Podcasts about Jing

The egg that will ovulate three months from now is starting to mature right now. In this solo episode, Michelle dives into one of the most hopeful conversations in fertility: the 90 day window of egg development. Both ancient wisdom and modern science agree that what you do during this window can directly influence the quality of the egg that eventually releases. Michelle walks you through what's actually happening inside your ovaries during those three months, bridges the modern research on mitochondria with the Chinese medicine concepts of Jing and Blood, and shares the five practical pillars she uses with her patients to support egg quality from the inside out. Whether you're trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, or thinking about your fertility for the future, this episode is a foundational one. You have far more influence over your fertility than you've ever been told, and this episode shows you exactly how to work with your body during the window that matters most. Key Takeaways: • Egg development spans roughly a 90 day window, and the environment of your body during those three months directly shapes the quality of the egg that ovulates. • Eggs are the most mitochondria-rich cells in the body, which is why mitochondrial health is the foundation of egg quality. • The Chinese medicine concepts of Jing (essence) and Blood are describing the same phenomenon modern research calls mitochondrial health and ovarian blood flow. • Pillar 1 — Nourish with real food: prioritize protein, healthy fats, antioxidant-rich vegetables, iron-rich foods, and warming cooked meals. • Pillar 2 — Protect your mitochondria: CoQ10 (ideally Ubiquinol), omega 3s, consistent 7 to 9 hours of sleep, and personalized supplementation under a practitioner's guidance. • Pillar 3 — Support blood flow: acupuncture, gentle movement, abdominal massage (like Mayan or Arvigo), warmth over the lower belly and back, and no ice water around your cycle. • Pillar 4 — Regulate your nervous system: extended exhale breath work, time in nature, reduced screen time, pockets of silence. You cannot out-supplement a dysregulated nervous system. • Pillar 5 — Reduce your toxic load: swap plastic for glass, upgrade skincare and cleaning products, eat organic from the dirty dozen, filter water, and skip handling receipts. • Your body is asking for partnership, not perfection. One day does not make or break an egg; a pattern of loving care over 90 days is what shapes the environment. Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. Fertility Detox (free ebook) https://www.michelleoravitz.com/fertility-detox The Wholesome Fertility Journey (memberships + calls) https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are:  https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Connect with me on social: Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertilityFacebook: The Wholesome Lotus

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Mystery in Yiheyuan: Mei's Secret Dragon Boat Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-06-02-07-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 阳光明媚的春天里，颐和园的柳树吐露新绿，湖面上漂浮着五彩缤纷的龙舟。En: In the sunny and beautiful spring, the Yiheyuan's willows are sprouting new green, and colorful dragon boats float on the lake.Zh: 空气中弥漫着粽子的香气，使人感到节日的喜悦。En: The air is filled with the aroma of zongzi, making people feel the joy of the festival.Zh: 梅，一个充满好奇心和冒险精神的年轻女子，正享受着这美好的时光。En: Mei, a young woman full of curiosity and adventurous spirit, is enjoying this wonderful time.Zh: 梅正在沿着长廊漫步，观赏那些古老的壁画。En: Mei is strolling along the long corridor, admiring the ancient murals.Zh: 忽然，她感到包里许有异样。En: Suddenly, she feels something unusual in her bag.Zh: 她一边打开包，一边心里嘀咕：“奇怪，我明明没有放什么重东西。En: As she opens her bag, she mutters to herself, "Strange, I didn't put anything heavy in here."Zh: ”不料，在包底发现了一封奇怪的信。En: Unexpectedly, she discovers a strange letter at the bottom of the bag.Zh: 信上满是古怪的符号和指示，这让梅感到兴奋不已。En: The letter is full of peculiar symbols and instructions, which excites Mei greatly.Zh: 梅知道自己需要帮助解开这个谜，于是她找到了景，一个对古老传说和历史充满兴趣的当地历史学家。En: Knowing she needs help to unravel this mystery, she finds Jing, a local historian with a keen interest in ancient legends and history.Zh: 两人站在长廊的阴影下，研究着信上的内容。En: The two stand in the shadows of the corridor, studying the letter's contents.Zh: “我真的想解开这个谜团，体验一场难以忘怀的冒险，”梅热切地对景说。En: "I really want to solve this mystery and experience an unforgettable adventure," Mei eagerly tells Jing.Zh: 景被梅的决心打动，决定与她共进退。En: Impressed by Mei's determination, Jing decides to join her.Zh: 信上的指引似乎将他们带往宫中一些禁止入内的区域。En: The letter's guidance seems to lead them to some restricted areas of the palace.Zh: 尽管冒险重重，他们还是决定跟随指引，用尽办法避开了园内的保安，逐步揭示谜题。En: Despite the numerous risks, they decide to follow the clues, using every means to avoid the park's security and gradually unlock the mystery.Zh: 最终，他们在一处隐藏的门口停下。En: Eventually, they stop at a hidden doorway.Zh: 梅轻推石门，门后竟是一间被遗忘的密室。En: Mei gently pushes the stone door, revealing a forgotten secret chamber.Zh: 就在他们深入探查时，意外触发了一个隐藏的警报。En: Just as they delve deeper into exploring, they accidentally trigger a hidden alarm.Zh: “快走！En: "Let's go!"Zh: ”景低声催促。En: Jing whispers urgently.Zh: 梅和景迅速逃离现场，心脏砰砰直跳。En: Mei and Jing quickly flee the scene, their hearts pounding.Zh: 幸运的是，景在密室内拍下了一些碑文图片。En: Fortunately, Jing manages to take some photos of the inscriptions in the chamber.Zh: 那天晚上，坐在北京的星空下，梅感到自己发生了变化。En: That night, sitting under the stars in Beijing, Mei feels she has changed.Zh: 她开始意识到，探索历史秘密正是她的热情所在。En: She starts to realize that exploring historical secrets is her true passion.Zh: 而景则计划将那些碑文图片研究到底，也许这样不至于冒险，但仍然能发现新的秘密。En: Meanwhile, Jing plans to study the photos of the inscriptions thoroughly—perhaps not as daring, but still capable of uncovering new secrets.Zh: 这个龙舟节，梅和景不仅参与了一场探险，也找到了新的方向和灵感。En: This Dragon Boat Festival, Mei and Jing not only embarked on an adventure but also found new directions and inspiration.Zh: 他们的友情因这场冒险更加深厚，而颐和园的春天也将永远铭刻在他们的记忆中。En: Their friendship has deepened through this adventure, and the spring in Yiheyuan will be forever etched in their memories. Vocabulary Words:willows: 柳树sprouting: 吐露muttered: 嘀咕peculiar: 古怪symbols: 符号unravel: 解开historian: 历史学家keen: 热切shadows: 阴影impressed: 打动restricted: 禁止入内numerous: 重重clues: 指引security: 保安doorway: 门口chamber: 密室trigger: 触发alarm: 警报flee: 逃离pounding: 砰砰直跳etch: 铭刻murals: 壁画adventurous: 冒险精神unusual: 异样instructions: 指示delve: 深入探查inspiration: 灵感exploring: 探索forgotten: 被遗忘inscriptions: 碑文

New York state officials are facing a subpoena from the Trump administration after they refused to cooperate with the investigation into a horrific, lethal bus crash.For years, the federal government handed out money for important scientific research based on racially-focused "diversity" goals and requirements. Since beginning his second term in office, President Donald Trump has moved to banish diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from the federal grant process through executive orders. Rep. Ralph Norman, a Republican from South Carolina, wants to ensure those racially-focused requirements, once implemented by the nation's largest funders of scientific research, do not return. New data is challenging claims that Trump Accounts would primarily benefit the ultra-wealthy. The Treasury Department revealed that 86% of families who opened Trump Accounts, tax-advantaged investment accounts for children, earned less than $200,000 a year. Jona Affholder is an abortion drug poisoning survivor. She is telling her story and, in the process, is revealing yet another health and safety risk of mail-order abortion drugs.Become a supporter of Tapp into the Truth: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tapp-into-the-truth--556114/supportAimee's Audios Subliminal Acoustic Fingerprinting: https://www.aimeesaudios.com/If recent events have proven anything, you need to be as prepared as possible for when things go sideways. You certainly can't count on the government for help. True liberty requires self-reliance. Let My Patriot Supply help you be prepared. My Patriot Supply: https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=1&affid=84Support American jobs! Get great products! Some are now at wholesale prices. Go to My Pillow and use promo code TAPP to save! https://www.mypillow.com/tappVisit Patriot Mobile or Call (817) 380-9081 to take advantage of a FREE Month of service when you switch using promo code TAPP! https://patriotmobile.com/tappChuck Norris is no longer with us, but you can honor the man he was and be as active and healthy as he was until his passing. How? By adding Morning Kick to your daily routine. Morning Kick is a revolutionary new daily drink that combines ultra-potent greens like spirulina and kale with probiotics, prebiotics, collagen, and even ashwagandha. Plus, every purchase is backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee: https://chuckdefense.com/tapp"Remember Pop Rocks? Now, imagine they gave you superpowers."Please let me introduce you to Energy Rocks! Born from the grit and ambition of a competitive athlete who wanted a better, cleaner way to fuel the body and mind, without the hassle of mixing powders, messy bottles, or caffeine crashes. Energy Rocks is a reimagining of energy into something fun, functional, and fantastically effective. A delicious popping candy energy supplement that delivers a rapid boost of clean energy and focus — anytime, anywhere. No water. No mixing. No bulky bottles. Just open, pop it in your mouth, and get ready to rock. Making any time the right time to "Get in the Zone, One Pop at a Time." https://energyrocks.store/products/cherry-berry?sca_ref=8856032.9eONVDNSeb4ez73FFollow Tapp into the Truth on Locals Follow Tapp into the Truth on SubstackHero SoapBlue CoolersKoa CoffeeBrainMDDiamond CBDSauce Bae2nd SkullEinstokBeanstoxBelle IsleHoneyFund"Homegrown" Boone's BourbonBlackout Coffee Co.Full Circle Brewing Co.Pasmosa Sangria  

In this episode, we sit down with writer and director Jing Ai Ng to discuss her feature directorial debut, Forge. Fresh off its world premiere at SXSW, this stylish crime dramedy dives into the neon-lit underworld of Miami's art scene, exploring the thin line between authenticity and ambition.

This week on BEHIND THE LENS, we turn our attention to the Miami art world and first-time feature director JING AI NG with her film FORGE. I thoroughly enjoyed this film from a story perspective and from a directorial and production perspective. As I've been seeing in quite a few films of late from first-time feature directors, once again, production values are high, but story and character are at the center of it all. On seeing FORGE, I would never believe that this was Jing's first feature directorial effort. And she is the screenwriter, as well! FORGE is written and directed by JING AI NG and stars Kelly Marie Tran, Andie Ju, Brandon Soo Hoo, and Edmund Donovan, among others. Some fabulous artisans showcasing their talents on FORGE, including cinematographer Leo Purman, editor Briana Chmielewski, production designer Arielle Ness-Cohn, and composers Marco Carrion & Ian Chang. BUT I'm not only talking about FORGE today, how about some DUTTON RANCH?? And yes, I did watch the first two episodes four times on Friday, starting at midnight on Paramount+ when it released, and then on linear television at 8pm Friday night on Paramount Network. This is THE series to watch. This is everything you love about "Yellowstone" and more. Fingers crossed for a Season Two announcement sooner rather than later. http://eliasentertainmentnetwork.com

A GIRL UNKNOWN (2026), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, succeeds on multiple levels: as a work of art about the struggle of life and the potential for rebirth; an eye-opening journey of a young girl trying to find her place in the world; a statement about the policies of China without falling into tired stereotypes; and ultimately, as a phenomenal film that challenges the viewer about how we should think of families, parenthood, and relationships.We talked about all of this for this exceptional episode of the podcast.In this episode, we talk about:how she made such a soulful film, through the prism of an ending that could have gone five different directions;why the topic of a young woman looking for her place in the world appeals to her and how this film builds off her award winning short LILI ALONE (2021);breaking away from the typical tropes of a Chinese filmmaker where one is either viewed as a government plant or a revolutionary;her strategy of bringing this film to Cannes;how she hopes to inspire future generations of female filmmakers.Links:Follow Zou Jing On InstagramWatch LILI ALONE (2021) ScreenDaily's Review Of A GIRL UNKNOWN

「性愛教練」都教些什麼？在台灣，當性愛教練需要哪些必備的知識與技能？在這一集的節目中，小夜訪問了性愛教練兼手天使工作者Jing。對Jing來說，性愛教練不只是份工作，也是社會實踐。由個人的經驗淺談不同文化如何塑造出情慾經驗的多重樣貌和權力關係，並正式歡迎Jing加入Queerology！   本集重點： →　性愛教練除了「做更好的愛」還教些什麼？ →　做「性別研究」學到了什麼？軟知識與技能 →　由工作、日常生活中的情慾關係分析性別、性愛政治與社會架構 →　以情慾實踐作為文化觀察的工具？之後我們想聊些什麼   更多內容相關資訊請參考：https://queerology.net/2026/05/15/q062/ 支持我們：感謝你的收聽。如果你喜歡我們的節目，歡迎你透過以下的方式支持我們。你可以點下訂閱，期待我們下一集的節目；留下五星評價，讓我們知道你的喜歡；也可以將我們的節目分享給更多人知道。如果你願意給我們更多支持，歡迎你透過這裡 https://tinyurl.com/5xsecc9z 請我們喝杯咖啡。

Lisa Nan, Beauty Editor at Jing Daily, joins The Negotiation to break down what's really happening in China's beauty and luxury markets right now. From the rise of C-beauty brands challenging international players to the unexpected virality of Kris Jenner as China's 'money goddess,' Lisa tracks the trends that are reshaping how brands sell in the world's largest beauty market.In this episode, Lisa covers the hottest brands and sub-categories driving growth, the emergence of male beauty and the silver beauty market (50+ consumers), and the decline of mega-anchors in China's livestreaming ecosystem. She explains which domestic and foreign brands are winning, what's replacing the mega-anchor model, and how moments like the Winter Olympics and viral memes reveal deeper shifts in Chinese consumer behavior.Lisa also discusses the current state of China's overall beauty and luxury markets, functional beauty trends like scalp care and science-backed skincare, and the emerging developments international brands should be monitoring closely. Whether you're a brand considering China entry or navigating the market's rapid evolution, this conversation offers actionable insights from one of the industry's sharpest observers. Discussion Points·       Current state of China's beauty market: strengths, weaknesses, and key dynamics shaping 2026·       Overall luxury market health: which brands are cutting stores, which are doubling down, and why·       Hottest domestic C-beauty brands (Proya, Florasis, Winona) and foreign brands succeeding in China·       Fastest-growing sub-categories: scalp care, fragrance, functional beauty, and science-backed products·       Male beauty market expansion: how brands are approaching male consumers differently·       Silver beauty market (50+) finally taking off: who's getting it right and what's driving demand·       Decline of mega-anchors in livestreaming: what happened and what's replacing the mega-anchor model·       Kris Jenner as China's 'money goddess': what viral memes reveal about Gen Z consumer engagement·       Winter Olympics impact: Eileen Gu, Su Yiming, and how brands leverage winter sports moments·       Emerging trends to watch: what's on the radar that international brands might be missing

What happens when a mum of three with zero experience decides she doesn't want to go back to her 9–5?In this episode, Matt Raad sits down with Jing Liu and Matt Jones to break down how they built a six-figure digital agency from scratch, while raising three young kids and transitioning out of corporate life.Jing started the business during maternity leave with no technical skills, while Matt stayed in his accounting role and gradually reduced his hours before making the leap.Together, they've built a location-independent business that gives them income, flexibility, and the ability to prioritize family.Tune in to hear:How to transition out of corporate without taking big risksBuilding a digital agency that becomes a real assetAvoiding the trap of building another jobCreating a family-first lifestyle without sacrificing incomeIf you're looking for a practical, realistic path to leaving corporate and building something of your own… this episode is a must-listen. To see the full-interview, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgGR0QffNY8Want To Learn How To Digital Skills That Can Replace Your Income and Buy Back Your Lifestyle?You don't need tech skills or prior experience, just the right strategy and a proven plan. Learn how 6-figure earners are buying profitable online businesses (the smart and safe way in 2026): https://www.ebusinessinstitute.com.au/dip

