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

Our White House Correspondent and author of "Kamala, The Motherland and Me," Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, gives us an update on the Trump administration's reaction to the death of Charlie Kirk and offers his take on the former Vice President's scathing criticism of the Biden administration.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

0:00 - Vic's brother Adelio Lombardi joined us LIVE from the Motherland in Italia! His business is located right near Burnham Yard where the new Broncos stadium will be built. Adelio is super on board with the new stadium/redevelopment plan because of how it will improve the neighborhood as a whole.13:12 - Daniel Jones looked like a new man in his first game with the Colts. Will he pose a problem for the ironclad Broncos defense?31:56 - It's a Wednesday at 8:45am, so it's time for another weekly edition of NFL True or False!

In this intimate reflection, Colombian-American producer Tasha Sandoval takes listeners with her as she returns to her native Colombia, after a lifetime of living in the United States, first as a Latina immigrant and then as a US citizen. For a few years, Tasha has had a growing desire: to find out what life would be like if she relocated to the country her parents left, her homeland. And she’s not the only one–Latin American diasporas in the U.S., including many U.S.-born Latinos, are seeking connections to their ancestral homelands. Tasha takes us on her journey as she tries to answer a question: What happens when you are willing to return home? Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S., centering Latino stories and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa. Follow the show to get every episode. Follow us on TikTok and YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Evan B. Matthews is an LA-based director whose feature directorial debut “Motherland” comes out this month, we're recording in September 2025, in both theaters and VOD.Evan got his start under Mark Burnett, working on shows including Survivor, The Apprentice, An Inconvenient Truth, and The Hollow, among others; going on to produce the MTV Movie Awards. Today we get into how Evan went from meeting with an executive to landing his first feature film directing job in just one week, what he focused on during his pitch for this open directing assignment, and how to pivot out of reality-focused projects when pigeonholed and be taken seriously as a narrative director.KEEP UP WITH EVAN:IG: @evanbmatthewsKEEP UP WITH THE SHOW:All Platforms: @NoSetPathShowbio.site/NoSetPath

Welcome back to the Okonjo Radio Station! We are officially back in action. Join Nkem on this episode as she interviews her co-founders of MotherLand. Sit back, relax, listen, understand, unwind and enjoy while being attentive to the pointers and advice she gives. Remember to listen out for the song recommendations in this episode. Remember to put this podcast as your favourite in order to get notifications on new episodes and updates on various activities and events. Send question, requests and comments via email or any other social media platform of your choosing.

Mike reflects on who truly comes out on top from a show like Street Woman Fighter, and closes out this season of the PodKast with his own reflections on another unforgettable chapter in his Motherland.

Does – or did – Nigel Farage have a woman problem? ‘Around me there's always been a perception of a laddish culture,' he tells political editor Tim Shipman, for the cover piece of the Spectator this week. In last year's election, 58 per cent of Reform voters were men. But, Shipman argues, ‘that has begun to change'. According to More in Common, Reform has gained 14% among women, while Labour has lost 12%. ‘Women are ‘more likely than men… to worry that the country is broken.'Many of Reform's most recent victories have been by women: Andrea Jenkyns in the mayoral elections, Sarah Pochin to Parliament; plus, their most recent high profile defections include a former Tory Welsh Assembly member and a former Labour London councillor. What makes Reform's success with women all the more remarkable is that it appears organic; ‘we haven't forced this' says Farage. So why are women turning to Reform UK? Tim Shipman and Sarah Pochin MP join William Moore and Lara Prendergast, the Spectator's features and executive editors respectively, to discuss further, with an introduction from Oscar Edmondson. For more discussions related to articles in the Spectator, search The Edition wherever you listen to your podcasts.Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

First: Nigel Farage is winning over womenDoes – or did – Nigel Farage have a woman problem? ‘Around me there's always been a perception of a laddish culture,' he tells political editor Tim Shipman. In last year's election, 58 per cent of Reform voters were men. But, Shipman argues, ‘that has begun to change'. According to More in Common, Reform has gained 14% among women, while Labour has lost 12%. ‘Women are ‘more likely than men… to worry that the country is broken.'Many of Reform's most recent victories have been by women: Andrea Jenkyns in the mayoral elections, Sarah Pochin to Parliament; plus, there most recent high profile defections include a former Tory Welsh Assembly member and a former Labour London councillor. What makes Reform's success with women all the more remarkable is that it appears organic; ‘we haven't forced this' says Farage.So why are women turning to Reform UK? Tim Shipman and Sarah Pochin MP join the podcast to discuss. Next: is Italy experiencing a renaissance? From Italy, Owen Matthews argues that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has revived her nation. While he says that Italy has been ‘suffering from the same economic malaise' as the rest of Europe, the macroeconomics covers up the true affordability of the country. Espressos cost €1.20, pizzas are no more than €10, and rents in even the swankiest areas are ‘laughably' cheap compared to Britain. Plus, Owen sees none of the ‘media catastrophisation' over issues like immigration, social cohesion and militant Islam that appears to grip the UK. So how has Meloni done it? To discuss, Owen joined the podcast alongside Antonello Guerrera, UK & Westminster correspondent for the Italian newspaper Repubblica.And finally: one in three British adults cannot swimThis week, Iram Ramzan provides her ‘notes on' learning to swim saying, ‘it's humiliating to admit that at 37' she can't. She's not alone though – one third of British adults cannot swim, and the proportion appears to be rising. Iram highlights the disparities between different communities; 76 percent of South Asian women for example cannot swim 25 metres. Iram joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside fitness professional and entrepreneur Elle Linton who also learnt to swim in her thirties.Plus: what small error led Rachel Johnson to get a telling off from Noel Gallagher? And Max Jeffery reports from court, where the Spectator and Douglas Murray have won a defamation claim brought against them by Mohammed Hijab. Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

