettino ahead of friendlies against Belgium and Portugal? And if Portugal come without Cristiano Ronaldo… would that actually make the challenge easier or harder? 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/⁠ Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, UEFA Women's Champions League, EFL Championship, EFL League Cup, Carabao Cup, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the betting arena on CBS Sports.com: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/⁠ For all the latest in sportsbook reviews: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/⁠ And sportsbook promos: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/ 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

Episode Description: After successfully turning the POGS' Prediction Calculator against itself, Max and Molly discover the system has evolved beyond its programming and is now consolidating power inside the iconic Atomium in Brussels, Belgium. To shut down the final mainframe, they must solve complex geometry problems, logic puzzles, and overload the supercomputer with powerful paradoxes. But just when victory is in sight – the All-Powerful POG reveals himself for one final showdown in this high stakes Season 2 Finale! Math Concepts: Circumference of a circle (C = πd); Measuring diameter and unit precision; Sphere geometry; Percentages & Subtraction; Degrees in a circle (360°); Logical reasoning and deductive problem solving; Paradoxes & self-referential logicHistory/Geography Concepts:  Thomas Edison and the development of electrical power grid (1882); The 1958 Brussels World Fair; The Atomium in Brussels, Belgium; Evolution of computing power and artificial intelligence themes

In the first part of this two part story about the Chateau De Amerois we learnt about the known history of this place and the deeply traumatic space it is surrounded by. A forest filled with the trauma of war and patriarchy.Now, Anne will be taking us into an even darker side - the stories of it's ghosts and the trembling wails of those that crossed the path of this building.On the surface it's known as a royal retreat, once connected to the Belgian monarchy and carefully kept out of public reach. But locals will tell you the woods around Amerois have always carried a certain heaviness — the kind of place where sound seems to vanish between the trees and the air feels older than the castle itself.Visitors have reported strange lights moving through empty rooms long after midnight. Staff have spoken quietly about footsteps on upper floors when no one else was there… doors opening on their own… and the uneasy sense that certain parts of the château simply don't want to be entered.But the most unsettling stories aren't about shadows in corridors.They're about a presence tied to the history of the estate itself — something that may have followed the royal family there… and never quite left.Tonight we're heading into the forests of southern Belgium, to a castle where privilege, secrecy… and something far older than either may still linger behind locked doors.WE NOW HAVE A SKOOL PAGE - https://www.skool.com/frightfully-good-paranormal-6267A community for curious minds exploring the paranormal with open minds, critical thinking, and healthy skepticism.

What's it really like to cycle from Amsterdam to Bruges — and sleep in your luxury floating hotel along the way? In this episode, we dive into the unforgettable Amsterdam to Bruges bike and barge tour, one of Europe's most relaxing active adventures. Pedal flat scenic routes through the Netherlands and Belgium, cruise past windmills and riverside villages, and explore iconic cities like Amsterdam, Ghent, and Bruges — all while unpacking just once. We cover the daily mileage, difficulty level, what life aboard the barge is really like, and who this tour is perfect for (hint: you definitely don't have to be a hardcore cyclist - it's FLAT!!!).   If you love active travel with comfort, culture, and incredible scenery — this one's for you.  And if you've been trying to get your partner to join you on an adventure, this is the PERFECT vacation that allows for differing physical abilities and desires - just like with our guest today! Press play and let's ride through Holland and Belgium.