Last time we spoke about the battle of West Suiyuan. The Ma Clique, Muslim warlords controlling Northwest China, led by Ma Hongkui and Ma Hongbin, rebuffed Japanese overtures to ally, citing historical grievances like the 1900 invasion. Driven by patriotism, they aligned with the Nationalists, reorganizing forces into the 17th Army Group. In 1938, Ma Hongbin commanded West Suiyuan defenses, building fortifications in harsh desert and mountain terrain, blending cavalry tactics with modern training despite equipment shortages. In January 1940, Japanese and puppet troops advanced from Baotou, occupying Wuyuan and Linhe. Chinese forces, including Fu Zuoyi's 35th Army and Ma's 81st Army, employed guerrilla and mobile warfare. A major counterattack in March recaptured Wuyuan, killing Lt. Gen. Mizukawa and thousands, forcing Japanese retreat. Through ambushes and night raids, the Chinese recovered territories, securing Soviet aid routes and the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia region. Over 2,000 Ningxia soldiers perished, their sacrifices underscoring peripheral fronts' role in national resistance.   #200 The battle of Yaoyi Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. After capturing Wuhan, the Japanese army had already stretched itself dangerously thin. Most regular and Class A reserve divisions were committed to the front, yet they failed to annihilate the main Chinese force. Despite losing its core industrial and resource regions, the Nationalist government in Chongqing refused Japan's peace terms. Japan now found itself trapped in the very protracted war it had desperately sought to avoid. The logical Japanese response was to halt major advances, consolidate control over occupied areas, and conduct limited offensives to pressure Chiang Kai-shek into negotiations—essentially repeating the post-Nanjing strategy of late 1937. But the situation had deteriorated sharply: occupied territory had at least doubled, Japanese garrisons were inadequate, and strategic reserves were nearly exhausted. What might have been prudent a year earlier had become plainly unwise by late 1938.   To stabilize the front, Japan reorganized its China Expeditionary Army at the end of 1938. Large numbers of newly raised independent mixed brigades and lower-quality Class B reserve divisions were sent to relieve veteran regular and Class A divisions. The relieved units were either demobilized back to Japan or shifted north to reinforce the Kwantung Army against the Soviet threat.   By early 1940 Japan maintained roughly 24 divisions, 21 independent mixed brigades, and 2 cavalry brigades in China proper (excluding Manchuria), totaling nearly 800,000 ground troops. The enormous scale and expense strained the home economy severely. Even so, the vast occupied zones could not be effectively controlled: divisions often held only a single mobile battalion while dispersing the rest into scattered platoon- and squad-sized outposts. Guerrilla activity by both Nationalist and Communist forces not only persisted but intensified, occasionally clashing with each other in "friction" incidents.   Beyond mere occupation, Japan sought to wear down Chinese strength. With most elite Central Army units held in reserve in the southwest or around Wuhan, Japanese local offensives targeted the Fifth and Ninth War Zones, aiming to methodically destroy Chiang's best troops. Thus, while other Japanese armies focused on garrison relief and brigade substitution, the 11th Army—still holding Wuhan with seven divisions and three brigades—remained the main offensive instrument. In 1939 it captured Nanchang, then mounted major operations against the Fifth War Zone (Suizao Campaign) and Ninth War Zone (First Battle of Changsha). Except for the seizure of Nanchang, however, these offensives inflicted only limited and temporary damage on Chinese forces.   Japan's domestic economy was in even worse shape. In early 1937, it had approved a massive 2.4 billion yen naval and army rebuilding program aimed at countering the United States and Russia, but implementation had barely started when the Sino-Japanese War erupted. The conflict generated enormous war costs while military expansion continued unabated, rapidly draining the Bank of Japan's gold reserves. By the end of 1938, those reserves (valued at just 1.35 billion yen) had shrunk by more than two-thirds. To fund the Battle of Wuhan that year, Japan postponed key elements of the rebuilding plan. After Wuhan fell, the Army revised its wartime reorganization: the original target of forty divisions grew to fifty-five by early 1938, then to sixty-five divisions plus 164 Army Air Force squadrons by 1942. The funding required to equip and stockpile for this expansion escalated steadily; the 1939 expansion budget alone demanded 1.8 billion yen, pushing Japanese finances to the breaking point.   Japan repeatedly sought a way out of China, but its peace terms remained far beyond what Chongqing would accept, leaving negotiations stalled. Efforts to install puppet regimes in North and Central China—culminating in the Wang Jingwei government in 1940—aimed to "use Chinese to control Chinese" and undermine Nationalist influence, yet produced disappointing results.   The 11th Army's 1939 campaigns yielded only mediocre outcomes, hampered by chronic troop shortages. Even its divisions were tied down in occupation duties; mounting a serious offensive required pulling garrison forces, leaving no reserves to hold the line unless new units arrived. Sustained large-scale operations to seriously weaken Chinese strength demanded a major troop increase—otherwise, Japan was limited to shallow, localized attacks. Lt. Gen. Yasuji Okamura, commanding the 11th Army, recognized this clearly. In a December 1939 report, he argued that diplomacy and small offensives were futile and urged a large-scale operation backed by substantial reinforcements. His superiors, however, were preoccupied with funding the broader military buildup and could offer no extra men. The post-Wuhan "defensiveization" of operations was largely a cost-saving measure to support that expansion. Japanese ground strength in China, which peaked near 850,000 after Wuhan, had already dropped by about 50,000. Full-strength regular or Class A divisions numbered roughly 22,000 men (four regiments), while newer garrison divisions had only about 15,000 (three regiments), and independent mixed brigades just 6,000. Okamura's proposal was sensible but politically impossible; high command was even contemplating slashing China troop levels to 400,000.   The Chinese Winter Offensive of December 1939, together with counterattacks at Nanning and Kunlun Pass, inflicted serious losses and exposed the limited damage done to Chinese forces in 1939 operations. The recapture of Wuyuan in March 1940 signaled the start of a new phase. Shortly afterward, intensified Chinese guerrilla raids deep into Japanese rear areas prompted large Japanese "mop-up" operations in southern Shanxi, central Hubei, southern Jiangxi, and northern Hunan. In the Wuhan sector, repeated blows from the Winter Offensive heightened fears of Chinese forces in the Dahong and Tongbai Mountains, which threatened control over the vital Jianghan Plains rice-producing region. In mid-April 1940, the Japanese abandoned outposts at Macheng (eastern Hubei), Fengxin, and Jing'an (northern Jiangxi), withdrew elements of the 6th Division (northern Hunan), 40th Division (northern Jiangxi), and the 3rd, 13th, and 39th Divisions (Hubei), and concentrated them around Zhongxiang, Suixian, and Xinyang for a maximum-effort push.   These setbacks finally forced Tokyo to abandon deep troop reductions in China and approve reinforcements of two regular divisions for a major 1940 offensive. The revised end-1940 target became 740,000 troops in China. In spring 1940, the 11th Army—backed fully by Imperial General Headquarters and the China Expeditionary Army—began detailed preparations for a large-scale assault on China's Fifth War Zone.   On February 25, 1940, the 11th Army issued its "Guiding Strategy for the Campaign." The operational goal was to defeat the main force of China's Fifth War Zone along both banks of the Han River before the rainy season, inflict further heavy losses on Chiang Kai-shek's army through decisive victory, and thereby advance Japan's overall political and strategic position vis-à-vis China. The guiding principle called for the quickest possible preparations, with the offensive to begin around early May: first destroy Chinese forces on the left (east) bank south of the Baihe River, then completely annihilate the core units on the right (west) bank near Yichang. On April 7, under the new commander Lt. Gen. Sonobe Kazuo (who replaced Okamura Yasuji), the 11th Army produced a more detailed plan. On April 10, Imperial General Headquarters Order No. 426 ("Continental Order") authorized the China Expeditionary Army to conduct operations in central and southern China during May–June, even beyond established boundaries, to fulfill current objectives.   Japanese planners viewed the Fifth War Zone—roughly 50 divisions encircling Wuhan—with its main strength concentrated along the Han (Xiang) River in northwestern Hubei. Striking Yichang would deliver a severe blow to the zone. As the gateway to Sichuan, only 480 km from Chongqing, Yichang held immense strategic value: an inland port, Three Gorges logistics hub, and key base for air raids on Chongqing. Capturing it would directly threaten the Nationalist wartime capital and southwestern rear, advancing political leverage. Still, long-term occupation was not pre-decided; initial plans stressed inflicting maximum damage followed by withdrawal, in line with the post-Wuhan policy of avoiding permanent overextension. China, aware that holding the Jianghan Plain's rice-producing areas enabled sustained attrition against Japan, deployed guerrilla units to harass Japanese rear areas (increasing occupier losses) while tasking the River Defense Force to hold key front-line points: Jingmen, Shashi, and Yichang.   To achieve these aims, the 11th Army committed as much as possible of its seven divisions and four brigades (88 battalions total). Core units included the 3rd Division (Maj. Gen. Yamakoshi Masataka; regiments 6, 18, 34, 68), 13th Division (Maj. Gen. Tanaka Shioichi; 58, 65, 104, 116), 39th Division (Maj. Gen. Murakami Keisaku; 231–233), elements of the 40th Division, detachments from the 33rd and 34th Divisions, and others. Reinforcements comprised the Ikeda Detachment (three battalions from 6th Division), Ishimoto Detachment (four–five from 40th), Ogawa Detachment (two from 34th), and Provisional Mixed Brigade 101. Supporting assets included the 6th Field Heavy Artillery Regiment, 7th and 13th Tank Regiments, 3rd Air Group, Navy 1st China Dispatch Fleet, and 2nd Combined Air Team. The China Expeditionary Army transferred seven battalions from the 15th and 22nd Divisions (13th Army, lower Yangtze). The main effort north of the river involved roughly 48–54 battalions, or 80,000–110,000 men, making the Zaoyi (Zaoyang–Yichang) Campaign the largest Japanese operation on the central front since Wuhan. Sonobe's staff structured the offensive in two phases. Phase One targeted the Fifth War Zone's main force around Zaoyang (east of the Han River) through converging pincer movements: right flank from Xinyang (reinforced 3rd Division), left flank from Zhongxiang (reinforced 13th Division), and central thrust by the reinforced 39th Division from Suixian. The plan exploited terrain—Dahong and Tongbai Mountains—for encirclement. After seizing Minggang (right flank) and advancing from Zhongxiang (left), the pincers would close on Zaoyang, with the center (along the Xianghua Highway from Suixian) drawing Chinese forces into the trap for envelopment. Diversionary attacks south of the Yangtze, propaganda hinting at limited scope, and planted false orders helped mask intentions. Japanese radio intelligence—intercepts and direction-finding of Chinese headquarters signals—provided critical advantages, especially in later stages.   By March 1940, Chinese intelligence had already detected the 11th Army's intent to mount a major offensive from Xinyang and Wuhan into northwestern Hubei. On April 10, Chiang Kai-shek telegraphed Li Zongren and other Fifth War Zone commanders, urging immediate preparations for a preemptive strike against any push toward Shapingba and Yichang. He emphasized proactive flanking attacks on Japanese rear areas via Wusheng Pass and threats to the Pinghan Railway, while keeping main forces east of the Han River for decisive engagement once the enemy committed.   Following Military Commission directives, the Fifth War Zone devised a plan that used part of its strength for forward advances and deep raids into Japanese rear areas to harass and divert. The bulk of forces would hold the rear, seizing chances for preemptive strikes and a decisive battle east of Zaoyang or south of Jingmen–Dangyang. Deployments included: the 33rd Army Group garrisoning the Xiang River; in the center, the 45th Corps (22nd Army Group) west of Luoyangdian–Suixian and the 84th Corps (11th Army Group) north of Suixian–south of Gaocheng; in southern Henan, the 30th Corps east of Tongbai and the 68th Corps north of Pingchangguan–Minggang; the 41st Corps in reserve near Xiangyang; the 29th Army Group (with part garrisoning north of Tongqiao Zhen–Sanyangtien) concentrated in the Dahong Mountains; and the 31st Army Group positioned between Queshan and Ye Hsien as the mobile force to strike invaders. River Defense Army commander Guo Chan controlled the 26th, 75th, and 94th Armies, the 128th Division, and the 6th and 7th Guerrilla Columns. Total Chinese strength approximated 350,000–380,000 men across roughly 50–54 divisions. To mask preparations and mislead, the Japanese conducted a late-April "mop-up" near Jiujiang, staged naval feints on Poyang and Dongting Lakes, and bombed key points in Hunan and Jiangxi, simulating an imminent Ninth War Zone operation.   With forces assembled, the Japanese offensive began May 1, 1940, from Xinyang, Suixian, and Zhongxiang. The advance split into five routes: (1) Changtaiguan–Minggang–Biyang–Tanghe; (2) Xinyang–Tongbai; (3) Suixian–Zaoyang; (4) Suixian–Wujiadien; (5) Zhongxiang–Shuangkou. Employing flanking with central breakthrough, the reinforced 3rd Division (right flank, including Ishimoto Detachment from 40th Division with tanks and engineers) spearheaded from Xinyang toward Biyang, breaching the Chinese Second Army front on day one. By May 1, elements of the 3rd and 40th Divisions captured Minggang, Lion's Bridge, and Xiaolintien; on May 5 they took Biyang and Tongbai. The Chinese 31st Army Group (northeast of Biyang) linked with the 68th and 92nd Corps to hit Japanese flanks and rear. Leaving some forces west of Tongbai to press the enemy, the main 30th Corps struck Japanese flanks. After seizing Tanghe on May 7, the Japanese pushed south toward Zaoyang. On May 8–9, the 31st Army Group retook Tanghe and Xinye, pursuing vigorously. On May 8, the Japanese left flank (13th Division) attacked from Zhongxiang, breaking through the 33rd Army front the same day.   On May 3, the Japanese 13th Division—supported by over 20 tanks, 40 aircraft, artillery, and cavalry—advanced north from Zhongxiang, capturing Changshoudian and Tianjiachi. It seized Fengyao and Changjiachi by May 6. Chinese 33rd Army Group forces used favorable terrain to intercept, while the 29th Army Group struck Japanese flanks and rear at Changjiachi and Wangjiadian, and the 41st Corps fought tenaciously to halt the advance. By May 7, Japanese spearheads reached Changjiachi on the Zaoyang–Xiangyang Highway, with elements entering Shuangkou; their rear cavalry took Xinye on May 8. Fifth War Zone commander Zhang Zizhong personally led attacks along Tianjiachi–Huanglongtang, supported by fierce 29th Army Group assaults on Japanese rear.   The Japanese 39th Division and a 6th Division brigade delayed their assault on the Chinese 11th Army Group until May 4 from Suixian. After overrunning Gaocheng and Anchu on May 5, Chinese forces withdrew to Huantan–Tang Hsien–north of Gaocheng. As the 33rd Army Group faltered, part of the 11th Army Group reinforced it; the 175th Division held at Tang Hsien while the main body fell back toward Zaoyang. During the maneuver, Japanese tanks enveloped at Tang Hsien, cutting the Zaoyang–Xiangyang Highway and forcing bitter fighting by the 174th Division. To break out, Chinese abandoned Zaoyang, using the 173rd Division for rearguard resistance while the bulk shifted west of the Tang and Bai Rivers. Japanese captured Suiyangdian and Wujiadien on May 7, Zaoyang on May 8; the 173rd Division suffered heavy losses, including the death of its commander, Gen. Zhong Yi.   On May 10, Japanese completed an encirclement east of Xiangdong along the Tang and Bai Rivers—but it collapsed as Chinese exterior forces outflanked both Japanese wings and compressed the center, trapping much of the Japanese in the Xiangdong Plains. The Chinese 2nd and 31st Army Groups plus 92nd Corps pressed south, 39th and 75th Corps east, and 33rd and 29th Army Groups north against the pocket. The 94th Corps advanced along the Han–Yichang Highway deep into Jingshan, Zaoshi, Yingcheng, and Yunmeng to sever Japanese rear communications. Meanwhile, the 7th Corps and eastern Hubei guerrillas seized Jigong Shan, Lijiachai, and Liulin station on the Beijing–Hankou Railway. The 92nd and 68th Corps retook Zaoyang, Tongbai, and Minggang, encircling four Japanese divisions in the Xiangdong Plains. By May 11, battered Japanese retreated eastward under pursuit, Chinese flanking and rear attacks leaving many dead on the field. The 31st Army Group recovered Zaoyang on May 16. Chinese reports claimed 45,000 Japanese casualties, plus capture of over 60 guns, 2,000+ horses, 70+ tanks, and 400+ trucks. The 33rd Army Group fought fiercely to intercept retreating columns, driving large Japanese remnants toward Nanguadian.   Tragically, on May 16 noon, Gen. Zhang Zizhong—personally commanding his Guard Battalion and main 74th Division—was killed in action. With pressure eased on the Japanese left, they counterattacked and retook Zaoyang on May 17. Chinese forces withdrew to Xinye on the Tangbai River's west bank and north of the Tang River, regrouping for a renewed counteroffensive.   The Military Commission anticipated a Japanese withdrawal to original lines, likely along the rain-impassable Xianghua Road. Exploiting the enemy's supply shortages, exhaustion, and retreat difficulties, it ordered Fifth War Zone units to encircle and annihilate Japanese forces near the battlefield, then pursue toward Yingcheng–Huayuan. The zone promptly launched a counteroffensive. By nightfall on May 8, Japanese pincers neared junction, having inflicted serious damage on the Chinese 84th Army but achieved little else. Nonetheless, the 11th Army ordered frontline divisions to withdraw to the Tanghe–Baihe line after reaching it, preparatory to encircling Chinese forces west of the Han River. Chongqing issued general offensive orders at 8 PM and 11 PM that night. By then, six divisions of the 31st Army Group advanced south from Nanyang in the north, five from the 33rd Army Group pressed from the south, and five from the 45th and 94th Armies pursued in the southeast—nearly completing the Japanese encirclement. Intense combat erupted.   On May 10, retreating Japanese first clashed with the advancing 33rd Army Group from the south. Seizing the moment, they ordered the 13th and 39th Divisions plus Ikeda Detachment south to smash it, with the 3rd Division covering the northern flank. Full-scale battle broke out on May 12: two Japanese divisions assaulted five Chinese divisions of the 33rd Army Group, plunging them into desperate fighting. Japanese radio intercepts—including telegrams between the Military Commission and Fifth War Zone, plus Zhang Zizhong's report to Chiang on his five divisions' movements—revealed exact positions and plans. Sonobe Kazuo concentrated the 13th and 39th Divisions to strike south along the Han's east bank against Zhang's army group, while ordering the 3rd Division (south of Xinye) back to Zaoyang to guard the rear. Direction-finding had long pinpointed the 33rd Army Group headquarters radio (call signs and bearings) about 10 km northeast of Yicheng. With air support, the Japanese encircled it. On the night of May 15, the 39th Division advanced from Fangjiaji and Nanying toward Nanguadian, completing tactical encirclement by dawn on May 16. Artillery-supported four-sided assaults followed. The defending 74th Division resisted fiercely with repeated counterattacks. Fighting raged into the afternoon, with the Special Service Battalion joining. Japanese attackers swelled to over 5,000, backed by concentrated artillery and 20+ aircraft for a final push. Zhang Zizhong, wounded multiple times, continued commanding calmly until a severe chest wound killed him heroically. The exhausted, isolated 74th Division and battalion suffered devastating losses. That day, the 13th Division also routed the main 33rd Army Group force, breaking the southern encirclement. Japanese then redeployed, concentrating around Zaoyang.   In the north, 17 divisions (including six from the 31st Army Group) attacked the isolated Japanese 3rd Division from east, south, and north, severing its supply lines. With limited ammunition and no resupply, the division faced crisis; its 29th Brigade telegram pleaded: "Enemy fighting spirit extremely high... safe return very difficult; request battalion reinforcements." Yet southern Chinese forces remained undestroyed amid chaos. Japanese choices narrowed to independent 3rd Division retreat or holding for relief. They opted to lure pursuers: ordering the division southeast toward Zaoyang to draw Chinese into pursuit. From May 16–18, the 3rd Division fought a delaying retreat; relentless Chinese pursuit inflicted limited damage due to insufficient firepower, allowing escape. By evening May 18, it reached northeast of Zaoyang and prepared offensives. The 13th and 39th Divisions, after defeating the 33rd Army Group, also advanced north to the Zaoyang line.   The 3rd Division's retreat shortened Japanese lines and hastened convergence. Unsuspecting Chinese pursued to Zaoyang. After a successful counterattack northeast of Yicheng, the 13th and 39th Divisions rejoined the 3rd Division there. On May 19 morning, three Japanese divisions attacked abreast, forcing decisive battle along the Tang River. Chinese divisions collapsed within hours; the 75th Army took heavy losses, others significant casualties. Fifth War Zone ordered hasty retreat. Japanese pursued vigorously. By May 21, the 3rd Division reached Dengxian, 13th east of Laohekou, 39th Fancheng. Early that day, the 39th Division—crossing the Baihe—met fierce west-bank fire, losing Regiment Commander Kanzaki Tetsujiro and over 300 men. That evening, the 11th Army halted pursuit, ending east-bank (Xiang River) fighting. The 20+ day operation east of the Han inflicted heavy Japanese losses, far exceeding the planned duration, leaving troops exhausted. After halting, units withdrew to Zaoyang vicinity for rest and reorganization rather than immediate return to base positions. Commanders debated proceeding to Yichang west of the Han: abandoning the plan would signal Phase One failure, eroding authority and imperial trust. Most argued troop fatigue and casualties should not deter continuation. Over 1,000 tons of supplies rushed forward via six motor companies. Following east-bank termination, Japanese consolidated for the next phase targeting Yichang. Reinforcements arrived: the 4th Division from Manchuria and 18th Independent Brigade from Wuning. The 4th Division assumed Shayang–Zhongxiang positions east of the Xiang River.   The Japanese bombarded the west bank of the Han River for ninety minutes before forcing a crossing at Wangji north of Yicheng. That midnight, the 3rd Division also crossed southeast of Xiangyang. Both met little resistance and completed crossings before dawn. The 11th Army left the 40th Division at Dahongshan for rear-area mopping-up and assigned the Xiaochuan and Cangqiao Detachments to guard mobile supply depots. On May 31 night, the 3rd and 39th Divisions crossed the Xiang River at Yicheng and Oujiamiao. After seizing Xiangyang on June 1 night, the main force split into columns crossing westward. By June 3, Japanese captured Nanzhang and Yicheng. The Chinese 41st Corps fiercely counterattacked, retaking part of Xiangyang while its main body battled around Nanzhang; the 77th Corps also struck hard. On June 4, Chinese recovered Nanzhang, forcing Japanese retreat southward. Meanwhile, the 13th Division and elements of the 6th Division forced a crossing on the Han–Yichang Highway near Jiukou and Shayang to link with southern columns for a joint push. The Chinese River Defense Force shifted its main strength to key positions, using terrain to block southward advances. The 2nd and 31st Army Groups pursued south separately. Chinese abandoned Shayang on June 5; Japanese took Jingmen, Shilipu, and Shihujiao on June 6. The 77th Corps and river defense units resisted stubbornly from Jingmen to Jiangling. After retaking Yicheng, the 2nd Army Group continued pursuit. Japanese concentrated around Jingmen–Shilipu as Jiangling fell.   On June 9 morning, Japanese launched joint air-ground assaults from Dongshi to Dangyang and Yuanan. By afternoon, penetrating the Chinese right flank forced a night withdrawal to Gulaobei–Shuanlianshi–Dangyang along the Zu River to Yuanan. June 10 saw Japanese capture Gulaobei and Dangyang, pushing Chinese to Yichang outskirts. After days of heavy fighting and prohibitive losses, Chinese abandoned Yichang on their own initiative. The 2nd and 31st Army Groups then reached Dangyang north of Jingmen. On June 16, they mounted a general offensive. By June 17, Chinese briefly retook Yichang; the 2nd Army Group linked with the 77th Corps against Dangyang, while the 31st Army Group severed Dangyang–Jingmen communications and assaulted Jingmen violently. South of the Yangtze, the 5th and 32nd Divisions crossed to hit Shayang and Shilipu. By June 18, Japanese main force held stubbornly from Dangyang to the Xiang River with superior equipment. Chinese, fighting on exterior lines, formed an encirclement from Jiangling–Yichang–Dangyang–Zhongxiang–Suixian–north of Xinyang while maintaining surveillance. Thus, the Zaoyi (Zaoyang–Yichang) Campaign ended. No prior decision existed on holding Yichang long-term. Per post-Wuhan Imperial General Headquarters policy, even extended operations aimed only to inflict severe blows and erode Chinese resistance, not expand occupation. On capture day, the 11th Army declared objectives achieved, ordering reorganization, destruction of Yichang military facilities, and dumping irremovable captured supplies into the Yangtze preparatory to withdrawal. At 10 PM June 15, formal orders withdrew to the Han's east bank: 3rd and 39th Divisions first to Dangyang–Jingmen to cover, then the 13th Division. The 13th began retreating from Yichang at midnight June 16, reaching Tumenya (10 km east) by 7 AM June 17. Chinese counterattacked along the route; the 18th Army pursued and retook Yichang morning of June 17. Japanese held Yichang only four days.   Intense debate erupted between frontline commanders and Imperial General Headquarters over retaining Yichang. With Nazi Germany's Western Europe offensive underway—Paris fell June 12, the day Yichang was taken—global upheaval intensified Japanese urgency to resolve China swiftly and free resources for wider competition. Many in high command and China Expeditionary Army argued long-term occupation would threaten Chongqing more directly, aid political maneuvers, and hasten settlement, offering immense strategic value. This swayed the Emperor, who inquired at the June 15 Imperial Conference about securing it. Backed by imperial support, high command ordered temporary retention (one month) on June 16. By transmission through Expeditionary Army and 11th Army channels, the rearguard 13th Division had withdrawn 52 km. With 3rd Division cooperation, it reversed, broke Chinese resistance, and retook Yichang afternoon June 17. On July 1, to offset expanded 11th Army responsibilities, General Headquarters transferred the 4th Division from Kwantung Army (Jiamusi, Heilongjiang) to 11th Army control. July 13 orders confirmed long-term Yichang retention, redefining Wuhan-region operations to Anqing–Xinyang–Yichang–Yueyang–Nanchang. The 11th Army assigned: 13th Division to Yichang, 4th Division to Anlu, 18th Independent Mixed Brigade east/west of Dangyang; remaining units returned to original defenses.   Post-recapture, Chinese continued counterattacks on Yichang and rear lines until ordered to halt: "To adapt to international changes, preserve National Army combat strength, and facilitate reorganization, Fifth War Zone cease attacks on Yichang immediately." A stalemate followed along lines encircling Yichang, Dangyang, Jiangling, Jingmen, Zhongxiang, Suixian, and Xinyang. To shield Chongqing and Sichuan, Nationalists re-established the Sixth War Zone (briefly created post-First Changsha, abolished April 1940), appointing Chen Cheng commander-in-chief with 33rd and 29th Army Groups, River Defense Army, and 18th Army covering western Hubei, western Hunan, eastern Sichuan. The Zaoyi campaign thus concluded. Japanese combat power again proved markedly superior. Official Japanese records (11th Army/China Expeditionary Army) reported 2,700 killed, ~7,800 wounded (total ~10,500; some phases ~1,403 killed/4,639 wounded). Chinese admitted heavy losses: 36,983 killed, 50,509 wounded, 23,000 missing (total >110,000 in some accounts). Wartime Nationalist claims inflated Japanese casualties to 45,000 killed/wounded with major captures (60+ guns, 70+ tanks, 400+ trucks), likely propagandistic; Japanese sources show far lower equipment losses. With 56 battalions deployed, Japanese suffered 12–15% combat casualties; Chinese (54 divisions, ~380,000 men) incurred 25–30% or higher—underscoring firepower/equipment disparity. Japan achieved tactical success by securing Yichang long-term (as a Chongqing bombing base) but failed to annihilate the main Chinese force or compel peace. Chinese resistance thwarted full encirclement and imposed attrition, albeit at crippling cost to the Fifth War Zone—severely weakened and never fully recovering until war's end. Japanese aims were realized to a significant, though not decisive, degree.   The Fifth War Zone's operational plan was fundamentally sound. Chinese intelligence detected Japanese intentions early, accurately predicted the attack axis, and deployed accordingly. The plan included preemptive strikes at Wusheng Pass and the Guangshui section of the Pinghan Railway to harass Japanese rear areas, threaten Wuhan, gather reconnaissance, and disrupt enemy preparations. Though well conceived, these actions never materialized. In the first phase (Xiangdong operations), Chinese forces resisted while shifting the main body to outer lines, securing mobile flanking positions. This frustrated Japanese encirclement efforts in the Xiangdong Plains. Exploiting the enemy's retreat, China launched a timely counteroffensive that encircled the Japanese 3rd Division. Despite breakout support from over 100 aircraft and 200 tanks, the poorly equipped Chinese inflicted heavy casualties during the three-day siege, blunting the division's momentum.    On the southern front, the 33rd Army Group's intercepting deployment was appropriate, but insufficient strength and compromised communications allowed the Japanese 13th and 39th Divisions to counterattack decisively, inflicting major losses and claiming the heroic death of Commander-in-Chief Zhang Zizhong—whose steadfast patriotism remains a lasting source of national pride. Overall, Chinese assessments and deployments in Phase One were largely correct. The battlefield showed China retained initiative and was not wholly dominated by Japanese plans. The core issue was overestimation of Chinese combat power amid severe shortages of heavy weapons. At least three corps suffered heavy attrition, yet Japanese captured only twenty-three mountain/field guns. Relying on manpower for brute force left Chinese units critically undergunned, enabling repeated encirclement attempts but preventing decisive destruction or severe damage to encircled enemies like the 3rd Division.   Phase Two, by contrast, was entirely passive. The initial Japanese Han River crossings were largely feints, yet the west bank received scant attention in overall planning—leaving Yichang virtually undefended as main forces deployed east of the river. Post-Phase One, Japan reinforced the 11th Army with three infantry battalions and one mountain artillery battalion from the 13th Army (lower Yangtze), plus six motor transport companies rushing massive supplies forward. Chinese intelligence missed these moves, remaining complacent in expectation of Japanese withdrawal eastward. After regrouping, Japan abruptly pivoted west with rapid advances. The Military Commission and Fifth War Zone, caught unprepared, made frantic, chaotic adjustments that failed to mount effective defense. The loss of strategically vital Yichang was inevitable, complicating the resistance both militarily and psychologically. This stemmed directly from command misjudgment of Japanese strategic and operational aims. Had plans anticipated a westward thrust and retained strong reserves—or detected the 10-day regrouping window to readjust deployments—China could have retained greater initiative, inflicted more damage, and reduced its own losses.   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. Japan's 11th Army launched an offensive in Hubei to encircle Chinese forces in the Fifth War Zone and seize Yichang for bombing Chongqing. Chinese troops countered effectively, encircling Japanese divisions and inflicting heavy losses, though General Zhang Zizhong was killed in action. After intense fighting east of the Han River, Japanese crossed west, captured Yichang, briefly withdrew, then retook and held it long-term. 