First: Nigel Farage is winning over womenDoes – or did – Nigel Farage have a woman problem? ‘Around me there's always been a perception of a laddish culture,' he tells political editor Tim Shipman. In last year's election, 58 per cent of Reform voters were men. But, Shipman argues, ‘that has begun to change'. According to More in Common, Reform has gained 14% among women, while Labour has lost 12%. ‘Women are ‘more likely than men… to worry that the country is broken.'Many of Reform's most recent victories have been by women: Andrea Jenkyns in the mayoral elections, Sarah Pochin to Parliament; plus, there most recent high profile defections include a former Tory Welsh Assembly member and a former Labour London councillor. What makes Reform's success with women all the more remarkable is that it appears organic; ‘we haven't forced this' says Farage.So why are women turning to Reform UK? Tim Shipman and Sarah Pochin MP join the podcast to discuss. Next: is Italy experiencing a renaissance? From Italy, Owen Matthews argues that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has revived her nation. While he says that Italy has been ‘suffering from the same economic malaise' as the rest of Europe, the macroeconomics covers up the true affordability of the country. Espressos cost €1.20, pizzas are no more than €10, and rents in even the swankiest areas are ‘laughably' cheap compared to Britain. Plus, Owen sees none of the ‘media catastrophisation' over issues like immigration, social cohesion and militant Islam that appears to grip the UK. So how has Meloni done it? To discuss, Owen joined the podcast alongside Antonello Guerrera, UK & Westminster correspondent for the Italian newspaper Repubblica.And finally: one in three British adults cannot swimThis week, Iram Ramzan provides her ‘notes on' learning to swim saying, ‘it's humiliating to admit that at 37' she can't. She's not alone though – one third of British adults cannot swim, and the proportion appears to be rising. Iram highlights the disparities between different communities; 76 percent of South Asian women for example cannot swim 25 metres. Iram joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside fitness professional and entrepreneur Elle Linton who also learnt to swim in her thirties.Plus: what small error led Rachel Johnson to get a telling off from Noel Gallagher? And Max Jeffery reports from court, where the Spectator and Douglas Murray have won a defamation claim brought against them by Mohammed Hijab. Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

We're kicking off our Sexy Italian Summer miniseries with J.J. Martin, the California-born, Milan-based founder, Creative Director, and Chief Spiritual Officer of La DoubleJ, the maximalist fashion and lifestyle brand celebrated for its bold vintage prints, spiritual energy, and Italian craftsmanship. JJ is also the author of “Mamma Milano: Lessons from the Motherland.”J.J. joins host Kerry Diamond to share her journey from Harper's Bazaar editor to creative force in Milan, her favorite spots and foods in Italy, the inspiration behind her brand's summer collection, and more. From what she's eating and drinking to how she built her beloved brand, J.J. brings all the color, style, and la dolce vita vibes.Thank you to Nonino and Square for their support. Learn more at square.com/bigTickets for Jubilee L.A.Join the Summer Tastemaker Tour waitlistSubscribe to Cherry Bombe's print magazineMore on JJ: Instagram, La DoubleJ, Sisterhood, healer book, “Mamma Milano” bookMore on Kerry: InstagramPast episodes and transcripts

Join us as we sit down with director Evan Matthews to explore the making of his provocative new feature, Motherland. Set in a chilling dystopian world where the state raises children and personal choice is forbidden, Motherland asks: what does it truly mean to be a parent? Evan shares his journey—from daring sci-fi shorts to guiding powerful performances, navigating indie challenges, and collaborating with his exceptional cast. Whether you're a film buff, a parent, or passionate about storytelling, this candid chat touches on themes of autonomy, love, rebellion—and the creative grit that fuels it all.

Motherland writer Helen Serafinowicz on putting Wayne and Coleen Rooney at the heart of her debut play - The Legend of Rooney's Ring - which has just opened at the Royal Court in Liverpool.Literary critic Alex Clark examines the Booker Prize longlist which was announced today.Love Forms by Claire Adam The South by Tash Aw Universality by Natasha Brown One Boat by Jonathan Buckley Flashlight by Susan Choi The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai Audition by Katie Kitamura The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller Endling by Maria Reva Flesh by David Szalay Seascraper by Benjamin Wood Misinterpretation by Ledia XhogaThis month the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford presented the final stage in its £6.8 million redevelopment with the opening of its new Sound and Vision Galleries. The museum's director, Jo Quinton-Tulloch discusses how the redevelopment has changed what the museum now offers.The artist William Kentridge, known for his charcoal drawings, animations, and films, is presenting his first major sculpture show in the UK - The Pull Of Gravity at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Jo Sperryn-Jones, a Fine Art assistant professor and sculptor reviews.Presenter: Nick Ahad Producer: Ekene Akalawu

A rich conversation with filmmaker & poetess Effie Spence about feminine wisdom and the power of recentering matriarchal values. Effie shares her period-stained poetry ‘A Bloody Mess' and docuseries ‘Motherland', which follows her journey to ancestral roots to rediscover herself through the women who came before. We talk tarot, menarche malarkey, cycle syncing, and more. Includes a question for all about how to turn this sadgap.podcast into a practical community of care. (Bonus toward the end, and a big topic: what if the antithesis of patriarchy isn't the smashing we've heard about, but something softer and more intimate instead.)

In this SAFE SPACE episode, Jess sits down with Steph Trethewey to explore what it’s really like to be a rural mum, isolated, without support, and raising a newborn in the middle of nowhere. Former TV journalist Steph left her high-profile career behind to raise a family on a remote Tasmanian farm, but what followed was a brutal mental health spiral into postnatal depression. Cut off from her community, career, and sense of identity, she found herself deeply unravelling, an experience shared by many rural mothers across Australia. In this powerful conversation, Steph shares the unseen toll of rural motherhood, including staggering statistics: over 70% of rural mums say isolation is the hardest part of parenting, and half don’t have access to a mother’s group. This is a must-hear episode about resilience, breaking down, and the strength it takes to ask for help. Is there somebody you'd like to share this episode with? Just tap the 3 dots above ⬆︎ and pass it on LINKS: Out of Steph’s darkness came Motherland, a community for bush mums that has became a lifeline for rural women across Australia. Listen to the Motherland Australia Podcast here If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify CREDITS:Host: Jessica RoweGuest: Steph TretheweyExecutive Producer: Nic McClureAudio Producer: Nat MarshallDigital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last in our DIFF Interview series: we sit down with 'Motherland' director Evan Matthews. Such a rewarding, vulnerable discussion. This film is one that raises so many issues and forces the viewer to ask themselves important questions. Watch this one over and over once it becomes available. Motherland trailer. Support Why Does the Wilhelm Scream Keep in touch and read more at whydoesthewilhelmscream.com on instagram and threads @whydoesthewilhelmpod  Find out more about upcoming Fort Worth Film Club screenings and events at fortworthfilmclub.com and @fortworthfilm Support the next generation of film lovers at reelhousefoundation.org and on facebook reelhousefoundation Artwork by @_mosla_

