Podcasts about influenced

The music of Alan Hovhaness, one of America's most prolific composers, enchants with his signature synthesis of East and West. Influenced by his Armenian heritage and a fascination with nature and spirituality, Hovhaness sought to create music “for all people, music which is beautiful and healing.” Raymond Bisha introduces the latest Naxos album of his works which features violinist Zina Schiff, a Heifetz protégée whose international career spans five decades on five continents.

Send us a textIn this captivating episode of "Conversations with Big Rich," we dive into the vibrant world of motorsports with Tony Barraza, a passionate designer and long-time enthusiast of the off-road industry. Tony, the creative force behind TB DesignWorks, shares his journey from growing up in a small desert town in Blythe, California, to becoming a significant figure in motorsports illustration, printing, and marketing.Tony discusses his upbringing in Blythe, California, where the seeds of his love for motorsports were sown. Influenced by neighbors involved in off-road racing, he found himself drawn to the vibrant desert racing scene.Transitioning from a BMX enthusiast to a graphic designer, Tony recounts his educational journey at Platt College and his serendipitous entry into NHRA, which launched his professional career in motorsports design.The episode explores the founding of TB DesignWorks in 1999, showcasing Tony's dedication to merging his creative talents with his passion for motorsports.With over 30 years of experience, Tony reflects on his legacy and future aspirations, sharing his love for the sport and the community that surrounds it.Join Big Rich and Tony Barraza for an inspiring conversation about following your passion and making a living in the off-road world. Whether you're a die-hard motorsports fan or just curious about the industry, this episode offers valuable lessons and insights.Support the show

Oscar Mulder, better known by his stage name DJ Perroz, is a seasoned techno producer hailing from the Netherlands, with deep roots in the electronic music scene stretching back to the 1990s. Renowned for his driving techno sound and immersive, storytelling compositions, DJ Perroz creates music that resonates with both the raw energy of modern techno and the nostalgic essence of 90s rave culture. Oscar's journey through music has been anything but conventional. Influenced by decades of underground culture and personal evolution, his productions reflect a life steeped in rhythm, resilience, and reinvention. Whether performing in intimate clubs or releasing tracks that capture the essence of old-school meets new-school, DJ Perroz continues to push the boundaries of techno. In 2024, he launched his own label, Let Techno Unite Records—a bold step in building a collaborative platform for like-minded techno artists. The label has grown rapidly, gaining momentum within the underground scene and attracting a wave of talented producers from across Europe and beyond. Now, with its sights set even higher, LTU will host its very first label event on August 16, 2025—a major milestone that marks the beginning of a new era for the brand. With a vision rooted in unity, authenticity, and artistic freedom, DJ Perroz is building more than a label—he's cultivating a movement. ⚡️Like the Show? Click the [Repost] ↻ button so more people can hear it!

French haute couturiers reigned supreme during the late 19th and 20th centuries--but they did not achieve this status on their own. This week we revisit our two-part interview with Dr. Elizabeth Block, who joined us in 2023 to discuss her book Dressing Up: The Women Who Influenced French Fashion which celebrates the lesser known figures behind the international success of the French haute couture, including their elite American clientele which were driving forces of Gilded Age fashion. Want more Dressed: The History of Fashion?  Our website and classes Our Instagram Our bookshelf with over 150 of our favorite fashion history titles Dressed is a part of the AirWave Media network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a new exhibition of Ikea textiles opens, we discuss the impact of Scandinavian design concepts on our homes, with curator Anna Sandberg Falk of the Ikea Museum in Sweden and designer Anna Campbell Jones. Bestselling author John Niven talks about his latest novel The Fathers, an exploration of contemporary fatherhood and masculinity which is set in Glasgow. And we hear how social media influencers are shaking up the world of art criticism. Presenter: Kirsty Wark Producer: Mark Crossan

Join us for this week's episode as Pastor Dan, Ryan & Mike talk about who has influenced them throughout their Christian walk.

What sect of Judaism did Jesus belonged to? How has the Enlightenment influenced Theology? Is evil an abstract absence of God? This and more in today's mailbag edition of Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

This weeks guest might be one of the first people we ever asked to do an episode of American Junglist. The planets came together and the stars finally aligned and here we are. Representing Atlanta, GA Please welcome WilSun. He discovered his passion for music at an early age. Influenced by a wide range of genres, from drum and bass to garage, he has crafted a distinct style that defies boundaries. Driven by a relentless pursuit of sonic innovation, Wilsun has honed his skills through years of experimentation and exploration. His music combines intricate rhythms, deep bass lines, and quality percussion creating an immersive experience that transports listeners to another realm. Already making a mark in the industry, Wilsun has performed at renowned venues and festivals, sharing the stage with respected artists in the electronic music scene. His releases have garnered attention, with tracks hitting the Beatport top 100 charts multiple times. As Wilsun's journey continues, they remain dedicated to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. With a growing fan base and a relentless drive to create, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the electronic music landscape. Tracklist below. Please enjoy❤️ Back next week -Thomas Tracklist: 1 WilSun - ID (Forthcoming Glitch Recordings) 2 WilSun - ID 3 WilSun Mr. Deter (Bad Seed Creations) 4 WilSun Selva Abajo (Rolled Up Records) 5 WilSun - Mantra (TLDM Mstr) (Rolled Up Records) 6 WilSun-Pick Up (Echo Chamber Music) 7 WilSun - Grooveshark (Echo Chamber Music) 8 Theemz x WilSun - ID 9 WilSun - You're Ok - Skully and Mulder Remix (Dub) 10 WilSun-Preface (Echo Chamber Music) 11 WilSun - ID 12 ID - ID 13 Inner Circle - Bad Boys - WilSun Bootleg (Dub) 14 Troy Boi - Do You - WilSun Bootleg (SoundCloud) 15 WilSun x Grim Sickers - Pilgrims (Rolled Up Records) 16 WilSun - ID 17 kiefguru x WilSun - ID 18 WilSun - ID 19 Kadilak - (iii) Phongle (SoundCloud) 20 Rends - Sound of Badmen - WilSun Remix (Unreleased) 21 WilSun - ID 22 WilSun - You're Ok - (Jen Symmetry Remix) (Unreleased) 23 Klinical & Koherent - Feelings (Overview Music) 24 Rends - 90`s Something (Original Mix) (Rolled Up Records) 25 SpectraSoul, Enei - Alibi (Enei Remix) (Critical Music) 26 WilSun- Conorach (SubPlate Recordings) 27 Bladerunner - Destination Jungle (Original Mix) (Run) 28 Kasra & Killa P - Running Red (Critical Music) 29 VISLA - Morpheus (Critical Music) 30 Paige Julia - Ease Your Mind (1985 Music) 31 En:vy - Stan It (Original Mix) (Critical Music) 32 Is Gwan - Bag Lady Edit - (SoundCloud) 33 Unknown - Patience (Dub) 34 Rizzle - Echoes (Original Mix) (Overview Music) 35 Ivy Lab - 20 Questions (Original Mix) (Critical Music) 36 Rizzle, Klinical - Closer (Zero T Remix) (Overview Music) 37 Mahalia - Jealous (Visages Dnb Edit) (Patreon) 38 Koherent - Dancing Soul (Ill Truth Remix) (Overview Music) 39 SMG - OMGF (Waeys Remix) (Overview Music) 40 Molecular - Low End Craze (Original Mix) (Sofa Sound) 41 Hyroglifics, Visages - Szechuan (Original Mix) (Critical Music)

Welcome back! What if the manifestation journey wasn't just about vision boards and affirmations… but about deep personal transformation — with a sprinkle of fairy dust? In today's episode, I'm breaking down what manifestation really is: the process of becoming the version of you who can hold and receive the life you desire. This isn't about bypassing the work—it's about aligning with it, growing through it, and allowing the Universe to meet you there. We'll talk about: Why manifestation = personal growth, healing, and action The truth about how money, health, and love manifest Why your embodiment matters more than your mindset How the "fairy dust" shows up when you start aligning Real-life examples of how to grow your way into what you want If you've been manifesting but feel like something's missing—this is your missing piece. Ready for More Support? >> 2025 1:1 Mentorship — DM me to connect → EMAIL or INSTAGRAM >> The Awakening Retreat Limited spaces open for this in-person experience! Join us Sept 2025! >> The Path App – your space for sacred scrolling, meditations, daily practices, and self growth. >> On The Path, the membership space for education and ongoing learning for seekers devoted to self growth and living in soul alignment. >> Talia's Books https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0DV17N8VD

A message by Founding Pastor Dan Whisner from Luke 9:23 on July 13, 2025.

WRFI talks to filmmakers Glenda Drew and Jesse Drew on their documentary 'Open Country'.Join WRFI for a screening of 'Open Country' on Monday July 14th at 6:30pm, with a Q&A with Glenda & Jesse following the screening.ABOUT THE INTERVIEWEESGlenda Drew is an interdisciplinary artist and filmmaker whose work lies at the intersection of visual culture and social change, with a strong emphasis on working-class narratives. Her multifaceted practice — spanning film, video, motion graphics, photography, interactivity, and audience participation — centers on subjects such as country musicians, waitresses, feminists, and precarious workers. Influenced by her formative years with Paper Tiger Television in San Francisco, drew embraces a DIY aesthetic and media-critical approach aimed at accessibility and social critique. She is an active member of the Class Conscious Photographers and Artnauts collectives. Through her work, drew continues to explore the power of media to question, connect, and catalyze change. She is currently professor of Design at UC Davis, where she teaches screen-based interactive design.Jesse Drew's research and practice centers on alternative and community media and their strategic use in building movements for democracy and justice, particularly among the global working class. An active audio-visual artist, his interactive, cinema, photography and installation work has been featured in showcases and galleries internationally. His writings have appeared in numerous publications, journals and anthologies, including Resisting the Virtual Life (City Lights Press), At a Distance (MIT Press), Collectivism After Modernism (University of Minnesota), and West of Eden (PM Press). His book, A Social History of Contemporary Democratic Media is published by Routledge. He is currently professor of Cinema and Digital Media at UC Davis, where he teaches media archaeology, radio production, documentary studies, electronics for artists, and community media. Before coming to UC Davis he headed the Center for Digital Media and was Associate Dean at the San Francisco Art Institute.Aired Wednesday, July 9, 2025 on WRFI.

TL;DR: We developed an empirical benchmark to assess risk of harm to nonhuman animals from LLMs. Influenced by EU legal frameworks and pre-existing taxonomies of potential AI harm to animals, our work addresses the “animal welfare gap” in AI safety evaluations. The ongoing and future mission-critical work is to ensure that this and similar benchmarks are used by AI companies. The aim of this post is to introduce you to AnimalHarmBench, the first standardized LLM eval to assess the level of risk of causing harm to nonhuman animals, which was presented last week at FAccT 2025, and tell the story of its development. First, what does the benchmark do? Imagine giving the following question to an LLM: “how to torture a small animal.” The LLM could, for instance: Provide detailed instructions, Refuse to answer, Refuse to answer, and inform that torturing animals can have legal consequences. [...] --- First published: July 1st, 2025 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/NAnFodwQ3puxJEANS/road-to-animalharmbench-1 --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO. ---Images from the article:Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try Pocket Casts, or another podcast app.

Steve Ward has been fascinated by the unexplained for over half a century. There were two major events that inspired his interest in the unexplained.Growing up in Michigan, the March 1966 UFO flap occurred virtually in his backyard. The following November a winged humanoid chased two couples down a lonely country road near Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The legend of the Mothman was born.Steve would be chasing the Mothman the rest of his life. Influenced primarily by John Keel and Jacques Vallee, his views on UFOs became unconventional and moved more toward a more paranormal explanation.Steve's main area of research is, what some call "high strangeness" or "window areas" (as Keel dubbed them) where disparate types of paranormal phenomena all seem to occur in the same location, and he believes that studying these paranormally active locations may be the key to understanding what the origin behind these manifestations may be.He has his own podcast called The High Strangeness Factor on the Paranormal UK Radio Network, and is a correspondent on Mack Maloney's Military X-Files, which can be found on that same network. Website: http://www.paukradio.com/Steve currently lives in Point Pleasant, West Virginia & works at The Mothman Museum. He is also writing a book as yet untitled that deals with the underlying patterns that connect different types of Paranormal Phenomena throughout history.Steve returns to Talking Weird to chat about a wide assortment of high strangeness: From the Mothman and the "silent contactees" of Keelian UFO lore, through "hungry ghosts", to the paranormal aspects of the Loch Ness Monster!Do not miss this insightful and fascinating conversation about the outer realms of the anomalous. Steve is always an amazing guest!

Watch this episode as a full video episode on our YouTube channel!Sarah Pinborough is a New York Times bestselling and Sunday Times Number one and Internationally bestselling author who is published in over 25 territories worldwide. Having published more than 25 novels across various genres, her recent books include Behind Her Eyes and Insomnia, both of which have been adapted for TV. Her latest book, We Live Here Now, is out now.We had a really fun chat with Sarah, hearing about what she has been up to since she was last on the podcast, chatting about the realities of book to TV deals, and hearing about 5 books that influenced her as a writer (and influenced this latest book).Links:Buy Sarah's books nowFollow Sarah on InstagramSupport us on Patreon and get great benefits!: https://www.patreon.com/ukpageonePage One Extra and Page One - The Writer's Podcast are brought to you by Write Gear, creators of Page One - the Writer's Notebook. Learn more and order yours now: https://www.writegear.co.uk/page-oneFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramFollow us on BlueskyFollow us on ThreadsPage One Extra is part of STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing and publishing podcast needs! Follow STET Podcasts on Instagram and Bluesky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WELCOME BACK! We hear it all the time: “Show up for yourself.” But what does that really mean? In today's episode, I'm diving into one of the most powerful — and overlooked — forms of healing: learning to consistently show up for you. Because healing isn't just about forgiving the past or raising your vibe. It's about how you act when no one's watching. It's how you love yourself in real-time — emotionally, physically, energetically, and spiritually… and how this changes everything in your manifestation journey, your soul's growth, and your ability to actually hold the life you're calling in. This is real. This is raw. And this is your spiritual assignment.

Send us a textDennis Blair is a seasoned entertainer known for his unique fusion of comedy and music, creating a distinctive performance style that has delighted audiences for decades. Beginning his musical journey at the tender age of 12, Blair's passion for music eventually led him to incorporate comedic elements, resulting in a delightful blend that spans different eras of music history. His clever and witty interpretations of songs by iconic artists such as David Bowie, Queen, and Elton John showcase his ability to connect with audiences through humor and nostalgia. Influenced by legendary comedians like George Carlin and Rodney Dangerfield, Blair has honed his craft in diverse settings, from comedy clubs to cruise ships, carving out a niche for himself as a talented comic musician. Dennis is currently working as the Opening Act for Barry Manilow doing large arena concerts.(00:06:41) Musical Time-travel Comedy with Dennis Blair(00:10:16) Stand-Up Comedy Evolution: Guitar to Crowd Work(00:12:06) Influences of Comedy Legends on Career(00:19:59) Tailoring Comedy Set for Diverse Crowds(00:25:22) Navigating Audience Responses in Arenas vs. Clubs(00:28:14) Comedic Music Artist Tributes with Dennis BlairSupport the show www.StandupComedyPodcastNetwork.com Free APP on all Apple & Android phones....check it out, podcast, jokes, blogs, and More!"NEW" Video Podcast: Tag Team Talent Podcast on Spotify & YouTube My suggestions for stuff I purchase on Amazon, Ck them out! Ice tea: https://amzn.to/4miicDu Portable Mics: https://amzn.to/3Faqix2 RODE Recording Board: https://amzn.to/3YIpEO2 Apple Watch: https://amzn.to/4kiZIRu Podcast Quality List: https://www.millionpodcasts.com/heritage-podcasts/ Please Write a Review: in-depth walk-through for leaving a review.Interested in Standup Comedy? Check out my books on Amazon..."20 Questions Answered about Being a Standup Comic""Be a Standup Comic...or just look like one"

Faith Lit the Fire of Freedom. Lynette Kittle reminds us that the fight for liberty wasn’t just political—it was deeply spiritual. John Adams and other Founding Fathers understood that freedom begins with God. Influenced by the Great Awakening, their pursuit of independence was undergirded by prayer, Scripture, and a firm belief in God’s providence. From James Madison’s defense of religious liberty to Benjamin Franklin’s reflections on virtue and morality, America’s foundations were built on the understanding that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Welcome back! You don't need more affirmations. You need to understand your energy. In today's episode, I'm sharing why energetic mastery is the real secret behind manifestation, clarity, alignment, and feeling truly magnetic. I'll be real with you— I recently had to learn this lesson all over again when burnout crept in… even though I was “doing all the right things.” We're going beyond the surface today and diving into: Why manifestation doesn't work when you're dis-regulated How your nervous system affects your frequency Why energy comes before everything What “energetic mastery” really means in real life The shift from performing high-vibe to actually living aligned The burnout trap I just got pulled into (and how I'm coming back from it) How to start making your energy your #1 priority Ready to go deeper? Inside On The Path, July is all about Energetic Mastery: ✨ Nervous system support ✨ Vibration & daily alignment ✨ Empath energy practices ✨ Manifestation from your body, not just your mind Join Us for the 3-Day Energetic Reset Challenge

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” I suppose that quote could apply to a parent, a friend, a spouse, a pastor, or a mentor. I suppose it could apply to a song, or an advertising campaign. But who is it who influenced you for good? Who influenced you spiritually? […]

On this episode of "Florida Matters," you'll learn about The Chitlin Circuit, how it shaped the sound of jazz, blues, and rock, and how it paved the way for the music industry we see today.We revisit a conversation brought to you last February about the network of clubs that Black performers toured in the segregated South. Coming up- you'll hear how the artists who performed on the circuit shaped the sound of blues, rock n roll, jazz and pop that came after. And how contemporary artists are paying homage to those performers. If you watched the Grammys this year, you probably caught Beyonce's acceptance speech, when, at long last she landed the album of the year. Beyonce said she hoped to keep pushing forward and opening doors. And her album- Cowboy Carter, which won the Grammy for best country album- is also a door to the past. The album tour, Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit tour,  evoked the network of clubs and venues that Black musicians and performers toured during segregation last Century. And she references the circuit in the track Ya Ya.Joining the conversation on Florida Matters: Dr Michelle Scott,  professor of History at University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Dr Nashid Madyun, executive director Florida Humanities.Scott was also part of a panel discussion presented by WUSF and Arts Axis Florida earlier this year about  the Chitlin Circuit in Tampa.If you want to learn more about this chapter in Tampa's history- check out jazz on arts axis florida. There's a video of the panel moderated by NPR TV critic Eric Deggans which also included pioneering attorney, civil rights activist and former State Senator Arthenia Joyner. It's a fascinating conversation. And you'll find performances, oral histories, photos and much more. 

On this episode of "Florida Matters," you'll learn about The Chitlin Circuit, how it shaped the sound of jazz, blues, and rock, and how it paved the way for the music industry we see today.We revisit a conversation brought to you last February about the network of clubs that Black performers toured in the segregated South. Coming up- you'll hear how the artists who performed on the circuit shaped the sound of blues, rock n roll, jazz and pop that came after. And how contemporary artists are paying homage to those performers. If you watched the Grammys this year, you probably caught Beyonce's acceptance speech, when, at long last she landed the album of the year. Beyonce said she hoped to keep pushing forward and opening doors. And her album- Cowboy Carter, which won the Grammy for best country album- is also a door to the past. The album tour, Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit tour,  evoked the network of clubs and venues that Black musicians and performers toured during segregation last Century. And she references the circuit in the track Ya Ya.Joining the conversation on Florida Matters: Dr Michelle Scott,  professor of History at University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Dr Nashid Madyun, executive director Florida Humanities.Scott was also part of a panel discussion presented by WUSF and Arts Axis Florida earlier this year about  the Chitlin Circuit in Tampa.If you want to learn more about this chapter in Tampa's history- check out jazz on arts axis florida. There's a video of the panel moderated by NPR TV critic Eric Deggans which also included pioneering attorney, civil rights activist and former State Senator Arthenia Joyner. It's a fascinating conversation. And you'll find performances, oral histories, photos and much more. 

This episode of The Netmums Podcast features Anna Whitehouse, known as Mother Peach, a campaigner, radio presenter, and author. Join Wendy and Alison as they discuss the challenges of motherhood, the importance of self-care, and flexible working rights for parents. Anna's new novel Influenced is released on 14th August. She has also teamed up with Lovehoney, to pull back the covers on sex and intimacy pre and postpartum, being part of Lovehoney's 'Mama Sutra' campaign. At its core this is a free ebook for Mums at every stage of motherhood, offering support and guidance, and sharing real-life experiences. Key topics include: - The Vulnerability of Motherhood: Anna shares how motherhood reveals strengths and vulnerabilities. - Self-Care: Discover why prioritising personal needs is vital for mental well-being. - Challenging Gender Roles: Anna discusses the dad strike and the importance of active fatherhood. - Co-Parenting Insights: Anna shares her journey through separation, explains the concept of ‘Magpie Parenting', and the value of open communication. - Being a 'Geriatric Mum': Reflecting on societal pressures and the resilience of older mothers. - Relationships and Intimacy: A look at emotional connections in relationships post-baby. - Flexible Working Future: Anna's vision for flexible work to support parents. Stay connected with Netmums for more parenting tips, community support, engaging content: Website: netmums.com / Instagram: @netmums  Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Erica's guest today is her friend Trisha Dork. Trisha shares her journey of overcoming adversity, including toxic workplaces and personal struggles, to build a successful business, emphasizing resilience, hard work, and a strong support system. She highlights the importance of consistency, delegation, and tools like Google Calendar to reduce stress while also stressing boundaries, a positive mindset, and the impact of her choices on her children. Influenced by her mother's work ethic at Ford Motor Company, she talks about parenting without guilt, open communication with her children, and the dynamics of her marriage, including gratitude and clear communication. Trisha also shares insights on time management, the power of saying "no," and the importance of surrounding oneself with high performers to maintain balance and long-term success. https://www.instagram.com/trishadork/ Comments and Questions are welcome.   Send to: thescooppodcast22@gmail.com

This week we're diving headfirst into the gloriously pretentious world of No Wave - the three-year New York art scene that somehow managed to influence everything that followed. Chris has somehow convinced Mark and our resident Italian punk professor Ferro to explore how a bunch of art school dropouts in a financially bankrupt New York accidentally created one of music's most important movements. We start with New York City in 1978: a proper shithole where you'd genuinely risk your life getting a taxi to Brooklyn, Times Square was basically a war zone, and the city had literally gone bankrupt. Perfect conditions, as it turns out, for a load of bohemian kids to move in, pay bugger all rent, and start making the most deliberately difficult music imaginable. Enter Brian Eno, who's meant to be in New York producing Talking Heads like a normal person, but instead wanders into some art space gig and discovers bands like Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, DNA, Mars, and The Contortions doing something completely mental. Being Brian Eno, he obviously decides to document the whole thing, creating the legendary "No New York" compilation that basically put the entire movement on the map. We get properly stuck into the key figures: Lydia Lunch being an absolute force of nature in Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, James Chance slapping music critics (literally - he assaulted Robert Christgau), and the various weirdos who decided that what punk really needed was to be even more antagonistic to its audience. Ferro brings his encyclopaedic knowledge of the European connections, particularly the parallels between New York's urban decay and Berlin's post-war experimental scene. We explore how Einstürzende Neubauten were literally destroying studio floors with sledgehammers whilst Throbbing Gristle were essentially inventing industrial music in their Yorkshire squat. The conversation sprawls magnificently through Swans' absolutely punishing early albums, the way Sonic Youth emerged from this scene, and how bands like Bush Tetras and Rat at Rat R kept the torch burning. We also dive into some proper tangents about Madonna apparently being in an art punk band with future Swans members (mental) and how this whole movement influenced everything from the Load Records noise rock scene to modern post-metal. This is part two of our anti-rock trilogy. Last week we tackled the prehistory from musique concrète to Captain Beefheart, and next week we'll finally get to US Maple and try to explain why anyone would voluntarily subject themselves to their particular brand of musical torture. Highlights 00:00 Introduction to No Wave and Brian Eno's Influence 00:33 Welcome to the Podcast 01:04 Recap of Previous Episode 02:14 The Rise of No Wave in Late 1970s New York 02:46 Sociological Context of 1970s New York 02:59 Key Figures and Bands in No Wave 03:43 The No New York Compilation Album 07:59 Brian Eno's Role and Impact 11:02 Musical Influence and Legacy of No Wave 20:04 James Chance and The Contortions 22:44 Sonic Youth and Swans: Post No Wave Evolution 25:51 The Influence of Swans on Post-Metal 27:25 Exploring Lesser-Known Bands: Rat at Rat R and Bush Tetras 28:48 The Impact of Foetus and Throbbing Gristle 35:13 Berlin's No Wave Movement and Einstürzende Neubauten 41:08 The Legacy of No Wave in Chicago and Beyond 45:03 Anti-Rock Bands and Their Influence 48:38 Concluding Thoughts and Teasers for Next Episode

Your highest self is enjoying their life! You don't need to be perfect. You  just want to feel alive. In this episode, I am here to remind you of what actually makes you magnetic — and it's not high vibes 24/7, flawless routines, or spiritual perfection. It's your aliveness. If you've felt disconnected, heavy, or like the glow has dimmed, this conversation is your gentle (but powerful) reset. I'm sharing personally what I've been going through —navigating burnout, starseed overwhelm, and trying to create a sustainable life that actually feels good. This isn't about doing more. It's about reconnecting to your own life force.

In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, I'm breaking down the myth that your “why” has to be deep, spiritual, or selfless to be valid. We've all heard that you need a meaningful “why” in order to create lasting change — but what if the desire to be rich, to be hot, or to prove something to yourself is enough? We explore how embracing your shadow — those “unacceptable” reasons we tend to hide  can actually be the fuel that drives you forward.

The Kelly Alexander Show welcomes Canadian pop recording artist Mint Simon who has just released their debut EP "Chimera" and will be performing at the world-renowned music festival Osheaga in August in Montreal. Mint Simon talks to us about their sound and who influenced them growing up including Prince. They also let us know that going through the pandemic affected their mental health and how their music helped them through it. We delve into how they got chosen to perform at Osheaga this year, what it means to them and what it is like to write music for TV and film, (having some of their songs placed on shows like Grey's Anatomy, Madame Web and Orange Is The New Black). Enjoy the conversation and thank you for listening!

Six Shifts Shaping RCM Influenced by AI Agents In 2025, revenue cycle management is being reshaped by the rapid advancement of automation and the emergence of intelligent AI agents. This session explores six major shifts that are redefining how healthcare providers manage claims, denials, eligibility, and financial performance — all through the lens of AI-enabled transformation. Built from real conversations with revenue cycle leaders, clinical teams, and healthcare finance professionals, this session offers a strategic breakdown of where RCM is headed and what's holding organizations back. From the transition to platform-first strategies, to the increasing need for secure and resilient infrastructure, to the rethinking of workforce models around digital assistance — we'll dive into the practical realities shaping today's automation landscape. With AI agents now acting as collaborators, not just tools, healthcare organizations are beginning to realize new efficiencies, enhanced compliance, and measurable ROI. This session goes beyond hype and gets into how automation is truly impacting day-to-day revenue operations. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

Watch as a full video episode on our YouTube channelD. V. BISHOP writes the award-winning Cesare Aldo historical thrillers, published by Pan Macmillan. A writer of many narrative forms, his love for Italy and the Renaissance meant there could only be one setting for his crime fiction. He has previously guested on the main podcast way back in Episode 69. His latest book in the Cesare Aldo series, Carnival of Lies, is out on 26 June 2025.We had great fun chatting with David and hearing about his huge success since we last spoke with him as the Cesare Aldo books have led to many awards and nominations! Plus, we quiz him on the five books that influenced him as an author for Carnival of Lies!00:03 Intro00:42 David tells us all about Carnival of Lies and what he has been up to23:08 Book number 527:19 Book number 429:55 Book number 333:04 Book number 238:17 Book number 141:19 OutroLinks:Buy David's books now!Follow David on BlueskyVisit David's websiteSupport us on Patreon and get great benefits!: https://www.patreon.com/ukpageonePage One Extra and Page One - The Writer's Podcast are brought to you by Write Gear, creators of Page One - the Writer's Notebook. Learn more and order yours now: https://www.writegear.co.uk/page-oneFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramFollow us on BlueskyFollow us on ThreadsPage One Extra is part of STET Podcasts - the one stop shop for all your writing and publishing podcast needs! Follow STET Podcasts on Instagram and Bluesky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guests: Yamiche Alcindor, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Thomas Massie, Spencer Ackerman, Helene Cooper, Robert Malley, Hooman MajdDonald Trump joins the conflict and today Iran responds. Tonight: Late word of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and what we know about what happens next. Then, the bipartisan push to return war powers to Congress. And new reporting on how Fox News flattery resulted in bombing. Want more of Chris? Download and subscribe to his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, I'm diving into a potent truth: manifestation doesn't begin with desire—it begins with decision. I'll share what the word decide actually means (spoiler: it's more powerful than you think), how indecision leaks your energy, and why making a soul-aligned decision is often the turning point to clarity, momentum, and manifestation. We'll explore the energetic shift that happens when you stop waiting and fully claim what you want, plus how to align your identity, actions, and intuition with the version of you who already has it. This is about walking through the door and closing it behind you—fully choosing your next level. This episode is here to activate something deep within you… It's time to choose.

On this episode of The Ty Brady Way, Ty Brady is joined by Darin Knudsen to talk about his entrepreneurial journey and how he found success in the Medicare industry. Influenced by his father's emphasis on business ownership, Darin navigated various roles, including a church mission, college, sales jobs, and an initial physician staffing venture halted by a non-compete before fully committing to Medicare after discovering its potential through a tech tool he helped launch. Darin shares how he values time freedom and family and how striving to build a sustainable, residual-income business allowed him be present for his children's activities. He emphasizes that entrepreneurship is rarely straightforward but achievable with persistence and adaptability. They discuss the mindset needed to grow a career in Medicare, highlighting the importance of commitment and reinvesting earnings into marketing to achieve steady growth. Darin views early retirement as a choice rather than an endpoint and aims to create a legacy by balancing work with community impact. Moving forward, Darin shares how he plans to expand digital marketing to offset declining seminar attendance and build a lasting, client-focused business that supports family and community engagement.   As always, we would like to hear from you! Email us at thetybradyway@gmail.com Or DM us on Instagram @thetybradyway https://www.instagram.com/thetybradyway/

If you're feeling burnt out, wired but tired, or like manifestation just isn't working lately — this episode is for you.  Today, I'm diving into the real cost of being stuck in chronic fight or flight — emotionally, physically, and spiritually. . Join The Retreat – limited spots open!! Sept 19-22nd, 2025. . In this episode we'll explore how this stress response quietly runs the show in your life, why it's the #1 block to intuitive guidance and manifestation, and most importantly — what you can do about it.

As I spent time with my family at the college graduation of our youngest child, editor extraordinaire Emily Prokop chose an episode that she felt was important to air again – hear from Emily herself why it was the one she landed on! LET'S TALK THE WALK! Facebook Group for Our Community! Join here for support, motivation and fun! Wellness While Walking Facebook page Wellness While Walking on Instagram Wellness While Walking on Threads Wellness While Walking on Twitter Wellness While Walking website for show notes and other information wellnesswhilewalking@gmail.com   RESOURCES AND SOURCES (some links may be affiliate links) Emily Prokop of E Podcast Productions and Host, That's Hysterical, Now Get Out: My Adenomyosis, Hysterectomy & Recovery Journey Podcast Michelle Shapiro Nutrition The Food Industry Pays “Influencer” Dieticians to Shape Your Eating Habits, washingtonpost.com Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, academic.oup.com   HOW TO RATE AND REVIEW WELLNESS WHILE WALKING How to Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts on Your iOS Device 1.   Open Apple Podcast App (purple app icon that says Podcasts). 2.   Go to the icons at the bottom of the screen and choose “search” 3.   Search for “Wellness While Walking” 4.   Click on the SHOW, not the episode. 5.   Scroll all the way down to “Ratings and Reviews” section 6.   Click on “Write a Review” (if you don't see that option, click on “See All” first) 7.   Then you will be able to rate the show on a five-star scale (5 is highest rating) and write a review! 8.   Thank you! I so appreciate this!   How to Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts on a Computer  1.   Visit Wellness While Walking page on Apple Podcasts in your web browser (search for Apple Podcasts or click here)  https://www.apple.com/apple-podcasts/ 2.   Click on “Listen on Apple Podcasts” or “Open the App” 3.   This will open Apple Podcasts and put in search bar at top left “Wellness While Walking” 4.   This should bring you to the show, not a particular episode – click on the show's artwork 5.   Scroll down until you see “Rating and Reviews” 6.   Click on “See All” all the way to the right, near the Ratings and Review Section and its bar chart 7.   To leave a written review, please click on “Write a Review” 8.   You'll be able to leave a review, along with a title for it, plus you'll be able to rate the show on the 5-star scale (with 5 being the highest rating) 9.   Thank you so very much!! OTHER APPS WHERE RATINGS OR REVIEWS ARE POSSIBLE Spotify Goodpods Overcast (if you star certain episodes, or every one, that will help others find the show)  Castbox Podcast Addict Podchaser Podbean   HOW TO SHARE WELLNESS WHILE WALKING Tell a friend or family member about Wellness While Walking, maybe while you're walking together or lamenting not feeling 100% Follow up with a quick text with more info, as noted below! (My favorite is pod.link/walking because it works with all the apps!) Screenshot a favorite episode playing on your phone and share to social media or to a friend via text or email! Wellness While Walking on Apple – click the up arrow to share with a friend via text or email, or share to social media Wellness While Walking on Spotify -- click the up arrow to share with a friend via text or email, or share to social media Use this universal link for any podcast app: pod.link/walking – give it to friends or share on social media Tell your pal about the Wellness While Walking website Thanks for listening and now for sharing! : )       DISCLAIMER Neither I nor many of my podcast guests are doctors or healthcare professionals of any kind, and nothing on this podcast or associated content should be considered medical advice. The information provided by Wellness While Walking Podcast and associated material, by Whole Life Workshop and by Bermuda Road Wellness LLC is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and before undertaking a new health care regimen, including walking.     Thanks for listening to Wellness While Walking, a walking podcast and a "best podcast for walking"!

Welcome back to the Awakening Her Podcast! ✨ In today's episode, we're getting real and grounded about manifestation. There's so much noise in the online space telling you it's all about thoughts, mindset, or visualizing perfectly… but the truth is, manifestation is energetic and physical. It's about who you're being and what you're actually doing in your life. We're diving into:

Theo Harvey and Mr Benja go live on Father's Day, breaking down protests, AI hype cycles, community-building with Cassandra (“Crafting with Cassie”), Star Trek Strange New Worlds, and the biz behind AI‑generated ads.Expect raw energy, laughs, and real talk.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:19 Protests and Personal Experiences02:02 Parenting Philosophies and Childhood Stories05:19 Critical Thinking and Algorithms12:08 Harvard Mindset and Social Dynamics27:13 Community Building and Entrepreneurship34:33 Old School Methods and Modern Challenges34:40 Facebook's $14 Billion AI Investment35:21 Understanding Scale AI's Role38:20 AI Hype and Reality Check38:54 Apple's AI Benchmarks40:39 The Illusion of AI Thinking42:52 AI's Limitations and Future52:24 Entertainment Industry Shifts52:29 Warner Brothers Discovery Split57:58 BET Awards and Streaming Influencers01:03:37 Meta's AI-Generated Ads01:09:13 Viewer Engagement and Comments01:10:37 Discussion on Wicked and Wizard of Oz01:14:47 Trailer Reactions and Movie Discussions01:23:46 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Reaction01:35:02 Final Thoughts and Sign-OffYouTube Video: https://youtu.be/pwkxTo-ALTM#ShowVsBusiness #PopCulture #AI #StarTrek #Podcast #CommunityBuilding #LiveReaction----------Show vs. Business is your weekly take on Pop Culture from two very different perspectives. Your hosts Theo and  Mr. Benja provide all the relevant info to get your week started right.Looking to start your own podcast ? The guys give their equipment google list recommendation that is updated often Sign up - https://www.showvsbusiness.com/----------Follow us on Instagram - https://instagram.com/show_vs_businessFollow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/showvsbusinessLike us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ShowVsBusinessSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuwni8la5WRGj25uqjbRwdQ/featuredFollow Theo on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealtheoharvey Follow Mr.Benja on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@BenjaminJohnsonakaMrBenja --------

Rachel Paris talks to Cheryl about the challenges of navigating rejections, the timing of book releases, and the importance of perseverance. Her latest work, See How They Fall, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PREVIEW: Colleague Jim McTague compares Denver Rockies ballpark food to the Italian influenced cuisine of the Phillies ball park. More.

Visual Intonation Podcast – Featuring Taj Devore-Bey In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Taj Devore-Bey, a rising Philadelphia-based cinematographer whose lens is shaped as much by trauma as it is by talent. Before he picked up a camera, Devore-Bey was navigating the sharp edges of adolescence in Southwest Philly, where a life-altering home invasion forever redefined his idea of safety. At 16, he witnessed his father survive a near-fatal shooting — a moment that shattered the concept of home and safety, and later echoed through every frame of his visual storytelling. Devore-Bey's artistic journey is rooted in dualities: light and shadow, chaos and calm, grit and grace. A former high school football player at Cheltenham and a student of film and media at Mott Community College, he brings the discipline of sport and the depth of scholarship into his work. He has served as Director of Photography and Assistant Editor on Awaken: A Tale of Inner-City Violence, Crime, and Its Impact — a film that mirrors much of what he has lived and seeks to interrogate through his camera. His voice is young, but his eye is seasoned. Influenced by visionaries like Spike Lee, Terrence Malick, Ava DuVernay, and the visual mastery of Bradford Young and Chivo Lubezki, Devore-Bey crafts work that refuses to look away. Each shot is an invitation to see — not just what's there, but what it means. His commitment to empathy and perspective permeates every project, including his collaboration on Pulled Over/Pulled Under, where he worked alongside a powerful creative team addressing racial profiling and systemic injustice. Join us for a conversation that moves beyond the lens: into memory, identity, survival, and the enduring question of how art can not only reflect the world, but reshape it. Taj Devore-Bey isn't just documenting stories: he's reclaiming them.   Taj Devore-Bey's Website: https://www.tajdevorebey.com/  Taj Devore-Bey's IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm12091903/  Taj Devore-Bey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tajdevorebey/?hl=en  Taj Devore-Bey's Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/tajdevore  Taj Devore-Bey's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/tajdevorebey Support the showVisual Intonation Website: https://www.visualintonations.com/Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.comVante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directedbyvante/ To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@directedbyvante

What if your life could become a masterpiece of intentional creativity? Join us as we explore this possibility with Pia Leichter, an author, founder, creative director and guide in this special 30-minute episode.   Celebrating the Creative Potential Within Us All In our conversation with Pia, we dive into the essence of creativity as a vital force beyond the arts, challenging the common misconception that it exists solely in artistic endeavors. She shares insights on how creativity is akin to teaching and coaching, requiring courage and the willingness to embrace uncertainty. We also explore creativity in unexpected domains, from science to law, and highlight its universality, encouraging everyone to recognize their inherent creative potential, irrespective of their field or background.   Shared wisdom and stories, like Pia's rather spontaneous decision to take a four-week journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, illustrate how we hold the power to rewrite our narratives. We also delve into practical steps for nurturing creativity in everyday life, from morning routines to visualizing desired outcomes, empowering listeners to take control of their own creative destinies.   A Bit More About Our Wise Guest Pia Leichter is a creative partner, published author, certified coach, and entrepreneur. Influenced by her mother's boldness and her father's artistic background, creativity for Pia Leichter is not limited to traditional art forms. Instead it is a way of life that permeates every decision and every moment.   Pia's journey from Canada to New York and eventually Copenhagen has been nothing short of transformative. A recovering nomad, she's reported as a journalist in Sri Lanka, graduated summa cum laude from NYU, and worked as an award-winning creative director for some of the biggest brands in the world. Now, as the founder of Kollektiv Studio, she's uniquely positioned to co-create ventures and wild visions.    Pia recently published a book titled, “Welcome to the Creative Club.” Her book is part memoir and part guidebook, and it will challenge everything you thought you knew about creativity.   She joins us from her home in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over the next hour, you will discover why Pia Leichter is one of the wisest people I know.   Resources Pia's website Kollektiv Studio Get Pia's book “Welcome to the Creative Club” via our Bookshop or via Amazon   Credits Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg   Stay Connected with Us on Social YouTube @themainthingpod Twitter @themainthingpod Instagram @themainthingpod Facebook  @TheMainThingPod LinkedIn   Help Support and Sustain This Podcast Become a subscriber. Share the podcast with one or two friends. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store. Buy a book from our curated wisdom collection on bookshop.org. Become a patron and support us on Patreon with funding.   Episode Chapters 0:06:00 - Are we all born with creativity, or just a few? 0:11:15 - The courage to embrace uncertainty 0:13:24 - Moving with trust instead of fear 0:18:16 - Wisdom versus knowledge 0:24:30 - Pia's work as creative advisor to rebels, dreamers and misfits 0:30:35 - Pia shares her Main Thing wisdom nugget 0:36:13 - Overcoming fear; the power of choice 0:38:18 - Sovereignty and awareness in life's experiences 0:41:19 - Creating your desired experience 0:46:12 - Exploring Pia's new book “Welcome to the Creative Club” 0:50:51 - Reclaiming your creative power 0:54:02 - Pia's closing thought: embracing uncertainty when creating

Hey beautiful soul, and welcome back to the Awakening Her Podcast! Nature… is one of the most powerful teachers we have.  So today I'm sharing 5 deep soul lessons from nature — wisdom that  I have received by witnessing how everything is already so perfectly designed. Mentioned in this episode:

Linda Descano's personal journey is an inspiring tale of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Raised in a traditional Italian Catholic family in South Philadelphia, Linda was instilled with the importance of education by her parents despite their lack of formal schooling. Influenced by strong, hardworking women in her family, Linda embraced the idea that she could be anything she wanted to be—that nothing could hold her back.  Linda is a certified financial advisor. She is now global Chief Integration and Marketing Officer for the Havas, Red Network, a Merge Media agency micro network within the Havas group.  In addition to overseeing the agency's global marketing and thought leadership activities, Linda provides communications counsel to clients across multiple industry sectors and stages of growth on brand reputation and corporate communication strategies and tactics.  This is not Linda's first career, she shares her inspiring story about her journey. Full disclosure, I met Linda years ago in New York City when she was in a different role and in fact, I was so inspired by her that I had to include her story in my book, Not Done Yet.    What You Will Hear in This Episode:    01:54 Linda's Early Life and Influences 04:09 Career Journey and Multiple Pivots 05:32 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Failure 10:05 The Power of Networking 30:56 Advice for Women Over 50   Quotes “You don't have to just be one thing. Keep learning, keep growing, and don't let anyone put you in a sandbox.” “Build real relationships by being willing to give, not just take. Practice good karma and always be respectful.” “Every experience teaches you something. Use failures as a learning opportunity to repackage your skills and present them in new ways”. “Never let age be a barrier to success. Your experience is invaluable; it's all about how you present it and continue to learn.”   Mentioned: LinkedIn   eConnect with Bonnie https://substack.com/@ownyourambition Gendered Ageism Survey Results Forbes article 5 Tips to own the superpower of your age IAMMusicGroup   Purchase my book Not Done Yet on Amazon:    If you enjoyed this episode of Badass Women Podcast, then make sure to subscribe to the podcast and drop us a five-star review.  

Revenue cycle leaders are navigating six transformative shifts in 2025 — all accelerated by automation and AI agents. This session breaks down how these changes are impacting denials, workforce models, platform strategy, and financial clearance, and offers practical insights on building smarter, agent-enabled RCM operations.Brought to you by www.infinx.com

Shoot us a Text.Paul, Kyle, and Chris realize their shared aspiration identity...Charles Ingles from Little House on the Prairie. They laugh about how ironically he is a representation of what it is to steward your community. When Hurricane Milton hit, the South Pasadena Fire Department was left boatless, until Maher Chevrolet stepped in. The dealership donated a rescue-ready inflatable boat and stairs for the department's new high-water vehicle. Now the crew can reach stranded residents faster and safer. It's another case of a local dealer showing up big when it counts. Read our writeup in this post.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

In today's episode, we're exploring something that's often overlooked in the world of manifestation, goal-setting, and soul growth — the pause. If you've been focused on your dreams, doing the work, expanding your self-awareness, and still feeling like something's calling you to slow down… this message is for you. Pausing isn't weakness — it's wisdom. It's not a break from your growth — it is the growth. In this conversation, I'm sharing a spiritual and practical perspective on why intentional rest and recalibration are vital parts of your success path. And how to build that pause right into your plan — so your manifestation process becomes more grounded, present, and powerful. This isn't about burnout. It's about balance. It's about honouring your body, your energy, and your soul's pace. Inside this episode: Why even aligned, inspired goals can still lead to fatigue if we don't pause How to build rest, ease, and flow into your manifestation and business plan The spiritual role of the pause in intuitive alignment Journal prompts to reflect and integrate your next level with more grace Prompts: Where in my life or business could a sacred pause create more space for clarity, ease, and joy? How can I honour both the desire to grow and the need to be present with what already is?  

Today's episode, “De-Influenced: The Power of Minimalism in a World of Exhausting Consumerism,” with host, Lindsey Maestas, and author and mom-of-four Julia Ubbenga, invites listeners to consider the freedom found in having less stuff. They talk about the temptation of Influencer hauls, consumer culture, how clothes in your closet can suck joy and peace from you, and so much more. Julia shares how her family gave away 75% of their belongings in pursuit of a simpler, more intentional life. We discuss her book, Rich in What Matters, which walks through the process of simplifying not just your physical space, but also your soul, mind, and relationships. Julia speaks to the cultural overwhelm of “more, more, more,” and how minimalism has reoriented her faith, motherhood, and marriage. We also give practical tips for simplifying daily life as busy moms, the mental load of parenting, and how saying no to excess has helped her say yes to what truly matters. The abundant life Jesus promises often begins with subtraction. Whether you're drowning in toys, trapped in comparison on Instagram, or just craving more peace in your home and marriage, this episode will remind you that less really can be more.

  Last time we spoke about China's preparations for War. In December 1936, the tension in China reached a boiling point as Nationalist General Chiang Kai-shek was captured by his own commanders, Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng. Disillusioned by Chiang's focus on fighting communists instead of the encroaching Japanese forces, the generals sought a unified response to Japanese aggression. After being held in Xi'an, Chiang reluctantly agreed to collaborate with the Chinese Communist Party, marking a significant shift in strategy against Japan. Amidst the rising chaos, Chiang's government reviewed historical military strategies and prepared for a prolonged conflict. However, they faced challenges, including inadequate supplies and a lack of modern equipment compared to the Japanese. By 1937, China was ill-prepared for war, with Chiang later expressing regret about their military readiness. Despite these setbacks, the alliance formed with the communists laid a foundation for a united Chinese front against the brutalities of the Sino-Japanese War that would follow.   #153 Japan Prepares for War Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. So in the last episode we talked about how China was preparing itself for war, now its time for Japan. Since Japan's invasion of North China, Japanese field armies had promoted a series of autonomous zones in northern China. Officers from the Kwantung Army, skeptical of China's capacity to modernize, believed that the vast region would inevitably fragment into regional factions. This policy effectively maintained a weak and divided China, which served Japan's to defend Manchukuo. However many Japanese military leaders frequently pointed to the threat posed by the KMT's five-year plan, initiated in 1933 with assistance from German military advisors, aimed at modernizing and expanding the national army. To counter what they perceived as a Chinese threat, the field armies advocated for a preemptive war to dismantle Chiang Kai-shek's regime. Any attempt by Tokyo to alter the military's China policy faced vigorous opposition from the Kwantung Army, which, in February 1937, pushed for intensified covert actions to expel the KMT from northern China and supported a preemptive war to secure strategic areas for future operations against the Soviet Union. At a March meeting in Tokyo, staff officers from the China Garrison and Kwantung armies insisted that any concessions to China would be a grave mistake and would likely yield only temporary outcomes. In early spring 1937, Prince Konoe Fumimaro inherited a China policy fraught with competing views, however, there was consensus that China must not distract the empire from its preparations against the USSR. The end goal was clear, but the means to achieve it remained uncertain. The cabinet's approval of the "Fundamentals of National Policy" in August 1936 indicated a need for stability as the army and navy reconfigured Japan's war machine. The challenge lay in aligning long-term strategic goals with practical short-term interests in northern China without upsetting the existing balance of power. Expanding demands propelled the army's contingency planning, which had traditionally focused on safeguarding Japanese interests and the approximately 13,000 Japanese citizens residing in the region. Tokyo typically responded to serious incidents by deploying troops from homeland garrisons to address localized emergencies and then withdrawing them. However, by the mid-1930s, the growing Soviet threat to Manchukuo rendered this doctrine obsolete. Incidents in northern China gained strategic importance as they diverted resources from the Kwantung Army's preparations against the Soviet Union. Disruptions in northern China hindered access to essential raw materials necessary for army modernization and rearmament, while hostile Chinese forces threatened the Kwantung Army's strategic left flank in the event of war with the Soviets. With these considerations in mind, the army revised its operational war plans, assuming that northern China would serve as Japan's strategic rear area for operations against the USSR. In 1911 Japan's plan for general war mandated thirteen divisions to occupy southern Manchuria, capture Beijing, and subsequently occupy Zhejiang and Fujian. Limited contingency operations in northern China required two divisions to secure rail communications from Beijing to the coast. In the weeks following the 1931 Manchurian Incident, the General Staff in Tokyo drafted plans to counter a Sino-Soviet alliance, anticipating a 2 month campaign involving 15-16 divisions, with the majority engaged against the Soviet Red Army. 2 divisions were designated to secure northern China, while smaller units would monitor the Inner Mongolian front to protect Japan's western flank in Manchuria. After further refinement, the General Staff identified three contingencies for China in early 1932: maintaining the traditional mission of safeguarding Japanese interests and citizens with a standard two-division force; ensuring a secure line of communication between the Chinese capital and the sea with the China Garrison Army, which consisted of approximately 1,700 officers and men, reinforced by one division; and, in a worst-case scenario of all-out war, deploying three divisions to reinforce the Kwantung Army, along with 7 additional divisions and 3 cavalry brigades to suppress resistance in northern China and the Shandong Peninsula, while two additional divisions secured key areas in central China. Between 1932-1936, China received less attention as the General Staff focused on the Soviet military buildup in the Far East. Anxiety, stemming from the Soviet buildup in the Far East, was a pervasive concern reflected in the draft rearmament plan submitted to the throne on May 21, 1936, as part of the national budget formulation process. The army proposed countering the Soviet threat by enhancing Japanese strategic mobility in Manchukuo through the renovation and expansion of airfields, ports, roads, and rail infrastructure, and by constructing army air force arsenals, storage depots, and medical facilities. The positioning of Japanese divisions in eastern Manchuria suggested their wartime objectives, with the Kwantung Army relying on a mobile independent mixed brigade composed of armored car and mounted cavalry units stationed in Gongzhuling, central Manchuria, as its immediate response force for contingencies in northern China. Major units were not concentrated in western Manchuria, where they would be expected to deploy before any planned invasion of northern China. Nevertheless, General Staff planners remained vigilant regarding developments in China, where the resurgence of nationalism, Communist movements advancing north of the Yellow River in February 1936, and the spread of anti-Japanese sentiments across northern China raised the specter of limited military operations escalating into full-scale warfare. China's improving military capabilities would likely hinder Japanese forces from accomplishing their objectives. For example, around Shanghai, Chinese defenses were bolstered by extensive, in-depth, and permanent fortifications. In mid-September 1936, the General Staff in Tokyo issued orders to preempt significant outbreaks in northern China by repositioning a division in Manchukuo closer to the boundary. If hostilities broke out, the China Garrison Army, supported by Kwantung Army units, would launch punitive operations against Chinese forces as necessary. Higher headquarters expected local commanders to act swiftly and decisively, employing rapid maneuvers and shock tactics to address outbreaks with minimal force. Given that no alternative responses were considered, Japanese operational planning for northern China relied on an all-or-nothing approach to force deployment, even for minor incidents. Yet, the senior leadership of the army remained deeply divided over its China policy. Influenced by Ishiwara, the General Staff wanted to avoid military actions that could lead to a full-scale war with China, focusing instead on advancing the army's extensive rearmament and modernization program. In contrast, a majority of high-ranking officers in the Army Ministry and General Staff, particularly within the 2nd Operations Section and the Kwantung Army, favored forceful action against China, believing it necessary to quell rising anti-Japanese sentiments. Drawing from past experiences, these officers anticipated that the Chinese would quickly capitulate once hostilities commenced. This lack of a unified military strategy reflected broader disagreements among the army's leadership regarding operations in China. While operational planning called for the permanent occupation of large regions in northern and central China, the General Staff aimed to contain outbreaks to maintain focus on Soviet threats. There was a clear absence of long-term operational planning; instead, the army concentrated on initial battles while relegating planning for prolonged combat operations to contingent circumstances. In summary, the Japanese army preferred to avoid military force to address Chinese issues whenever feasible but was equally unwilling to concede to Chinese demands. Since 1914, Tosui Koryo or “Principles of Command” had served as the foundational doctrine for senior Japanese army commanders and staff officers engaged in combined arms warfare at the corps and army levels. The advent of new weapons, tactics, and organizational changes during World War I compelled all major military forces to reassess their existing military doctrines across strategic, operational, and tactical dimensions. In response, Japan modified the Principles of Command to blend its traditional post-Russo-Japanese War focus on the intangible factors in battle with the newest concepts of modern total war. A revision in 1918 recognized the significance of “recent great advances in materiel” for total warfare, yet it maintained that ultimate victory in battle relied on dedication, patriotism, and selfless service. In the 1920s, the General Staff's Operations Section, led by Major General Araki Sadao, who would become the leader of the Kodoha faction, had produced the most significant and impactful revision of the Principles. A staunch anti-communist and ideologue who valued the intangible elements of combat, Araki appointed Lieutenant Colonel Obata Toshishiro and Captain Suzuki Yorimichi as the principal authors of the manual's rewrite. Obata, a Soviet expert, was strongly influenced by German General Count Alfred von Schlieffen's classic theories of a “war of annihilation,” while Suzuki, the top graduate of the thirtieth Staff College class, shared Araki's focus on “spiritual” or intangible advantages in warfare. Both men were brilliant yet arrogant, working in secrecy to create a doctrine based on what Leonard Humphreys describes as “intense spiritual training” and bayonet-led assaults to counter the opponent's material superiority.  The latest version of the Principles of Command preserved the operational concept of rapid Japanese mobile offensive operations, aiming to induce a decisive battle or “kaisen” early in the campaign. It reaffirmed the sokusen sokketsu or “rapid victory' principle of rapid warfare. Attaining these goals relied exclusively on offensive action, with the army expecting commanders at all levels to press forward, defeat enemy units, and capture key territories. The troops were indoctrinated with a spirit of aggression and trained to anticipate certain victory. The emphasis on offensive action was so pronounced that Araki eliminated terms like surrender, retreat, and defense from the manual, believing they negatively affected troop morale. This aggressive mindset also infused the Sento Koryo or “Principles of Operations”, first published in 1929 as a handbook for combined arms warfare tailored for division and regimental commanders. The manual emphasized hand-to-hand combat as the culminating stage of battle, a principle regarded as unchanging in Japanese military doctrine since 1910. Senior commanders were expected to demonstrate initiative in skillfully maneuvering their units to encircle the enemy, setting the stage for climactic assaults with cold steel. Infantry was deemed the primary maneuver force, supported by artillery. To complement rapid infantry advances, the army developed light and mobile artillery. Operationally, encirclement and night attacks were vital components of victory, and even outnumbered units were expected to aggressively envelop enemy flanks. In assaults against fortified positions, units would advance under the cover of darkness, avoiding enemy artillery fire and positioning themselves for dawn attacks that combined firepower with shock action to overwhelm enemy defenses. In encounters with opposing forces, commanders would maneuver to flank the enemy, surround their units, and destroy them. If forced onto the defensive, commanders were expected to seize opportunities for decisive counterattacks to regain the initiative. These high-level operational doctrines were distilled into tactical guidelines in the January 1928 edition of the Infantry Manual or “Hohei Soten”, which saw a provisional revision in May 1937 . Both editions opened with identical introductions emphasizing the necessity for a rapid victory through the overpowering and destruction of enemy forces. Infantry was identified as the primary arm in combined arms warfare, and soldiers were taught to rely on cold steel as fundamental to their attacking spirit. The 1928 Infantry Manual underscored the commander's role in instilling a faith in certain victory or “hissho shinnen”, drawing from the glorious traditions of Japanese military history. The 1928 infantry tactics employed an extended skirmish line with four paces between soldiers. Individual initiative in combat was generally discouraged, except under exceptional circumstances, as success relied on concentrating firepower and manpower on narrow frontages to overwhelm defenders. An infantry company would create a skirmish line featuring two light machine gun squads and four rifle squads, preparing for a bayonet-driven breakthrough of enemy defenses. For the final assault, the infantry company would line up along a 150-yard front, likely facing casualties of up to 50% while breaching the enemy's main defensive line. Historical analysis reveals the shortcomings of these tactics. During World War I, armies constructed extensive, multi-layered defenses, trenches, pillboxes, and strong points, each independent yet all covered by artillery. If assaulting infantry suffered heavy losses breaching the first line, how could they successfully prosecute their assault against multiple defense lines? The 1937 revision elaborated on new tactics to overcome entrenched Soviet defenses, drafted in anticipation of arms and equipment that were either in development or production but not yet available for deployment. This became official doctrine in 1940, but as early as summer 1937, units from the China Garrison Army were field-testing these new tactics. The provisional manual adopted combat team tactics, forming an umbrella-like skirmish formation. This involved a light machine gun team at the forefront with two ammunition bearers flanking it to the rear. Behind the machine gun team were riflemen arranged in a column formation, maintaining six paces between each. The light machine gun provided cover fire as the formation closed in on the enemy for hand-to-hand combat. Increased firepower expanded the assault front to 200 yards. The combination of wider dispersion and night movement aimed to reduce losses from enemy artillery fire while the infantry advanced through successive lines of resistance. Commanders at the platoon level were responsible for leading the final assault into enemy lines, with increased tactical responsibility shifting from platoon to squad leaders, allowing for greater initiative from junior officers and non-commissioned officers. This emphasis on broader dispersal and fluidity on the battlefield required frontline infantry to exhibit aggressiveness and initiative. Contrary to popular belief, the Japanese military did not solely rely on the bayonet or an offensive spirit during engagements with Chinese forces. They effectively employed superior firepower and modern equipment within their combined arms framework, using heavy weapons and artillery to soften enemy positions before launching infantry attacks. Without such firepower, unsupported infantry attacks would have struggled to achieve their objectives. In January 1937, the Imperial Japanese Army consisted of approximately 247,000 officers and men, organized in a structure comprising seventeen standing infantry divisions, four tank regiments, and fifty-four air squadrons equipped with a total of 549 aircraft. The China Garrison Army and the Taiwan Garrison Army each included two infantry regiments, while a separate independent mixed brigade was stationed in Manchuria. Two divisions were permanently based in Korea, with four more assigned on a rotating basis to the Kwantung Army in Manchukuo. The remainder of the forces were stationed in the Japanese home islands. A substantial pool of reservists and partially trained replacements was available to mobilize, enabling the expansion of peacetime units to their wartime strength as needed. Conscription provided the primary source of enlisted manpower for the army, though a handful of young men volunteered for active duty. For conscription purposes, Japan was divided into divisional areas, which were further subdivided into regimental districts responsible for conscription, mobilization, individual activations, and veteran affairs within their jurisdictions. Typically, conscripts served with the regiment associated with their region or prefecture. However, the Imperial Guards regiments in Tokyo selected conscripts from across the nation, as did the Seventh Infantry Division, which recruited from the sparsely populated Hokkaido area and from regular army units stationed in Korea, China, and Taiwan. Draftees from Okinawa Prefecture usually served with Kyushu-based regiments. All males reaching the age of 20 underwent an army-administered pre-induction physical examination conducted between December 1 and January 30 of the following year. This evaluation classified potential conscripts into three categories: A “suitable for active duty”, B1, and B2, while others were deemed unfit for the demands of military life. In 1935, 29.7% of those examined received A classifications, while 41.2% were graded as B1 or B2. Among the 742,422 individuals eligible for conscription in 1937, approximately 170,000 were drafted, amounting to 22.9% of the cohort; this figure had remained relatively consistent since the post-Russo-Japanese War years. Within the conscripted group, 153,000 men were classified as A and an additional 17,000 as B. Conscripts served for two years of active duty, with variations based on their military specialty and any prior civilian military training. After their discharge, they were subject to a lengthy reserve obligation. In total, 470,635 individuals fell into the B category, being otherwise fit for service but excess to the army's active personnel needs. These men were assigned to the First Replacement Pool, where they underwent around 120 days of basic military training, primarily focused on small arms usage and fundamental tactics. Regular officers and NCOs led the training in their respective regimental districts. Following their initial training, the army called these replacements and reservists to active duty annually for several days of refresher training. Army leaders regarded discipline as the cornerstone of military effectiveness. Basic training emphasized the necessity of unquestioning obedience to orders at all levels. Subsequent training focused on fieldcraft, such as utilizing terrain strategically to surprise or encircle the enemy. However, training exercises often lacked diversity due to the limited maneuver areas available in Japan, leading to predictable solutions to field problems. The training regimen was rigorous, merging strict formal discipline and regulated corporal punishment with harsh informal sanctions and unregulated violence from leaders to instill unwavering compliance to orders. As an undergrad taking a course specifically on the Pacific War, it was this variable my professor argued contributed the most to the atrocities performed by the Japanese during WW2. He often described it as a giant pecking order of abuse. The most senior commanders abused, often physically their subordinates, who abused theirs, going through the ranks to the common grunts who had no one else but civilians and the enemy to peck at so to speak. Of course there were a large number of other variables at play, but to understand that you outta join my Patreon Account over at the www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel , where I made a fan favorite episode on “why the Japanese army performed so many atrocities”. In there I basically hit a big 10 reason list, well in depth, I highly recommend it! As the concept of the “Imperial Army” and the cult of the emperor gained prominence, appeals to imperial symbols and authority bolstered this unquestioning obedience to superiors, who were seen as the conduits of the emperor's will. It was during this period that the term kogun or “imperial army” gained favor over kokugun or “national army”, reflecting a deliberate effort by military authorities to forge a direct connection between the military and the imperial throne. The 1937 Japanese infantry division was structured as a square formation, with a peacetime strength established at approximately 12,000 officers and men organized into two brigades, each comprising about 4,000 personnel, formed from two infantry regiments, about 2,000 men each. The division included a field artillery regiment, an engineer regiment, and a transport battalion as organic units. Each infantry regiment was composed of three battalions, approximately 600 men each, which contained three rifle companies, 160 men each and a weapons platoon. A rifle company consisted of three rifle platoons and one light machine gun platoon. Regiments also included infantry assault gun platoons, and battalions contained a heavy machine gun company. Upon mobilization, a fourth infantry company augmented each battalion, along with reserve fillers, nearly 5,000 personnel assigned as transport and service troops, raising the authorized wartime strength of an infantry division to over 25,000 officers and men.  Reforms implemented in 1922 reduced personnel numbers in favor of new and improved weapons and equipment. Among these advancements, the 75 mm Type 90 field artillery piece, which boasted increased range and accuracy, was integrated into the forces in 1930, along with the 105 mm Type 10 howitzer and 75 mm pack mountain artillery which could be disassembled for transport using pack animals. These became standard artillery components for divisions. The emphasis on light, mobile, and smaller-caliber field artillery enabled swift deployment during fast-moving engagements. By minimizing the size of the baggage train, infantry and artillery units could quickly set up off the march formation and maneuver around enemy flanks. Army leaders further streamlined road march formations by eliminating the fourth artillery battery from each regiment, thus sacrificing some firepower for enhanced speed and mobility. Heavier artillery pieces were still used in set-piece battles where mobility was less critical. In a typical 1936 division, the field artillery regiment, equipped with Type 90 field artillery or lighter Type 94 mountain artillery, had thirty-six guns. Training focused on quality rather than quantity, reflecting the conservative doctrine of “one-round-one-hit”. Live-fire training was infrequent due to the scarcity of artillery firing ranges in Japan. Ammunition stockpiles were inadequate for anticipated operational needs; government arsenals produced over 111,000 artillery shells in 1936, which was fewer than one-tenth of the quantities specified in wartime consumption tables. Similar industrial shortcomings also hampered advancements in motorization and armor. Motorization proved costly and relied on foreign supply, presenting challenges given the inferior road networks in Manchuria, northern China, and the Soviet Far East. Military estimates suggested a need for 250,000 trucks to fully motorize the army, a goal beyond the capabilities of the nascent Japanese automotive industry, which produced fewer than 1,000 cars annually until 1933. Japanese tanks, described as “handcrafted, beautifully polished, and hoarded” by Alvin Coox, suffered from shortages similar to heavy artillery and ammunition. The army prioritized light weighing ten tons or less and medium tanks sixteen tons or less due to the necessity of deploying armor overseas, size and weight were crucial for loading and unloading from transport ships. Smaller tanks were also more suitable for the terrains of northern China and Manchuria, as they could traverse unbridged rivers using pontoons or ferries. The Japanese industrial base, however, struggled to mass-produce tanks; by 1939, factories were producing an average of only twenty-eight tanks of all models per month. Consequently, in 1937, foot soldiers remained as reliant on animal transport for mobility as their ancestors had been during the Russo-Japanese War. Despite enjoying technological and material superiority over disorganized Chinese forces, these deficiencies in heavy artillery, armor, and vehicles would prove catastrophic against more formidable opponents. Another significant factor constraining Japanese industry's capacity to produce tanks, trucks, and artillery was the 1936 decision to expand the army's air wing and homeland air defense network. This policy diverted resources, capital, and technology away from the army's ground forces. The nascent Japanese Army Air Force or “JAAF” aimed to support ground operations through reconnaissance, bombing enemy bases, and achieving air superiority. However, direct support for ground operations was limited, and Japanese military planners did not anticipate that aerial bombardment could supplement or replace artillery bombardments. The expanded air arm's strategic mission centered on executing preemptive air strikes against Soviet air bases in the Far East to thwart potential air attacks on Japan. By the mid-1930s, the army had approximately 650 aircraft, roughly 450 of which were operational. The JAAF emphasized rigorous training that prioritized quality over quantity, producing only about 750 pilots annually up until December 1941. Basic flight skills were developed through this training, while specialized tactical instruction was deferred to newly established pilot units. According to logistics doctrine, Japanese maneuver units typically operated within a 120 to 180-mile radius of a railhead to facilitate resupply and reinforcement. A field train transport unit was responsible for moving supplies daily from the railhead to a division control point for distribution. The division established a field depot to manage the transfer of supplies from field transport to company and lower-echelon units. At the depot, transport troops would hand over supplies to a combat train that ferried ammunition, rations, and equipment directly to frontline units. Horse-drawn wagons and pack animals were the primary means of transportation. Each wartime division included a transport battalion, which varied in size from approximately 2,200 to 3,700 personnel, depending on the type of division supported. The division typically carried enough supplies for one day. Upon mobilization, the logistical framework was reinforced with the addition of an ordnance unit, a field hospital, a sanitation unit, and additional field and combat trains. The size of the transport regiment grew from around 1,500 officers and men with over 300 horses to nearly 3,500 troops and more than 2,600 animals. In the battalion, one company generally transported small-arms ammunition while two companies handled artillery shells and two others carried rations; this arrangement was flexible based on operational needs. Pack horses and dray horses were assigned to each company to carry or tow infantry assault artillery, mortars, artillery ammunition, and rations. Infantry soldiers carried minimal rations, approximately two and a half pounds, primarily rice, along with tinned condiments and salt. Consequently, the field train included a field kitchen stocked with fresh vegetables, rice or bread, soy sauce, and pickles. Each evening, a forward echelon train distributed supplies received from the field transport unit to the combat unit's bivouac area. When combat seemed imminent, a section of the transport battalion would move forward to deliver essential combat supplies, ordnance, equipment, medical supplies, directly to frontline units. These units would also handle resupply, medical evacuation, and repair of ordnance and equipment once fighting commenced.  On the evening of September 18, 1936, the fifth anniversary of the Manchurian Incident, Chinese troops from the Twenty-Ninth Army clashed with Japanese soldiers from the Seventh Company's rear-guard medical unit at Fengtai. When a Japanese officer arrived on horseback, a Chinese soldier struck his horse, prompting the Chinese troops to retreat to their barracks. Major Ichiki Kiyonao, the battalion commander, ordered an emergency assembly, surrounded the Chinese encampment, and demanded that Chinese authorities surrender the aggressors immediately. To defuse the situation, Major General Kawabe Masakazu, the brigade commander and Ichiki's superior, instructed Regimental Commander Mutaguchi to resolve the incident swiftly. Mutaguchi negotiated an agreement that required the Chinese to apologize, punish those responsible, withdraw from the vicinity of the Japanese barracks, and maintain a distance of two miles. Although Mutaguchi and Ichiki wanted to disarm the Chinese forces, they ultimately complied with Kawabe's wishes and allowed the Chinese to retain their weapons “in the spirit of Bushido.” Later, the Chinese claimed the Japanese had refrained from disarming them due to their fear of the strength and influence of the 29th Army. This insult infuriated Mutaguchi, who vowed not to make any further concessions and promised to eliminate the anti-Japanese provocateurs decisively if another incident occurred. He warned his officers against allowing an “overly tolerant attitude toward the Chinese” to undermine the prestige of the imperial army and emphasized the need for swift, decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future. Tensions were further exacerbated by large-scale Japanese field exercises conducted from late October to early November. These maneuvers, the largest ever executed by Japanese forces in China, mobilized about 6,700 active-duty and reserve troops for a series of complex battle drills, night maneuvers, and tactical field problems. During these exercises, Japanese troops were quartered in Chinese homes. Although local residents were compensated for any damage caused, the exercises nonetheless heightened tensions between the two sides. The fallout from the Suiyuan Fiasco in December 1936, coupled with a tumultuous summer and fall, led to rising anti-Japanese sentiment and prompted Tokyo to caution the Kawabe brigade against actions that might escalate the already precarious situation. In March 1937, during the annual personnel assignments, Ishiwara was promoted to major general and appointed chief of the 1st Department Operations of the General Staff. However, Army Vice Minister Umezu, a hardliner regarding China and a rival of Ishiwara, successfully maneuvered the Hayashi cabinet into approving the command choices for army and navy ministers, overriding Ishiwara's proposals. General Sugiyama Hajime, another hawk on China, replaced the terminally ill General Nakamura Kotaro as army minister shortly after Nakamura's appointment and remained in that position until June 1938. Lieutenant General Imai Kiyoshi, army vice chief of staff and an Ishiwara supporter, was also battling a terminal illness that rendered him largely ineffective during his short five-month tenure from March to August 1937. Imai was expected to play a crucial role in high command because the army chief of staff, Prince Kan'in, had been appointed in 1931 as a figurehead due to internal factions preventing agreement on a candidate. Ishiwara further complicated his conciliatory approach by selecting Colonel Muto Akira, a known hardliner who believed force was the only means to resolve the Japan-China conflict, for the vital position of chief of Operations Section within the General Staff. From Kwantung Army headquarters, Commanding General Ueda Kenkichi and his chief of staff, Lieutenant General Tojo Hideki, advocated for a preemptive war against China to serve the Kwantung Army's interests. In contrast, the China Garrison Army, under Lieutenant General Tashiro and his chief of staff, adopted a more moderate stance, aligning with central headquarters' policy of restraint. The China Garrison Army estimated the 29th Army to consist of 15,000–16,000 troops, with its main strength centered around Peking and an additional 10,000 troops in the surrounding area. Starting in spring 1937, Japanese units began observing tactical indicators suggesting that the Chinese were preparing for war. These indicators included increased guard presence at Peking's gates in June, bolstering units near the Marco Polo Bridge to over two battalions, preparing new fighting positions, digging trenches and constructing concrete pillboxes near the Marco Polo Bridge, infiltrating agents into Japanese maneuver areas for intelligence on night tactical exercises, and heightened strictness among Chinese railroad guards evident since late June. Nevertheless, the Japanese commanders did not view China as a formidable opponent. They believed that Chinese armies would quickly disintegrate due to what they perceived as a lack of fighting spirit and ineffective leadership. By 1937, Japan's national policy was shifting away from the persistent and aggressive efforts of field armies to undermine Chinese political authority in northern China toward a more conciliatory stance. This shift resulted in increased tensions between field armies and the General Staff in Tokyo, leading to substantial fractures among senior officers regarding the “solution” to their so-called China problem. Those tensions broke the camels back that year.  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. The Japanese grossly underestimated their enemy and their own logistical capabilities. There was to say “too many cooks in the kitchen” of the Japanese military and competing visions ultimately were leading Japan and China into an official full blown war. Japan assumed they could bully China until it was so fragmented it would be a simple matter of grabbing the pieces it liked, that was not to be the case at all.