00:00 Meet Shan Shan Jing00:24 Why Plastic Surgery02:32 NHS vs Private Work03:08 What Is Labiaplasty08:33 Surgery Step by Step11:09 Risks and Complications14:44 Best Outcomes and Function20:19 Monsplasty Explained23:45 Fat Grafting vs Fillers28:17 Brow Lifts and Trends30:12 Surgical Brow Lift Options35:37 Are You Ready for Surgery38:44 Tummy Tuck Options42:41 Scars Placement Strategy44:54 Arm Lift and Lipo Basics48:51 Weight Stability Before Surgery54:17 GLP-1 Skin Laxity Surge55:50 Fat Grafting Reality Check57:43 BBL Extremes and Longevity59:57 Identity and Long Term Planning01:02:24 Closing ThoughtsWatch the podcast on:▶︎ YouTubeFollow Elle-Sera for more:▶︎ Facebook▶︎ Instagram▶︎ LinkedInAbout Elle-Sera:Hormones aren't JUST anything. They make you who you are and control everything – your energy, mood, weight, confidence, hunger, motivation, outlook, libido the list goes on. The impact of hormone imbalance on our psychology and behaviour has been dismissed – until now.  Let's stop diminishing the way we feel because of our hormones, by uttering those three little words: “I'm just hormonal”, and start embracing the power you can have over them.  Elle Sera supports thousands of women to reclaim their hormones, including myself. Our golden pill is packed with five potent ingredients, carefully chosen to rebalance hormones in one essential daily dose.Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios▶︎ Web▶︎ Instagram...

Ang oras na ginugugol mo sa pagsama sa iyong mga magulang ay isang regalo na hindi kailan man mabibili kahit saan. Pakinggan ang kwento ni Jing sa Barangay Love Stories.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Finding Clarity Among Dragon Terraces: Jing's Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-04-22-22-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在广西龙胜的梯田，春天的阳光洒在大地上，梯田像一条条长长的龙，顺着山势蜿蜒而下。En: In the terraced fields of Guangxi Longsheng, the spring sunshine spills over the land, and the terraces resemble long dragons winding their way down the mountain slopes.Zh: 水已经开始注入田间，微风轻拂，水面反射出天的蔚蓝，稻苗开始探出嫩绿的芽。En: Water has already started to flow in the fields; a gentle breeze caresses, and the water's surface reflects the azure blue of the sky as rice seedlings begin to sprout tender green shoots.Zh: 今天是清明节，景和他的朋友梅站在田边。En: Today is the Qingming Festival, and Jing and his friend Mei stand by the fields.Zh: 他们来这里是因为景希望在这里找到内心的宁静，也为了在墓前敬拜自己的祖先。En: They came here because Jing hopes to find inner peace and to worship his ancestors at their graves.Zh: 景是一个常常沉思的人，他的朋友梅则很实际，愿意陪伴在景的左右。En: Jing is someone who often reflects deeply, while his friend Mei is more practical, willing to accompany Jing.Zh: 他们跟随一位当地的向导雷，他对这个地方了如指掌。En: They follow a local guide, Lei, who knows this place inside out.Zh: 雷充满热情，讲述着这片土地的历史和传统。En: Lei is full of enthusiasm, narrating the history and traditions of this land.Zh: 他们踏上小路，混杂着泥土和植物的气息，耳边是鸟鸣和溪水的轻声絮语。En: They embark on a path filled with the scents of soil and plants, with birdsong and the gentle whisper of streams in their ears.Zh: 平时，景总是很认真，但今天，他心中充满了疑惑和不安。En: Usually, Jing is very serious, but today, his heart is full of doubt and unease.Zh: 他努力观察着周围的美景，然而他的内心仍然动荡不安。En: He tries hard to observe the surrounding beauty, but his mind is still tumultuous and restless.Zh: 关于未来、家庭，以及自己的职责，这些思绪交织在一起，让他无法平静。En: Thoughts about the future, family, and his duties weave together, leaving him unable to find calm.Zh: 走着走着，景决定带着梅和雷走上一条鲜有人走的路。En: As they walk, Jing decides to take Mei and Lei on a rarely traveled path.Zh: 路的尽头是一片古老的墓地，让景可以在这片静谧之中，独自沉思。En: At the end of the path lies an ancient cemetery, allowing Jing to contemplate alone in this tranquility.Zh: 他想在那里找到自己的方向，与过去和解。En: He hopes to find his direction there and reconcile with the past.Zh: 终于，他们来到了一座古墓。En: Finally, they arrive at an old tomb.Zh: 名字清晰地刻在石碑上，那是他所未曾见过的祖先的名字。En: Names are clearly carved on the tombstone, names of ancestors Jing has never seen.Zh: 景站在那儿，被这些名字深深打动，感受到一种从未有过的连接感。En: He stands there, deeply moved by these names, feeling a connection he's never experienced before.Zh: 他意识到，他与这些先辈有一种血脉相连的力量，这让他感到意外的坚定。En: He realizes that he shares a bond of blood with these ancestors, which unexpectedly gives him a sense of strength.Zh: 太阳渐渐西沉，橙色的光辉洒满整片山谷。景默默地站在墓前，梅和雷在他旁边，三人一同沉浸在这片宁静之中。En: As the sun gradually sets, casting orange light across the entire valley, Jing silently stands in front of the tomb, with Mei and Lei beside him, all three immersed in the tranquility.Zh: 他明白了，尽管生活有时复杂艰难，他并不孤单。En: He understands now that, although life is sometimes complex and difficult, he is not alone.Zh: 先辈留给他的力量将引领他前行。En: The strength left by his ancestors will guide him forward.Zh: 景有了一种新的平和感。En: Jing finds a new sense of peace.Zh: 他感到了焕然一新的决心，仿佛内心的迷雾已被驱散，带着这样的清晰和勇气，他准备面对未来的挑战。En: He feels renewed determination, as if the fog in his heart has been dispelled, and with this clarity and courage, he is ready to face future challenges.Zh: 当最后一缕阳光消失在地平线，景和他的朋友们一同离开，心中满载着力量与宁静。En: As the last ray of sunlight disappears from the horizon, Jing and his friends leave together, their hearts filled with strength and tranquility.Zh: 梯田在晚风中轻轻摇曳，仿佛在低语着古老的秘密。En: The terraces sway gently in the evening breeze, as if whispering ancient secrets.Zh: 现如今，景明白了自己生活的意义，并与遗留给他的传统深深相连。En: Now, Jing understands the meaning of his life and is deeply connected to the traditions left for him. Vocabulary Words:terraced: 梯田breeze: 微风caresses: 轻拂azure: 蔚蓝seedlings: 稻苗sprout: 探出tender: 嫩graves: 墓前worship: 敬拜reflects: 沉思practical: 实际guide: 向导enthusiasm: 热情embark: 踏上scents: 气息tumultuous: 动荡不安restless: 不安doubt: 疑惑unease: 不安reconcile: 和解carved: 刻tombstone: 石碑connection: 连接感bond: 血脉相连tranquility: 宁静valley: 山谷reassure: 坚定determination: 决心dispelled: 驱散clarity: 清晰

Starting a fashion brand sounds glamorous, until you realise how much of it has nothing to do with design. Join The Breakfast Show as they speak with Jing Chan, founder of Sensibilities, about the misconceptions people have about starting a fashion label, and the lessons she’s learned building a business in a high-cost, highly competitive market like Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

【團購時間✨萬萬兩水餃x偷聽史多利】即日起~4/30專屬賣場連結

Were they flops – or just ahead of their time? In this episode, the hosts dig into one of the food and beverage industry's most intriguing debates: whether discontinued products failed because they were poorly conceived, or because the market simply wasn't ready. From drinkable soups and early functional shots to better-for-you snacks and non-alcoholic cocktail concepts, they revisit ideas that may have been too forward-thinking for their moment.  The conversation expands into how today's shifting trends, like functional ingredients and alcohol-free innovation, could give these once-shelved products a second chance at success, where timing, not taste, may have been the real barrier. Show notes: 0:20: A Week Away. Real Chocolate Debate. Never Had A Shot/Ahead Of Its Time. Chips & I.V. – Ray gives a final call to register for Taste Radio's NYC meetup. Melissa highlights The Hershey Company's plan to return all Reese's and Hershey's products to classic milk and dark chocolate recipes by 2027, sparking a discussion about whether a shift back to "real" ingredients could reshape consumer expectations and premium chocolate demand. The hosts then explore discontinued products, debating whether they failed due to poor execution or were simply ahead of their time, including drinkable soup, better-for-you fruit snacks, non-alcoholic cocktails, and functional shots. They wrap with notable new products, including refreshed pita chip branding, a non-alcoholic "brew," and a quirky collaboration between Grillo's Pickles and Liquid I.V. Brands in this episode: Hershey, Reese's, Culture Pop, Feastables, Nantucket Nectars, Terranean, Just Ice Tea, Honest Tea, Poland Spring, Liquid IV, Grillo's, Fly By Jing, Fishwife, Justin's, Butterfinger, Tony's Chocolonely, Eat the Change, Welch's, Proposition Cocktail Company, Taki Mai, Spacho, Ahhmigo, Karma, Activate, Mello, Coca-Cola, GoodBelly, Cheribundi, Rhinestone, Poland Spring, Daily Crunch, Fly by Jing, Fishwife, Evergreen, V8, Superfoodio

¿Y si la mayoría de enfermedades no empiezan en el cuerpo… sino en tus emociones? En este episodio con el Dr. Julián Hernández, exploramos la diferencia entre la medicina occidental y la medicina china, y cómo este sistema milenario entiende la salud desde una perspectiva completamente distinta.En este episodio aprenderás:- Diferencias clave entre medicina oriental y occidental- El verdadero origen emocional de las enfermedades- Cómo eliminar el dolor en segundos (acupuntura y puntos clave)- Las claves de la medicina china para vivir más de 100 años- Cómo usar el reloj biológico chino para mejorar tu salud- La relación entre estrés, pensamientos y enfermedad- Hábitos simples para optimizar tu metabolismo y energíaShownotes00:00 - La responsabilidad de sanar: El primer paso para la cura.01:22 - ¿Quién es el Dr. Julián Hernández? Medicina Holística y China.02:56 - Vivir en orden: El secreto de una vida con propósito.03:48 - Por qué la medicina occidental estudia cadáveres y la oriental la vida.05:22 - El mapa de tus emociones: ¿Qué órgano se daña cuando sientes ira o tristeza?08:28 - El equilibrio del Yin y Yang: Calor vs. Frío en la enfermedad.10:06 - Ciclos de la naturaleza: Cómo los elementos gobiernan tu salud.11:35 - Los primeros 7 años: Por qué tus traumas infantiles dictan tu salud actual.15:34 - Causas externas vs. internas: Lo que realmente te enferma.17:14 - Diferencias clave: Medicina Oriental vs. Occidental.19:50 - Reloj biológico chino: El horario exacto en que tus órganos se reparan.22:10 - ¿Vivimos mejor que nuestros ancestros? El reto de la era digital.25:20 - El impacto del abuso y el conflicto emocional en la vista y el pulmón.28:05 - Cómo eliminar el dolor en 10 segundos con una aguja (Demostración).30:20 - ¿Funciona la acupuntura si no tengo fe? La verdad científica.32:53 - El experimento de 6 semanas: Por qué no puedes sanar donde te enfermaste.36:06 - El volante de las emociones: Cómo tus pensamientos cambian tu bioquímica.40:27 - Por qué te despiertas a las 3:00 AM: Significado emocional del insomnio.47:45 - La verdadera grandeza: Vulnerabilidad y renuncia a las creencias.51:01 - Sanando la relación con los padres: La raíz de toda patología.55:27 - Cómo saber si estás en incoherencia emocional (Señales del cuerpo).59:12 - ¿Existen las emociones negativas? La función de la ira y el miedo.1:01:12 - Claves para vivir 120 años: Longevidad y energía vital (Jing).1:05:10 - Fundamentos de la alimentación: Comer con los 5 sentidos.1:08:58 - Las 3 leyes del pensamiento: Cómo dominar tu mente.1:12:01 - Por qué no eyacular: El ahorro de energía vital en hombres.1:15:01 - Tipos de metabolismo según tu personalidad y emociones.1:19:19 - ¿Puede la medicina china curar el cáncer y enfermedades terminales?1:27:36 - El mensaje final: Hazte cargo de lo que te sucede.Si te gustó este episodio, te recomendamos ver:- https://youtu.be/1Lr90wz7fKY- https://youtu.be/HBlq73DzAPE- https://youtu.be/Bg0_zMYSdSM- Recibe acceso gratuito a mi lista de los 100 libros que transformarán tu vida aquí: https://www.creadores.co/newsletter- Únete a nuestra Escuela de Creadores, un programa de 12 semanas para transformar tu cuerpo, mente y negocios: https://creadores.co/escuela- Invierte en bienes raíces en EE. UU. con nosotros en Creadores Capital y genera retornos promedio del 20% anuales. Aplica aquí: https://www.creadorescapital.com/Invitado- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjulianhdz/- Sitio Web: https://revolucionemocional.com/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjulianhdz/Creadores- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creadorespodcast- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creadorespodcast- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelozegarra- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcelozegarrac- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chelozegarrac- Email: https://www.creadores.co/contacto#CreadoresPodcast #SaludIntegral #MedicinaChina #BienestarHolístico