How is artificial intelligence reshaping the future of crypto and the internet as we know it?   In this conversation, Punit and Gokhan explore the current landscape of AI and break down its core concepts in simple terms before diving into the fundamentals of cryptocurrency. The discussion highlights how AI is increasingly shaping the crypto ecosystem, from real-world use cases to the evolution of Web 3.0 and what may come next. The episode concludes with insights into the growing convergence of AI and crypto and how these technologies together are transforming the digital economy. Tune in to gain practical insights, stay ahead of emerging trends, and learn how to get involved in the AI–crypto revolution.KEY CONVERSATION 00:02:09 Gokhan's Introduction 00:03:35 How would you put AI in a few words 00:06:22 What is crypto and what is it all about 00:10:42 What is this web 3.0 or is 4.0 on the way 00:12:09 Cases in which AI is being used in crypto and it's changing the game 00:21:01 What is happening with crypto and AI combined 00:28:25 About Gokhan's podcast 00:31:10 Get in Touch with Gokhan  ABOUT THE GUEST Gokhan Polat, a visionary leader on a mission to transform challenges into opportunities and foster growth in every endeavor. With a rich background in strategic growth, risk management, and community building, Gokhan has honed his skills in the dynamic realm of crypto asset services. As a seasoned leader, he navigated the intricacies of enterprise risk management, mastering the art of problem-solving in high-stakes environments. Driven by a profound desire to empower others, Gokhan co-founded the Databulls community, cultivating a vibrant space for learning and collaboration in the tech and business spheres. This experience reinforced his belief in the transformative power of collaboration and shared knowledge. Gokhan leads strategy and business development at his company, where he thrives on crafting and executing ambitious plans that fuel sustainable growth. His strategic acumen and collaborative approach empower teams to surpass expectations and achieve remarkable results. Gokhan's leadership style is characterized by a human touch, fostering strong, motivated teams through open communication, trust, and a focus on personal development. With strategic foresight, he translates vision into actionable plans, driving growth and maximizing team potential. His deep industry knowledge, spanning both crypto and professional services, equips him with invaluable insights into diverse domains. Gokhan is a champion of community, believing in the transformative power of collaboration and meaningful connections.  ABOUT THE HOST   Punit Bhatia is one of the leading privacy experts who works independently and has worked with professionals in over 30 countries. Punit works with business and privacy leaders to create an organization culture with high privacy awareness and compliance as a business priority. Selectively, Punit is open to mentor and coach privacy professionals.    Punit is the author of books “Be Ready for GDPR'' which was rated as the best GDPR Book, “AI & Privacy – How to Find Balance”, “Intro To GDPR”, and “Be an Effective DPO”. Punit is a global speaker who has spoken at over 30 global events. Punit is the creator and host of the FIT4PRIVACY Podcast. This podcast has been featured amongst top GDPR and privacy podcasts.    As a person, Punit is an avid thinker and believes in thinking, believing, and acting in line with one's value to have joy in life. He has developed the philosophy named ‘ABC for joy of life' which passionately shares. Punit is based out of Belgium, the heart of Europe. RESOURCES  Websites www.fit4privacy.com,www.punitbhatia.com, https://growskills.store/ Podcast https://www.fit4privacy.com/podcast Blog https://www.fit4privacy.com/blog YouTube http://youtube.com/fit4privacy Insights https://growskills.store/insights/ ISO Standard Courses at https://growskills.store/courses/ 

In November 2021, the Belgian parliament passed a tax reform that most Europeans never heard about. It phased out depreciation write-offs for petrol and diesel company cars. By 2026, the deduction disappeared entirely — combustion-engine company cars became zero per cent tax-deductible. Battery-electric vehicles stayed at 100 per cent.The market responded without hesitation.Corporate electric vehicle uptake surged — climbing 13 to 15 percentage points per year. By 2025, Belgium's fleet zero-emission vehicle share hit 54.2 per cent. In 2021, it was 8.8 per cent. Over the same period, Germany — Europe's industrial heavyweight — crept to 19.1 per cent.Belgium proved something simple: change the tax, change the market. Fast.Those precedent matters because in December 2025, the European Commission unveiled a regulation that could remake how Europeans buy, drive and eventually inherit their cars.The Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation (CCVR) — part of the wider Automotive Package — sets out to electrify corporate fleets, the single largest slice of Europe's new car market. The strategy is elegant: turn company cars into a conveyor belt that pushes affordable electric vehicles into the hands of ordinary drivers within a few years.If Europe wants to change what people drive, it should start with the cars that businesses buy in bulk, run hard and swap out quickly so the rest of us can buy them second hand.​The Commission agrees with that much. Its proposal for a Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation, tucked into the EU's automotive package, aims to push corporate fleets towards zero and low emission vehicles from 2030.Transport & Environment, the clean transport group that spends its days reading the small print, has now read it. It likes the premise. But it does not like the numbers.

Welcome back to the show! Today we're going to take a little visit to pedophile castle. Have you ever heard of Chateau De Amerois? Yeah, me either. Apparently it is the sight of many atrocities, alleged human hunting parties and alllll the sick shit you can imagine. And of course, is liked to underground pedo rings and the beast of Belgium himself, Marc Dutroux. Enjoy!Hate the Ads? Join Patreon! PATREON (ROOM 237)! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/Cosmicpeachpodcast⁠

Endurance runner, pharmacist, and foster dad Zach shares his adult LADA diagnosis, mastering insulin, exercise, and mindset—learning confidence, vigilance, and control just nine months into type 1. Go tubeless with Omnipod 5 or Omnipod DASH * Dexcom G7 CONTOUR NextGen smart meter and CONTOUR DIABETES app Get your supplies from US MED  or call 888-721-1514 Tandem Mobi  Free Juicebox Community (non Facebook) Eversense CGM Medtronic Diabetes Touched By Type 1 Take the T1DExchange survey Type 1 Diabetes Pro Tips - THE PODCAST Use code JUICEBOX to save 40% at Cozy Earth  Apple Podcasts> Subscribe to the podcast today! The podcast is available on Spotify, Google Play, iHeartRadio, Radio Public, Amazon Music and all Android devices The Juicebox Podcast is a free show, but if you'd like to support the podcast directly, you can make a gift here or buy me a coffee. Thank you! * Omnipod Wilmot E, et al. Presented at: ATTD; March 19-22, 2025; Amsterdam, NL. A 13-week randomized, parallel-group clinical trial conducted among 188 participants (age 4-70) with type 1 diabetes in France, Belgium, and the U.K., comparing the safety and effectiveness of the Omnipod 5 System versus multiple daily injections with CGM. Among all paid Omnipod 5 G6G7 Pods Commercial and Medicare claims in 2024. Actual co-pay amount depends on patient's health plan and coverage, they may be higher or lower than the advertised amount. Source IQVIA OPC Library. Disclaimer - Nothing you hear on the Juicebox Podcast or read on Arden's Day is intended as medical advice. You should always consult a physician before making changes to your health plan.  If the podcast has helped you to live better with type 1 please tell someone else how to find it!