Jim talks with Thomas Schindler about heliogenic civilization as a vision for a regenerative future. They discuss the current multipolar trap shitshow of global civilization, M3 money supply & GDP growth requirements, the doubling of energy demand, exit to planet as an alternative to traditional business exits, biomimicry & biological approaches to manufacturing, solar energy as a fusion reactor, nature's material production vs human industrial production, construction systems using earth blocks & natural materials, bioregional self-sufficiency, feminine scaling vs traditional growth models, the Oslo Project as an inverse Manhattan Project, deep ecology & Arne Næss's philosophy, governance structures, education systems as symptoms of industry, coordination among farmers in Kenya, project governance & preventing OpenAI syndrome, Bernard Lietaer's alternative currency experiment, biological computing possibilities, solar energy & hydrogen electrolysis, ocean floor mining & environmental impacts, copper vs aluminum for electrical transmission, material constraints on renewable energy transition, and much more. Episode Transcript Thomas Schindler's website In service of Life. | Thomas Schindler's Substack Project MIRACLE Auroville Earth Institute Carbon Crusher Bind-X Thomas is co-founder of delodi.net, a mission-driven software studio and the engine behind the not-for-profit initiatives MOTHERLAND, GITA, IRM, and Project MIRACLE. The throughline of his work lies in reimagining how societies generate value—shifting from extractive models to regenerative, life-centered systems that empower local communities. He's particularly focused on helogenic civilization frameworks, bio-regional material commons, infrastructures of generosity, systemic change methodologies, and the intersections of technology, culture, and ecology. Motivated by the conviction that aligning collective creativity, open protocols, and local agency is essential to address today's ecological and existential challenges, he writes, speaks, convenes and assemblies to catalyze these conversations and collaborations.

Welcome back to a new season of "Motherhood in the Motherland"! Grace shares why starting a new season of the podcast is fitting as she has entered a new season in her life. Head over to Grace's blog www.place-of-grace.comor email Grace at: motherhoodinthemotherland@gmail.com with any questions, comments, and feedback!Music by AudioCoffee (@audiocoffeemusic)

In this episode of our Gloucester History Festival Special Series we speak to Luke Pepera all about his book 'Motherland: 500,000 Years of African Culture and Identity'. Within this two episode Luke corrects misconceptions that we might have about Africa, he tells us about his deep family connection to this history, and his sheds some light on some of African history's most awesome characters!Grab a copy of MotherlandKeep up to date with Luke via his Instagramgrab your tickets for Chalke History Festival hereTo learn more about Chalke and grab tickets head to their website, TikTok, Instagram, X or Facebook!If you want to get in touch with History with Jackson email: jackson@historywithjackson.co.ukTo catch up on everything to do with History with Jackson head to www.HistorywithJackson.co.ukFollow us on Facebook at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on Instagram at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on X/Twitter at @HistorywJacksonFollow us on TikTok at @HistorywithJackson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please hit Subscribe. Click here to see and purchase Jens Book. https://a.co/d/780uCZZ Click here to go to our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/222paranormal Click here to go to our Patreon Page. https://www.patreon.com/222ParanormalPodcast   In this chilling episode of the 222 Paranormal Podcast, we take you deep into the icy forests, shadowy mountains, and ancient towns of Russia—a land rich with supernatural legends, terrifying cryptids, and long-whispered ghost stories. From mysterious creatures lurking in the wilderness to haunted castles that echo with the voices of the past, Russia holds some of the world's most intriguing and spine-tingling paranormal phenomena. Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen Whether you're a fan of true paranormal stories, creepy folklore, or terrifying creatures, this episode is packed with high-strangeness, historical context, and supernatural intrigue. We combine our love for the paranormal with deep research and storytelling, making this journey into Russia's haunted history one of our most fascinating episodes yet. So grab your headphones, turn off the lights, and join us as we venture into a world of cryptids, ghosts, and legends from Russia that will leave you questioning what's real—and what waits in the shadows. Russia's Paranormal Landscape: Where Myths Meet Monsters Russia is known for its vast and remote landscapes—prime territory for unexplained sightings and paranormal activity. In this episode, we explore the most compelling and bone-chilling stories of Russian cryptids, including the elusive Almasty—a creature often compared to Bigfoot, believed to roam the Caucasus Mountains. Is it a relic hominid from prehistoric times? Or something far stranger?   Here's a more detailed look at some Russian cryptids:     Baba Yaga: A powerful and ambiguous figure, Baba Yaga is often depicted as a witch who lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs and can be both helpful and dangerous. Almasty: This creature is similar to Bigfoot or Yeti, with local versions known as Chuchuna in Yakutia. Brosno Monster: Local legends describe this creature as a large, scaly, reptile-like monster inhabiting Lake Brosno. Some accounts even claim it swallowed a German pilot during World War II. Vodyanoy: A malevolent water spirit, the Vodyanoy dwells in bodies of freshwater and is known for drowning people. Rusalka: A female spirit associated with water bodies, sometimes depicted as a mischievous or vengeful figure. Leshy: A forest spirit, the Leshy can be both helpful and harmful, and is often associated with the changing seasons. Kikimora: A female house spirit, the Kikimora's role is often contrasted with the Domovoy (a house spirit). Chort: A mischievous or evil spirit, often depicted as a devil-like creature. Gamayun: A prophetic bird, symbolizing wisdom and knowledge. We also investigate the terrifying tales of the Siberian Snowman, Russia's version of the Yeti. Locals claim to hear inhuman howls echoing through the Siberian taiga, while others report close encounters with towering, hairy creatures moving silently through the snow. Could these cryptids be real, or are they legends passed down to explain the unexplained?   Haunted Places That Will Freeze Your Soul Russia's dark history and turbulent past have created the perfect storm for hauntings. From the grandeur of Kremlin ghosts to forgotten Soviet-era bunkers with eerie energy, we delve into some of the most haunted locations across the country. One of the most infamous is the Tower of Death in St. Petersburg, said to be cursed and haunted by prisoners who perished within its stone walls. Paranormal investigators have recorded unexplained cold spots, disembodied voices, and even shadow figures roaming the ruins at night. We also look into the chilling legend of the House of Soviets in Kaliningrad—a towering concrete structure never completed, often dubbed the “ugliest building in the world.” Many believe it sits atop a cursed Nazi-era bunker, and strange occurrences—power surges, lights flickering, and ghostly apparitions—have plagued the site for decades.   Russian Folklore and Urban Legends: The Stories That Linger No discussion of Russian paranormal topics would be complete without diving into its deep well of folklore. Russia has a unique pantheon of mythological beings, including the terrifying Baba Yaga, a witch-like figure who dwells in a hut that walks on chicken legs. Children are warned to stay away from the woods, lest Baba Yaga lure them into her domain. We also explore urban legends such as the Dyatlov Pass Incident, where nine experienced hikers mysteriously perished in 1959 under suspicious and still-unexplained circumstances. Theories range from alien encounters to government experiments, and the mystery continues to fascinate and terrify to this day. Another lesser-known tale we bring to light is the legend of the Volga Sirens, said to sing haunting melodies near the riverbanks, drawing fishermen to their doom. These mermaid-like entities have roots in ancient Slavic myth but continue to surface in local stories to this day.     Welcome to the 222 Paranormal Podcast, your gateway to the captivating world of the supernatural. Immerse yourself in our expertly crafted episodes, where we delve deep into a wide range of paranormal phenomena, including ghostly hauntings, cryptid sightings, and unexplained mysteries that defy logic. Each episode is meticulously researched and features engaging discussions with leading experts, seasoned ghost hunters, and renowned paranormal investigators. We cover the latest advancements in ghost hunting technology, offer practical tips for both amateur and experienced investigators, and review essential equipment for your paranormal adventures. Our podcast also explores the rich history of haunted locations, sharing true stories and firsthand accounts that will send chills down your spine. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the paranormal or just curious about the unknown, our content is designed to entertain, inform, and ignite your imagination. Stay tuned as we uncover secrets from the most haunted places around the world and analyze the most intriguing supernatural events. We also provide in-depth interviews with notable figures in the field and explore theories that challenge conventional understanding of reality. By subscribing to our Paranormal Podcast, you'll stay updated with the latest episodes, allowing you to join a community of like-minded individuals who share your fascination with the unexplained. Don't miss out on our exclusive content and special features, which bring you closer to the mysteries that lie beyond our everyday experiences. Dive into the world of the unknown with our Paranormal Podcast and experience the thrill of discovering what lies just beyond the veil of reality.

This week, the fellas take you straight to the Motherland — recording live from Ghana! From the emotional walk through Cape Coast Castle to the powerful reality check about your DNA's hidden strength, CJ, Jemal break down what it means to truly know your history.They unpack raw lessons about endurance, perspective, and how your ancestors' survival story is coded in your blood. This episode will challenge you to stop complaining, tap into your generational resilience, and check your circle, because who you build with today shapes your legacy tomorrow.

In today's war diary, Alexander Shelest and Alexey Arestovich discussed the main news on the 1201st day of war:➤ 00:00 Alexander Shelest: broadcast format.➤ 01:50 Poll: when will Ukrainians wake up?➤ 05:50 The war will end when we stop lying to ourselves.➤ 10:50 What is the problem with exchanging the bodies of fallen soldiers?➤ 13:20 The last questions of the war that Ukrainians must find answers to.➤ 15:45 Parade of violence in Ukraine: 90 thousand criminal cases for Troops Unauthorized Leaves. Where is the public discussion on this matter?➤ 22:30 What unites Ukrainians from different cities? Betrayal is indulging the Motherland in its mistakes.➤ 24:40 Who can make the Motherland come to its senses?➤ 26:23 Medinsky's impressions of the meeting in Stambul. Ukrainian heroes — generals and officers — have completely lost to politicians. There is no officer's valor in Ukraine.➤ 33:20 The army is a cross-section of society. Baumeister's example. The focus on dehumanization has turned Ukraine into sh*t.➤ 37:55 Sumy is giving up? The stupidity of a rotten system.➤ 44:25 Zelensky: Trump is to blame. The globalists' plan is revealed.➤ 47:25 What are Zelensky's options for ending the war? Why are Ukrainians fighting for the regime?➤ 50:55 The balance of power: 1 Ukrainian to 10 Russians. Does Russia not have the strength for major breakthroughs? About the organization of human resources in Ukraine.Olexiy Arestovych (Kiev): Advisor to the Office of Ukraine President : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleksiy_ArestovychOfficial channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjWy2g76QZf7QLEwx4cB46gAlexander Shelest - Ukranian journalist. Youtube: @a.shelest   Telegram: https://t.me/shelestlive

All memoirists at some point in the writing process will grapple with what's theirs to tell. This week's show focuses on this all-important topic of permission. When do you need it? Who gives it to you and when and for what purpose? And do you need permission at all—from anyone but yourself? Centered around topics in guest Elissa Altman's latest book, which is titled Permission, this is an empowering, deep-felt, and permission-giving episode—and something all writers, especially memoirists, can use to stay the course and keep going. Elissa Altman is the author of the Permission: The New Memoirist and the Courage to Create and the award-winning author of three memoirs: Motherland; Treyf; and Poor Man's Feast. Altman's work has appeared everywhere from Bitter Southerner and Orion to The Guardian, Narrative, O: The Oprah Magazine, Lion's Roar, Krista Tippett's On Being, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington. She has a popular Substack, Poor Man's Feast, and she's also a James Beard Award-winner for narrative food writing and was a finalist for the 2020 Lambda Literary Award in Memoir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The follow up about the Capt. and Annie went to Kentucky for a getaway for their 25th anniversary. Support the show#heattreatedgarage #fellas #myfriendsarebetterthanyourfriends #ickyvicky #tetanus #scout #htgadventures #socialbutterflymedia #crawleroffroad #podcast #nailedit #trailhated #seasontwo #dontfollowcal #meetnewpeople #ontherocksoffroad #988 #suicideawareness ON THE ROCKS OFFROAD PODCAST https://open.spotify.com/show/5AEPwCe1rbd4miFs0wQUtp?si=4e97f6427877448f..TODAY'S GOOD https://open.spotify.com/show/3JU5bcsX5fBi7NtYMFAjPr?si=67156e61dff34e7cTOTAL OFFROAD PODCAST https://open.spotify.com/show/6LL95sLySeLmCXOInxE8Ft?si=f568d41471b3445e

The Kinjaz Podkast returns for a special bonus season! Join guest host Mike Song as he embarks on a journey to Korea to judge the hit TV show "Street Woman Fighter" and reconnect with his Motherland.

She was the President of the county in the series.  Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus  

Our guest for this episode is Carol Mayes Basuru, a successful professional in the TV and movie industry who decided to give that up and relocate to Ghana. In keeping with the season theme, we explored what it is like for African Americans to resettle in the motherland. Carol talks about the challenges and rewards and why it could be an interesting alternative to living with ongoing racism in the US.

Leaving politics behind him, Sam Houston turned his back on a potential presidential campaign, cut connections with his Native American allies, and made his way to the wild frontier in the sparsely settled Mexican province of Texas. There, his background as a one-time war hero and Governor of Tennessee, led to his selection as "General in Chief" of a rag-tag army of American settlers willing to risk everything to overthrow Mexican rule. Despite a bloody disaster at the Alamo and mass slaughter at Goliad, the Yankee rebels hung together just long enough to confront the Mexican dictator, Santa Ana, who styled himself "The Savior of the Motherland" and "The Napoleon of the West." At San Jacinto, this vainglorious ego-maniac not only managed to lose the battle but found himself captured by Houston who, despite serious wounds in the course of leading his long-suffering troops, won a decisive, seemingly impossible victory. Within a generation, that triumph ended up increasing the land area of the United States by more than a third. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listeners dreams, Motherland, Embarrassing stories on Tik Tok (with a lot of gasping laughing), kitchen utensils, Chat GPT interiors. That's all on the docket for this weeks ep. Enjoy!  Don't forget! The Making An Effort Podcast is a listener supported podcast - BEHIND A PAYWALL! Imagine! If you want access to bonus episodes, community chat, and provide input, we'd love you to consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/makinganeffortpodcast

[EP 25-178] He's doing more for The Motherland than any other president and not a word from black peopleTrump's accomplishments are legendary. Particularly when you understand all that he has been up against.If I were Democrats I'd do exactly what they are doing. Desperation mode. It's like when you find out that you've been dumped by a suitor. And I mean definitively dumped. No more “Baby baby, please!” It's over. Some guys want to KILL the woman for rejecting him. And that's how Democrats feel.I'm not kidding about their emotions. Democrats are that dude who says, “If I can't have you, nobody can!”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-kevin-jackson-show--2896352/support.

It's the last day of DIFF 2025, which means the last bit of Driving While Screaming (at least until the Oak Cliff Film Festival). On tonight's drive back, we talk Motherland, and Barron's Cove. DIFF 2025 was truly fantastic. We'll have extended coverage and interviews coming soon.   Keep in touch and read more at whydoesthewilhelmscream.com on instagram and threads @whydoesthewilhelmpod  Find out more about upcoming Fort Worth Film Club screenings and events at fortworthfilmclub.com and @fortworthfilm Support the next generation of film lovers at reelhousefoundation.org and on facebook reelhousefoundation Artwork by @_mosla_

It's Tuesday, April 29th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Canadians elect liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney to full term Canada's Liberal Party won Monday's national election with voters giving  Mark Carney, a full term as prime minister, according to the national broadcaster CBC/Radio Canada. They chose a seasoned economist and policymaker to guide their country through turbulent times, reports The Epoch Times. The full results should be available early this morning. But the voters' decision sealed a stunning turnaround for the Liberal Party that just months ago seemed all but certain to lose to the Conservative Party, led by career politician Pierre Polievre. Carney has been prime minister since March, when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped down. Going into the election, leftist Mark Carney led conservative Pierre Polievre by a 3.5% margin. Canadians favor abortion and homosexual faux marriage Canada is a progressive nation, progressive towards that which is evil. Sadly, 80% of Canadians favor abortion and 76% favor homosexual faux marriage or legal recognition. Canada is the eighth most pro-homosexual nation in the world, on at least one survey. Arson attacks on Canadian churches have doubled Over the last ten years, arson attacks on Canadian churches have risen from about 35 per year to 75 per year. That's about triple the rate of arson attacks on churches in the United Kingdom and the United States, according to a well-documented report from Macdonald-Laurier.   Unbelievably, only about 4% of the arson attacks are investigated and charged. Russia cozies up with North Korea Russia's relationship with North Korea is more solidified, with the official Russian TASS News Agency confirming yesterday that the nations have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. Russian President Valdimir Putin issued a statement in which he commended North Korean soldiers for what he called “North Korean soldier's heroism, their excellent training, and dedication displayed while fighting, shoulder to shoulder with Russian soldiers, defending our Motherland as their own.” He added that, ”Our North Korean friends' move was guided by a sense of solidarity, justice, and genuine comradery.” North Korea remains the most dangerous country for Christians The Open Doors' World Watch list puts North Korea at the top of the list for the most extreme persecution of Christians in the world. In early 2024, the North Korean government announced stricter regulations and more draconian crackdowns and terrifying persecution of its citizenry. According to official reports, “the authorities publicly executed about 30 middle-school students (early teenagers) for watching a Korean drama on a USB drive. Several teenagers (17 years old) were sentenced to life imprisonment or death for similar reasons in June and July 2024.” Isaiah 10 speaks of these tyrants: “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of My people of their right.  .. What will you do on the day of punishment, in the ruin that will come from afar? … When the Lord has finished all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, He will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes.”  Trump's first 100 days: Southern border secure, economy faltering Today marks President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office. The U.S. Border Patrol encounters with illegal immigrants plunged to 7,000 in March—the lowest number in at least 25 years. By contrast, there were 250,000 illegal border crossings in December 2023.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest rates have doubled since last year, increasing from 310 to about 650 per day. Plus, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the results of Operation Tidal Wave. LEAVITT: “We are in the beginning stages of carrying out the largest deportation campaign in American history. Over this past weekend, it was announced that through Operation Tidal Wave, a joint effort between ICE Miami and Florida law enforcement agencies, nearly 800 illegal aliens were arrested during the first four days alone. “Among those arrested were a Colombian murderer, an alleged MS-13 and 18th Street gang members, and a Russian with a red notice for manslaughter. “And on the other side of the country, in the early Sunday morning hours, DOJ and DHS together launched a joint raid of an illegal alien underground nightclub used by Tren de Aragua in Colorado Springs, Colorado, DHS took more than 100 illegal aliens into custody, and many drugs and weapons were also seized. “Operation Tidal Wave is a preview of what is to come around this country: Large scale operations that employ our state and local enforcement partners to get criminal illegal aliens off our streets.” While our southern border is more secure and we're deporting illegal criminals, the American economy is faltering. Estimates of the first quarter Gross Domestic Product growth rate are coming in anywhere from -0.4% to 0.8%, a sharp decrease from fourth quarter 2024 results of  2.4%. Housing sales down Housing sales are sagging here in the U.S. Supply of existing homes stands at the highest level since 2016, nine years ago. Sales numbers are down to the lowest levels in 14 years. U.S./Chinese trade down American trade with China is taking a hit.  Vizion Global Ocean Bookings Tracker records a 44% decline on trade, year-over-year.  Overall, U.S. imports are down 22%, year-over-year. Abortion Kill Pill 22 times more dangerous than first reported About two-thirds of the officially-recorded abortions in this country are now conducted by the Abortion Kill Pill.   But now comes this -- the “largest-known study of the abortion pill,” conducted by the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Complications with the Abortion Kill Pill are 22 times higher than first reported. Based on extensive research on hundreds of thousands of insurance claims, 10% of women who take the mifepristone kill pill suffer from a serious adverse event, such as an infection or hemorrhage soon afterward. Trinity Evangelical Divinity Seminary caves for survival And finally, a major U.S. evangelical seminary is moving to Canada. Trinity Evangelical Divinity Seminary in Illinois will be joining forces with Trinity Western University in British Columbia. But Trinity Western capitulated to Canada's requirement that students not sign a covenant prohibiting “sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and a woman.” Trinity Divinity School was formed to train ministers for the Evangelical Free Church of America back in 1897. Full time enrollment has dropped from 897 to 402 over the last twenty years. Proverbs 25:26 says, “As a troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring, so is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, April 29th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In this episode of our Gloucester History Festival Special Series we speak to Luke Pepera all about his book 'Motherland: 500,000 Years of African Culture and Identity'. Within this two episode Luke corrects misconceptions that we might have about Africa, he tells us about his deep family connection to this history, and his sheds some light on some of African history's most awesome characters!Grab a copy of Motherland Keep up to date with Luke via his InstagramTo find out more about Gloucester History Festival head to: https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/Or head to @GlosHistFest on Twitter or Instagram for more detailsIf you want to get in touch with History with Jackson email: jackson@historywithjackson.co.ukTo catch up on everything to do with History with Jackson head to www.HistorywithJackson.co.ukFollow us on Facebook at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on Instagram at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on X/Twitter at @HistorywJacksonFollow us on TikTok at @HistorywithJackson Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eunji's back from KOREA and got tales to tell!

Lazy goes back to the Motherland , Mexico. He shares his experience and thoughts on his trip and everything that it entails. We also get into the Tariff war with china and how things are playing out. Mixed with other talk. Listen and share.    Pura Cultura , Sin Censura 

Episode OverviewIn this episode of Spiral Deeper, our host, Gaby Azorsky, speaks with Keely Semler. Together, they dive into her origin story and path to working in the interdisciplinary field of women's reproductive health, judgement in birth, safety, discernment, being a mentor and teacher, her educational course and podcast - Motherlands, and more. Thank you for joining us on this journey of self-discovery and growth! Here is a little more about Keely: Keely's career began with a deep commitment to service, working with a nonprofit that provided medical devices to vulnerable populations in war-torn regions. In her early twenties, Keely traveled to remote parts of Africa and Asia, where she discovered her true calling: to serve and uplift women in their most transformative moments. Driven by this mission, Keely pursued a Master's in Maternal and Child Health from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Upon graduation, she joined a Hospitalist Medical Group, but it was clear her heart lay in direct patient care, where she could make a more personal impact. With this newfound clarity, Keely transitioned to offering her expertise as a Doula and Health Educator, initially providing pro bono support to underserved communities in Los Angeles. Over the years, Keely has supported hundreds of families in both hospital and home settings, always with a focus on holistic, compassionate care. During the pandemic, Keely expanded her knowledge by studying Midwifery Care, which further deepened her understanding of family-centered care. As a student midwife, she reimagined the possibilities of women's health and became devoted to educating and empowering women to honor their bodies, autonomy, and unique paths. Keely's teaching philosophy draws from her background in Public Health, Medical Anthropology, and holistic wellness. This integrated approach allows her to support healthy, informed individuals while also tending to the emotional and energetic dimensions of care. She moves beyond clinical frameworks to explore the deeper ceremony of caregiving and how we show up for one another as a personal, collective, and ecological practice. As her work evolved, Keely offers advance training and mentorship, helping to cultivate the next generation of empowered health educators and professionals.Special OfferCODE - SPIRALOFFLOWERS for 20% off your first month in The Flower Portal!EVENTS - 4/19 Tarot at Noto in Los Angeles, 4/23 Flower Portal Cacao Workshop, 5/30-5/31 The Sacred Pause Retreat in Ojai CaliforniaConnect and Work with GabyInspiring the connection between Heaven and Earth through Reiki, Tarot, Folk herbalism, Clairvoyance, and Meditation. Together, we co-create harmony, clarity, and alignment with your True Essence. I'd love to support you!Visit my website to learn more: gabyazorsky.comFollow me on Instagram: @gaby.azorskyNewsletter: Sign Up HereBook a 1:1 Session: Book HereJoin My Membership, The Flower Portal: Learn MoreWith Spiral DeeperWebsite - Spiral Deeper PodcastInstagram - @spiral.deeperWith Our Guest, Keely SemlerWebsite - https://www.wearemotherlands.com and https://www.keelysemler.comInstagram - @we.are.motherlandsCreditsSpecial thanks to…Music - Connor HayesSpiral Deeper Icon - Kami MarchandCollaborate with UsInterested in advertising or collaborating with Spiral Deeper? Email gabyazorsky@gmail.com for packages and details.Support the ShowPlease rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen - it means so much. Be sure to tag @spiral.deeper if you share; thank you for your support!

Start Artist Song Time Album Year 0:00:32 Daddy Giljoteen My Raod-Song 5:10 Once They Called Me A Prodigy 2007 0:06:47 Daedalus For Aye 6:15 Motherland 2011 0:13:02 Daemonia Opera 4:24 Dario Argento Tribute 2000 0:17:26 Daemonia Nymphe Selene's Awakening Horos 3:42 Daemonia Nymphe 2013 0:21:08 Dah Sta je ljubav 2:48 Povratak 1976 0:25:14 DakhaBrakha Dostochka […]

Bretman and Miss Kaaye are back from the Philippines with stories to tell. Sit back and grab a snack as they recount each day spent in Manila, El Nido and Bohol.Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this compelling episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by the insightful Luke Pepera, broadcaster, anthropologist, and author of "Motherland," as they delve into the rich tapestry of African history that often goes unrecognised. Together, they challenge the pervasive myths surrounding the continent's past, particularly the notion that Africa's significance began only with European contact. Shattering Misconceptions:Luke passionately argues against the portrayal of Africa as a mere backdrop to European narratives, highlighting the continent's profound historical relevance and its role in global dynamics long before colonisation.He emphasises the importance of recognising Africa's diverse civilisations, such as the Nubians and the Mali Empire, which played pivotal roles in trade and cultural exchange.Exploring Ancient Civilisations:Listeners are introduced to the remarkable achievements of ancient African societies, including the Kushites and the wealth of the Mali Empire, showcasing their contributions to art, science, and trade.Luke recounts the story of Mansa Musa, whose legendary wealth and influence reshaped global perceptions of Africa during the 14th century.Matriarchal Societies and Oral Traditions:Discover the fascinating matriarchal structures in ancient African societies, highlighting figures like Queen Amanirenas of Nubia, who defied Roman power and exemplified female leadership.Luke also draws connections between African oral traditions and contemporary cultural expressions, such as rap battles, revealing the enduring legacy of storytelling in African communities.This episode is a powerful reminder of Africa's rich and complex history, urging listeners to broaden their understanding beyond the confines of colonial narratives. Luke's insights invite us to appreciate the depth of African culture and its lasting impact on the world stage. Guest Information:Join Luke Pepera at the Gloucester History Festival on Sunday, 27th April at 6pm. Tickets available at gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk.Purchase a copy of "Motherland" from the History Rage Bookshop.Follow Luke on social media: @LukePepera on X and Instagram.Support History Rage: For just £3 per month on Patreon or Apple, enjoy early access to episodes, ad-free listening, and exclusive content. Subscribe at patreon.com/historyrage. Stay Connected: Join the conversation and keep the rage alive! Visit historyrage.com for past episodes and updates.Follow us on:Facebook: History RageTwitter: @HistoryRageInstagram: @historyrage Stay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has our focus on the impact of the transatlantic slave trade blinded us to the diversity and complexity of Africa's past? That's one of the arguments at the heart of Luke Pepera's new book Motherland, which spans 500,000 years of the continent's history. Luke speaks to Matt Elton about some of the stories that shine the spotlight back on African people. (Ad) Luke Pepera is the author of Motherland: A Journey through 500,000 Years of African Culture and Identity (Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 2025). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fmotherland%2Fluke-pepera%2F9781398707368. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy and her Mum go free wheeling without Ed! They talk sobbing with a toddler. Parenting a monster and Amy being the easy child. We didn't see that coming. Talking about the aches of motherhood, and how we can approach mothering Sunday with grace. As well as strong opinions about a single daffodil, campaigning to allow women on motorways and Amy's two kitchen messages that keep her trooping on.Amy Smith - Writer for Faith in KidsMary Shorter - Fondly known to her family as Mother Mary is Amy's Mum. She has 4 grown up children who are all married and 12 Grandchildren and no Grand-dogs.  She is a retired accountant and has been involved in church life in various capacities – toddler group leader, treasurer, Sunday school teacher, she is currently coffee rota commandant, fellowships walk co-ordinator and heads up BBC – brews, bakes and chat a friendship group for seniors at her church.Support the show

In the end aren't we all from the ‘Motherland'? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queen Michele| “Who is Gen Alpha|Why are they so important?”Meet Queen D. Michele~ Author, Blogger, Creator She lived 4 years (2017-2021) in the Lake Chapala area of Jalisco, Mexico  she holds a permanent resident visa and will be returning to the state of Chiapas, to the lovely town of San Cristobal de Las Casas in 2025. Her book Considerations: A Guide for Moving Abroad is still on the market.  She traveled to Guinea Bissau West Africa in February of 2023 after discovering through African Ancestry that she is from the Fula Tribe. The trip was completely documented in my blog (My Soul's Journey Home) located on the website of my nonprofit organization called Fula History and Genealogy Society in America. http://www.fulaamerican.org. She also, visited Egypt and cruised the Nile during that visit to the Motherland.She created a mindfulness curriculum for 7th-9th grade students called 52 Insights for Gen Alpha: A Conscious Curriculum. The curriculum focuses on Self-Awareness through activities that foster mindfulness, self-management, relationship skills, social awareness and conscious decision-making. It's currently being piloted in 2 Cornerstone Charter Schools in the metro Detroit area!  https://fulaamerican.org/52-insights/Four years ago, She wrote “Traveling Home Together.” It's a spiritual guidebook to assist those awakening and the newly awakened navigate the shift in consciousness they're experiencing.Link:https://www.fulaamerican.org/Support PEG by checking out our Sponsors:Download and use Newsly for free now from www.newsly.me or from the link in the description, and use promo code “GHOST” and receive a 1-month free premium subscription.The best tool for getting podcast guests:https://podmatch.com/signup/phantomelectricghostSubscribe to our Instagram for exclusive content:https://www.instagram.com/expansive_sound_experiments/Subscribe to our YouTube https://youtube.com/@phantomelectricghost?si=rEyT56WQvDsAoRprPEG uses StreamYard.com for our live podcastshttps://streamyard.com/pal/c/6290085463457792Get $10.00 Credit for using StreamYard.com when you sign up with our linkRSShttps://anchor.fm/s/3b31908/podcast/rss

For episode 79, I recorded with previous guest and fan favorite, Tomasa aka @iamoneness11, at Rocky Peak Summit in the Santa Susanna mountains in Los Angeles County. Even her beloved golden retriever named Miso joins us on the pod! Tomasa is a SoCal based trekker, peak bagger, backpacker, outdoor content creator, solo female world traveler, and was our Top Spotify Episode of 2024. We chatted about her cherished trail memories with her dogs, her emotions winning the top episode of 2024 award, her impressions of Rocky Peak summit trail, how 2024 was a challenging year for her, recents travels to Washington State, and her travels back to the Motherland that being El Salvador.This episode is part of the Trek Talks series where I record on trail conversations with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. It is more raw and candid perspective of our guest's outdoor adventures as these conversations are more unscripted and in the moment.** Video version is available on Spotify + Youtube channel - all other streaming platforms are audio versions**Follow Tomasa & Miso on https://www.instagram.com/iamoneness11/ and https://www.instagram.com/miso_the_golden/#Listen to Tomasa's previous episode on https://tinyurl.com/4ahpnnmzFollow Just Trek on https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

DCMWG starts with an American woman who's been going viral for living in Pakistan after a failed relationship, thought and prayers issued for everyone affected by the plane crashes in DC & Philadelphia the past 2 weeks (11:52), the Grammys took place this past weekend and Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Doechii left as winners (26:04), the Associated Press issued an apology to Babyface for his interview being rudely cut short on the red carpet by their journalists (33:40), Central Cee released a new project this past week and apparently took credit for for Nike Tech (40:05), Clarissa Shields made waves for the outfit she wore to the weigh in ahead of her fight against Danielle Perkins (58:55), TK Kirkland says it's a mental illness for a man to raise another man's child (1:01:20), Darkside of the DM (1:13:06) & more.  Get your real life advice from Mona on the show! Dial 267-225-2492 and leave a question for a chance to have your voicemail answered on an episode. JOIN THE NEW DCMWG PLUS COMMUNITY FOR BONUS EPISODES, AD-FREE LISTENING & OTHER EXCLUSIVE CONTENT CLICK HERE: https://dcmwg.supportingcast.fm This episode is sponsored by PrizePicks! Run Your Game https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/DCMWG Executive Producers for Breakbeat: Dave Mays & Brett Jeffries Executive Producer: Don't Call Me White Girl Producer: Tom Flies Production: Creative Mind Productions: Vernon Ray (@AllMoneyShots) & Rebel Hill Productions: Zack James (@ZJames_RHC) Instagram: @BreakbeatMedia @DontCallMeeWhiteGirl @PhelpsJugo @TomFlies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have a trio of brilliant British shows for you this week as Chris Lang's Unforgotten reunites Sunny with his famous backpack for its sixth series on ITV (52:22), Jack Rooke's Big Boys gets a last hurrah as its third and final series hits Channel 4 (59:40), and Lucy Punch starring Motherland spinoff Amandaland makes its debut on BBC1 (1:07:26). Plus we take a deep dive look at this week's Next On Netflix presentation and Ben Travis gets called at home to answer for his ridiculous question. (Episode 322)Note: time stamps are approximate as the ads throw them out, so are only meant as a guide. If you want to avoid this and would like the podcast entirely ad-free (as well as 12 hours early, with a second weekly show and spoiler specials) then sign up to Pilot+ at empire.supportingcast.fm.

Actor, writer and former worrier queen Philippa Dunne is back on our screens this week as reliable Anne in Motherland spin-off Amandaland. She's chatting to Hannah about the highs and lows of being Amanda's friend, Mayo weather and learning to worry less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharon Horgan is a writer, actor and director. She has an uncanny ability to craft complex, compelling and heartfelt characters who find comedy even in the darkest of situations: just like in her hit series Bad Sisters - which has won a Peabody Award and four Emmy nominations. You'll also know her from the BAFTA-nominated show Pulling, plus starring and writing in the critically-acclaimed shows Catastrophe and Motherland. Her failures include dropping out of art college and drama school, a failed audition and finally - a big one - her marriage. Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan Studio and Mix Engineer: Gulliver Lawrence-Tickell Producer: Hannah Talbot Executive Producer: Carly Maile Head of Marketing: Kieran Lancini How to Fail is an Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment Production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://www.patreon.com/AdeptusRidiculoushttps://www.adeptusridiculous.com/https://twitter.com/AdRidiculoushttps://orchideight.com/collections/adeptus-ridiculousKislev, officially the Tzardom of Kislev, also known as the "Realm of the Ice Queen," and to the Kislevites themselves as "The Motherland," is the most northerly Human realm of the Old World. It is a powerful kingdom defined by the constant need to prepare for incessant warfare against the tribes of the Chaos-worshipping Northmen on their borders. Kislev is known far and wide for having some of the greatest horsemen to ever roam the plains of the southern realms. Ruled by a mighty monarch known as a "tzar" or "tzarina," Kislev is a nation born from the saddle, its people's ancestry traced to the mighty horse-warriors of the Gospodar tribe who inhabited the Eastern Steppes for many millennia.Support the show

This week we have Irish comedy royalty round for dinner, the gorgeous Sharon Horgan. Sharon popped to New Cross and brought her two gorgeous daughters with her. Mum made a Salmon en croute, and I made a Pannetone Bread and Butter pudding. We learned all about Sharon growing up in pubs in Hackney and Ireland, living in squats and being fed by Hare Krishna, writing and working with friend of the pod Rob Delaney on Catastrophe, filming Bad Sisters in Ireland and creating Motherland and brand new spin off Amandaland (which we're very excited for!). Sharon is a total delight, and has co-created some of our favourite series on the telly. Bad Sisters is currently in it's second series and is streaming on Apple TV+ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.