Masterpiece Podcasts: Collection of Chinese Classic Novels

Masterpiece Podcasts: Collection of Chinese Classic Novels

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Finding Peace: A Journey of Healing at West Lake Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-03-15-22-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 微风轻轻拂过西湖，柳树的枝条随风摇曳，樱花在阳光下悄然绽放。En: A gentle breeze lightly brushed across West Lake, causing the willow branches to sway with the wind, while cherry blossoms quietly bloomed under the sunlight.Zh: 连坐在湖边的一张木椅上，凝视着平静的湖面，心中却翻腾着不安。En: Lian sat on a wooden bench by the lake, gazing at the calm water, but his heart was in turmoil.Zh: 手术后的恢复期间，他时时感到莫名的焦虑。En: During his recovery period after the surgery, he often felt inexplicably anxious.Zh: 他的朋友美坐在他旁边，一如既往地支持着他。En: His friend Mei, sitting beside him, supported him as always.Zh: "西湖真美，放松心情吧。"美轻轻说道，声音柔和却充满力量。En: "West Lake is truly beautiful, try to relax," Mei softly said, her voice gentle yet full of strength.Zh: 连点了点头，尝试着跟随美的节奏放松。En: Lian nodded, attempting to relax at Mei's pace.Zh: 今天是清明节，是缅怀先祖的日子，他希望借此机会找到内心的平静。En: Today was Qingming Festival, a day for remembering ancestors, and he hoped to find inner peace through this occasion.Zh: “你想去扫墓吗？”美问道，她知道这个节日对连的重要性。En: "Do you want to go pay respects at the graves?" she asked, knowing how important this festival was to Lian.Zh: 连轻轻叹了一口气，“我想，但我还有些害怕。En: Lian sighed lightly, "I do, but I'm still a bit scared.Zh: 手术后，我总担心未来是什么样子。”En: After the surgery, I constantly worry about what the future holds."Zh: 美握住连的手，“我们一起面对。En: Mei held Lian's hand, "We'll face it together.Zh: 你会好起来的。”En: You will get better."Zh: 正当此时，一个熟悉又久违的面孔出现在他们眼前。En: Just then, a familiar yet long-missed face appeared before them.Zh: “连？”是静，他过去的一位老熟人。En: "Lian?" It was Jing, an old acquaintance from his past.Zh: 静微笑着走近，但脸上有种神秘的气息。En: Jing approached with a smile, but there was a mysterious aura about her.Zh: 连的心微微一震，过去的种种往事瞬间涌上心头。En: Lian's heart was slightly shaken as memories from the past suddenly surged up.Zh: 静的出现让他不知所措。En: Jing's appearance left him at a loss.Zh: “好久不见。”静说，语气中带着些许怀念。En: "Long time no see," Jing said, with a tinge of nostalgia in her tone.Zh: 他们一起沿着湖边慢慢走着，湖水在阳光下闪烁着粼粼波光。En: They walked slowly along the lakeside together, with the lake's water shimmering under the sunlight.Zh: 空气中弥漫着春天的芬芳。En: The air was filled with the fragrance of spring.Zh: “手术后，我总是焦虑。En: "Since the surgery, I've always been anxious.Zh: 遇见你，我也不知道是好是坏。”连坦白道。En: I don't know if meeting you is good or bad," Lian confessed.Zh: 静微微停下，眼中闪烁着异样的光亮。En: Jing paused slightly, her eyes sparkling with a strange brightness.Zh: “我理解你的感受。En: "I understand your feelings.Zh: 当年我们之间的误会，我一直想澄清。”静的声音平静却诚恳。En: I've always wanted to clear up the misunderstanding between us back then," Jing said, her voice calm yet sincere.Zh: 两人面对面，空气中流淌着未曾说出口的情感。En: Facing each other, emotions unspoken flowed in the air.Zh: 连闭上眼，再次睁开时，心中已是另一番迸发。En: Lian closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his heart felt a new burst.Zh: “我原谅你，也原谅自己。”连轻声说，仿佛一阵轻风抚平了内心的波动。En: "I forgive you, and I forgive myself," Lian said softly, as if a gentle breeze had calmed the turbulence within.Zh: 谈话的尾声，他们站在湖边，彼此释怀。En: As their conversation ended, they stood by the lake, each relieved.Zh: 连感到身体轻盈，心中积蓄已久的重担终于卸去。En: Lian felt light, the burden he had carried for so long finally lifted.Zh: 和美一起，连缓缓走向家中的祖坟，手捧香烛，脚步坚定。En: Together with Mei, Lian slowly walked towards his family graves, holding incense sticks, his steps firm.Zh: 清明节的祭祖仪式，让他感觉到与祖先之间深刻的联系，他终于找到了内心的宁静。En: The Qingming Festival ancestral rituals made him feel a profound connection with his ancestors, and he finally found tranquility within.Zh: 樱花纷飞，春意浓厚，连站在美身边，内心充满希望和对未来的信心。En: Cherry blossoms fluttered, spring was thick in the air, and standing next to Mei, Lian felt filled with hope and confidence for the future.Zh: 他明白，健康与生活都会在春天的阳光下重焕生机。En: He understood that both health and life would regain vitality under the spring sunlight. Vocabulary Words:breeze: 微风willow: 柳树bloomed: 绽放turmoil: 翻腾inexplicably: 莫名graves: 祖坟anxious: 焦虑respects: 扫墓recovery: 恢复acquaintance: 熟人mysterious: 神秘nostalgia: 怀念shimmering: 粼粼波光fragrance: 芬芳confessed: 坦白misunderstanding: 误会sparkling: 闪烁nostalgia: 怀念tranquility: 宁静turmoil: 波动fluttered: 纷飞vitality: 生机ancestors: 先祖incense: 香烛connection: 联系calm: 平静confident: 信心release: 释怀scape: 情景tension: 张力

In this episode of The Defiant Podcast, Camila Russo sits down with Jing Wang to discuss how Optimism is evolving and why the debate over what counts as a “real” Ethereum L2 might be missing the point.Jing argues that the most important question isn't whether a chain is an L1, L2, or sidechain. It's whether the architecture actually serves users and real-world use cases.“If it looks like an L1, we'll build that. If it looks like an L2, we'll build that.”In the conversation we cover:Why Optimism now sees itself as a network of blockchains (the Superchain)The debate around Ethereum L2 decentralization sparked by Vitalik ButerinWhy institutions are already using decentralized railsWhy ZK proofs are the futureAnd why Jing believes finance inevitably moves on-chainNexo is a premier digital assets wealth platform that helps clients build, manage, and preserve their wealth through advanced interest-generating products, crypto-backed credit, advanced trading tools, and 24/7 client care. Get started at https://nexo.com/defiant Your Web3 product deserves solid payment infrastructure. Global on/off-ramps, custom APIs, and DeFi connectivity trusted by the biggest names in crypto: https://mercuryo.io/

In Part 2 of this ongoing Chat series, Dr. Skye Sturgeon and Yvonne Lau move from philosophy into clinical application, exploring how Yin and Yang guide diagnosis and treatment in Chinese medicine. They discuss the Eight Principles, organ relationships, and how practitioners assess balance and imbalance in the body.The conversation also touches on aging, Jing, and the role of attention and lifestyle in maintaining health and harmony.You can access the transcript here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/a-chat-about-yin-yang-in-tcmSee our Monthly Practitioner Discounts https://www.mayway.com/monthly-specialsSign up for the Mayway Newsletterhttps://www.mayway.com/newsletter-signupFollow ushttps://www.facebook.com/MaywayHerbs/https://www.instagram.com/maywayherbs/

Regarding one of the greatest calligraphers who ever lived, and one of the worst prime ministers in Chinese historySupport the show

Send a textEver been told your pain is “just a flare,” even when your labs look calm? We sit down with Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Xiao Jing (Iris) Wang to unpack why symptoms can linger after inflammation is under control—and what to do about it. From constipation myths to the real mechanics of bloating, this conversation reframes gut discomfort through muscles, nerves, and breath, not just meds.Dr. Wang breaks down pelvic floor function in clear, memorable language. Learn how the puborectalis sling preserves continence, why years of urgency or “holding it” can hardwire a constant clench, and how that leads to straining and incomplete emptying. She shares practical paths to diagnosis without over-reliance on expensive tests, smart ways to find qualified pelvic PT, and simple at-home tactics like an optimized toilet posture, the “anti‑Kegel,” and biofeedback fundamentals. We also explore why J‑pouch patients need their own testing norms and a different definition of “normal.”Then we tackle bloating. Groundbreaking research shows many visibly distended bellies aren't full of excess gas—the diaphragm is pushing down while the abdominal wall pooches out. Dr. Wang demonstrates how diaphragmatic breathing can retrain this pattern and why yoga, gentle twists, and abdominal massage move trapped gas better than most medications. Finally, we zoom out to the brain. When the gut's “fire” is out but the alarm keeps blaring, neuromodulators, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and virtual reality can close the pain gates. You'll hear how VR helps patients navigate bathroom anxiety, tolerate unsedated procedures, and feel safer in their own bodies.Finally we talk to Dr. Wang about the genesis of her children's book called "Boo Can't Poo." It's a humorous story about a constipated ghost named Boo and his efforts to get his bowels back on track. It's a great read for parents who are working to potty train their toddlers but also for all us to re-learn how to poo! If you've wondered whether your pain is real when scans look fine, this is your validation and your roadmap. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more listeners find practical relief and a new way to think about gut health.Links: Boo Can't Poo bookYoga poses for constipation- Yoga JournalMore yoga poses for constipation- Verywell HealthResources on disorder of the gut-brain axis and more from GI PsychologyLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Replay!On today's episode of Architectette we welcome a dynamic duo! Aya Shlachter and Jing Lauengco are two outstanding women who connected over their mutual tenacity for entrepreneurship, design, and storytelling. Both women are business owners, entrepreneurs, and podcasters. Aya Shlachter is the CEO and founder of MGS Global Group, a company that accelerates growth for architecture and design firms worldwide by providing architectural support and staffing services internationally. Her team provides Revit, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, and 3D Visualization services to architects and interior designers. Aya is a keynote speaker and the host of the Architect My Business Podcast – a business growth podcast for architects. Jing Lauengco is an award-winning Brand and Business Strategist and Producer and Host of NEXT THING WITH JING, a podcast exploring next chapters in the new now. Jing teaches modern entrepreneurs how to connect, convert, and engage using signature storytelling and brand building to drive growth. We talk about: - How Aya and Jing came to be friends and collaborators through their local entrepreneur community and how it has impacted their personal and professional lives.- We talk about the challenges, uncertainties, and pivots of being serial founders and how each woman has built their own architecture and design industry businesses and have grown through each success, failure, or experiment.- The power of storytelling: how understanding your story and being able to convey it to others can enrich your ability to connect, market, and grow.- We also talk about their experiences as podcast hosts: favorite topics, guests, rebranding, and community building.>>>Connect with Architectette:- Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.architectette.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Learn more)- Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @architectette⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (See more)- Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.architectette.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Behind the Scenes Content)- LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Architectette Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Page and/or⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Caitlin Brady⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>>>Support Architectette:- Leave us a rating and review!>>>Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AlexGrohl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

We recap our recent episode with Jing Lin. She is the Founder of Coffee Confessionals. Coffee Confessionals is a Hollywood, CA cafe that focuses on more than the coffee and food they serve. They also encourage customer engagement. Their motto is Spill The Beans! Conversations starter cards dot the tables, and the space is used to host interactive events, including panels, comedy nights, and open mics.The full episode dropped February 18, 2026. Watch and subscribe to  @coffeepeoplepodcasts  more context, subscribe to the Coffee People podcast newsletter at: https://www.coffeepeoplepodcast.com/.Find online at: https://www.coffeeconfessionals.com/ and  @coffeeconfessionals  on YouTube.This podcast is Presented By Roastar Coffee Packging (www.roastar.com), a coffee packaging manufacturer for businesses of all sizes. Roastar enables small-to-gigantic coffee businesses tell a big story. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4gIsHff.Buy Eli And Jane Books: https://www.onewildlifebooks.com/The direct affiliate link to the Simply Good Coffee Brewer we've reviewed is: https://partners.simplygoodcoffee.com/roastCoffee People is one of the premier coffee and entrepreneurship podcasts, featuring interviews with professionals in the coffee industry and coffee education. Host Ryan Woldt interviews roastery founders, head roasters, coffee shop owners, scientists, artists, baristas, farmers, green coffee brokers, and more. This show is also supported by Marea Coffee, Cape Horn Green Coffee Importers, Sivetz Roasting Machines, Relative Coffee Company, Coffee Cycle Roasting, MAMU Coffee, Acento Coffee Roasters, and Hacea Coffee Source.Head to www.coffeepeoplepodcast.com for show recaps, coffee education, guest list and coffee news.Register to become an organ donor at: https://registerme.org/.*Clicking these links to purchase will also support Coffee People through their affiliate marketing programs.

Jing Lin is the Founder of Coffee Confessionals, a Hollywood, CA cafe that focuses on more than the coffee and food they serve. They also encourage customer engagement. Their motto is Spill The Beans! Conversations starter cards dot the tables, and the space is used to host interactive events, including panels, comedy nights, and open mics.https://coffeeconfessionals.com/pages/upcoming-eventsThe full episode dropped February 18, 2026. Watch and subscribe to  @coffeepeoplepodcasts  for more context, subscribe to the Coffee People podcast newsletter at: https://www.coffeepeoplepodcast.com/. Find online at: https://www.coffeeconfessionals.com/ and  @coffeeconfessionals  on YouTube.MEET COFFEE PEOPLE IRL: March 8-10, Coffee Fest NYC - Booth 2716April 8-10, World of Coffee Expo (San Diego)Coffee People is presented by Roastar, Inc., the premier coffee packaging company utilizing digital printing. Roastar enables small-to-gigantic coffee businesses tell a big story. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4gIsHff⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow @roastar on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Previous interview with Roastar's Dani Taube.⁠Thanks for watching the Coffee People Podcast. Like all small businesses and entrepreneurs, we're still learning, modifying, and continuing to improve—at least trying to!Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.coffeepeoplepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for links from the show, context to our conversation, and much more. We'll be sharing updates on our event calendar soon. Buy Eli And Jane Books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.onewildlifebooks.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay tuned to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠haceacoffee.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for updates on the 2026 roasting competition. Shop all of our coffee collaborations, including Yeah, No...Yeah Coffee! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.coffeepeoplepodcast.com/collab-coffee/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coffee People is one of the premier coffee and entrepreneurship podcasts, featuring interviews with professionals in the coffee industry and coffee education. Host Ryan Woldt interviews roastery founders, head roasters, coffee shop owners, scientists, artists, baristas, farmers, green coffee brokers, and more.This show is also supported by Marea Coffee , Cape Horn Green Coffee Importers, Sivetz Roasting Machines, Relative Coffee Company, Coffee Cycle Roasting, MAMU Coffee, and Hacea Coffee Source.Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.coffeepeoplepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for show recaps, coffee education, guest list and coffee news.Register to become an organ donor at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://registerme.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.*Clicking these links to purchase will also support Roast! West Coast through their affiliate marketing programs.

In this episode of the Crypto 101 podcast, host Brendan interviews Jing Wang, the founder and CEO of Optimism, a leading layer 2 solution for Ethereum. They discuss Jing's journey into the Ethereum ecosystem, the evolution and purpose of Optimism, and the differences between layer 1 and layer 2 solutions. The conversation also covers the growth of Optimism, key areas of interest in the crypto market, the future of finance, challenges in on-chain systems, the role of Base, trends in stablecoins, the current state of the crypto market, and the regulatory landscape. Jing shares insights on the vision for Optimism and the importance of collaboration in the crypto ecosystemCheck out Webroot: https://webroot.com/CRYPTO101Check out Gemini Exchange: https://gemini.comCheck out Quince: https://quince.com/CRYPTO101Check out Mars Men: https://mengotomars.comGet my #1 altcoin pick for this month.Get immediate access to my entire crypto portfolio for just $1.00 today! Get your FREE copy of "Crypto Revolution" and start making big profits from buying, selling,Get immediate access to my entire crypto portfolio.. just $1.00 today! Go here to get access: https://www.crypto101insider.com/cryptnation-directm6pypcy1?utm_source=Internal&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_content=Podcast&utm_term=20250916Get your FREE copy of "Crypto Revolution: Your Guide To The Future of Money". In this book, I reveal how to make (and keep) a fortune during this crypto bull run! http://www.cryptorevolution.com/free?utm_source=Internal&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_content=Podcast&utm_term=20250916Chapters00:00 Introduction to Optimism and Ethereum Layer 202:38 Jing Wang's Journey into Ethereum05:14 The Evolution of Optimism08:10 Understanding Layer 1 vs Layer 210:30 Market Share and Growth Areas for Optimism13:18 The Future of Finance on Chain15:43 Production-Ready Infrastructure Expectations18:26 Navigating the Crypto Landscape for Enterprises21:04 Base: A Case Study in Layer 2 Success23:45 The Business Strategy Behind Stable Coins25:17 The Rise of Stable Coins and Liquidity Solutions27:26 Utilization Categories of Stable Assets31:06 Current State of the Crypto Market35:29 Future Prospects for Optimism and Regulation42:00 Final Thoughts and Opportunities with OptimismMERCH STOREhttps://cryptorevolutionmerch.com/Subscribe to YouTube for Exclusive Content:https://www.youtube.com/@crypto101podcast?sub_confirmation=1Follow us on social media for leading-edge crypto updates and trade alerts:https://twitter.com/Crypto101Podhttps://instagram.com/crypto_101*This is NOT financial, tax, or legal advice*Boardwalk Flock LLC. All Rights Reserved  ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Fog by DIZARO https://soundcloud.com/dizarofrCreative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/Fog-DIZAROMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/lAfbjt_rmE8▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Our Sponsors:* Check out Gemini Exchange: https://gemini.com* Check out Mars Men: https://mengotomars.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/CRYPTO101* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/CRYPTO101* Check out Webroot: https://www.webroot.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Illuminating Dreams: Mei's Lantern of Change & Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-04-08-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 村庄坐落在连绵起伏的小山之间，覆盖着一层柔和的白雪。En: A village nestled between rolling hills was covered with a soft layer of white snow.Zh: 在冬天的空气中，红色和金色的灯笼在传统瓦屋顶的飞檐下轻轻摇曳。En: In the winter air, the red and gold lanterns gently swayed under the eaves of traditional tiled roofs.Zh: 狭窄的石板路通向村里的学校，空气中弥漫着节日食物的香味，还有村民们准备庆祝活动的笑声。En: Narrow stone paths led to the village school, filled with the aroma of festive food and the laughter of villagers preparing for celebrations.Zh: 梅是一名安静的高中生。En: Mei was a quiet high school student.Zh: 她总是躲在教室的角落里。En: She always hid in the corner of the classroom.Zh: 不太喜欢说话，却有着深刻的思考。En: Not fond of speaking, yet she had deep thoughts.Zh: 这一年冬天的元宵节，学校举办灯会。En: This year's Lantern Festival in winter, the school held a lantern fair.Zh: 梅心里有一个秘密的愿望，她想做一个最美丽的灯笼，来打动她的朋友浩。En: Mei had a secret wish in her heart; she wanted to make the most beautiful lantern to impress her friend Hao.Zh: 浩是梅的童年玩伴。En: Hao was Mei's childhood playmate.Zh: 他总是充满活力，对生活充满了渴望。En: He was always full of energy and a zest for life.Zh: 但梅不知道如何表达自己对浩的感情。En: But Mei didn't know how to express her feelings for Hao.Zh: 她的对手静，是一个外向和有才华的同学，静的创意很棒，而且她也喜欢浩。En: Her rival Jing was an outgoing and talented classmate, whose creativity was great, and she also liked Hao.Zh: 梅感到有些不安。En: Mei felt a bit uneasy.Zh: 老师宣布灯会的比赛规则后，梅决定找她的奶奶帮忙。En: After the teacher announced the competition rules for the lantern fair, Mei decided to seek help from her grandmother.Zh: 奶奶是村里有名的手工艺人。En: Her grandmother was a renowned artisan in the village.Zh: 很多年前，她传授给村民们传统的灯笼制作技艺。En: Many years ago, she taught the villagers the traditional art of making lanterns.Zh: “奶奶，我想做一个特别的灯笼给学校的灯会。”梅小声说。En: “Grandma, I want to make a special lantern for the school's lantern fair,” Mei said softly.Zh: “你有好想法吗？”奶奶拿起一块红布。En: “Do you have a good idea?” her grandmother asked, picking up a piece of red cloth.Zh: “我想做一个有雪花和小山图案的灯笼。En: “I want to make a lantern with snowflake and mountain patterns.Zh: 那样可以代表我们的村子。”梅回答。En: That could represent our village,” Mei replied.Zh: 奶奶微笑着点头。En: Her grandmother nodded with a smile.Zh: 她开始教梅如何裁剪和缝制。En: She began teaching Mei how to cut and sew.Zh: 梅学得很认真，她的手慢慢熟练起来。En: Mei learned very seriously, and slowly her hands became more skillful.Zh: 元宵节的晚上，学校里灯火辉煌。En: On the night of the Lantern Festival, the school was brilliantly lit.Zh: 五颜六色的灯笼点亮了整个校园。En: Colored lanterns illuminated the entire campus.Zh: 梅也紧张地等待着，她的灯笼在一个不起眼的桌子上摆着。En: Mei waited nervously; her lantern was placed on an inconspicuous table.Zh: 灯展开始，大家都聚集在一起，观赏各式各样的灯笼。En: As the lantern display began, everyone gathered to admire the various lanterns.Zh: 此时，一缕灯光照亮了梅的灯笼。En: At that moment, a beam of light illuminated Mei's lantern.Zh: 灯笼上精致的图案像是活起来了一样，顿时吸引了所有人的目光。En: The exquisite patterns on the lantern seemed to come alive, instantly capturing everyone's attention.Zh: 浩惊讶地看着这个灯笼，慢慢走向前来。En: Hao looked at the lantern in surprise and slowly walked toward it.Zh: “梅，这是你做的？”浩抬起头，惊讶又欣慰地问。En: “Mei, did you make this?” Hao raised his head, asking in amazement and with a sense of relief.Zh: 梅点了点头，心中充满了喜悦。En: Mei nodded, her heart filled with joy.Zh: “你做得真好。我从来不知道你这么有创意。”浩笑着说。En: “You did great. I never knew you were so creative,” Hao said with a smile.Zh: 那一刻，梅感到前所未有的自信。En: At that moment, Mei felt unprecedented confidence.Zh: 而浩的称赞让她更加坚定，她决定以后要多尝试创造性活动。En: And Hao's praise made her more determined; she decided to try more creative activities in the future.Zh: 从那天起，梅变得更加开朗。En: From that day on, Mei became more cheerful.Zh: 她开始积极参与学校的活动。En: She started to actively participate in school activities.Zh: 她和浩的友情也更进一步，如今他们有了共同的梦想和目标。En: Her friendship with Hao deepened, and now they had shared dreams and goals.Zh: 村子的冬天虽然寒冷，但梅的心中却充满了温暖。En: Although the village's winter was cold, Mei's heart was filled with warmth.Zh: 村庄里，漫天的灯光照亮了他们的未来。En: Throughout the village, the brilliant lights illuminated their future. Vocabulary Words:nestled: 坐落swayed: 摇曳eaves: 飞檐aroma: 香味lantern: 灯笼festive: 节日rival: 对手uneasy: 不安announce: 宣布renowned: 有名artisan: 手工艺人patterns: 图案exquisite: 精致inconspicuous: 不起眼illuminated: 点亮admire: 观赏astonishment: 惊讶determined: 坚定creative: 创意participate: 参与unprecedented: 前所未有cheerful: 开朗zest: 渴望tiled: 瓦childhood: 童年talented: 有才华sew: 缝制beam: 一缕capturing: 吸引warmth: 温暖

Last time we spoke about the Japanese invasion of Hainan. In early 1939, the Sino-Japanese War shifted from pitched battles to a grueling struggle over lifelines and logistics. Japan pursued a southward strategy (Nanshin-ron), aiming to choke Chinese resistance by isolating key railways and airbases. It seized Hainan in February to secure southern airfields and threaten Indochina routes, then targeted Nanchang to cut the vital Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway, crippling Free China's eastern supply lines. The Japanese used a blended-arms approach: concentrated armor, air support, and amphibious and river operations, focusing on rapid, strategic breakthroughs rather than large-scale frontal assaults. China, though battered, relied on a reconstituted defense around Wuhan and Nanchang, with the Ninth War Zone under Xue Yue delaying Japanese advances and preserving critical corridors south of the Yangtze. The campaign highlighted the war's broader human and political dimensions: massive casualties, forced labor, and internal political fragility within the Kuomintang, even as both sides sought to outlast the other.   #186 The Battle of Nanchang 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. For the Second Sino-Japanese War, 1939 marked a transition from broad occupation tactics to a focused, politically driven military strategy aimed at breaking Nationalist cohesion and isolating key nodes. After the January 11, 1938 Imperial Conference, Tokyo framed the China Conflict as a contest of endurance and political attrition: hold occupied territories as strategic assets, push a narrow operational corridor between Anqing, Xinyang, Yuezhou, and Nanchang, and treat the broader east-of-line spaces as pacified. The aim was to deny resources to Chiang Kai-shek's regime while awaiting a more opportune political rupture, instead of pursuing indiscriminate conquest. By October 1938, the tactical center of gravity shifted toward Wuhan and the Yangtze corridor. General Headquarters acknowledged the need to adapt to a protracted war: emphasize political strategy alongside combat operations, bolster a new regime in areas under pressure, and gradually erode Chongqing's moral and material resolve. This shift produced a dual track: reinforce a centralized, secure core while permitting peripheral fronts to be leveraged against Chongqing.   In early 1939, Japan sought to consolidate gains through layered defenses and strategic war zones, aiming to blunt Chinese mobilization and disrupt critical logistics. The Ninth War Zone, commanded by Xue Yue, formed a defensive umbrella over Nanchang's northern approaches and the surrounding rail-and-river arteries. China's leadership, notably Chiang Kai-shek, pressed for preemption to seize the initiative: an ambitious plan from Xue Yue to strike by March 24, 1939, to prevent a river-crossing Japanese advance and to pin forces before they could entrench. Japan responded with Operation Ren, targeting the Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway to sever lines of communication and isolate Nanchang. Okamura Yasuji reorganized heavy weapons into concentrated tank groups, supported by air power, while late-February 1939 movements staged feints and riverine maneuvers to complicate Chinese concentration around Nanchang. The objective was a rapid, surgical seizure of Nanchang to blind the southern airbase network, disrupt the critical rail spine, and push Chinese forces deeper inland, thereby tightening a blockade around southern China. Together, these shifts framed Nanchang not as an isolated objective but as the climactic hinge in a broader strategy of coercive pressure, air-ground mobility, and rail control. The city's fall would represent the culmination of a protracted contest to deny the Nationalist regime its logistical arteries and air superiority, paving the way for further Japanese consolidation and pressure along the Yangtze corridor. In the wake of the Japanese capture of Wuhan in late 1938, the city swiftly transformed into a pivotal stronghold for the Imperial Japanese Army. It became the new base for the 11th Army, occupying the former territories of the National Revolutionary Army's 5th and 9th War Zones. This shift not only consolidated Japanese control over central China but also positioned their forces to launch further offensives, exploiting the region's logistical and geographical advantages. As a key railway hub and the western terminus of the Zhejiang-Hunan Railway, Nanchang served as a vital supply artery connecting the Third and Ninth War Zones of the Nationalist forces. Its airfields further amplified its importance, posing a direct threat to Japanese shipping routes along the Yangtze River. Capturing Nanchang would sever Chinese supply lines, isolate key military districts, and pave the way for deeper incursions into southern China. Faced with this looming threat, the Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek moved quickly to reorganize its defenses in the 9th War Zone. General Chen Cheng retained his nominal position as commander in chief, but the actual operational reins were handed to General Xue Yue, a seasoned tactician known for his defensive prowess. This restructuring aimed to streamline command and bolster resistance, yet it was hampered by persistent logistical challenges that rendered many changes ineffective on the ground. As tensions escalated in early 1939, Chinese forces began amassing near Nanchang in preparation for the inevitable clash. Over 200,000 troops from 52 divisions were mobilized, drawing from units across the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi Border Area. This region alone housed more than 29 divisions organized into four army groups: the 1st, 19th, 30th, and 32nd. On paper, this formidable assembly included over 16,000 officers and 240,000 enlisted men, representing a significant concentration of Nationalist power.   Leading this defensive effort was General Chen Cheng as the overarching commander in chief, with General Xue Yue stepping in as the acting commander to oversee day-to-day operations. Within this structure, the 19th Army Group stood out under the command of General Luo Zhuoying, supported by Lieutenant General Luo Weixong as his chief of staff. Luo Zhuoying, in particular, emerged as a central figure, assuming overall command for much of the ensuing Battle of Nanchang. His leadership would be tested against the relentless advance of the Japanese Eleventh Army, setting the stage for one of the bloodiest engagements of the war. In July 1938, during their offensive against Wuhan, Japanese forces attempted to advance toward Nanchang but were halted by Chinese defenders along the Xiushui River. The Chinese had established strong, fortified positions that effectively barred the Japanese path. The impasse endured for the rest of the year, with both armies locked in a standoff on opposite sides of the river. By March of 1939, the 11th Army led by General Okamura Yasuji, part of the Central China Expeditionary Army of General Hata Shunroku comprised 3 divisions, the 6th, 101st and 106th, roughly 120,000 men supported by 130 tanks and tankettes, 200 pieces of artillery, 30 warships with 50 motor boats, a battalion of SNLF and several air squadrons.  On March 12,  the Japanese Central China Expeditionary Army issued orders to its directly subordinate 116th Division. This division was commanded to dispatch two key detachments: the Ishihara Detachment and the Murai Detachment, the latter composed meticulously of five battalions drawn from the 119th Brigade. Their mission was to conduct a thorough search along the eastern shore of Poyang Lake, supported by naval vessels that patrolled the waters with menacing precision. The purpose was multifaceted: to safeguard the integrity of land and water transportation routes and to protect the left flank of the main Japanese force as it prepared for larger operations. By March 15, these detachments had advanced without encountering any resistance from the Chinese army, allowing them to conclude their search operation successfully. Following this, they deployed the necessary troops at key points along the route, establishing garrisons that would serve as footholds for future advances. This reconnaissance was no mere stroll; it was a calculated probe into enemy territory, drawing lessons from prior engagements like the grueling Battle of Xuzhou in 1938, where intelligence gathering had proven crucial to Japanese successes. The Japanese soldiers boots sank into the marshy banks of Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater body, covering over 3,500 square kilometers and teeming with reeds that could hide ambushes. The lack of opposition allowed the Japanese to fortify their positions, setting the stage for the preemptive strikes that would follow. The tempo of battle quickened on March 17, 1939, as the Japanese army launched its preemptive attack, a move designed to seize the initiative and disrupt Chinese preparations. The very next day, on March 18, the Murai Detachment departed from Xingzi aboard warships, navigating the treacherous waters to land near Wucheng, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Yongxiu. Their objective was to assault the Chinese defenders in this area, but they encountered fierce resistance from the Chinese 32nd Army and other supporting units, turning the landing into a brutal contest of wills. Concurrently, the main forces of the Japanese 101st and 106th Divisions, bolstered by their artillery and tank units, advanced methodically toward the north bank of the Xiushui River. They occupied their respective attack starting points with precision, after which the artillery units began conducting test firings and further reconnaissance to gauge the strength of Chinese defenses. This phase echoed the Japanese tactics employed in the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, where combined arms operations had overwhelmed urban defenses. A Chinese defender's recollection "We watched the enemy approach like a dark cloud, our rifles ready, knowing that the river would soon run red with the blood of brothers." The climax of preparation erupted at exactly 16:30 on March 20, when the Japanese 11th Army issued orders to the commander of the 6th Artillery Brigade. This commander was directed to orchestrate all available artillery to bombard the positions held by the Chinese 49th and 79th Armies on the south bank of the Xiushui River. What ensued was a pre-general offensive artillery barrage that endured for more than three grueling hours, incorporating a large number of poison gas shells, a heinous weapon that flouted international conventions like the Geneva Protocol of 1925. Many defenders' positions were utterly destroyed in this onslaught, and several officers and soldiers, including the valiant Wang Lingyun, commander of the 76th Division, were poisoned by the toxic fumes, suffering agonizing effects that highlighted the barbarity of chemical warfare. At precisely 19:30 that evening, the 106th Division commenced its forced crossing of the Xiushui River at Qiujin. Later, on the night of the 20th, the 101st Division also initiated its crossing north of Tujiabu. The Xiushui River, measuring about 30 meters in width, had swollen by approximately 3 meters due to continual heavy rains, rendering the crossing exceedingly difficult for the Japanese troops who battled against the raging currents. Nevertheless, the flooding had an unintended benefit for the invaders: many defender positions were inundated, and most water obstacles were washed away by the deluge. Leveraging this, the two Japanese divisions broke through the defenders' front lines and executed continuous night attacks, establishing a beachhead that extended 2 kilometers deep by dawn on the 21st. This foothold provided essential cover for Japanese engineers to construct pontoon bridges amid the chaos. At around 8 a.m., the Japanese tank group crossed these pontoon bridges and launched an attack on the Dongshan garrison from the front of the 106th Division, then proceeded to circle around toward Nanchang along the west side of Nanxun Road. Historian Rana Mitter aptly describes such river crossings as "desperate gambles where nature itself became a combatant," underscoring how environmental factors often tipped the scales in Sino-Japanese confrontations.Chiang Kai-shek, monitoring these developments from his command center, would have felt the weight of impending crisis.   By 21:30 on March 22, the Japanese vanguard tank group had advanced to Fengxin and successfully occupied the Liaohe Bridge outside the South Gate. The sudden and ferocious tank attack caught the defending troops off guard, preventing them from withdrawing the 38 artillery pieces that had been deployed on the city's outskirts before they were forced into a hasty retreat. On March 23, the Japanese army fully occupied Fengxin. Simultaneously, a portion of the 101st Division launched a frontal assault along Nanxun Road. Under the protective cover of artillery, they crossed the Xiushui River and encountered fierce resistance from the Chinese 32nd Army at Tujiabu, resulting in a prolonged stalemate where neither side could gain a decisive advantage. Following the Japanese launch of their general offensive, the Guilin Headquarters of the National Government Military Commission, under Director Bai Chongxi, urgently ordered all units of the Ninth War Zone to hold their positions firmly on March 21. On the same day, Chiang Kai-shek telegraphed Gu Zhutong, commander-in-chief of the Third War Zone, with specific instructions to immediately transfer the 102nd Division to Nanchang to reinforce the city's defenses, placing it under the command of Luo Zhuoying, commander-in-chief of the 19th Army Group. He also ordered the 16th and 79th Divisions to proceed to Dongxiang and Jinxian, southeast of Nanchang, to guard the southern bank of Poyang Lake and provide support for operations in Nanchang. Simultaneously, he commanded the 19th Army Group to deploy approximately two divisions of its strongest forces to strike key enemy points in the rear, including Mahuiling, Ruichang, Jiujiang, and De'an, with the aim of sabotaging railways and highways, cutting off enemy rear-area transportation, and preventing reinforcements from reaching the front. However, due to poor communication, slow troop movements, and inadequate coordination among units, these ambitious plans were not implemented, and the battlefield situation had already undergone significant changes by the time adjustments could be made. On the 23rd, Chiang Kai-shek came to realize that the Japanese army was resolutely determined to capture Nanchang, and thus he conceived the strategic idea of inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy before potentially abandoning the city. He specifically telegraphed Xue Yue, commander-in-chief of the Ninth War Zone; Luo Zhuoying, commander-in-chief of the 19th Army Group; and Xiong Shihui, chairman of Jiangxi Province, with the following directive: "The key to this battle is not the gain or loss of Nanchang, but inflicting the greatest blow on the enemy. Even if Nanchang falls, all our armies should disregard everything and advance toward the designated targets, and decide on future operational plans in accordance with this policy." This telegram, preserved in wartime archives, exemplifies Chiang's shift toward a war of attrition, a tactic that would define much of China's resistance. On March 25, Chiang Kai-shek again telegraphed Bai Chongxi, Xue Yue, Luo Zhuoying, and Gu Zhutong, providing detailed instructions: "1. The main force of Luo's group should maintain focus on the Hunan-Jiangxi Highway, attack the enemy's right flank, and press them toward the Gan River. It is crucial to avoid having the main force operate with its back to the Gan River. (That is, the main force of the 19th Army Group should be moved to a mobile position west of the Gan River to avoid being forced to the Gan River and facing a decisive battle in an unfavorable situation.) 2. A necessary portion should be used to defend the Nanchang front. If necessary, resistance can be carried out gradually between the Fu and Gan Rivers to cover southern Jiangxi." On the very same day, the Japanese army defeated the 102nd Division, which had been reinforced from the Third War Zone, in engagements west of Nanchang. By March 26, the Japanese army had advanced to the vicinity of Shengmi Street on the left bank of the Gan River. They crossed the river that day, executing a maneuver to outflank Nanchang from the south and simultaneously cut off the Zhejiang-Jiangxi Railway, a critical supply line. The main force of the 101st Division also advanced to Shengmi Street via Wanbu and Huangxi on March 26, crossed the Gan River that evening, and launched a direct attack on Nanchang. Its 101st Brigade, moving along the Nanchang-Xuncheng Railway via Lehua and Jiaoqiao, reached the north bank of the Gan River northwest of Nanchang on the 26th. Upon discovering these Japanese advances, the 19th Army urgently ordered the 32nd Army to withdraw from Tujiabu on the Nanchang-Xuncheng Railway back to Nanchang to join the 102nd Division in defending the city. However, before the 32nd Army had fully withdrawn, the Japanese tank group and the 101st Brigade had already advanced to the Gan River bridges to the west and north of Nanchang, respectively. Although the defending forces managed to destroy the bridges to halt their progress west and north of the Gan River, the Japanese 101st Division had already penetrated into Nanchang from the south. The defenders found themselves outnumbered and with weak firepower compared to the invaders. After engaging in intense street fighting, they suffered heavy casualties and were ultimately ordered to retreat to Jinxian. On March 27, the Japanese 101st Division occupied Nanchang, marking a significant, albeit temporary, victory in their campaign. Eyewitness account "The city fell amid the thunder of guns and the wails of the wounded, a testament to the fragility of urban defenses against mechanized onslaught." Following the capture, on March 28, the Japanese 11th Army was ordered to ensure that the main force of the 101st Division would return to Nanchang and that the 106th Division would retake Fengxin, all in preparation for subsequent operations in Gao'an or areas west of Fengxin. By April 2, the Japanese army had occupied Gao'an City, further consolidating their hold on the region. Meanwhile the fighting extended to Wuning. Wuning is located on the north bank of the Xiushui River, approximately 80 kilometers west of the Nanchang-Jiujiang Railway. This position holds immense strategic importance, backed by the formidable Mufu Mountains, and serves as a key point on the left flank of the Ninth War Zone's defense line in northern Jiangxi. The forces deployed here included the 72nd and 78th Armies of the 30th Army Group, along with the 8th and 73rd Armies of the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi Border Advance Army, all positioned along both banks of the Xiushui River under the unified command of Wang Lingji, commander-in-chief of the 30th Army Group. To bolster the defense of Nanchang, the Nationalist Government's Military Commission devised a plan to send a powerful force eastward from Wuning toward Qiujin and De'an, with the intent of harassing the rear and flanks of the enemy advancing south along the Nanchang-Jiujiang Railway and disrupting their transportation networks. After carefully assessing the Chinese deployments and strategic intentions, the Japanese 11th Army also regarded Wuning as a crucial flank in its overall Nanchang campaign. Consequently, they dispatched their 6th Division to Wuning to contain and block the Chinese army, thereby ensuring the safety of its main force's right flank and facilitating the capture of Nanchang. On March 20, while the Japanese army was heavily engaged on the Nanxun Railway front, its 6th Division launched an attack westward along the north bank of the Xiushui River from Ruoxi (situated between Qiujin and Wuning). However, they encountered fierce resistance from the Chinese 73rd and 8th Armies, which resulted in slow and painstaking progress for the attackers. On the afternoon of the 21st, a portion of the 6th Division, under the protective cover of aircraft and artillery, crossed the Xiushui River east of Ruoxi, and the main force directed its assault toward Wuning, while its 36th Brigade targeted Yangzhou Street. The 30th Army Group, tasked with defending Wuning, mounted a tenacious resistance by leveraging the advantageous mountainous terrain, making the Japanese advance extremely difficult. After four days of fierce and unrelenting fighting, the Japanese were still unable to break through the defenders' positions. On the morning of March 23, under continued air and artillery cover, the Japanese army persisted in its fierce attack, repeatedly dropping incendiary and chemical bombs on Chinese positions. The defending forces suffered heavy losses as a result and were compelled to withdraw from Wucheng Town on the 24th, moving farther back to regroup. After occupying Wucheng, the Murai Detachment continued its operations to clear the Gan River and Xiushui River of obstacles and to remove mines that had been laid by the Chinese forces. By the 28th, they had advanced to the vicinity of Xinning Town, which is about 4 kilometers east of Wuning. Its 36th Brigade engaged in fierce fighting with the defending 19th Division at Yangzhou Street on the 24th and successfully captured Jing'an on the 27th; however, due to the conclusion of the Nanchang battle and the fact that its main force was blocked east of Wuning, it quickly returned and redirected its attack toward Wuning. Because the 73rd and 8th Armies had suffered heavy casualties from days of intense fighting, the 30th Army Group ordered the 72nd Army to assume the defense of northeast Wuning. The Japanese 6th Division concentrated its forces for a fierce and coordinated assault, and by the 29th, the defending forces had retreated to the south bank of the Xiushui River, allowing the Japanese army to occupy Wuning. After further intense fighting, by April 5, the Japanese 36th Brigade had advanced to the south bank of the Xiushui River.During this entire period, Chiang Kai-shek repeatedly telegraphed Bai Chongxi and Xue Yue, issuing orders for the 30th Army Group in Wuning and the 31st Army Group in Chongyang and Tongshan (commanded by Tang Enbo) to launch a counteroffensive regardless of the evolving situation in Nanchang. The objective was to flank and attack the enemy's rear, advancing toward Mahuiling, De'an, Yongxiu, and Ruichang on the Nanchang-Xunyi road, to cut off enemy transportation lines and block reinforcements. However, this plan was not implemented due to various logistical and coordination challenges.   After the Japanese army captured Nanchang, it maintained a tense standoff with the Third and Ninth War Zones of China along the southeast bank of Poyang Lake to the east, Xiangtang to the south, and Gao'an, Fengxin, and Wuning to the west. The Military Commission of the National Government made a calculated judgment that although the Japanese had occupied Nanchang, they had suffered heavy losses and had not yet had the opportunity to replenish their forces. The defending forces within the city were deemed insufficient, prompting the Commission to decide on launching a counteroffensive while the Japanese army was still in the process of consolidating its position. At the same time, it ordered each war zone to initiate the "April Offensive" (also known as the "Spring Offensive") with the goals of harassing and containing the Japanese army and preventing it from continuing to advance westward toward Changsha. The Military Commission specifically ordered the Ninth War Zone and the Third War Zone to plan and execute a counteroffensive against Nanchang. The forces designated for this operation were planned to include the 1st, 19th, and 30th Army Groups of the Ninth War Zone and the 32nd Army Group of the Third War Zone, totaling about 10 divisions, all under the unified command of Luo Zhuoying, commander-in-chief of the 19th Army Group. On April 17, Chiang Kai-shek telegraphed his detailed "Plan to Conquer Nanchang" to Bai Chongxi, the director of the Guilin Headquarters, and sought his opinion on the matter. The operational strategy outlined was: "First, use the main force to attack the enemy along the Nanchang-Xunyi Railway, effectively cutting off enemy communications, and then use a portion of the force to directly capture Nanchang. The attack is scheduled to begin on April 24th." The main content of its troop deployment was as follows: The 1st Army Group (Commander-in-Chief Gao Yin-huai), the 19th Army Group, and the 74th Army (Commander Yu Ji-shi) were ordered to advance through Fengxin and Dacheng toward the Nanchang-Xunyi Railway between Xiushui and Nanchang, thoroughly disrupting transportation, cutting off enemy reinforcements, and cooperating in the capture of Nanchang; the 49th Army of the 19th Army Group (Commander Liu Duo-quan) was ordered to advance gradually as the general reserve; the 32nd Army Group (Commander-in-Chief Shangguan Yun-xiang) was ordered to attack Nanchang from the east of the Gan River with three divisions, and to organize a regiment to seize Nanchang by surprise; the 30th Army Group (Commander-in-Chief Wang Ling-ji) was ordered to attack Wuning. On April 18, Bai Chongxi replied to Chiang Kai-shek, offering his own suggestions on troop deployment with slight modifications. He emphasized the critical need for a surprise attack and for disrupting and harassing the enemy's transportation and rear areas, as well as cutting off the enemy's communication lines. He also believed that the attack should be brought forward and carried out as soon as possible, at the latest around the 22nd. On April 21, the forces of the Ninth War Zone began their operations in earnest. The 1st Army Group, comprising the 184th Division of the 60th Army and the New 10th Division of the 58th Army, attacked Fengxin, while the New 11th Division of the 58th Army monitored the Japanese forces in Jing'an; the main force of the 74th Army attacked Gao'an, and parts of the 74th Army and the 49th Army crossed the Jinjiang River to the north, attacking Dacheng and Shengmijie. Fierce fighting continued until the 26th, when the Japanese retreated to the areas of Fengxin, Qiuling, and Wanshougong. The 19th Army Group captured strongholds such as Dacheng, Gao'an, and Shengmijie. However, progress thereafter became difficult, and the offensive stalled. Neither army group was able to advance to the Nanchang-Xunyi Railway as originally planned. On April 23, the 32nd Army Group of the Third War Zone, consisting of the 16th and 79th Divisions of the 29th Army, the 5th Reserve Division, and part of the 10th Reserve Division, crossed the Fu River and launched an attack on Nanchang. Fierce fighting persisted until the 26th, when they captured Shichajie (south of Nanchang) and advanced toward the city. On the 27th, the Japanese concentrated the main force of the 101st Division to launch a counterattack. Supported by heavy artillery and air power, they engaged in fierce fighting with the Chinese army in the southeastern and southern areas, repeatedly contesting villages and strongholds. Due to the heavy casualties sustained, Duan Langru, commander of the 79th Division, changed the offensive deployment on the night of April 28 and reported this alteration to the army and army group commanders. The commander-in-chief of the 32nd Army Group, citing unauthorized changes to the plan, reported to the Third War Zone for approval and requested the dismissal of Duan Langru. Eager to capture Nanchang and driven by strategic impatience, Chiang Kai-shek, upon hearing the report, issued a stern order on May 1: Duan Langru was to be executed in front of the army for delaying military operations, He Ping, commander of the 16th Division, was ordered to atone for his crimes by achieving success in battle, and Shangguan Yunxiang was sent to the front to supervise the battle personally, with a strict deadline of May 5 for capturing Nanchang. On May 2, the 102nd Division recaptured Xiangtang and then Shichajie. The 16th Division once captured Shatanbu, but it was subsequently taken back by Japanese reinforcements. Shangguan Yunxiang then committed the 26th Division into the battle. On May 4, they launched another concerted attack. By dusk on the 5th, the 5th Reserve Division had reached the outer perimeter of the city and destroyed the barbed wire defenses, but Japanese firepower was intensely concentrated, causing the division to suffer heavy casualties and rendering it unable to continue the assault. The 152nd Regiment of the 26th Division broke into Xinlong Airport at dawn on the 5th and destroyed three Japanese aircraft. The 155th Regiment broke into the railway station at 9:00 a.m. on the 5th, but was blocked by fierce Japanese firepower and a determined counterattack. On May 5, after Chiang Kai-shek had issued the order to capture Nanchang by May 5, Xue Yue, acting commander of the Ninth War Zone, held the belief that with troops not having been replenished after the defense of Nanchang and with weaponry far inferior to that of the enemy, it was impossible to capture Nanchang within the subjective timeframe set. However, he did not directly dissent to Chiang Kai-shek, and on May 3, he telegraphed Chen Cheng to express his views in detail. He wrote: "Attacks on Nanchang and Fengxin have continued for 11 days since April 23. Because our army's equipment cannot keep pace with the enemy's, and the enemy's heavy weapons, mechanized units, and aircraft can support their ground forces everywhere, it is quite difficult to destroy the enemy's strong positions. Now I have received the Chairman's telegram: our army's operational strategy is to wear down the enemy without being worn down by the enemy, to avoid the enemy's strength and attack their weaknesses, and to achieve a protracted war of resistance. Therefore, this attack on Nanchang is aimed at wearing down the enemy. Under the principle of avoiding the enemy's strength and attacking their weakness, we should lie in ambush in advance and launch a surprise attack from all sides, hoping to recapture Nanchang with the fastest and most agile means. However, the battle has already dragged on; a direct assault is impossible, and striking their weakness is also unattainable. Although the enemy's strength is waning, it is practically impossible to capture Nanchang before May 5. Besides strictly ordering all units to overcome all difficulties and continue the fierce attack at all costs, I intend to politely explain the above situation to Chiang Kai-shek during a telephone conversation." Chen Cheng forwarded Xue Yue's telegram in full to Chiang Kai-shek on May 5. At the time, Bai Chongxi, director of the Guilin Headquarters, also considered the order to capture Nanchang within a limited time to be unrealistic, and on May 5 he telegraphed Chiang Kai-shek and He Yingqin, subtly offering a different suggestion. He stated, "Our army's attack on the enemy must be unexpected to be effective. Now, the enemy in Nanchang is prepared, and our army has launched a ten-day attack and has exerted all its efforts. To consider morale and our highest strategic principles, it is proposed that one-third of our forces continue the siege of Nanchang, while the other two-thirds are reorganized. Outside, we should continue to publicize our aggressive strategy…" The aim of both telegrams was to "turn the enemy's own spear against his shield," hoping Chiang Kai-shek would alter his order to capture Nanchang within a specified time, citing the operational guidance as inconsistent with the broader strategic policy. Upon receiving the telegrams, Chiang Kai-shek also learned of the sacrifice of Commander Chen Anbao and the heavy casualties among the attacking troops. On May 6, the main force of the Japanese 106th Division, supported by aircraft and tanks, launched a pincer attack on the 29th Army in the suburbs of Nanchang and Liantang. By 5 PM, the 29th Army was encircled. Liu Yuqing, commander of the 26th Division, was wounded in the fighting, and army commander Chen Anbao and Xie Beiting, commander of the 156th Regiment, were killed in action. Based on the actual battlefield situation, Xu Zhixun, chief of staff of the 29th Army, and Liu Yuqing, realizing that capturing Nanchang was impossible, decided to break out toward Zhongzhouwei and Shichajie to avoid total annihilation and potential execution by Chiang Kai-shek for failure. A regiment of the 5th Reserve Division, disguised as civilians, had infiltrated the city but was forced to withdraw due to the lack of follow-up support. Finally, on May 9, Chiang Kai-shek issued an order to halt the attack on Nanchang. The Japanese army, having suffered heavy losses themselves, was also unable to mount an effective counterattack, and thus the Battle of Nanchang came to an end, leaving behind a legacy of valor and tragedy. In the Battle of Nanchang, China suffered more than 52,000 casualties, including over 43,000 deaths, while Japan sustained more than 24,000 casualties and over 2,200 deaths. Although the National Army eventually lost Nanchang, the engagement thwarted Japan's plan to crush the main Chinese force. 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 Nanchang battle was a decisive Japanese victory, yet the Chinese did manage to halt the Japanese western advance and showcased their perseverance amid a growing strategic stalemate. Supplies were still leaking into Nationalist China, the Japanese would have to continuously find and plug them. The war for China was nowhere near over.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Snow, Secrets, and a Jade Quest: Mei's New Year Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-24-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 大雪覆盖了曾经辉煌的紫禁城。En: The heavy snow covered the once-glorious Zijincheng.Zh: 梅站在宫殿前，寒风掠过她的脸颊。En: Mei stood in front of the palace, the cold wind brushing her cheeks.Zh: 每一步都发出轻微的嘎吱声，似乎诉说着这里曾经的繁华。En: Each step made a slight creaking sound, as if telling the story of the prosperity that once existed here.Zh: 今天是农历新年，但她心中却无法安宁。En: Today is the Lunar New Year, but her heart could not find peace.Zh: 她必须找到家族传承的玉佩，否则将辜负祖先的期望。En: She must find the family heirloom jade pendant, or she will fail to live up to her ancestors' expectations.Zh: “快，梅，我们得在别人之前找到它。” 梁焦急地催促。En: "Hurry, Mei, we need to find it before others do," Liang urged anxiously.Zh: 梁是梅的好朋友，也是这次冒险的伙伴。En: Liang was Mei's good friend and a companion on this adventure.Zh: 他们之间的默契是团队中最珍贵的财富。En: The tacit understanding between them was the most precious asset of the team.Zh: 而静，就像这座城的幽灵般，悄无声息地跟在他们后面。En: Jing, like a ghost of the city, silently followed behind them.Zh: 静以前是这里的守护者，因为对宫殿历史的了解，她被梅邀请加入。En: Jing used to be the protector here, and due to her understanding of the palace's history, she was invited by Mei to join.Zh: 三个身影走在冰冷的石砖上，昔日的辉煌随着时间褪去，墙壁上仍可见隐约的浮雕，讲述着遥远的故事。En: The three figures walked on the cold stone bricks, the glory of the past fading away with time, and the faint carvings on the walls still narrated distant stories.Zh: 雪越来越大，梅感到一丝绝望。En: The snow got heavier, and Mei felt a pang of despair.Zh: 与此同时，他们却发现了一个奇特的雕刻。En: Meanwhile, they discovered a peculiar carving.Zh: 梅心头一震，那上面有着她们家族的徽章。En: Mei's heart trembled, for it bore her family's emblem.Zh: 这或许是线索。En: This might be a clue.Zh: “我们快去那个方向，” 静指着远处的一个残破庭院。En: "Let's hurry in that direction," Jing pointed toward a distant dilapidated courtyard.Zh: 这里只有燕雀静静地看着她们。En: Only the sparrows quietly watched them.Zh: 刚跨过庭院，就遇到一伙贪婪的掠夺者。En: As soon as they crossed the courtyard, they encountered a group of greedy looters.Zh: 双方对峙中，空气紧张得让人窒息。En: The tension in the air was suffocating as both sides faced off.Zh: 梅明白，她不能让这些人抢走玉佩。En: Mei understood she couldn't let these people snatch the jade pendant away.Zh: “等等，”梅突然冷静下来，高声提议，“我们可以合作！”En: "Wait," Mei suddenly calmed down and proposed loudly, "We can cooperate!"Zh: 这话让对方一愣。En: These words stunned the other party.Zh: 最终，她们达成协议，合作寻找玉佩。En: Eventually, they reached an agreement to cooperate in finding the jade pendant.Zh: 在雪地的某个角落里，一束微光吸引了众人的目光。En: In a corner of the snowy land, a faint ray of light caught everyone's attention.Zh: 梅和梁、静一起挖开积雪，终于找到了那枚被尘封的玉佩。En: Mei, Liang, and Jing together dug through the piled snow and finally found the dust-covered jade pendant.Zh: 成功的喜悦在梅心中突显，但她并没有选择独占。En: The joy of success was prominent in Mei's heart, but she did not choose to monopolize it.Zh: 相反，她向大家讲述了玉佩的故事和它蕴含的意义。En: Instead, she told everyone the story of the jade pendant and the meaning it held.Zh: 掠夺者们被这段历史打动，放弃了索取。En: The looters were moved by this history and abandoned their claim.Zh: 阳光穿过乌云，照射在梅的脸上。En: Sunlight broke through the clouds, shining on Mei's face.Zh: 她微笑着发现，在信任和团结中，她找到了新的勇气和依托。En: She smiled and realized that in trust and unity, she found new courage and support.Zh: 玉佩虽是家族的传承，但其真实的力量在于连接人心。En: Although the jade pendant was a family heirloom, its true power lay in connecting hearts.Zh: 梅学会了超越家族期望，坚定了自己的价值。En: Mei learned to transcend family expectations and solidify her own values.Zh: 在这新年的第一天，他们带着友情和希望，踏上了回家的路。En: On this first day of the new year, they set off on the road home with friendship and hope.Zh: 紫禁城在大雪中安静地矗立，继续守护着那些古老的传说。En: The Zijincheng stood silently in the heavy snow, continuing to guard those ancient legends. Vocabulary Words:glorious: 辉煌cheeks: 脸颊creaking: 嘎吱prosperity: 繁华heirloom: 传承pendant: 玉佩urge: 催促companion: 伙伴tacit: 默契precious: 珍贵asset: 财富silently: 悄无声息protector: 守护者narrated: 讲述despair: 绝望peculiar: 奇特carving: 雕刻emblem: 徽章dilapidated: 残破sparrows: 燕雀looters: 掠夺者tension: 紧张suffocating: 窒息cooperate: 合作monopolize: 独占abandoned: 放弃ray: 微光success: 成功transcend: 超越solidify: 坚定

Masterpiece Audiobooks: Collection of Chinese Classic Novels

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Unveiling Hidden Echoes: A Journey Through Time at the Temple Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-05-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 清晨的阳光透过薄薄的云层，洒在北京天坛的琉璃瓦上，反射出淡淡的金色光芒。En: The morning sunlight streamed through the thin clouds, casting a faint golden glow on the glazed tiles of Beijing Temple of Heaven.Zh: 空气中弥漫着冬日的寒意，雪花在树枝上轻轻摇曳。En: The air was filled with the chill of winter, and snowflakes gently swayed on the branches.Zh: 景走在这片神圣的地带，心中充满了期待和敬畏。En: Jing walked through this sacred area, her heart full of anticipation and awe.Zh: 景是一位考古学家，对古代中国历史充满了热情，尤其对那些未被探索过的历史遗址充满了好奇。En: Jing was an archaeologist with a passion for ancient Chinese history, especially curious about those unexplored historical sites.Zh: 今天，她带着满腔的热情和未解的谜团，来到了天坛。En: Today, she came to the Temple of Heaven with her heart full of enthusiasm and unresolved mysteries.Zh: 她的朋友明华，一位历史学家，与她同行。En: Her friend Minghua, a historian, accompanied her.Zh: 明华更为谨慎，总是提醒景要尊重历史遗迹。En: Minghua was more cautious, always reminding Jing to respect historical relics.Zh: 而作为向导的丽芬，一个熟悉这里每一个角落的当地人，对这里的传说怀着一丝敬畏。En: Their guide Lifen, a local familiar with every corner here, held a bit of reverence for the legends of this place.Zh: “传说这儿藏着不为人知的秘密。”丽芬低声说道，眼神中流露出敬畏。En: "Legend has it that hidden secrets lie here," Lifen whispered, her eyes showing reverence.Zh: 他们三人慢慢地游览着天坛。En: The three of them slowly toured the Temple of Heaven.Zh: 忽然，一处古老的建筑吸引了景的注意。En: Suddenly, an ancient building caught Jing's attention.Zh: 天气寒冷，景的手指微微打颤，但仍然小心翼翼地触摸着墙壁上的刻痕。En: The weather was cold, her fingers slightly trembling, but she carefully touched the carvings on the wall.Zh: 在一块松动的砖块后，她发现了一张神秘的古老地图。En: Behind a loose brick, she found a mysterious ancient map.Zh: “看啊！”景兴奋地叫道，指着地图。En: "Look!" Jing exclaimed excitedly, pointing at the map.Zh: 明华凑过来，仔细地看着地图。En: Minghua leaned in, studying the map closely.Zh: “这看起来像是通往某个隐蔽区域的路线。”他说，但眉头微皱，明显不放心。En: "This looks like a route to some hidden area," he said, but his brow furrowed, clearly uneasy.Zh: 丽芬凑近查看，小声说道：“这个地方，传言是一个秘密集会的场所。”En: Lifen leaned closer to look and whispered, "This place is rumored to be a secret meeting site."Zh: 尽管有些紧张，景感到这是一个追寻的机会。En: Despite some nervousness, Jing felt this was an opportunity to pursue.Zh: 然而，天坛是一个受保护的地点，他们的探索会面临阻碍。En: However, the Temple of Heaven is a protected site, and their exploration would face obstacles.Zh: 景心中犹豫不决，她想解开地图的秘密，但又不愿冒犯这个神圣的地方。En: Jing hesitated, wanting to unravel the map's secret but not desiring to offend this sacred place.Zh: 在一番讨论后，景决定继续前进。En: After some discussion, Jing decided to proceed.Zh: 她知道丽芬对这里的了解会帮助他们，而明华的谨慎能避免过于仓促的行动。En: She knew Lifen's understanding of the area would aid them, and Minghua's caution would prevent rash actions.Zh: 经过一番搜索，他们终于找到了地图上的一个入口。En: After a bit of searching, they finally found an entrance indicated on the map.Zh: 这是一扇隐藏在高墙后的门，似乎通往一个未知的地方。En: It was a door hidden behind a high wall, seemingly leading to an unknown place.Zh: 进入还是不进入？这是一个艰难的抉择。En: To enter or not? It was a tough choice.Zh: 尽管心中有怀疑，景还是决定进去。En: Despite doubts, Jing decided to go in.Zh: 但就在他们走过门口，进入那个小小的房间时，他们却发现，房间空无一物。En: But as they passed through the doorway into the small room, they found it empty.Zh: 只有墙角留下的一些灰尘和几片纸屑，暗示这里曾经有人活动过。En: Only some dust and scraps of paper left in the corner hinted that someone had once been here.Zh: 虽然未能找到期待的惊天发现，但景感到一丝慰藉。En: Although they hadn't found the earth-shattering discovery they hoped for, Jing felt a sense of solace.Zh: 这个地方仿佛在对时代的交汇微笑，提醒她，世代相连的纽带是多么重要。En: This place seemed to smile upon the convergence of eras, reminding her how important the bonds between generations are.Zh: “也许秘密不仅仅是物质上的发现。”景轻声说，透过窗户，看向远处的白雪。En: "Perhaps the secret is not just a material discovery," Jing said softly, looking out at the distant snow through the window.Zh: 他们离开天坛时，景心中明白，未来的探索不仅仅依赖于自己的梦想，还离不开与同伴的携手同行。En: As they left the Temple of Heaven, Jing understood that future explorations depend not only on her own dreams but also on working hand in hand with companions.Zh: 纵使物质上的古迹不再，她已在心中找到了比发现更多的东西——人与人之间的联结。En: Even if material relics are no more, she had found something greater in her heart—the connection between people.Zh: 景微微一笑，决定把这些领悟带到她的未来探寻中去。En: Jing smiled slightly, deciding to carry these insights into her future explorations. Vocabulary Words:streamed: 洒glazed: 琉璃sacred: 神圣的awe: 敬畏archaeologist: 考古学家enthusiasm: 热情mysteries: 谜团cautious: 谨慎的relics: 遗迹reverence: 敬畏carvings: 刻痕mysterious: 神秘的uneasy: 不放心rumored: 传言obstacles: 阻碍unravel: 解开rash: 仓促的scraps: 纸屑earth-shattering: 惊天的solace: 慰藉convergence: 交汇eras: 时代bonds: 纽带companions: 同伴insights: 领悟dust: 灰尘anticipated: 期待的unearthed: 未被发掘的portal: 门sanctity: 神圣性

Episode Notes On this episode of the Solar Maverick Podcast, host Benoy Thanjan sits down with Jing Tian, Chief Growth & Revenue Officer at Tigo Energy, to explore how smarter electronics, AI, and energy intelligence are reshaping the solar industry. Jing shares her journey from a PhD in chemistry to becoming a global solar executive, including leadership roles across Asia and the U.S. She breaks down how module-level power electronics (MLPE) improve safety, flexibility, and performance in residential, C&I, and utility-scale solar and why MLPE is becoming foundational as solar converges with storage, software, and grid services. The conversation also dives into rapid shutdown requirements, AI-powered monitoring, and how predictive analytics can reduce O&M costs while improving system reliability. Jing closes with thoughtful advice for emerging leaders, women in clean energy, and anyone navigating the “solar coaster.” Notable Takeaways * MLPE enables safer, smarter, and more flexible solar system design * Small performance gains at the module level can create massive impact at scale * AI-driven monitoring turns raw data into actionable insights * Innovation must solve real customer pain points, not just advance technology * Strong leadership requires adaptability, clear communication, and cultural awareness   Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla's Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm's renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Jing Tian CHIEF GROWTH AND REVENUE OFFICER Jing is responsible for leading Tigo's strategic growth initiatives, driving revenue generation, and scaling the business worldwide. Jing has a 25+ years of proven track record of technical and business success at companies like Credence, Solfocus, Shift Energy, and Trina Solar. For the past decades, she has focused on the profitable growth of equipment manufacturers across the solar ecosystem as well as solar project financing and development. While serving as Head of Global Marketing and President of Trina Solar USA, she launched the TrinaSmart Module in collaboration with Tigo. Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com Website: https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com/       Jing Tian      Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jing-tian/     Tigo Energy:  https://www.tigoenergy.com/        Please provide 5 star reviews      If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share the Solar Maverick Podcast so more people can learn how to accelerate the clean energy transition.    Reneu Energy Reneu Energy provides expert consulting across solar and storage project development, financing, energy strategy, and environmental commodities. Our team helps clients originate, structure, and execute opportunities in community solar, C&I, utility-scale, and renewable energy credit markets. Email us at info@reneuenergy.com to learn more.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Unexpected Stardom: A Night of Joy at Wutuobang Festival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-30-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 寒冷的冬夜，乌托邦社会文化节上，灯火辉煌，空气中弥漫着烧烤和糖炒栗子的香气，人头攒动，大家都在期待新的一年。En: On the cold winter night at the Wutuobang Cultural Festival, lights were bright, and the air was filled with the aromas of barbecue and candied chestnuts.Zh: 明和静手挽着手，一边欣赏热闹的表演，一边讨论今晚的计划。En: The place was crowded, with everyone looking forward to the new year.Zh: “明，我希望今晚能平静一点，不要再惹麻烦了，”静小声嘟囔。En: Ming and Jing walked hand in hand, enjoying the lively performances as they discussed their plans for the evening.Zh: “放心吧！En: "Ming, I hope tonight can be a bit calmer, without any more trouble," Jing mumbled softly.Zh: 今天是个特殊的夜晚，我保证会让你难以忘怀。En: "Don't worry!Zh: ”明兴奋地说。En: Tonight is a special night, and I promise it will be unforgettable for you," Ming said excitedly.Zh: 他眼中闪烁着冒险的光芒，迫不及待地想要行动。En: His eyes sparkled with a sense of adventure, eager to take action.Zh: 走着走着，他们发现了一条小路，似乎被节日的热闹遮掩了。En: As they walked, they discovered a small path that seemed to be hidden by the festival's bustle.Zh: 好奇心驱使下，他们走了进去，却不知不觉中进入了一个只有表演者才能进入的区。En: Driven by curiosity, they entered, unwittingly stepping into an area meant only for performers.Zh: 那里灯光璀璨，音乐节奏欢快。En: The place was dazzling with lights and lively music.Zh: 忙忙碌碌的人群没有注意到他们的存在。En: The busy crowd didn't notice their presence.Zh: “明，你确定我们能待在这里吗？En: "Ming, are you sure we can be here?"Zh: ”静拉着明的袖子，显得有些担心。En: Jing tugged on Ming's sleeve, appearing a bit worried.Zh: 就在这时，一位组织者误认为他们是下一个节目表演者，催促他们快些准备。En: At that moment, an organizer mistakenly thought they were the next performers and urged them to prepare quickly.Zh: 明犹豫了一秒，乘机拉着静上了舞台。En: Ming hesitated for a second, then seized the opportunity to lead Jing onto the stage.Zh: 他心想，这是一个实现梦想的好机会。En: He thought this was a perfect chance to fulfill his dream.Zh: “明！En: "Ming!Zh: 你在做什么？En: What are you doing?"Zh: ”静急切地低声说道。En: Jing urgently whispered.Zh: “跟着我，静。En: "Follow me, Jing.Zh: 这是个挑战，也是我们的机会。En: It's a challenge and our opportunity," Ming said, showing a determined look of adventure in his eyes.Zh: ”明眼中透露出冒险的决心。En: On stage, Ming and Jing began an impromptu performance.Zh: 舞台上，明和静开始即兴表演。En: Ming cleared his throat and started singing an old song familiar to everyone in the crowd.Zh: 明先清了清嗓子，然后开始唱一首大家耳熟能详的老歌。En: Although his pitch was somewhat off, it brought about laughter and applause.Zh: 虽然音调有些不准，却掀起了全场的笑声和掌声。En: Jing gradually relaxed and began to join in with a dance.Zh: 静慢慢放松下来，开始加入舞蹈，她的动作灵动优美，和明的歌声相得益彰。En: Her movements were graceful and complemented Ming's singing perfectly.Zh: 观众的欢呼和掌声让他们忘却了初来的紧张和不安。En: The cheers and applause from the audience helped them forget their initial nervousness and unease.Zh: 满怀信心，他们完成了整场表演，彼此对视，两人都忍不住笑了。En: Full of confidence, they completed the entire performance, exchanged glances, and both couldn't help but laugh.Zh: 演出结束后，他们悄悄溜下舞台，手心冒汗，心跳加速，但脸上都挂着灿烂的笑容。En: After their performance, they quietly slipped off stage, palms sweaty and hearts racing, but with bright smiles on their faces.Zh: 没人看出破绽，明和静的意外表演带给观众一场欢乐的盛宴。En: No one noticed the mistake, and Ming and Jing's unexpected performance had brought the audience a feast of joy.Zh: 节日的最后一声钟响，代表新的一年已经到来。En: The final bell of the festival rang, marking the arrival of the new year.Zh: 明感到无比自信，他的心愿实现了，而静也发现，偶尔的冒险并不那么糟糕。En: Ming felt incredibly confident, his wish fulfilled, and Jing realized that an occasional adventure wasn't so bad.Zh: 两人携手离开，走进新年的夜空下，畅谈着刚刚过去的奇妙时刻。En: Hand in hand, the two stepped into the new year's night, chatting about the wonderful moments they had just experienced. Vocabulary Words:aromas: 香气barbecue: 烧烤chestnuts: 栗子lively: 热闹的adventure: 冒险bustle: 热闹unwittingly: 不知不觉中performers: 表演者dazzling: 璀璨nervousness: 紧张hesitated: 犹豫opportunity: 机会impromptu: 即兴complimented: 相得益彰applause: 掌声confidence: 信心unforgettable: 难以忘怀tugged: 拉着curiosity: 好奇心glances: 对视feast: 盛宴illumination: 灯火辉煌expressions: 表情spectator: 观众serenity: 平静mistakenly: 误认为graceful: 优美arrival: 到来fulfilled: 实现driven: 驱使下

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: A Spice-Filled Quest: Finding Love and Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-27-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 伊斯坦布尔的冬天，空气中弥漫着香料的芬芳。En: Yisitanbul's winter is filled with the fragrance of spices in the air.Zh: 盛大的集市灯火通明，五颜六色的灯串在空中摇曳，迎接新年的到来。En: The grand market is brightly lit, with colorful strings of lights swaying in the air, welcoming the arrival of the New Year.Zh: 若菲、莲和景正在这座繁华的市场中漫步，寻找属于自己的故事。En: Ruofei, Lian, and Jing are strolling through this bustling market, searching for their own stories.Zh: 在一个香料摊位前，若菲驻足。En: Ruofei stopped in front of a spice stall.Zh: 辛辣的胡椒、香甜的桂皮、浓郁的肉豆蔻，所有香味混杂在一起，令她沉醉。En: The spicy hujiao, sweet guipi, and the rich aroma of roudoukou were all mixed together, mesmerizing her.Zh: 景在一旁微笑，鼓励她问摊主更多。En: Jing smiled beside her, encouraging her to ask the stall owner more.Zh: 负责摊位的青年叫莲，他的眼中尽是热情与温暖。En: The young man in charge of the stall was named Lian, and his eyes were full of passion and warmth.Zh: 莲微微点头，向若菲介绍摊上的各种香料。En: Lian nodded slightly and introduced the various spices on the stall to Ruofei.Zh: 他喜欢这种交流，但他常常觉得自己被困在这个摊位、这个市场、这个城市。En: He loved this kind of interaction, but he often felt trapped at this stall, in this market, in this city.Zh: 若菲好奇地倾听，脑海中飞速构思着新书的内容。En: Curiously, Ruofei listened, her mind racing with new book ideas.Zh: 莲讲述着家族的香料故事，听得若菲入神。En: Lian talked about his family's spice stories, capturing Ruofei's attention.Zh: 尽管二人不同文化背景，二人却在香料的世界中找到了共鸣。En: Although they came from different cultural backgrounds, they found resonance in the world of spices.Zh: 交流中，莲也渐渐被若菲的冒险精神感染，心中开始思索是否该走出这片传统的天地。En: In their exchange, Lian, too, was gradually influenced by Ruofei's adventurous spirit, and he began to ponder whether he should step out of this traditional realm.Zh: 随着假期渐近，若菲意识到自己的旅行时间快结束了。En: As the holidays approached, Ruofei realized her travel time was coming to an end.Zh: 她心中有些不舍，她向莲透露打算延期，并邀请他同行。En: She felt somewhat reluctant and revealed her plan to extend her stay to Lian, inviting him to join her.Zh: 景在一旁附和，鼓励莲走出舒适圈。En: Jing chimed in, encouraging Lian to step out of his comfort zone.Zh: 新年夜，当全城的人集聚在博斯普鲁斯海峡沿岸，烟花璀璨的时刻，若菲和莲一起观赏。En: On New Year's Eve, when the whole city gathered along the Bosipulusi Haixia, at the moment when the fireworks lit up the sky, Ruofei and Lian watched together.Zh: 若菲对未来依旧有些不确定，但她知道心中多了一份期待。En: Though Ruofei was still somewhat uncertain about the future, she knew she had a newfound sense of anticipation.Zh: 莲鼓起勇气表达了对生活的渴望，他想和若菲一路前行，共同探寻这个精彩的世界。En: Lian summoned the courage to express his yearning for life, wanting to journey with Ruofei to explore this wonderful world together.Zh: 最后，若菲与莲决定跟随内心，勇敢迎接不确定的未来。En: In the end, Ruofei and Lian decided to follow their hearts, bravely embracing an uncertain future.Zh: 若菲感受到了一种归属感，找到了灵感的源泉。En: Ruofei felt a sense of belonging and found a source of inspiration.Zh: 而莲则第一次感觉到自己真正找到了人生的新方向。En: Meanwhile, Lian felt, for the first time, that he had truly discovered a new direction in life.Zh: 在这辉煌的烟花下，他们牵手微笑，向新的一年和未来出发。En: Under the splendor of the fireworks, they held hands and smiled, embarking on a journey toward the new year and the future. Vocabulary Words:fragrance: 芬芳bustling: 繁华mesmerizing: 沉醉stall: 摊位spicy: 辛辣hujiao: 胡椒guipi: 桂皮roudoukou: 肉豆蔻mesmerizing: 沉醉curiously: 好奇地interaction: 交流adventurous: 冒险ponder: 思索reluctant: 不舍comfort zone: 舒适圈summoned: 鼓起yearning: 渴望embracing: 迎接anticipation: 期待splendor: 辉煌inspiration: 灵感journey: 征程explore: 探寻traditional: 传统strolling: 漫步resonance: 共鸣gathered: 集聚newfound: 新的desire: 渴望passion: 热情

There's plenty of festive energy left with Stuart Maconie and guests in the Loose Ends twixtmas studio:Taskmaster champion Maisie Adams tells us how she got in touch with her previously hidden competition-demon on the show, her highly-flammable competition outfit and that nailbiting finish, as well as revving up for a new tour in 2026. ITV's hit drama Red Eye is back for a second season on New Year's Day and its star Jing Lusi tells us about reprising her role as the kickboxing DI Hanna Li. She thinks DI Li would not approve of her penchant for Romcoms and fitness avoidance. And Radio 3's Elizabeth Alker outlines how rock and pop musicians from The Beatles to Radiohead to Manic Street Preachers owe a debt to classical music with tales from her new book Everything We Do Is Music. She also has tales of her rockstar Yorkshire terrier Terry who rules the roost at her house in December and well, all year round really.Plus inspiring music for the turning of the year from Thea Gilmore and from Carly Mercedes Dyer singing You Are My Lucky Star from the musical Singing in the Rain.Producer: Olive Clancy Assistant producer: Sam Nixon Technical producers: John Cole & John Benton Production coordinator: Pete Liggins

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Winter Rendezvous: Love Blossoms at the Temple of Heaven Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-17-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬季的北京，空气清新而寒冷。En: In winter, Beijing is fresh and cold.Zh: 整座城市准备迎接春节的到来。En: The entire city is preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival.Zh: 而在天坛，李伟心跳如鼓。En: Meanwhile, at the Temple of Heaven, Li Wei's heart was pounding like a drum.Zh: 他和静的第一次约会就在这里。En: His first date with Jing was taking place here.Zh: 李伟是一个年轻的艺术家，他热爱传统的中国文化。En: Li Wei is a young artist passionate about traditional Chinese culture.Zh: 今天，他希望能给静留下一个好的印象。En: Today, he hopes to leave a good impression on Jing.Zh: 天坛的冬景美丽而庄严，李伟几乎能感受到历史的呼吸。En: The winter scenery of the Temple of Heaven is beautiful and solemn, and Li Wei can almost feel the breath of history.Zh: 静是一个热爱历史的人，她的好奇心让她对每一个细节都充满兴趣。En: Jing is a history enthusiast, and her curiosity fills her with interest in every detail.Zh: 杨明，李伟和静的共同朋友，是这次约会的牵线人。En: Yang Ming, a mutual friend of Li Wei and Jing, was the matchmaker for this date.Zh: 他知道李伟对静的仰慕已久。En: He knew that Li Wei had admired Jing for a long time.Zh: 三人走在天坛的石板路上，寒风轻轻吹过。En: The three of them walked on the stone-paved path of the Temple of Heaven, with a light cold wind blowing by.Zh: 静愉快地聊起了天坛的历史，“你们知道吗？祈年殿是皇帝向天神祈求丰收的地方。”En: Jing happily started talking about the history of the Temple of Heaven, “Did you know? The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is where the emperor prayed to the heavenly gods for a good harvest.”Zh: 她的讲话充满了热情，李伟感觉到一丝紧张，但他也被静的活力所吸引。En: Her speech was full of enthusiasm, and Li Wei felt a bit nervous, yet he was also attracted to her energy.Zh: 李伟知道，他需要克服自己的紧张，找到两人之间的共同兴趣。En: Li Wei knew he needed to overcome his nervousness and find common interests between them.Zh: 他想为了这次约会展示他的艺术作品。En: He wanted to showcase his artwork for this date.Zh: 终于，在一个宁静的角落，李伟鼓起勇气，拿出随身携带的素描本。En: Finally, in a tranquil corner, Li Wei mustered the courage to take out his sketchbook.Zh: “这是我画的祈年殿。”他小心翼翼地递给静。En: “This is my drawing of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests,” he cautiously handed it to Jing.Zh: 静接过素描本，眼中露出惊讶与欣赏的神情。En: She took the sketchbook, her eyes showing surprise and appreciation.Zh: “这是你画的？太美了！”她的称赞让李伟感到一种从未有过的自信。En: “Did you draw this? It's so beautiful!” Her compliment gave Li Wei a newfound sense of confidence.Zh: 两人继续在天坛中探索，分享着彼此对艺术和历史的看法。En: They continued exploring the Temple of Heaven, sharing their views on art and history.Zh: 随着谈话的深入，李伟发现静对他的艺术和传统文化有着极大的兴趣。En: As the conversation deepened, Li Wei discovered that Jing had a great interest in his art and traditional culture.Zh: 他不再觉得紧张，反而更想展示他的更多作品。En: He no longer felt nervous and was instead eager to showcase more of his work.Zh: 傍晚时分，太阳渐渐落下，晚霞染红了天坛的天空。En: By dusk, the sun gradually set, painting the sky over the Temple of Heaven with a red glow.Zh: 静微笑着对李伟说：“谢谢你，今天非常愉快。我很期待下次我们的见面。”En: Jing smiled at Li Wei and said, “Thank you, today was very pleasant. I look forward to our next meeting.”Zh: 李伟的内心温暖如春，他知道他在今天不仅赢得了静的赞赏，也在内心深处找到了一种新的自信。En: Li Wei's heart was warm as spring, knowing that today he not only gained Jing's admiration but also found a new type of confidence within himself.Zh: 两人离开天坛，一同走向前方的夜晚，而他们的友情在这次约会中开始了新的篇章。En: They left the Temple of Heaven together, walking toward the night ahead, with their friendship starting a new chapter from this date. Vocabulary Words:fresh: 清新upcoming: 即将到来pounding: 心跳如鼓matchmaker: 牵线人triumph: 胜利tranquil: 宁静courage: 勇气sketchbook: 素描本admire: 仰慕overcome: 克服mutual: 共同solemn: 庄严impression: 印象curiosity: 好奇心enthusiasm: 热情confidence: 自信dusk: 傍晚时分admiration: 赞赏explore: 探索red glow: 晚霞friendship: 友情breath: 呼吸passionate: 热爱eager: 渴望corner: 角落nervous: 紧张views: 看法traditional: 传统exploring: 探索

In this insightful episode of The Conscious Fertility and Beyond Podcast, Dr. Lorne Brown is joined by his colleagues from Acubalance, Dr. Kali MacIsaac Francis and Dr. Ashley Damm, to demystify perimenopause and menopause. Together they unpack the hormonal fluctuations behind symptoms like brain fog, sleep changes, and mood shifts—and explain why resilience and lifestyle foundations are key to thriving through midlife. From hormone therapy to nutrition and mindset, this conversation offers both science and compassion for women navigating this natural transition. Key takeaways:Perimenopause starts earlier than most think: Symptoms can appear up to 10 years before menopause and vary widely between women.Lab tests don't tell the full story: Hormone levels fluctuate too much for a single blood test to define perimenopause—symptoms matter more.Resilience is the real root: It's not just declining hormones, but our body's adaptability—sleep, stress, diet, and emotional regulation—that determine how we feel.Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) is safe and effective when used correctly: The original fears from early studies were largely due to outdated synthetic hormones and misinterpreted data.Lifestyle medicine is foundational: Building muscle, improving sleep, balancing blood sugar, and nourishing the adrenals are non-negotiables for long-term vitality. But here's the secret: you're not broken. You're becoming.Menopause isn't a disease to be treated — it's a transformation to be supported. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we don't see menopause as the end of something. We see it as a rebirth — a powerful shift in Jing, Qi, and Shen — that can bring wisdom, vitality, and even deeper connection to yourself.And yes, it's possible to feel like yourself again (maybe even better). Here's how to survive — and thrive — during menopause.The Menopause Current is where transition becomes transformation. Because when women come together, healing happens: https://acubalance.ca/the-menopause-current/More links: https://acubalance.ca/acubalance-longevity-diet-basic-principles-and-recipes/How to Thrive During Menopause Naturally: A Holistic Guide to Balance, Energy & EaseYou Are Not Losing It — Just Changing: Understanding Perimenopause - Acubalance Wellness CentreLow Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Menopause Relief in Vancouver | AcubalanceSay Goodbye to Hot Flashes: Natural Solutions for Hormonal Balance - Acubalance Wellness Centre

It's that time of year again! Every Monday there will be a new extended mix of nonstop holiday songs you've probably never heard before.  This one is made to be enjoyed by all ages.  Ship Thieves - Who Put the Gum in Santa's Whiskers Me First & the Gimme Gimmes - Santa Baby The Pretty Reckless - Where Are You Christmas   The Dollyrots - Christmas Time with You   Flesh For Lulu - Decline & Fall   Oversoon - No Time for Christmas   Jessica Vosk - Santa Tell Me   Finom - Jing-a-Ling, Jing-a-Ling   Kyle Cox - Santa Won't You Listen to Me   Lou Rawls - Good Time Christmas   Michelle David & the Truetones - What Christmas Means to Me   Yemi Alade- Christmas O   Teacher Peter & Everett Green - Christmas on Island Time   Lake Street Dive - I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas   Traitors - Lonely This Christmas   Backyard Superheroes - This Christmas   Mad Caddies - I'm Going Surfing for Christmas   Albert King - Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin   VULFPECK - Santa Baby   Brye - Date You for Christmas   Natalie jane - Christmas Ain't Got Nothing on You   Kylie Cantrall - Red Christmas   RaeLynn - Jingle Jangle Rock   Lainey Wilson - Christmas Cookies   Dan + Shay - The Cozy Song   Stella Cole - That's What I Want for Christmas   Ben Barnes - Wrapped Up in You   Colony House - Y.O.U.   BITTERS - Christmas Time (Me, Myself, &I)   Jagger Holly - All Alone on Christmas   Vista Blue - I Made My Family Disappear   Boo - Silent Night   Shonen Knife - Sweet Christmas   Patsy Raye & the Beatniks - Beatnik's Wish   Cix Bits - Season's Greetings   Jack's Mannequin - The Lights & Buzz

What if the wisdom you're searching for is already moving beneath the surface, like a river under winter ice?In this episode, Elizabeth Mintun explores the water element and the season of winter according to ancient Chinese medicine. She explores how winter can be a time of gestation, why your body may crave more rest right now, and offers micro practices to slow down during this holiday season. Elizabeth also shares a beautiful winter folktale that illustrates how clarity rises not from striving but from stillness. Key TakeawaysWinter is the season of stillness, depth, intuition, and energetic conservation.Emotional depth - including grief - can surface in winter; this is normal and meaningful.Rest is not optional; it's protective of your Jing (core energy reserves).Wisdom often rises when we stop striving and allow quiet to do its work.Resources Learn more about 1:1 Coaching with Elizabeth Mintun here. Contact Elizabeth: elizabethmintun@thecalmingground.comSubscribe to The Calming Ground Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you loved this conversation, please share it with a friend!

Welcome back to the studio.  This is My Day of Play, where you're taken into the real events and actions of how it happens long before the process of editing or cleaning up.  The original purpose of these episodes was to give my broadcasting students something to edit, to practice with and to call their own.  Then I realized that you are just as important.  Share the reality of how it really went.  We begin things with Dara Gottfried, widow of the legendary actor comedian Gilbert Gottfried.  Living and creating with one of the most brilliant funny people on the planet.  Then we're going all out anime with Jacki Jing from Crunchyroll, the place to be for all things global and universal anime.  And we'll wrap things up Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair who went to town on the research and discovery which is featured in the book McCartney Legacy, Vol 2 This is My Day of Play.  Completely unedited in the way of meeting the wizard behind the curtain.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Send us a text & leave your email address if you want a reply!Breaking the Silence: The Truth About Painful Sex That Almost No One Is Talking About. Are you one of the 20-30% of women experiencing painful penetration, feeling like your body is betraying you while the world stays silent about sexual wellness? Painful sex affects up to 35% of women worldwide at some point in their lives, yet most suffer in silence. Whether you've been diagnosed with vaginismus, dyspareunia, or genito-pelvic pain penetration disorder, you're not alone—and more importantly, you're not broken. In this episode of Sex Reimagined, tantric experts Leah Piper and Dr. Willow Brown expose the truth about painful sex that medical professionals rarely discuss. They reveal why traditional diagnoses often miss the mark and share revolutionary somatic therapy techniques that are transforming women's sexual wellness around the globe.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSThe Permission That Changes Everything: "Something bad didn't have to happen to you in order for this to occur"—Leah dismantles the myth that sexual trauma is required for painful penetration, offering relief to countless women blaming themselvesAncient Wisdom: Dr. Willow shares the profound Taoist teaching that sexual essence (Jing) and your true self are the same word—reframing sexuality from shame to sacred life force energyThe Pain-Pleasure Connection: Discover the neuroscience breakthrough that pain and pleasure activate the same brain receptors, meaning your greatest challenge could become your pathway to earth-shattering orgasmsPartner Communication Magic: Get the exact scripts that work—"I really like what you're doing and I want to feel it even more, so if you could slow down to half speed, I probably could feel it even more"—language that heals instead of hurtsThe Somatic Breakthrough Technique: Learn the step-by-step breath and sound method to move trauma out of tissues—breathe the "block" up to your throat, give it a voice, and vibrate it out of your body for real, lasting healingLINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEBSITE, CLICK HERELAST 10x LONGER. If you suffer from premature ejaculation, you are not alone, master 5 techniques to cure this stressful & embarrassing issue once and for all. Save 20% Coupon: PODCAST20. THE VAGINAL ORGASM MASTERCLASS. Discover how to activate the female Gspot, clitoris, & cervical orgasms. Save 20% Coupon: PODCAST 20Support the show FREEBIE- Introduction to Tantric Kissing Video and Workbook SxR Website Dr. Willow's Website Leah's Website

In this episode, Nama and Evan are joined by Tony Jing, the founder and president of the Contemporary International Relations Association at UW-Madison, a new student organization that encourages discussion on international relations from diverse perspectives, provides flexible research opportunities, and connects students with UW professors & professionals.

We're looking back at our favourite moments from 2025, including John Kennedy Jr reflecting on the 1989 Grand Final where his Hawks defeated Billy's Cats. Greg Rust calls in to preview the Brazil F1 GP and talk about the legacy of Supercars Team Owner Garry Rogers, then we look back at Billy and Lehmo in the IKON Park commentary box - featuring a big red button. We look at JB's 2025 highlights, and we ask you if you've lost more Grand Finals than Billy. Billy gets you across all the sporting events you should know about this weekend, then we flash back to our interview with two Japanese Sumo Wrestlers. It's the final Fat's On Fire Quiz for 2025 - can Billy and the team nail all 20 questions? Then we look at all the times Billy has called JB the wrong name, we hear Billy's 1-on-1 interview with Shaquille O'Neale, and we finish with a fruity joke. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to raise your testosterone naturally—and keep it high for life—you have to rebuild your Jing, your core physical essence. This isn't about popping pills or chasing short-term fixes. It's about changing how you think, how you use your energy, and how you live.In this video, I break down the real foundation of male vitality from a Taoist and biological perspective:• What Jing actually is and how it fuels testosterone• How modern habits drain your sexual energy and hormones• The connection between overthinking, emotional reactivity, and low T• Simple, powerful ways to rebuild your Jing and reignite your masculine driveForget “biohacks.” This is about rebuilding your body's engine—the source of your power, confidence, and presence.Get my FREE Ebook - 3 Techniques for Legendary Ejaculation Control:

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Science Spark: Xiaoli's Triumph in Teamwork and Innovation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-11-02-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在金色的秋天，阳光透过科学博物馆的大玻璃窗洒在地板上，给人一种暖意。En: In the golden autumn, sunlight spilled onto the floor through the large glass windows of the Kexue Bowuguan (Science Museum), giving a sense of warmth.Zh: 小丽正在为新科学博览会筹备一个特别的展览。En: Xiaoli was preparing a special exhibition for the new science fair.Zh: 她是一位充满好奇心且敬业的博物馆策展人，一心想让科学变得有趣、易懂。En: She was a curious and dedicated museum curator with a passion for making science interesting and understandable.Zh: 小丽面对很多问题。En: Xiaoli faced many challenges.Zh: 首先，展览设备出了技术故障。En: Firstly, the exhibition equipment was experiencing technical faults.Zh: 其次，预算很紧张，她必须在有限的资源中创作出彩的展示。En: Secondly, the budget was tight, and she had to create impressive displays with limited resources.Zh: 为了克服这些挑战，小丽决定邀请梅和静的帮助。En: To overcome these challenges, Xiaoli decided to invite Mei and Jing to help.Zh: 梅是互动展览的专家，静则是本地的艺术家，擅长制作醒目的展品。En: Mei is an expert in interactive exhibits, and Jing is a local artist skilled in creating eye-catching displays.Zh: 他们一起工作，日夜不休。En: They worked together, tirelessly, day and night.Zh: 梅处理技术问题，确保所有的互动设备正常运转。En: Mei handled the technical problems, ensuring that all interactive equipment operated smoothly.Zh: 静则用她的艺术天赋，把简单的材料变成吸引人的视觉效果。En: Jing used her artistic skills to transform simple materials into captivating visuals.Zh: 经过几天不眠不休的努力，他们终于准备好了。En: After days of sleepless efforts, they were finally ready.Zh: 科学博览会的开放日到了，博物馆里人来人往。En: The opening day of the science fair arrived, and the museum was bustling with people.Zh: 孩子们满脸好奇地穿梭在各个展台之间。En: Children wandered through the different exhibits with curiosity.Zh: 一切看起来都很顺利，小丽暗自松了一口气。En: Everything seemed to be going smoothly, and Xiaoli breathed a sigh of relief.Zh: 然而，就在这个时候，主要的展品突然发生故障。En: However, just then, the main exhibit suddenly malfunctioned.Zh: 心急如焚的小丽迅速思考对策。En: Anxious, Xiaoli quickly brainstormed solutions.Zh: 没有时间犹豫，小丽立刻召集梅和静。En: Without hesitating, Xiaoli immediately gathered Mei and Jing.Zh: 在大家的努力之下，他们用另一件作品替代了故障设备。En: With everyone's efforts, they replaced the faulty equipment with another piece.Zh: 尽管不是原计划中的展品，却依然引起了参观者的兴趣，尤其是孩子们，他们充满惊喜地观察这个替代展品。En: Although it wasn't part of the original plan, it still captured the visitors' interest, especially the children who observed the substitute exhibit with delight.Zh: 最终，展览获得巨大成功，吸引许多人参观。En: In the end, the exhibition was a huge success, attracting many visitors.Zh: 小丽受到大家的一致好评。En: Xiaoli received unanimous praise.Zh: 她意识到，原来他人的帮助可以如此重要，也体会到团队合作的力量。En: She realized how crucial the help of others can be and also experienced the power of teamwork.Zh: 小丽在心里决定，以后她要更加开放地接受不同的观点与创意，继续为科学传播贡献她的力量。En: Xiaoli decided in her heart to be more open to different perspectives and ideas in the future, continuing to contribute her strength to the promotion of science. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋天sunlight: 阳光curator: 策展人exhibition: 展览challenges: 问题equipment: 设备faults: 故障budget: 预算resources: 资源interactive: 互动displays: 展示artistic: 艺术captivating: 吸引人的visuals: 视觉效果bustling: 人来人往wandered: 穿梭sigh of relief: 松了一口气brainstormed: 思考对策malfunctioned: 发生故障hesitating: 犹豫substitute: 替代delight: 惊喜unanimous: 一致crucial: 重要perspectives: 观点experience: 体会promotion: 传播dedicated: 敬业understandable: 易懂tirelessly: 不休

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Gamble of Trust: A Mystical Night at the Poker Table Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-10-31-22-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 秋天的夜晚，灯火辉煌的赌场中，气氛紧张而神秘。En: On an autumn night, within the brightly lit duchang, the atmosphere was tense and mysterious.Zh: 一排排南瓜灯在黑暗中微微闪烁，秋季的落叶香味于空气中若隐若现。En: Rows of jack-o'-lanterns flickered faintly in the darkness, and the scent of autumn leaves lingered in the air.Zh: 李威坐在一张圆桌旁，身着侦探装的他，低调而深沉。En: Li Wei sat at a round table, dressed as a detective, low-key and profound.Zh: 他必须赢得这场高风险的扑克比赛，来帮助一个深陷债务的朋友。En: He had to win this high-stakes poker game to help a friend who was deep in debt.Zh: 他的对手中，有一位特别引人注目的人——景。En: Among his opponents, there was one particularly intriguing person—Jing.Zh: 景穿着1920年代的经典纳西头女郎装，神秘而迷人。En: Jing was dressed as a classic 1920 niandai Naxi tou nulang from the 1920s, mysterious and enchanting.Zh: 每一次她出牌，目光都坚定而自信，让李威不禁对她产生了好奇与警惕。En: Every time she played a card, her eyes were firm and confident, causing Li Wei to feel both curious and wary of her.Zh: “今晚一定要小心，”李威心想，“但景，让人无法不关注。”En: "Tonight, I must be careful," Li Wei thought, "but Jing is impossible to ignore."Zh: 随着游戏的进行，李威越发发现，自己总是分神去注意景的动向。En: As the game progressed, Li Wei increasingly found himself distracted by Jing's moves.Zh: 他知道，这种心不在焉可能带来危险。En: He knew this absent-mindedness could be dangerous.Zh: 可每当景微微一笑，李威又忍不住想，她的微笑背后，是否藏着更深的意图。En: Yet, whenever Jing smiled slightly, he couldn't help but wonder if there was a deeper intention behind her smile.Zh: 在紧张对决的间隙，景看向李威，轻声道：“为什么不合作呢？我们可以成为双赢的组合。”En: During a tense break in the duel, Jing looked at Li Wei and softly said, "Why not cooperate? We could form a winning combination."Zh: 李威犹豫片刻，但内心深处，他感受到一种莫名其妙的信任。En: Li Wei hesitated for a moment, but deep inside, he felt an inexplicable trust.Zh: “好吧，”他说，“但如果发现你耍花招，我绝不会留情。”En: "Alright," he said, "but if I find out you're playing tricks, I won't hold back."Zh: 游戏进入最后的白热化阶段。En: The game reached its final, fervent stage.Zh: 他们面临一个艰难的选择：是各自为战，还是联手对抗其余玩家？En: They faced a difficult choice: should they battle individually, or join forces against the other players?Zh: 李威和景对视一眼，决定冒险一搏。En: Li Wei and Jing exchanged a glance and decided to risk everything.Zh: 一个大胆的诈唬，他们将手里的牌桌面朝下，面带自信。En: With a bold bluff, they laid their cards face down on the table, brimming with confidence.Zh: 这一招瞒天过海，最终奇迹般地奏效了。En: This deception succeeded miraculously.Zh: 赢得比赛的欣喜随着一阵秋风而来，带来新的友情与可能性。En: The joy of winning the game came with the autumn breeze, bringing new friendships and possibilities.Zh: 走出赌场时，李威与景并肩而行，秋叶在他们身边舞动。En: As they left the duchang, Li Wei and Jing walked side by side, autumn leaves dancing around them.Zh: 李威意识到，游戏中的合作，不仅仅是为了胜利。En: Li Wei realized that the cooperation in the game was not only for victory.Zh: 某些时候，信任与合作，也可能带来意想不到的温暖。En: Sometimes, trust and cooperation could also bring unexpected warmth.Zh: 他看着身边的景，轻轻说道：“也许，有些风险是值得冒的。”En: He looked at Jing beside him and gently said, "Perhaps, some risks are worth taking."Zh: 景回以微笑。En: Jing returned his smile.Zh: 秋夜静谧，只有两人的心跳在跳动着，诉说着新的开始。En: The autumn night was quiet, with only their heartbeats speaking of a new beginning. Vocabulary Words:duchang: 赌场jack-o'-lantern: 南瓜灯profound: 深沉high-stakes: 高风险intriguing: 引人注目enchanting: 迷人absent-mindedness: 心不在焉deeper: 更深intention: 意图cooperate: 合作hesitated: 犹豫inexplicable: 莫名其妙tricks: 花招fervent: 白热化bold: 大胆bluff: 诈唬brimming: 面带deception: 瞒天过海miraculously: 奇迹般地possibilities: 可能性dancing: 舞动unexpected: 意想不到warmth: 温暖quiet: 静谧heartbeats: 心跳amicable: 和谐glance: 对视risk: 风险stake: 赌注distracted: 分神

Hui Jing's life reads like a TVB drama.Her mum was forced to be the sole provider for the family after her dad landed them in bad debt. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Hui Jing understood the importance of money & joined the work force young - at the below-legal age of 15 - for a mediocre RM4/hour.It wasn't easy.But it kickstarted a series of jobs that saw her go from working as at McDonald's to The Body Shop to becoming a finalist for the Red Bull Female Driver Search in 2009 (they were offering a cash prize) to becoming an insurance agent (where she learned the joys of passive income) to joining a radio station as a road runner and finally…Co-founding one of Malaysia's fastest growing local convenience store chains, Bila-Bila Mart.Which is on track to hit a whooping RM150+ million in revenue & 100 stores by the end of 2025, with an IPO on the horizon!Not bad for a Brickfields girl who was once kidnapped & held ransom due to bad family debts. If there's one thing that clearly stands out about Hui Jing's story, it's this: Taking riskDuring the interview, she spoke of how:“Throwing everything outta the window (i.e. leaving corporate) sounded like an adventure. I wanted that adventure. Because I was just thinking, okay, now I have no commitments. I don't have a family… If I don't do it, if I don't risk it, I don't really see how is the world outside, when am I gonna do it?”That said, life hasn't been without its challenges.Once at a bar, she was told, “Jing, you talk too much as a female. Can you shut up?”And also advised to stop working and to “ask your husband to feed you.”Needless to say, that lit a fire in Hui Jing that led to the founding of Bila-Bila Mart, where she also spoke about:✨ How Dettol saved Bila-Bila Mart (they opened their first physical store during MCO)✨ Their first breakthrough (pivoting from the idea of selling hot food → kedai runcit model)✨ The process for local SMEs getting their items into Bila-Bila Mart✨ Dealing with chauvinistic men who question Jing's very young team✨ Why you are the decision maker of your own fateDon't forget to subscribe for future STIMY episodes!Special thanks to Bila-Bila Mart for sponsoring this episode.

Vi hör ofta att barn är så bra på språk. Ibland kan det kännas omotiverande - “är jag för gammal för att lära mig?”. Men är det verkligen sant att barn lär sig språk bättre än vuxna? Det ska vi prata om i det här avsnittet! --- Transkript Har du tänkt tanken att barn lär sig språk bättre än vuxna? Ja, det är många som tror att barn lär sig språk bättre än vuxna. Är det verkligen sant? Stämmer det verkligen? Det ska vi prata om i det här avsnittet. Välkommen till Simple Swedish Podcast och innan vi börjar så ska jag tacka Jing, Vivian, Mari och Elke för att ni stödjer den här podden genom att bli patrons och gå till patreon.com/swedishlinguist om du vill stödja podden och få transkript till alla avsnitt. Okej, så som sagt, många människor tror att barn lär sig språk bättre, snabbare, mer effektivt än vuxna. Och det kanske kan kännas lite omotiverande. Man kanske tänker att barn är språkgenier, jag kan inte lära mig så bra som ett barn, barn lär sig språk automatiskt bara genom att vara runt det. Så det kanske gör att man blir lite omotiverad, men är det verkligen sant? Okej, så först och främst, hur lär sig barn? och vi pratar kanske specifikt om ens första språk. Så hur lär sig barn sitt första språk? Jo, först och främst, man har ett konstant språkbad 24/7. Alltså, man är i språket hela, hela tiden. Man har sina föräldrar där och de pratar med dig hela tiden, de pratar med dig, de leker med dig, de tar hand om dig, de guidar dig, de är där hela tiden och kommunicerar med dig på det här språket. En annan faktor är att du har bara ett språk, så om du vill ha nånting så måste du använda det språket för att kommunicera. Så du har inget val, du måste prata på det språket för att få det du vill ha. ...för hela transkriptet, klicka här