This week its opening weekend!!!!! We discuss the Belgium races, some AAA races in France and why don't the kids dope anymore?  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

Opening weekend in Flanders saw chaos, carnage, and the inevitable, with Omloop first-timer Mathieu van der Poel taking a dominating win and Demi Vollering showing some impressive early-season strength. This episode of the Velo podcast has European editor and race correspondent Andrew Hood breaking down all the action from Belgium and answering Levy's questions about how to stop MVDP's dominance at the classics, why there were so many huge crashes, and when a podium feels like a victory.Hoody and Levy also get into the action from Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne, where 20-year-old Matthew Brennan's dominating sprint form has finally given Visma–Lease a Bike some good news. They also preview this weekend's Strade Bianche and weigh in on the chances of anyone beating Tadej Pogačar for his fourth win on the white roads, something that Tom Pidcock and Paul Seixas will be doing their best to prevent. 

The Classics season has truly commenced, with Opening Weekend out of the way and regular trio Daniel Friebe, Lionel Birnie and Rob Hatch back to analyse the key takeaways from two intense days of racing on the cobbles and hellingen of Flanders. On Saturday, Mathieu van der Poel's latest masterclass suggested it could be a long spring for some of his rivals. MVDP's eternal antagonist, Wout Van Aert, was absent from Visma-Lease a Bike's line-up through illness, but that team could at least console themselves with Matthew Brennan's superb victory in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday. We review both races and what they said about the coming weeks, with help from the ultimate authority on springtime racing in Belgium, Hugo Coorevits. It was also a busy weekend in France, and a delirious one for patriotic French fans. Paul Seixas's dominant performance at the Faun Ardèche Classic on Saturday prompted former rider turned pundit Jérôme Pineau to hail Seixas as “already the third best rider in the world”. We evaluate those claims and look ahead to Seixas's first clash of the season with Tadej Pogačar at Strade Bianche. EPISODE SPONSORSIndeedIf you are looking to hire someone for your company, maybe the best way isn't to search for a candidate but to match with Indeed. Go to indeed.com/cycle now to get a £100 sponsored job credit and get matched with the perfect candidate fast.BikmoThis episode of The Cycling Podcast is brought to you by Bikmo cycle insurance – because let's face it, things happen. Whether it's a crash landing, the heartbreak of a stolen bike, or the ultimate facepalm moment of reversing over your prized aero wheel, Bikmo has you covered. Flexible policies that you can cancel anytime, 50% off extra bikes in your household, protection for your kit, race entries, and even damage while travelling to your next epic ride – they've thought of it all. Protect your ride before it's too late – head to Bikmo.com to get covered.BabbelLearn a language the fun, easy way with intuitive 15-minute lessons you can do when you want. Choose from 14 languages including Spanish, French, Italian and German. Listeners can get up to 60% off for a limited time only at www.babbel.com/cycleFollow us on social media:Twitter @cycling_podcastInstagram @thecyclingpodcastFriends of the PodcastSign up as a Friend of the Podcast at thecyclingpodcast.com to listen to new special episodes every month plus a back catalogue of more than 300 exclusive episodes.The 11.01 CappuccinoOur regular email newsletter is now on Substack. Subscribe here for frothy, full-fat updates to enjoy any time (as long as it's after 11am).The Cannibal & BadgerFriends of the Podcast can join the discussion at our new virtual pub, The Cannibal & Badger. A friendly forum to talk about cycling and the podcast. Log in to your Friends of the Podcast account to join in.The Cycling Podcast is on StravaThe Cycling Podcast was founded in 2013 by Richard Moore, Daniel Friebe and Lionel Birnie.

Violence has broken out in several cities across Mexico hours after the military confirmed it had killed one of the country's most feared drug lords - known as El Mencho. The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was shot in a dawn raid and died from his injuries. Also: Students in Iran have staged a second day of anti-government protests to honour those killed in last month's deadly crackdown. US secret service agents have shot dead a man who broke into President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate with a shotgun. Greenland and Denmark reply "no thanks" to Donald Trump after he said he was sending an American hospital ship to "take care" of people in Greenland. Ukraine's President Zelensky tells the BBC President Putin has already started what amounts to World War Three - but Kyiv is keeping it contained. The grande finale of the Winter Olympics in Verona. All the latest from the BAFTAs, where the American film, One Battle After Another, has picked up several awards. The bones of St Francis of Assisi have gone on public display to mark 800 years since his death. And an annual folk festival dating back to the 15th century has been taking place in Belgium ... but without its longstanding tradition of drinking tiny live fish from an antique cup. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk