Podcasts about nestled

Niki and William Irving are proud stewards of Flourish Flower Farm, a 9-acre farm in Asheville, North Carolina. Nestled in the heart of old tobacco country, they love nurturing their beautiful slice of paradise in the Blue Ridge Mountains — a dream come true after many years of farming on leased land. They achieve their […] The post Episode 772: Diversification Through On-Farm Workshops with Niki Irving of Flourish Flower Farm appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

Nestled in the mountains of Victor, Colorado stands a unique hotel, each room unique and dedicated to a specific character like Lizzie Borden, Jack the Ripper and Bela Lugosi to name a few.CREDITS & LINKS MUSIC COURTESY OF:Bobby Mackey “Johanna”CITY SHOUT OUTS:

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! PART TWOSome homes have a presence so strong that time cannot erase it. The McPike Mansion is one of those homes. Nestled in Alton, Illinois, this historic house has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted mansions in America. Abandoned for years, the property fell into disrepair, yet its energy never faded. When Sharon, the current owner, took on the enormous task of restoring the estate, she quickly realized she was not alone.Whispers, shadows, and unseen presences revealed themselves to her as she poured her heart into bringing the mansion back to life. But Sharon does not see the spirits as intruders. Instead, she views them as residents who never left, caretakers of the past still tied to their beloved home.Paranormal investigators Don and Laney of Spectrewaves have stepped inside McPike Mansion and experienced the phenomena firsthand. From unexplained footsteps to intelligent interactions, the spirits here seem to linger with intent. But who are they? Former owners? Servants? Or entities that predate the mansion entirely?The mysteries of McPike Mansion continue to grow with every investigation. Some claim the activity is residual—echoes of moments replaying endlessly. Others believe the entities are very much aware, conscious spirits who still take part in the life of the home, refusing to be forgotten.#HauntedMansion #McPikeMansion #ParanormalPodcast #GhostStories #RealGhostStories #Spectrewaves #HauntedHistory #DarkHistory #ParanormalInvestigation #TheGraveTalksLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE!Some homes have a presence so strong that time cannot erase it. The McPike Mansion is one of those homes. Nestled in Alton, Illinois, this historic house has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted mansions in America. Abandoned for years, the property fell into disrepair, yet its energy never faded. When Sharon, the current owner, took on the enormous task of restoring the estate, she quickly realized she was not alone.Whispers, shadows, and unseen presences revealed themselves to her as she poured her heart into bringing the mansion back to life. But Sharon does not see the spirits as intruders. Instead, she views them as residents who never left, caretakers of the past still tied to their beloved home.Paranormal investigators Don and Laney of Spectrewaves have stepped inside McPike Mansion and experienced the phenomena firsthand. From unexplained footsteps to intelligent interactions, the spirits here seem to linger with intent. But who are they? Former owners? Servants? Or entities that predate the mansion entirely?The mysteries of McPike Mansion continue to grow with every investigation. Some claim the activity is residual—echoes of moments replaying endlessly. Others believe the entities are very much aware, conscious spirits who still take part in the life of the home, refusing to be forgotten.#HauntedMansion #McPikeMansion #ParanormalPodcast #GhostStories #RealGhostStories #Spectrewaves #HauntedHistory #DarkHistory #ParanormalInvestigation #TheGraveTalksLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

Nestled on North Carolina's southern shoreline, the Kindred Mailbox keeps countless secrets and confessions left in the sand. This episode tells the story of mailbox and its dedicated keepers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“At the very end, we’re all the same, and we want the same thing, which is we want to feel like we’re worthy of love and belonging.” — Markus Bihler Markus Bihler | Chairman, Hoffman South Africa The Chairman of Hoffman Institute South Africa, Markus Bihler, is a different person than he was before taking the Hoffman Process. One beautiful outcome of his Process was the journey he made from his head to his heart. Markus spent 35-plus years of his life as a “medical anomaly,” namely, “as somebody who had a head but no body.” He lived in his intellect. During the week of his Process, Markus cried more than he had ever cried in his adult life. Calling it a “liberating experience,” he now knows that all emotions are legitimate and have a reason for being. And he found deep empathy for young Markus, which led to empathy for his family and people in general. After his Process, not only did Markus change, but his life changed, too. He and his wife, Angelina, moved home to South Africa. Once there, one of the first things he did was look for a Hoffman grad group. When he realized there was no Hoffman Institute South Africa, he and Angelina rolled up their sleeves to create one. They have opened and now run the Hoffman Institute in South Africa. They held their first Process this past Spring. Using powerful metaphor and analogy, Markus shares his experience and knowledge of the Process in ways that bring its gifts into clear focus. He also speaks to the business side of Hoffman. For Markus and Angelina, the ‘business’ of Hoffman is not to make money. It is to “provide scale for this Process to permeate further into the world.” Their expertise and enthusiasm for the Process’s growth are helping to bring Bob Hoffman’s vision, “world peace, one person at a time,” more fully into reality. Listen on Apple Podcasts More about Markus Bihler: Markus and Angelina Bihler Angelina and Markus Bihler have started the Hoffman Institute South Africa, based in Cape Town, where they live with their two young sons after a global career in tech and finance, respectively. Markus Bihler is a director, investor, and former CEO with a background spanning global consumer and investment businesses. He has worked across Europe, Southeast Asia, and international markets, including leading two successful CEO-led exits and founding a global long/short hedge fund focused on consumer equities. Earlier in his career, he was with Blackstone and EQT in private equity. Markus is a graduate of Oxford University and a Professor of Finance at the University of Cape Town. Follow Markus on LinkedIn. Find out more about Hoffman South Africa’s upcoming Process dates here and their global press coverage here, and follow them on Instagram. As mentioned in this episode: Hoffman Institute UK •   Serena Gordon and the UK team •   Serena on the Hoffman Podcast: The Treasures of Your Past Read more about the new China Hoffman Center. •   Rao Rao, Hoffman China teacher, on the Hoffman Podcast: Across the World, We Share the Same Humanity Matt Brannagan, CEO of Hoffman Institute. •   Matt on the Hoffman Podcast: Our New CEO for Hoffman 3.0,  Communities of Meaning Read more about Bob Hoffman, founder of the Hoffman Process. Raz Ingrasci, Founder of the Hoffman Institute Foundation, USA. •   Raz on the Hoffman Podcast: Husband, Father, Son •   Raz and Marissia Ingrasci on the Hoffman Podcast: Spiritual Lineage and the Hoffman Process Hoffman South Africa Process venue: •   Mont Fleur Conference Venue in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands. Nestled in the Blaauwklippen Valley, Mont Fleur is a small, family-run venue.  read more…    

Jim Brown is 58 years old and a 10+ year Stage 4 Lung Cancer Survivor from Olympia, Washington. Jim was a career firefighter and his cancer was determined to be service connected. His journey has included significant side effects from his treat including mental health and metabolic syndrome. Through fierce self advocacy and hard work he has been able to find a point of equanimity in his journey. He is still taking targeted therapy, and will for the rest of his life.   About Man Up To Cancer: Man Up To Cancer (MUTC) is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring men impacted by cancer to connect and avoid isolation throughout diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. MUTC provides peer-to-peer support through 53 local chapters across the U.S. and Canada, a Chemocare Backpack Program that delivers comfort and encouragement to men in treatment, and the Gathering of Wolves, the world's largest annual retreat for men impacted by cancer. Through these programs, MUTC meets men where they are—emotionally, socially, and physically—offering community, purpose, and hope. www.manuptocancer.org ________ To learn more about the 10 Radical Remission Healing Factors, connect with a certified RR coach or join a virtual or in-person workshop visit www.radicalremission.com.   To learn more about Radical Remission health coaching with Liz or Karla, Click Here   Join our mailing list and you'll receive our free eBook, Kickstart Your Healing: 20 Radical Remission Tips, as a special thank you for joining. Subscribe Here   To watch Episode 1 of the Radical Remission Docuseries for free, visit our YouTube channel here. To purchase the full 10-episode Radical Remission Docuseries visit Hay House Online Learning. Follow us on Social Media: Facebook  Instagram YouTube ______ Our Sponsors: Connect & Thrive (CAT) is a heart-centered social impact company dedicated to supporting cancer previvors, patients, thrivers, and caregivers. CAT makes it easy for friends and family to help through intentional giving. Personalized KittyFunds™ and E-Gift Cards empower patients to begin their healing journeys by providing access to trusted integrative therapies and healthy living products not typically covered by insurance. Importantly, 100% of donations made to patients go directly to them for use in CAT's carefully curated Marketplace. By connecting patients with a supportive community and meaningful resources, CAT helps women move forward with confidence during treatment, recovery, and thrivership. CAT's mission is simple yet powerful: to help women CONNECT with a supportive community so they can truly THRIVE! “In the face of uncertainty, there is nothing wrong with hope.” ~O. Carl Simonton Visit www.connect-and-thrive.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-anastos/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CATconnectandthrive/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connect_and_thrive/ _____ Nestled in the pristine, natural beauty of British Columbia, The Healing Oasis stands as Canada's first-of-its-kind cancer wellness retreat, where hope reignites and the body is empowered to heal. Here, our renowned naturopathic cancer expert, Dr. Sean Ceaser, designs a fully personalized protocol of advanced, non-toxic therapies—including high-dose IVs like mistletoe and vitamin C, cutting-edge hyperthermia, PEMF, oxygen therapy, red light, and more. Savor daily organic, cancer-fighting meals, rest deeply in serene cabins, immerse in restorative activities like forest walks and yoga, drink mineral-rich living water, and receive emotional support in a peaceful sanctuary that combines world-class care with profound nature immersion to reduce side effects, boost vitality, and spark radical healing. Your journey to feeling alive again begins today at thehealingoasis.ca. Learn More about The Healing Oasis: Website   Testimonials Video Overview

Nestled in a valley southeast of Dresden, the town of Glashütte doesn't look like a place where revolutions happen. Surrounded by pine forests and Saxon serenity, it feels more like a forgotten watercolor than the birthplace of a global legacy. But for nearly two centuries, this quiet corner of Germany has done something extraordinary: it has measured, guarded, and shaped time itself.

Nestled in the heart of Boca Raton, Florida, Delicious Spoonfuls is serving up much more than just sweet treats—it is scooping up hope, purpose, and community connection. Founded by Robert and Helen with their son, Adir (who has Down Syndrome) as their muse, this unique ice cream company is driven by a deeply impactful mission: employing individuals with special needs to help them become as functional and independent as possible. By blending the joy of desserts with a structured, supportive environment, Robert and Helen are dedicated to teaching their team essential life skills, fostering personal growth, and proving that everyone has a valuable ingredient to contribute. For Delicious Spoonfuls, giving back to the community isn't just a business practice; it's the core recipe of everything they do.You can find more of Delicious Spoonfuls on their website: https://deliciousspoonfuls.org/

Narrator: Thomas Jones

Nestled into a beautiful century-old brownstone in Park Slope, Brooklyn, I spoke with the amazing Dr. Laura Markham—a preacher of love, letting love in, sending love out, and using that as a way to deepen our connection with ourselves and our children. Who is Dr. Laura Markham? She's a Columbia-trained clinical psychologist, founder and editor at PeacefulParentHappyKids.com, author of six parenting books including my favorite, Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids, a parenting expert, and a life-changer for many, many families—including mine. (You'll hear what my wife Leslie thinks at the beginning of this chapter!) Dr. Laura Markham translates proven science into practical and simple solutions for living an intentional life.   So in Chapter 46, let's pause and choose how we respond to help drive a movement toward love and compassion. I deeply resonate with Dr. Laura Markham's work because I feel like the higher place she leads us toward is the same place I want 3 Books to lead us toward. In this chapter, we chat about the complexities of parenting and how we can be more present as parents. Dr. Laura Markham shares many valuable insights, from communicating through play, navigating our own traumas, mastering the skill of sending love to strangers, and how we need to develop a closer relationship with death.   And, of course, we talk about Dr. Laura Markham's 3 most formative books. Let's flip back to Chapter 46 now....

Nestled in the interior of the prophecy of Ezekiel, in Chapter 46, verses 9 – 10 is an ascription or addendum about worship.  Here, like the patterns, procedures and prescriptions in the Book of Leviticus, the worship of the people of God in the house of God was not left to chance.  In this passage, Ezekiel envisions the return of the glory of God to the Temple during the millennial period and provides directions and dictates concerning the traffic flow of worshippers that come there.  This message uncovers three fundamental principles that apply to worshippers today.  

In this episode, Hailey shares an affordable getaway to Racine County. Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, this welcoming area is filled with charming neighborhoods, exciting outdoor adventures, rich history, and vibrant culture. Keep listening to discover how you can experience it all without stretching your vacation budget! The Bobber is brought to you by Something Special from Wisconsin: https://www.somethingspecialwi.com/ Read the blog here: https://discoverwisconsin.com/best-affordable-places-to-stay-play-eat-in-racine-county/ Reefpoint Marina: https://reefpointmarina.org/; Cliffside Campground: https://www.racinecounty.gov/departments/public-works-and-development-services/parks-department/camping/cliffside-campground; Sanders Park & Campground: https://www.racinecounty.gov/departments/public-works-and-development-services/parks-department/sanders-park-campground; Jellystone Park Camp Resort: https://jellystone-caledonia.com/; Bear Paw Adventure Park: https://bearpawadventurepark.com/; Hotel Verdant: https://www.hotelverdant.com/; North Beach: https://cityofracinewi.gov/parksrec/beaches/northbeach/; Racine Zoo: https://racinezoo.org/; Bear Den Zoo & Petting Farm: https://www.beardenzoo.com/; SJ Johnson Community Aquatic Center: https://www.racinecounty.gov/departments/sc-johnson-aquatics-center; River Bend Nature Center: https://riverbendracine.org/; Wind Point Lighthouse: https://windpointlighthouse.org/; Racine Art Museum: https://www.ramart.org/; Racine Heritage Museum: https://www.racineheritagemuseum.org/; SJ Johnson Headquarters: https://scjohnson.com/en/community/experience-scj/tours; Greek Fest: https://www.kimissis.org/about_us/annual-festival/; Italian Fest: https://www.romalodge.org/members/italian-fest; Serb Fest: https://www.stgeorgempracine.org/; A Day in the Country: https://rochesterdic.weebly.com/; Wells Brothers Italian Restaurant: https://wellsbrosracine.com/; Archives Bar & Grill: https://www.archivesbarandgrill.com/; Sebastian's Fine Food & Spirits: https://www.sebastiansracine.com/; Brew & Ole's Gastropub: https://brewandoles.com/; O&H Danish Bakery: https://www.ohdanishbakery.com/; Lehmann's Bakery: https://lehmannsbakery.com/;  The Bobber: https://discoverwisconsin.com/the-bobber-blog/ The Cabin Podcast: https://the-cabin.simplecast.com. Follow on social @thecabinpod Shop Discover Wisconsin: shop.discoverwisconsin.com. Follow on social @shopdiscoverwisconsin Discover Wisconsin: https://discoverwisconsin.com/. Follow on social @discoverwisconsin Discover Mediaworks: https://discovermediaworks.com/. Follow on social @discovermediaworks Racine County: https://www.racinecounty.gov/. Follow on social @racinecounty

In 2005, Robin Daly founded the charity Yes to Life in response to the immense difficulties he faced in finding authentic, appropriate and available complementary and lifestyle treatments for his daughter, Bryony, when she was facing cancer for the third time. This later prompted _____________ Nestled in the pristine, natural beauty of British Columbia, The Healing Oasis stands as Canada's first-of-its-kind cancer wellness retreat, where hope reignites and the body is empowered to heal. Here, our renowned naturopathic cancer expert, Dr. Sean Ceaser, designs a fully personalized protocol of advanced, non-toxic therapies—including high-dose IVs like mistletoe and vitamin C, cutting-edge hyperthermia, PEMF, oxygen therapy, red light, and more. Savor daily organic, cancer-fighting meals, rest deeply in serene cabins, immerse in restorative activities like forest walks and yoga, drink mineral-rich living water, and receive emotional support in a peaceful sanctuary that combines world-class care with profound nature immersion to reduce side effects, boost vitality, and spark radical healing. Your journey to feeling alive again begins today at thehealingoasis.ca. Learn More about The Healing Oasis: Website   Testimonials Video Overview

Nestled in the heart of the Tygart Valley in northern West Virginia lies the city of Grafton, home to 4,722 residents according to the most recent census data. Grafton, recognized as the birthplace of Mother's Day in the United States, was once a booming town known for its railroads and its strategic significance during the early stages of the American Civil War. From the burial site of Thornsbury Baily Brown, believed to be the first Union soldier killed in the Civil War in May 1861, to the International Mother's Day Shrine on the city's main street, Grafton is rich in historical significance and landmarks that reflect the enduring spirit of the community and its contributions to American history.  Over the years, the sleepy hills and hollows of the great Mountain State have given rise to numerous legends, including Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster. It is here that we find yet another creature known as the Grafton Monster. Descriptions vary by source, but the creature is commonly portrayed as a very tall, pale or light-colored figure, sometimes described as appearing headless and producing an unusual whistling sound.  Help us buy a camera: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/monsterfuzz⁠ Support the pod: www.patreon.com/monsterfuzz⁠ Check out our merch: ⁠https://monster-fuzz.creator-spring.com⁠ SpectreVision Radio is a bespoke podcast network at the intersection between the arts and the uncanny, featuring a tapestry of shows exploring the anomalous, the luminous, and the numinous. We're a community for creators and fans vibrating around common curiosities, shared interests and persistent passions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE!Nestled in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Linville Manor is an imposing Greek Revival mansion with roots stretching back to the late 1600s. Built on the site of a farmhouse destroyed by fire, the property has witnessed centuries of history, tragedy, and transformation.Today, the manor is widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in Maryland.Owner Winn Brewer joins us to share the remarkable history of Linville Manor, the stories tied to the land, and the unexplained activity that many believe still lingers within the home. Visitors who come for private ghost tours—or even overnight stays—often report strange experiences and an atmosphere that feels heavy with the past.We explore the long and fascinating history of Linville Manor and the mysterious energy that continues to draw paranormal investigators and curious visitors alike.#TheGraveTalks #LinvilleManor #HauntedMaryland #HauntedMansion #UpperMarlboro #HauntedHistory #GhostTours #ParanormalInvestigation #HauntedAmerica #SpiritEncounters #GhostStories #ParanormalPodcastLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

This week, we're fresh off our first-ever Mexican Buffet at a CP staple, Pancho's Restaurant. Jack and I had VERY different experiences at work event last week, while he was center ice having the time of his life I was in the concrete basement of a venue fighting for mine.... EPISODE NOTES: We had the whole enchilada at the Mexican buffet (5:53) What is the most profitable type of restaurant? (12:30) Nobody Told Me, But.. (19:20) The Man Vs. The Woman In The Arena (22:25) What speed do you listen to your podcasts on? (33:20) 2BD office intruders (36:23) The Tiktokitization of society is changing the news (46:15) Peaks and Pits presented by Hoffman Car Wash and the new Interior Clean Plus service (48:15) All buttons deep Canada vs. USA heated rivalry at a wedding (59:10) Roast or Toast (1:22:00) Today's episode is brought to you by The Edison Club, one of the Capital Region's premier private country clubs in Rexford, where relaxation, recreation, and community all come together. Nestled along the scenic Mohawk River, The Edison Club offers 27 holes of championship golf, giving players a unique and uncrowded experience every time they tee off. Members can also enjoy clay tennis courts, an Olympic-sized pool, and a welcoming clubhouse atmosphere perfect for dining, social events, and making lasting connections. And, their restaurant is open to the public if you want to get a taste of what's available The Edison Club – where lifelong memories are made. Learn more or inquire about membership today at edisonclub.com.

  Thinking about where to retire? Hot Springs Village offers a rare combination of natural beauty, low cost of living, and an active lifestyle that makes it easy to enjoy this season of life. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, lakes, and trails surround residents, creating a peaceful setting that encourages you to slow down and get outside. What really sets it apart is the lifestyle. With golf, pickleball, tennis, boating, and a community of people who chose to be here, it's easy to stay active and connected. It's not perfect—but for many retirees, it's exactly the right place to not just live, but truly thrive.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  Last time we spoke about the battle of south Guangxi. In late 1939, amid the Sino-Japanese War stalemate, Japan aimed to sever China's vital supply lines from French Indochina by invading southern Guangxi. The 21st Army, including the 5th Division and Taiwan Mixed Brigade landed at Qinzhou Bay on November 15, capturing Nanning by November 24 after feinting at Beihai and overcoming scattered Chinese defenses under the 16th Army Group. Chinese forces, commanded by Bai Chongxi and reinforced by the elite 5th Army launched a counteroffensive in December. The brutal Battle of Kunlun Pass saw repeated assaults. However, Japanese counterattacks in January 1940, bolstered by the 18th Division and Konoye Brigade, recaptured Kunlun Pass and Binyang by February, inflicting over 10,000 Chinese losses and forcing retreats. A stalemate ensued until September 1940, when Japan pressured Indochina. Overextended Japanese forces withdrew south, allowing Chinese to recapture Nanning on October 30 and clear Guangxi by November 17.   #199 The battle of West Suiyuan  Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Back in 1936,  the Xi'an Incident had forced a fragile alliance between the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek and the Communists, forming a united front against Japan. This front extended to regional warlords like the Ma Clique, who controlled Ningxia, Gansu, and Qinghai. The Ma family, descendants of Muslim generals loyal to the Qing Dynasty, navigated complex loyalties but ultimately aligned with the Nationalist cause, driven by patriotism and self-preservation.   The stakes in West Suiyuan were high. Control of the region meant access to the Suiyuan-Xinjiang Highway, a lifeline for Soviet aid to China. Japanese occupation could threaten the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region, a Communist stronghold, and open paths to Lanzhou and beyond. The battles here, though overshadowed by larger theaters like Shanghai or Wuhan, demonstrated how peripheral fronts contributed to the national resistance. Over 70 years later, the sacrifices of more than 2,000 Ningxia soldiers remain a poignant reminder of the human cost of resistance, their anti-Japanese merits etched forever in the annals of Chinese history.   The seeds of the Battle of West Suiyuan were sown in the turbulent years following the Xi'an Incident. This event in December 1936 led to the initial formation of a national united front against Japanese aggression. The Communist Party of China (CPC) mobilized masses in the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region, strengthening anti-Japanese forces and exerting pressure on the Ma Clique. Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist government also influenced the Mas, solidifying their resolve to resist Japan.   The Ma Clique, a powerful Muslim warlord faction in Northwest China, was led by figures like Ma Hongkui (governor of Ningxia) and his cousin Ma Hongbin. They controlled a semi-autonomous region with a mix of Hui, Han, and Mongolian populations. Japan, seeking to exploit ethnic divisions, attempted to woo the Mas. Even after the July 7, 1937, outbreak of war, Japan persisted. On October 17, 1937, after occupying Baotou, the Japanese established the "Baotou Hui Muslim Branch" and appointed Jiang Wenhuan, a former Hui commander, to court Ma Hongkui. They sent envoys, including an imam from Northeast China, and even airdropped letters from "Manchukuo." In a dramatic move, Japanese commander Itagaki Seishiro flew to Alashan Banner to invite Ma Hongkui for talks. Ma sent Zhou Baihuang, who rebuffed Itagaki by invoking historical grievances: the Japanese role in the Eight-Nation Alliance's 1900 invasion, where Ma family members died at Zhengyang Gate. "The family feud remains unresolved, and the national humiliation is yet to be avenged; they are irreconcilable enemies," Zhou declared.   Japan's plot to persuade surrender failed, leading to a major offensive against Suiyuan and Ningxia. Large numbers of troops reinforced Baotou, and bombings targeted Ningxia. In response, Ma Hongkui began building fortifications in places like Shizuishan and Dengkou. Starting in the winter of 1937, he constructed defense fortifications in the Shizuishan area in four phases. In the Shizuishan Weizha area, trenches several meters wide and deep were dug, covered with branches, straw, and loose soil for camouflage, to prevent the passage of Japanese armored vehicles and heavy weapons. Within a hundred li north of Dengkou and Sanshenggong, all major roads were cut off, and deep trenches were dug to destroy the Japanese army's access to Ningxia. The banks of the Yellow River ferry crossings in northern Ningxia and the Helan Mountain passages were all cut into steep cliffs. Important passageways were fortified with blocking positions and hidden artillery to repel invading Japanese troops.   Among the various military commanders in Northwest China, Ma Hongbin possessed the strongest anti-Japanese spirit. Having joined the army at a young age, Ma Hongbin placed great emphasis on cultural learning and the cultivation of his personal character. Outside of military service, he was always seen with a book in hand, resembling a scholar. His long-term study fostered his upright character and patriotism. After the Japanese invasion of China, deeply moved by the nation's peril, he resolved to lead his troops to the battlefield to save the country from its crisis. In the spring of 1938, at the opening ceremony of an officer training course held in Wanghongbao, Yongning, Ma Hongbin addressed his subordinates from the podium: "Always remember that the nation comes first, the people come first, defend the land and country, and fulfill your duties. On the battlefield, you must be able to both attack and defend, and be prepared to live and die with the position, with the determination to fight to the end."   The Ma forces were reorganized into the Nationalist structure. Ma Hongkui's 15th Route Army and Ma Hongbin's 35th Division (later expanded to the 81st Army) formed the 17th Army Group, with Ma Hongkui as Commander-in-Chief and Ma Hongbin as Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Commander of the 81st Army. The officer training of the 81st Army improved the anti-Japanese consciousness and combat quality of the entire army, preparing for the counterattack against the Japanese invasion. In May 1938, due to the weakened defenses of Suiyuan (at that time, the troops of Fu Zuoyi, the chairman of Suiyuan Province, had retreated to Shanxi), most of the area was occupied by Japanese and puppet troops. The Kuomintang Central Committee appointed Ma Hongbin as the commander of the Suiyuan West Defense Command. Ma Hongbin led his 81st Army and two cavalry brigades and one infantry brigade of Ma Hongkui's troops to Wuyuan (now Wuyuan County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) to unify the command of the various anti-Japanese forces that had retreated into Suiyuan West. His mission was to prevent the Japanese army from advancing westward.   After arriving in Wuyuan, Ma Hongbin convened a meeting of commanders from various forces to discuss the defense against the Japanese. The various armies in western Suiyuan were of different factions and not affiliated with each other, and most adopted a policy of seeking safety and avoiding danger in their defenses. Ma Hongbin deployed the main force of his 81st Army, the 35th Division, at key passes in the Wubu Langshan area northeast of Wuyuan to serve as the first line of defense, while deploying three brigades of Ma Hongkui's troops along the line from Wuyuan to Langshan as reinforcements.   The terrain was challenging: vast deserts, mountains like Yinshan and Langshan, and the Yellow River's bends. Wubulangkou, a narrow pass between Erlang and Chashitai Mountains, was strategically vital. Defenses included anti-tank trenches and mines. These preparations reflected the Ningxia Army's blend of traditional cavalry tactics and modern training. The troops, many Hui Muslims, brought cultural cohesion and resilience, but faced equipment shortages—outdated mortars and rifles versus Japanese mechanization.   In May 1938, Ma Hongbin arrived in Linhe (now part of Bayannur, Inner Mongolia) to establish his command post. After inspecting the situation of the friendly forces in the defense zone and designating the defense zone of his subordinate 81st Army, he ordered Ma Tengjiao, commander of the 35th Division, to lead four infantry regiments, namely the 103rd and 104th Brigades, to Suiyuan Western Defense Command to fight against the Japanese. Ma Hongbin established a command post in Linhe, where he and his son, Ma Dunjing, the chief of staff of the 81st Army, deployed their troops in areas such as Wuzhen and Siyitang. Ma Dunjing directed his troops to conduct exercises in the Wuzhen and Siyitang area, and invited Soviet military advisors to provide guidance, preparing for combat with an extremely serious attitude.   To show his support for Ma Hongbin's leadership of the Suiyuan Western Defense Command, Ma Hongkui dispatched two cavalry brigades to Suiyuan Western Defense Command. The main reason why the Ma Clique army from Ningxia went to Suiyuan to fight against the Japanese was that the defense of Suiyuan was directly related to the safety of Ningxia. At the same time, after the Ma Clique army was incorporated into the anti-Japanese army, its primary task was to fight against the Japanese invaders and defend the country. In addition, the anti-Japanese enthusiasm of the people in the Northwest continued to rise. Under the impetus of the situation, it was inevitable that the Ningxia army would join the anti-Japanese war in Suiyuan.   The initial engagement came in the late summer and early autumn of 1939, as Japanese troops, driving cars, armored vehicles, and tanks, advanced from Baotou towards the defenses of the 81st Army in western Suiyuan, attempting to annihilate the main force of the 81st Army. Ma Dunjing (the third son of Ma Hongbin), Chief of Staff of the 81st Army, personally commanded the operation at the front line in Wuda Town. The Japanese advanced to the defensive positions of the 35th Division and bombarded Ma's position with heavy artillery fire. The 35th Division returned fire with 82mm mortars. Because Ma's mortars were old-fashioned, they emitted smoke upon firing, revealing their positions. The Japanese immediately unleashed over 200 shells on the 35th Division's artillery positions, silencing them and rendering them incapable of retaliating. Taking advantage of this, the Japanese, under the powerful cover of artillery and machine gun fire, swarmed in by car, tank, and armored vehicle. The 35th Division held their ground, waiting for the Japanese troops to enter effective firing range and disembark from their vehicles. Suddenly, soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 206th Regiment jumped out of their fortifications and charged into the enemy lines, engaging the Japanese in hand-to-hand combat. The Japanese were thrown into disarray, some killed before they could even disembark. Those who did disembark suffered heavy casualties, with the remaining soldiers turning back to their vehicles and fleeing in panic. Forced to retreat after suffering a decisive blow, the 35th Division captured two Japanese vehicles, over a hundred artillery shells, dozens of boxes of ammunition, as well as firearms and officer's swords. This marked the first victory in the Suiyuan-Western Anti-Japanese War. This victory boosted morale and public spirit. When the captured vehicles entered Wuyuan County, the people cheered enthusiastically, plastering the vehicles with various celebratory slogans. An elderly local artist even composed a song to celebrate the victory and sang it on the street: "Our old Western Army (referring to Ma Hongbin's 81st Army) is really good at fighting. We drove away the Japanese soldiers, captured cars and brought them into Wuyuan City, where the whole city celebrated and welcomed them. Relying on our old Western Army, we defeated the Japanese soldiers, and the people have peace." The campaign's defining battle occurred at Wubulangkou in early 1940, following the Chinese raid on Baotou in December 1939. In the autumn of 1939, the situation in Shanxi stabilized, and Fu Zuoyi, the chairman of Suiyuan Province who had retreated to Shanxi, led his troops back to western Suiyuan, establishing the Deputy Commander's Headquarters of the Eighth War Zone to unify command of military and political affairs in western Suiyuan and actively preparing for a counter-offensive. To coordinate with the nationwide winter offensive, Fu Zuoyi decided to attack Baotou, a key Japanese stronghold, to contain the Japanese forces in North China. The Battle of Baotou was spearheaded by the newly formed 31st Division of Fu Zuoyi's 35th Army, with the 35th Division of Ma Hongbin's 81st Army providing support. Under meticulous planning, on December 20th, Sun Lanfeng's newly formed 31st Division of Fu Zuoyi's army stormed into Baotou. The Japanese army, caught off guard, panicked and suffered over a thousand casualties, scattering in all directions, losing all their supplies within the city. Fu Zuoyi then directed his troops to withdraw to the rear of western Suiyuan, luring the enemy deeper into the territory for a later battle.   The Battle of Baotou greatly angered the Japanese army. Therefore, more than 30,000 Japanese troops were mobilized from Zhangjiakou, Taiyuan, Datong, and other places, along with more than 1,500 military vehicles, armored vehicles, tanks, dozens of aircraft, and six divisions of puppet Mongolian troops, totaling more than 40,000 men. Under the command of Division Commander Kuroda, they launched a major offensive into western Suiyuan in early 1940, attempting to seize western and southern Inner Mongolia in one fell swoop. Facing the superior Japanese forces, the people and soldiers of western Suiyuan adopted a scorched-earth policy and mobile warfare to maneuver against the enemy. The specific deployment was as follows: the 7th Cavalry Division of Men Bingyue's troops blocked the Japanese troops in the Xishanzui and Maqidukou areas, and then turned to the right bank of the Yellow River to threaten the enemy's left flank; the 35th Division of Ma Hongbin's troops and the 1st Cavalry Brigade of Ma Hongkui's troops constructed positions in the Wubulangkou and Wuzhen areas, blocked the enemy, and then moved into Langshan to threaten the Japanese right flank; the 35th Army of Fu Zuoyi's troops assembled northwest of Wuyuan to launch mobile attacks on the enemy; other units chose favorable terrain to harass the exhausted enemy at any time; and the logistics personnel were transferred to the Dengkou and Shizuishan areas. Before Langshan Mountain, where the Yang family generals once fought against the Jin dynasty, a thousand-mile-long battlefield against the Japanese was set up.   Wubulangkou is located in the western part of the Yinshan Mountains. Nestled between the eastern and western ends of the rugged and precipitous Erlang Mountain and Chashitai Mountain, it forms a strategically vital location. After Fu Zuoyi returned to western Suiyuan in 1939 to serve as deputy commander of the Eighth War Zone, the Ningxia army was placed under his command. At the end of December, Fu Zuoyi's troops stormed Baotou, inflicting over a thousand casualties on the Japanese. Okabe, commander of the Japanese Mengjiang Garrison, considered the defeat at Baotou a great humiliation and declared, "We must sweep through the Hetao region and completely annihilate Fu Zuoyi's army." To eliminate future troubles, the Japanese, "determined to decisively crush the enemy's base in the Hetao region with their main force," began in January 1940, mobilizing over 30,000 Japanese and puppet troops from Zhangjiakou, Datong, and other places, along with over a thousand vehicles, aircraft, artillery, and tanks. Under the command of Division Commander Kuroda Shigetoku, they launched a three-pronged, menacing invasion of western Suiyuan.   On January 31, Kuroda led the main force of the Japanese central route, consisting of over 780 vehicles, armored vehicles, and tanks, and launched an attack at 4:30 PM on the positions of the 35th Division of the 81st Army in the area of Wubulangkou, Siyitang, and Wuzhen.    Ubulangkou, where Ma Hongbin's 35th Division was stationed, is a transliteration of the Mongolian word "Ubulak," meaning "mouth of large and small springs." Located in the southern part of present-day Urad Middle Banner, it lies at the junction of Wuliangsutai, Delingshan Township, and Wengeng Sumu, a strategically important location nestled between two mountains. When the Battle of Ubulangkou began, Ma Hongbin was in Chongqing attending a high-level military conference convened by Chiang Kai-shek, and his troops were commanded by Ma Tengjiao, commander of the 35th Division. At approximately 8:00 AM on January 31, 1940, the Japanese army amassed its forces in the Zaoshulinzi desert area, directly north of Siyitang and directly east of Ubulangkou. Their vanguard first used three aircraft to circling and bombard the positions of Ma's 205th Regiment, followed by artillery bombardment. Under the cover of aircraft and artillery, Japanese tanks, armored vehicles, and hundreds of military vehicles carrying Japanese troops launched an attack on the Siyitang and Ubulangkou positions. Following Ma Hongbin's orders, a defensive trench, 3 meters wide and 3 meters deep, had been dug in front of the 81st Army's position, stretching approximately 10 kilometers from the foot of Wubulang Pass to the north bank of the Yellow River. A 50-meter-wide pit zone preceded the trench. The two sides fought fiercely until nightfall, suffering heavy casualties and remaining evenly matched. At the Siyitang position, Ding Liangyu, the company commander of the 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 205th Regiment, was wounded and died the following day; more than 30 platoon leaders, squad leaders, and soldiers were killed. Xue Wanyou, the battalion clerk, was hit by an artillery shell, his body torn apart and his head severed. Although the officers and soldiers of Ma's 35th Division suffered heavy casualties, they held their ground. Unable to break through, the Japanese used aircraft to continuously release poison gas with the wind at their backs. Although Ma's troops had prepared simple gas masks made of gauze wrapped in sawdust, the concentration of the gas was too high, causing many to experience headaches, chest tightness, and vomiting, greatly weakening their fighting capacity and making the situation increasingly critical. Around 10 PM, Division Commander Ma Tengjiao ordered Ma Jiangong, deputy battalion commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 206th Regiment, to lead two companies from Wulanaobao to reinforce the 208th Regiment via Siyitang. Ma Jiangong was killed by a grenade in the fierce fighting. The two companies fought desperately to break free from the enemy and finally joined up with the 208th Regiment. The enemy, realizing this, reinforced their forces and intensified their attack. At 11:30 PM, the 208th Regiment's position was breached, but the enemy dared not advance rashly. The battle resumed at dawn the next day, and the fighting at the Siyitang position remained extremely fierce. Ma Tengjiao ordered the 1st Battalion of the 206th Regiment to reinforce the Siyitang position. While traversing a seven- or eight-mile stretch of open land, the reinforcements were subjected to heavy artillery fire from the Japanese, suffering heavy casualties. However, the troops braved the artillery fire, bullets, and thick smoke, breaking through the enemy's fire blockade and reaching the position. The combined forces of the Wubulangkou and Siyitang positions continued to inflict powerful blows on the Japanese army. The 205th Regiment, holding the fortified Siyitang, engaged in bayonet fighting with the Japanese army. When their bayonets bent, the soldiers would grab the enemy and bite them, or detonate grenades to die alongside them. The troops had gone two days and two nights without food or water, and coupled with the bitter cold, they were exhausted and suffering heavy casualties. The battle was exceptionally fierce, tragic, and arduous. Ma Hongbin later recalled this battle, saying, "Even the world-famous battles of Taierzhuang and Changsha, where the National Revolutionary Army fought with such heroic spirit, were no more than this."   In the early morning of February 1st, the Japanese army first bombarded the defensive positions at Wubulangkou and Siyitang with heavy artillery, and then used aircraft to dive-bomb the open area in front of Wubulangkou. Under the attack of enemy artillery and tanks combined with infantry, the 208th Regiment suffered heavy casualties, and the front-line positions at Wubulangkou were breached by the enemy. The 205th and 206th Regiments sent reinforcements, using bunkers and high ground fortifications to stubbornly resist the enemy, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Seeing that they could not capture the positions defended by the Ningxia army, the Japanese army released tear gas and sneezing gas. While attacking from the front, the Japanese army sent puppet Mongolian troops to flank and attack Wubulangkou from the rear of the mountain. Although the Ma troops resisted bravely, they were ultimately outnumbered, and their positions were successively breached by the enemy, forcing the remaining defenders to withdraw. In this battle, more than 1,000 officers and soldiers of the Ningxia Ma troops shed their blood in western Suiyuan, using their lives to block the enemy's advance.   Ma's troops retreated, pursued by Japanese ground forces and strafed by aircraft, suffering over a thousand casualties and forced to retreat into the desert. They continued to fight the Japanese in the quicksand, killing another 200 enemy soldiers. After a grueling six-day, six-night march, the troops successfully returned to their Dengkou base for rest. Post-war statistics show that Ma's 35th Division originally had over 5,000 men; in the battle of Wubulangkou, over 1,000 were killed and 2,000 wounded, including 700 suffering from frostbite. This battle exemplified sacrificial defense, buying time for counteroffensives.   Upon learning of the defeat of his troops in Chongqing, Ma Hongbin immediately flew back to Ningxia and rushed to Dengkou. After regrouping the troops and investigating officers who had failed in their command, he reorganized two regiments, replenished their equipment, and after a brief rest, led by Brigade Commander Ma Peiqing, returned to western Suiyuan. To cooperate with Fu Zuoyi's troops in continuing the fight against the Japanese invaders, the Ningxia army, mainly composed of the 35th Division, entered the Dala Banner area of Yimeng to fight the enemy. After occupying Wuyuan, the Japanese army believed that the Chinese army in western Suiyuan was in disarray and would be unable to recover its fighting capacity in a short time. Furthermore, due to its overextended battle lines and supply difficulties, the Japanese army had no spare troops to expand the war. Therefore, they centered their forces on Wuyuan, leaving a Japanese regiment and four divisions of puppet Mongolian troops, totaling over 15,000 men, to garrison the Hetao region, while the rest of their forces retreated eastward. After the main Japanese force withdrew, Fu Zuoyi decided to organize a campaign to recapture Wuyuan. In March 1940, he ordered his 35th Army to lead the attack on Wuyuan, while Ma's 81st Army moved from western Suiyuan to the Dalad Banner area on the south bank of the Yellow River in the Ordos League to construct fortifications and block Japanese reinforcements from Baotou. At midnight on March 20, Fu's 35th Army simultaneously launched attacks on Japanese strongholds in Wuyuan, Meilingmiao, and Xingongzhong. After two days of fierce fighting, our army finally recaptured Linhe and Wuyuan, killing Lieutenant General Mizukawa, the division commander of the Japanese army, and several thousand of his puppet troops.    Upon hearing the news, the Japanese troops in Baotou crossed the Yellow River, attempting to outflank the 35th Army from the south. However, their westward advance was met with resistance from the positions of Ma's 81st Army. During the defensive battle, Ma's troops were bombarded by more than 30 Japanese artillery pieces. Due to outdated weaponry and lack of artillery counterattack, Ma's right flank was destroyed, allowing the enemy to encircle them from the rear. To avoid being outflanked, Ma's troops retreated north to the Shawo area to regroup. Ma Hongbin ordered each regiment to exploit the enemy's difficulty in vehicular movement in the desert, employing mobile warfare tactics, advancing when the enemy advanced and retreating when the enemy retreated, maintaining a distance of five or six li from the enemy, and choosing opportune moments to attack and exhaust them. Ma's troops also frequently formed assault teams to harass the enemy at night, keeping them constantly on edge. After maneuvering with the Japanese in the desert for several days using mobile warfare, Ma Hongbin's troops occupied a hilltop southwest of Xinminbao and laid an ambush. When the enemy approached, they unleashed a sudden barrage of fire, inflicting hundreds of casualties. This blow forced the Japanese army to abandon its southern reinforcement plan and retreat north across the Yellow River near Zhaojunfen. After the Japanese retreat, the 81st Army immediately launched an attack on the puppet Mongolian cavalry south of the Yellow River. After more than a month of battles, large and small, except for Chaidengtai, which was captured by Fu Zuoyi's troops, all other puppet strongholds were wiped out by Ma Hongbin's troops, and "the entire Damian Beach area in the northeast of the Ih Ju League was recovered."   During the Qingming Festival in 1940, the 35th Division, returning to western Suiyuan, buried the officers and soldiers who died in the battle at Wubulangkou. With tears in their eyes, people buried the remains of 148 officers and soldiers at the Cemetery for Fallen Soldiers on the west side of Wubulangkou, and erected brick monuments in front of the graves according to the names on the surviving shoulder insignia of the fallen officers and soldiers' uniforms.    Casualties on all sides were significant, reflecting the intensity of the fighting. For the Japanese, two brigades and the 72nd Cavalry Regiment took heavy hits, though official reports admitted only about 1,000 losses. Given that these units were sidelined from combat for an extended period afterward, the true figure was likely far higher. Battle reports from the 26th Division alone recorded over 3,000 casualties, nearly 20% of its strength,pushing the total Japanese toll, including other units, to between 4,000 and 5,000. Puppet forces fared even worse. The "Suiyuan-Western Autonomous Allied Army" proved utterly ineffective, collapsing almost immediately against the superior Ma Clique cavalry of the Nationalist 81st Army. While the puppet Mongolian cavalry had some combat capability, their reluctance to fight for the Japanese—often against their own kin, led to half-hearted engagements and quick retreats. Combined puppet casualties and prisoners numbered around 5,000 to 6,000, bringing the overall Japanese and puppet losses to 10,000–12,000 killed or wounded. The Chinese forces, vastly outmatched in equipment and relying on brave but undertrained local security units, endured heavy sacrifices. Domestic sources estimate their casualties at 15,000–20,000.   This campaign marked the only major anti-Japanese engagement involving people from Ningxia, where over 10,000 Hui and Han fighters, under Ma Hongbin and Ma Hongkui, battled fiercely in what is now Linhe and Wuyuan in Inner Mongolia. Thousands perished, buried far from home, embodying the unyielding spirit of the Chinese nation. It stood as Northwest China's sole battlefield in the war, a point of pride for its people. Victory was hard-won, despite the Chinese having slightly more troops but far inferior weaponry. Success stemmed from the soldiers' bravery, tactical use of cavalry mobility, and crucially, the puppet Mongolians' unwillingness to fully commit. The campaign not only repelled the Japanese westward and southward advances, securing Northwest China's northern gateway and blocking incursions into Ningxia, Shaanxi, and Gansu, but also safeguarded key supply routes like the Suiyuan-Xinjiang Highway and connections to Lanzhou. This ensured a steady influx of Soviet aid, bolstering the national resistance and indirectly supporting efforts in Southwest China.   I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. After a Chinese raid seized Baotou, Japan launched a major 1940 offensive with tens of thousands of troops, vehicles, armor, aircraft, and puppet Mongolian forces. Chinese defenders used scorched earth, fortifications at Wubulangkou, and mobile cavalry/desert tactics, ambushes, and night harassment. Fu Zuoyi later recaptured Wuyuan/Linhe. Casualties were heavy—Chinese estimates 15,000–20,000; Japanese/puppet losses possibly 10,000–12,000.

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo's vibrant Roppongi neighborhood, Shojin Sougo restaurant serves traditional shojin ryori with a modern flair. Shojin ryori is a traditional form of Japanese Buddhist cuisine, known for its focus on plant-based ingredients and mindful preparation. Daisuke Nomura is the chef and owner of Shojin Sougo, and he talks about respecting seasonal ingredients and using all parts of the vegetable in his exquisitely prepared vegan dishes. Chef Nomura's restaurant earned him a spot on the Plant Forward Global 50, a group of 50 chefs worldwide leading the movement for plant-based cuisine. Find recipes, watch videos, read articles, and learn more about the CIA's programs with Japan at https://www.ciajapanesekitchen.org/

Nestled in the saddle between the peaks, a geocalendar appears.

Nestled in Bucks County, Lake Galena is a serene 365-acre lake surrounded by the natural beauty of Peace Valley Park. Created in the 1970s as part of a flood control project, the lake has become a popular destination for boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Beneath its calm surface lies the history of a once-thriving rural community that was flooded to create the reservoir—adding a layer of intrigue to its otherwise peaceful setting. Today, Lake Galena offers both a scenic escape and a subtle reminder of the past that still lingers beneath the water.

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, we break down one of the most underrated bass fishing destinations in the Mid-Atlantic—Lake Gaston on the North Carolina–Virginia border—and why this fishery is quickly turning into a tournament bass fishing powerhouse. Nestled between Buggs Island (Kerr Lake) and Roanoke Rapids Lake, Lake Gaston has quietly become a hotspot thanks to the ongoing F1 largemouth bass stocking program, now entering its third year. With explosive growth rates and elite genetics, this lake is on track to produce consistent 25-30 lb tournament bags in the next 5-6  years ! making it a must-watch destination for serious anglers.We dive deep into a Lake Gaston fishing report with tournament angler Brody, who breaks down his team's winning tournament strategy and how they cracked the code during practice. From dialing in a precise dock fishing pattern to identifying key staging areas, this episode is loaded with advanced bass fishing tips and techniques that apply to both weekend anglers and competitive fishermen.Brody shares how they got locked into a specific dock pattern bite during official practice and capitalized on it during tournament day to secure their first win in a highly competitive field. We cover his go-to fishing tackle, including his highly effective minnow-style rig setup, rod and reel choices, and how subtle adjustments in presentation made all the difference.Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcastIf you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com Brody Luckey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bassbrody77/ Brody Luckey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084368622202Jake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech  Phone Number: (757) 566-1278Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! Click the link below right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5 Support the show

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE!Nestled at the intersection of 13th Street and Kansas Avenue in Atchison, Kansas, stands the majestic McInteer Villa. Constructed in 1889 by Irish immigrant John McInteer, this historic mansion has woven itself into the fabric of local lore with its tales of unexplained hauntings.From lights flickering mysteriously to children laughing and ghostly apparitions, the McInteer Villa has long captured the imagination of those drawn to the supernatural, including Stephanie O'Reilly. When she realized this stately mansion was for sale, she became obsessed. And in 2018, she and her father became the proud owners of this incredible piece of history, along with its hauntings.However charming its exterior may appear, the McInteer Villa holds many ghostly secrets. There's an undeniable mystique surrounding it, hinting at a bond that keeps spirits lingering within its confines while enticing the living to venture to Atchison, Kansas, in search of paranormal encounters.Today on the Grave Talks, the 1889 McInteer Villa, with owner Stephanie O'Reilly.For more information on tours and overnight investigations, visit their website, 1889mcinteervilla.com.#TheGraveTalks #McInteerVilla #AtchisonKansas #HauntedKansas #VictorianHaunting #ParanormalPodcast #GhostStories #HistoricHauntings #HauntedMansion #KansasGhosts #MidwestHauntingsLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

In this episode, Cherise is joined by Alejandro Guerrero, Design Director and Principal at Gensler in Dallas, Texas. They discuss the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Plano, Texas.You can see the project here as you listen along.Nestled within a grove of trees and oriented toward a pond, the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Plano positions itself as both refuge and social anchor within a rapidly evolving corporate landscape. Its proximity to Toyota North American Headquarters and the commercial district of Legacy West informs a program that caters equally to international business travelers and the surrounding community, offering a layered hospitality experience rooted in cultural exchange. Rising 13 stories high, the exterior is clad in a glass and metal unitized curtain wall, an opaque glazing that imitates stone.If you enjoy this episode, visit arcat.com/podcast for more.If you're a frequent listener of Detailed, you might enjoy similar content at Gābl Media.Mentioned in this episode:Social Channel Pre-rollPromotes the YouTube channel, ARACTemy, and social handle.

Last time we spoke about the Wang Jingwei Regime. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, tensions between Chiang Kai-shek and Wang Jingwei escalated amid Japan's aggressive invasion. Disillusioned by Chiang's scorched-earth tactics, such as the Yellow River flood and Changsha fire, Wang defected from Chongqing in December 1938, fleeing to Hanoi to negotiate peace with Japan. An assassination attempt, likely ordered by Chiang, killed Wang's secretary Zeng Zhongming, deepening the rift and sparking retaliatory violence. Wang's group, aided by Japanese agents like Kagesa Sadaaki, navigated scandals and leaks, including a forged agreement exposed in the press. After grueling negotiations in Shanghai and Tokyo, Wang conceded to harsh Japanese terms, including limited sovereignty and economic controls. On March 30, 1940, he established the Reorganized National Government (RNG) in Nanjing, adopting the nationalist flag with a controversial yellow pennant symbolizing "peace, anticommunism, nation-building." Despite Wang's vision of constitutional democracy, the RNG functioned as a wartime puppet, isolated from Chongqing and resented as traitorous. Wang died in 1944, and the regime collapsed in 1945.   #195 The Xiang-Gan Operation Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. In the sweltering grip of August 1939, Chongqing languished under an unbearably hot summer, the air thick with humidity and the weight of impending doom. Perched on a sun-baked hillside along the southern bank of the Jialing River, roughly 10 kilometers from the chaotic heart of the city, loomed a two-story Western-style building. This fortress of stone and resolve, known as the "Huangshan Villa," stood as Chiang Kai-shek's official residence in Chongqing, a sanctuary amid the storm of war. Unless urgent meetings or crises at the Military Affairs Commission demanded his presence, it was here that Chiang orchestrated the fate of a nation on the brink.   One fateful evening, as shadows lengthened across the villa, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics delivered a chilling report from Wang Pengsheng, the director of the Military Affairs Commission's Institute for International Affairs. Wang was no ordinary operative; he was a knowledgeable, experienced, and sharp-minded intellectual, a master of Japanese affairs, and one of Chiang's most trusted aides, his insights cutting like a blade through the fog of deception. In this urgent dispatch, Wang distilled the latest machinations from Japan. After the traitor Wang Jingwei defected to the enemy, Japan glimpsed a sinister new path to conquer China: ramping up political inducements for surrender, with brutal military offensives reduced to mere supporting roles. On June 20, the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters unleashed "strategy" tasks upon its troops in China—to incite local armies, those ragtag "miscellaneous troops," to betray their own, isolating and pulverizing the central army units. Wang Pengsheng saw through the ruse; this "attacking the heart" and "subduing strategies," drawn from the ancient wisdom of China's military sage Sun Tzu, betrayed the Japanese army's desperate straits, manpower stretched thin, supplies dwindling to the point of desperation.   Chiang Kai-shek's eyes narrowed as he gripped his red pencil, underlining a passage in the report with deliberate strokes, marking it as a thunderclap of importance or urgency: To cooperate with the establishment of the Wang puppet regime and exert military pressure on the Chongqing government, under the direction of the Imperial General Headquarters, the commander of the Japanese 11th Army, Okamura Yasuji, had formulated the "Xiang-Gan Operation Plan" targeting the main forces of the central army in the Ninth War Zone and was intensifying preparations for its implementation. The words hung heavy in the air like a gathering storm. Chiang Kai-shek rose abruptly, his body protesting with a stiff ache from hours of unyielding vigilance. He stretched his weary waist and legs, then pushed open the wooden door beside the vast sun-facing window, stepping out onto the balcony as if seeking solace from the encroaching night.   The balcony commanded a sweeping vista, a momentary escape from the suffocating confines of strategy and betrayal. Gazing downward, the "Fog Capital" Chongqing emerged in rare clarity, serene and layered beneath the fiery embrace of the evening glow. The distant murmur of the Jialing River, flowing ceaselessly like the pulse of a defiant heart, whispered a fleeting sense of ease amid the turmoil. Yet even this pause carried the echoes of war's relentless march. After the Japanese horde seized Wuhan and surged onward to claim Yueyang—only to halt their southward thrust—both Mao Zedong in his Yan'an stronghold and Chiang Kai-shek in Chongqing etched this moment as a pivotal divide in China's War of Resistance Against Japan. Mao proclaimed the war had plunged into the "stalemate phase," a grinding impasse. Chiang, ever the resolute leader, declared the "second phase of the war of resistance" ignited from this very point.   But across the vast national battlefield, the first half of 1939 roared with unquenched fury, the air thick with the acrid smoke of gunpowder. From the year's dawn, the Japanese army, bolstered by five divisions and eight mixed brigades, launched ruthless "security consolidation" operations in North China to fortify their blood-soaked conquests, only to be harried and bloodied by the Communist Eighth Route Army slipping behind enemy lines and the valiant troops of the First and Second War Zones. In late March, the Japanese 11th Army stormed Nanchang, clashing in a maelstrom of fire with the four group armies of the Ninth War Zone under the iron command of front-line commander Luo Zhuoying. For a grueling month and a half, the battle raged, the Japanese claiming the city at a staggering cost in lives. Chiang Kai-shek, his fury mounting, demanded a counterattack from the Ninth War Zone, but it crumbled into tragedy, over 20,000 souls lost, including Lieutenant General Chen Anbao, the indomitable commander of the 29th Army. Nanchang remained in enemy hands, fueling Chiang's rage like an inferno unchecked.   Then, in May, the Japanese Kwantung Army clashed with Soviet and Mongolian forces in the epic conflagration at Nomonhan. What ignited a spark of grim satisfaction in Chiang was not merely the Japanese rout, with nearly 20,000 of their ranks obliterated, but the broader ripple: this Japan-Soviet inferno would heap pressure upon the invaders in China, weakening their grasp. As the war sank into its stalemate phase, Chiang turned his gaze inward, fiercely guarding his military strength while awaiting the winds of change. He clung to a core conviction: the essence of the War of Resistance boiled down to that single, unbreakable word—"resist." Troops could be sacrificed, territories forsaken, retreats endured when battles turned dire, but surrender was unthinkable. As long as resistance endured, the nation would hold its place among the world's powers, and its leaders their rightful thrones. In time, the tides of international intrigue would shift; the imperialist giants, driven by their own insatiable interests, would not stand idly by as China fell to Japan's maw.   With resolve hardening like steel, Chiang Kai-shek strode back to his imposing desk and seized the telephone, dialing Xu Yongchang, the Minister of Military Orders. His voice cut through the line with unyielding command: instruct Deputy Chief of Staff Bai Chongxi, currently in the Ninth War Zone dissecting the bitter lessons of the Nanchang debacle, to hasten and aid Chen Cheng in crafting ironclad military deployments against the looming Japanese "Xiang-Gan Operation" and submit them without delay.   As the last defiant ray of sunlight plunged below the horizon, the sprawl of Chongqing's urban expanse succumbed to an enveloping darkness, a shroud of uncertainty. Since the government had fled southward, Chongqing had become a relentless target for Japanese bombers, their payloads raining death and devastation in waves of tragedy. By night, the city enforced ironclad blackout controls, its citizens huddling in fear behind heavy curtains, their lives reduced to whispers in the shadows. Chiang Kai-shek's mind drifted to the pre-war nights of the mountain city, when thousands of lights danced like stars upon the river's rippling waves. A deep, weary sigh escaped him, carrying the burden of a leader who refused to yield.   Far from the shadowed balconies of Chongqing, as China's War of Resistance Against Japan plunged into its harrowing third year, the misty haven of Guilin clung to its gentle, rain-soaked serenity, a fragile oasis amid the chaos of a nation torn asunder. Farmers, oblivious to the headlines screaming from distant newspapers, trudged barefoot through the lush fields, guiding massive water buffaloes with their backward-curving horns and deceptively gentle temperaments. Verdant tea groves blanketed the undulating hills, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind, while breezes carried the haunting, sweet-and-sour melodies of mountain songs that seemed to defy the encroaching shadows of war. Those weary souls fleeing the bloodied front lines stumbled into this paradise, their eyes widening in awe, as if they had crossed into a dream untouched by the nightmare raging beyond.   Nestled in the northwestern suburbs of the city, the Guilin Office pulsed with the raw energy of command, its operations post concealed within a colossal karst cave, a labyrinth of nature's own fortifications. Amid the jagged stalagmites and dripping stalactites, wires snaked like veins, cables coiled in tense anticipation, and radio antennas reached out like desperate fingers grasping for signals. These were the nerves of war, linking this hidden nerve center to the smoke-choked, blood-drenched front lines where heroes and horrors collided in the unyielding struggle for resistance.   Deputy Chief of Staff of the Military Affairs Commission and Director of the Guilin Office—Bai Chongxi—unfolded the telegram folder thrust into his hands by his confidential staff, his heart pounding with the weight of destiny:   "To Director Bai in Guilin: Telegram received. Deploy operations according to Plan A.   Zhongzheng"   Before departing Changsha, the Second Department had already whispered warnings of the Japanese horde's intent to strike southward, and fatefully, an urgent call from Xu Yongchang had demanded the swift forging of a battle plan to confront the enemy. As Bai Chongxi devoured the enemy intelligence, a bold strategy ignited in his mind like a flare in the darkness. Chen Cheng, the steadfast Commander of the Ninth War Zone, championed the tried-and-true tactic of successive resistance, but with a grim twist: retreat would be capped north of Changsha. Front-line troops would grind down the Japanese invaders, bleeding them dry before slipping to the east and west flanks. There, they would pounce on the enemy's exposed sides as the foes pressed southward, culminating in a devastating annihilation beneath the walls of Changsha with the aid of the garrison. This blueprint minimized troop movements and promised a swift, brutal clash. Yet Chen Cheng, burdened by his dual role as Minister of the Political Department of the Military Affairs Commission, had delegated command to Xue Yue as acting Ninth War Zone Commander. In heated deliberations, Xue Yue tilted toward Chen's vision, his resolve echoing the caution of survival.   But Bai Chongxi, his strategic mind a whirlwind of innovation, saw a bolder path through the storm. The Japanese forces lurking in the Wuhan area were fractured, split between the Yangtze's north and south, facing off against China's formidable heavy troops. Though intelligence on the scale of their assault remained shrouded in mystery, Bai knew their drawable forces couldn't exceed half their might, and their endurance in sustained combat would falter like a dying flame. "To swallow the attackers whole, the battlefield must be vast and unforgiving, our forces luring them deeper while retreating to the Hengyang area, stretching the enemy thin across a sprawling 200-kilometer wasteland." There, the invaders would wither in passivity, their food and ammunition lines stretched to breaking. Then, in a masterful stroke, troops from the Jiuling and Mufu Mountains would surge westward, while those west of the Xiang River drove eastward, severing every land and water escape route in a vise of total annihilation. Both plans stood as ironclad fortresses of logic, each unassailable in its reasoning, and were dispatched simultaneously to Chiang Kai-shek, the arbiter of China's fate.   By rank and protocol, Bai's vision claimed the mantle of Plan A, while Chen's bore the label of Plan B. Bai Chongxi had voiced his conviction and released it to the winds, content to let Chiang's judgment prevail. Bai Chongxi was a master of strategy, whispered among allies as the "Little Zhuge," his intellect a weapon as sharp as any blade. Yet Chen Cheng shared Chiang's Zhejiang roots and the unbreakable bonds of Huangpu camaraderie, drawing him even closer in the inner circle of trust. On such pivotal matters, Bai Chongxi often chose the path of restraint, yielding rather than clashing in futile strife. Five agonizing days after the plans vanished into the ether, Chiang's telegram pierced the tension, affirming the adoption of Plan A. A surge of quiet triumph coursed through Bai Chongxi as he signed the missive and strode toward the operations map, his steps echoing with purpose.   While strategic minds clashed in hidden caves and distant villas, the front lines pulsed with the raw grit of soldiers readying for battle. Guan Linzheng had been assigned a mount since 1930, when he became commander of the 1st Regiment of the 2nd Training Division, during the Central Plains War between Chiang, Feng, and Yan. He led the regiment to cover the retreat of the division's main force under Zhang Zhizhong. Pursued by several times their number of Feng-Yan troops, they fought while retreating in dire straits. From night to dawn, heavy fog descended, obscuring visibility beyond dozens of paces. Guan Linzheng's chestnut horse suddenly neighed loudly and charged back toward the pursuers. After trying to rein it in unsuccessfully, Guan simply ordered the troops to countercharge into the fog. Shouts of killing filled the air, gunfire intense. The Feng-Yan troops, unclear of the situation in the fog, thought Chiang reinforcements had arrived and ordered a retreat. By the time the fog cleared, they were gone. Guan's bold cunning successfully completed the cover mission, and he was promoted to brigade commander of the division's 2nd Brigade after the war.   In July 1932, during Chiang Kai-shek's fourth encirclement of the Hubei-Henan-Anhui Soviet, Guan Linzheng was brigade commander of the 4th Army's Independent Brigade. In battle, he was surrounded by Red Army troops led by Chen Geng and Cai Shenyi of the Red 25th Army Corps in the Anhui town of Zhuanfo Temple. His unit suffered heavy casualties, and a beloved horse was killed, leaving him distressed for a long time. With the outbreak of the War of Resistance, Guan Linzheng's military career entered its golden age. He believed this was truly raising an army of justice, fighting for the people and the nation. After promotions, though equipped with cars, he always kept a warhorse, often riding to survey terrain, inspect work, and command battles. In spare moments, he personally exercised and groomed the horse. That day, he led several staff on horseback to the Xin Qiang River front line, dismounting on the southern bank. 52nd Army Commander Zhang Yaoming and 195th Division Commander Qin Yizhi were waiting.   According to the Ninth War Zone deployment, the 15th Army Group had positioned Zhang Yaoming's 52nd Army and Xia Chuzhong's 79th Army, a formidable force of six divisions along the southern bank of the Xin Qiang River, stretching from Xin Qiang to Maishi beyond the provincial border. This ironclad first line of defense spanned over 100 kilometers, a vast bulwark against the gathering storm of invasion. Fifty kilometers to the south, Chen Pei's 37th Army, with its Divisions 60 and 95, held the Miluo River from Miluo to Pingjiang as the unyielding second line, ready to absorb any breach. Meanwhile, Li Jue's 70th Army, commanding Divisions 19 and 107 along the eastern bank of the Xiang River, was deployed north and south of Xiangyin, fiercely guarding the critical landing points like Yingtian, points that could spell victory or catastrophe.   195th Division Commander Qin Yizhi reported to Guan Linzheng with a voice charged with resolve: troop morale soared like a battle cry, fortifications stood complete and impenetrable, and the army's slogan for this fateful clash thundered: "Fight with the prestige of Taierzhuang!" The division's mobilization slogan echoed even fiercer: "Win fame in one battle!" Guan Linzheng nodded with grim satisfaction toward Zhang Yaoming, his eyes gleaming with the fire of shared history. Guan had once commanded the 52nd Army himself, leading it through a gauntlet of brilliant, blood-soaked battles on the anti-Japanese front. As the Japanese hordes prepared to surge across the Xin Qiang River southward, this was the first, most perilous barrier, a crucible where legends would be forged or shattered. He had entrusted his most loyal unit to the point of greatest impact, knowing full well the stakes. Zhang Yaoming and the division commanders, who had marched at his side for years through hellfire, understood the gravity: Commander Guan was setting an unassailable example, issuing orders that rippled through the ranks, no one could afford the slightest lapse, or face the merciless blade of military law!   "Who's on the north bank?" Guan Linzheng and the others sat on the hard earth, the weight of impending war pressing down; he pointed to the map's symbols for forward positions across the river, his finger tracing lines of fate. "Guarding the Bijia Mountain position is the reinforced 3rd Battalion of the 195th Division's 131st Regiment under Qin Yizhi," Zhang Yaoming replied without hesitation, his tone steady as stone. "Who's on the north bank?" Guan Linzheng repeated as if he hadn't heard, his voice a low rumble, demanding precision in the face of chaos.   Zhang Yaoming hesitated slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face, and Qin Yizhi stepped in: "3rd Battalion Commander Shi Enhua, Huangpu 8th Class."   The Central Military Academy had held its first five classes in Guangzhou's Huangpu, commonly called Huangpu Military Academy. Afterward, the school moved several times, but students continued using the Huangpu name, partly to inherit the revolutionary spirit against imperialism and feudalism from Huangpu's founding, and partly to indicate their central orthodoxy. Army generals, especially the "old Huangpu" big brothers, approved this practice, calling it Huangpu no matter where the school was.   Guan Linzheng glared at Zhang Yaoming, his gaze like sharpened steel, then pressed his knee and rose to his feet. Guan's left knee had been shattered by a bullet in 1925 during the Eastern Expedition against Chen Jiongming, a wound that had nearly claimed his leg and his future. Doctors had decreed amputation to save his life, but Liao Zhongkai, the party representative, had visited the wounded and intervened strenuously, preventing it. Otherwise, there would be no later glory for Guan Linzheng. After careful treatment and diligent exercise, the leg's function mostly recovered, though rising from a squat was slightly difficult. Zhang Yaoming reached out to help, but Guan pushed him away with a fierce independence born of countless battles. The group descended to the riverbank and stood in heavy silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. The horses either stood patiently with heads held high, vigilant sentinels, or lowered them to sniff the grass, casually plucking some to hold in their lips, oblivious to the human storm brewing.   The Xin Qiang River, an unnamed small river that had flowed quietly for countless years, had no great turbid waves in flood seasons and still shallow clear ripples in dry periods. It flowed peacefully from its source to Dongting Lake over dozens of kilometers. At this moment, it reflected the figures and thoughts of several soldiers, utterly unaware that in a dozen days, its name would leap to the front pages of newspapers nationwide, baptized in blood and etched into history.   Amid these preparations on the front lines, deeper internal conflicts simmered among the high command. Xue Yue regretted taking the position of provincial chairman, a decision that now haunted him like a specter from the battlefield's edge.   After the nationwide shock of the "Great Fire of Changsha," Zhang Zhizhong was punished with "suspension with retention," continuing to handle daily affairs amid the ashes. He sent several telegrams requesting resignation from the provincial chairmanship, expressing to the Executive Yuan his "shameless guilt and deep pain." On January 17, 1939, the Chongqing Executive Yuan passed a resolution to reorganize the Hunan Provincial Government. That night, Zhang Zhizhong received Chiang Kai-shek's telegram instructing him to hand over work and report to Chongqing.   In December 1938, when the Military Affairs Commission issued the order for Xue Yue to act as Ninth War Zone Commander, Chiang Kai-shek personally spoke with Xue, asking: "Brother Boling, do you think this arrangement is acceptable?" Boling was Xue Yue's courtesy name. Chiang, nine years older, addressed him as brother in private. Xue Yue said: "With Changsha in such a state, I truly lack the ability to handle such a major war zone task." Chiang Kai-shek understood Xue's implication about the disunity of military and political affairs making military work difficult. He said: "You go first; we can consider unifying military and political affairs later." According to He Yaozu, then director of the Military Affairs Commission Office who witnessed this: "My impression was that Xue Yue didn't want to avoid the acting commander role, but wanted to combine military and political powers. Chiang knew this, telling me 'If he's willing, let him do it,' words Chiang said to many seeking positions."   On February 1, 1939, the Nationalist Government officially appointed Xue Yue as Chairman of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Kuomintang and Chairman of Hunan Province. With party, government, and military powers combined, troubles followed incessantly, piling upon him like relentless enemy fire. As war zone commander, he first thought of the troops. Upon taking office, Xue implemented a policy to restrict market rice prices for military grain procurement, proposing "flat prices" to acquire grain cheaply, forcing merchants underground. Upon hearing this, Xue angrily summoned major rice merchants, reprimanded them, and ordered them to deliver quotas. The result: insufficient low-price rice, with black market prices rising daily. After half a year, sharp-tongued Hunanese nicknamed him "Xue Pinggui," a name that became household, a mocking whisper that cut deeper than any blade.   Coincidentally, his father passed away. Whether Xue instructed it or subordinates "handled it," obituaries flew everywhere, sent to county-level units across the province. Each county had at least 20 units sending condolences, and higher-level cities and provincial units all sent, leading some to secretly calculate. After Xue Yue took charge in Hunan, his family members were transferred from other provinces, and arranging work according to their abilities was reasonable in that old society. His uncle-in-law Fang Xuefen became head of the Provincial Grain Bureau, brother-in-law Qiu Weiyi head of the Provincial Bank. His brother continued business, transporting Hunan rice to Guangdong for barter.   Xue Yue's talents shone not in officialdom. Only before military maps, on battlefields of gunfire and flying shells, could one find the general-like Xue Yue; "heaven-born talent" was for warfare. This descendant of an ordinary farming family in Lechang County, Guangdong, who entered Huangpu Army Primary School at 10, became commander of Sun Yat-sen's bodyguard regiment's 1st Battalion at 24, and once carried a machine gun through hails of bullets to protect Madame Sun Soong Ching-ling from rebel encirclement, earned the nickname "Tiger Cub" in blood and fire. What propelled him to life's peak was the Battle of Changsha.   On August 21, 1939, with war clouds over Changsha thickening like a noose, Xue Yue received telegrams and calls from Chiang Kai-shek, Bai Chongxi, and Chen Cheng. Chiang's telegram required immediate deployment according to "Plan A." Bai and Chen urged resolute implementation of the Chairman's instructions. Xue Yue stood motionless before the map, his mind a whirlwind of strategy and defiance.   Many articles recalling Xue Yue mentioned his daily habit, or hobby, of studying maps; he could do so all day. With battles, he looked; without, he still studied avidly. Perhaps map-reading had evolved from a commander's work need to a professional soldier's spiritual requirement, a way to express emotions, dispel worries, a soldier's way of existence. After Chiang's order to execute "Plan A," rather than comparing plans on the map for stronger bases for his preferred view, he was organizing thoughts, adjusting emotions, and gathering courage in this soul's sanctuary. Hours later, he turned and called Chief of Staff Zhao Zili, dictating three reasons to persist with "Plan B," instructing him to draft a telegram directly to Chiang Kai-shek.   He reminded Zhao that the wording should be forceful yet resilient, making the Chairman clearly feel his firm determination. The Ninth War Zone has sufficient forces and confidence to annihilate the Japanese north of Changsha. If our forces retreat to Hengyang, the Japanese 21st Army under Ando Toshikichi in Guangzhou (with 18th and 104th Divisions, Taiwan Brigade, and attached air units) might advance north along the Yue-Han Railway in support, forming a pincer on us, making the battle hard to control. Following Plan A and allowing the Japanese south would lead to Changsha's fall, exploited by enemy propaganda, causing adverse effects domestically and internationally. These three points presented the potential military and political disadvantages of Plan A as tangible, imminent dangers, more argumentative and unyieldingly firm than his original inclination toward "Plan B."   Zhao Zili quickly noted the points, his pen flying across the page with the precision of a seasoned warrior, before retreating to the staff office to draft the telegram that could alter the course of battle. A top student of Huangpu's 6th Class, quick-witted and resourceful, Zhao had risen like a comet through the ranks after a few blistering campaigns, pinning the insignia of major general to his shoulders at the tender age of 31, a feat that stirred envy among his classmates like a storm in their hearts. Zhao Zili, of course, understood Xue Yue's true intent, piercing through the layers of strategy to the raw undercurrent of determination and unresolved fury.   In May 1938, to avenge the stinging triumph at Taierzhuang, the Japanese had massed their forces in a vengeful storm, aiming to encircle and annihilate the Chinese main forces east of the Longhai Railway, striking from both east and north with ruthless precision. The northern route's 14th Division, under the cunning Dobashi Kenji, found itself surrounded in Lanfeng by a pantheon of fierce Chinese generals, Song Xilian, Yu Jishi, Hu Zongnan, Qiu Qingquan, Wang Yaowu, Li Hanlun, Gui Yongqing, Sun Tongxuan, and Shang Zhen, warriors whose names echoed like thunder across the battlefields. Chiang Kai-shek himself descended upon Zhengzhou to supervise the carnage, appointing Xue Yue as 1st Corps Commander to orchestrate the generals in a full-throttle offensive on the morning of May 25, with the ironclad goal of obliterating that longtime scourge of China and his 14th Division before the dawn of the 26th shattered the night.   The odds were a gambler's dream: 150,000 elite Chinese troops against a mere 20,000 second-rate Japanese soldiers. Victory seemed not just possible, but inevitable; Chiang invited journalists to the front lines for live dispatches, while the Wuhan Political Department feverishly prepared celebrations for the "second great Taierzhuang victory." Chiang Kai-shek was exceptionally angry, his rage boiling over in orders that scorched the ranks, reprimanding army commanders for "inept command, cowardly actions, leading to low morale and hesitation," and that "most army, division, and brigade commanders lacked courage and self-motivation, prolonging the battle." After the Lanfeng Battle, Chiang ordered the dismissal and investigation of future Nationalist Navy Commander Gui Yongqing and 1950s Taiwan Army Commander and Provincial Chairman Huang Jie, and executed 88th Division Commander Long Muhan. But he did not hold Xue Yue accountable for leadership responsibility. For a highly self-respecting person, self-blame is more painful than others' blame. Thereafter, Xue Yue spent more time buried in maps, his eyes tracing lines of terrain like a man possessed, seeking a monumental battle to avenge his wounded pride and redeem his tarnished honor.   On March 8, 1939, shortly after Xue Yue assumed the mantle of acting Ninth War Zone Commander, Chiang telegraphed him with urgent resolve: "To secure Nanchang and its rear lines, decide to strike first, take the offensive to thwart the enemy's intentions." Chiang valued Nanchang's strategic position, as did Okamura Yasuji, but Chiang was a step slow, his hesitation a fatal crack. The Japanese, wielding two divisions bolstered by the bulk of their army's tanks and artillery, seized the initiative like predators in the night, storming Nanchang before the Chinese heavy forces could muster. Chen Cheng remained the nominal Ninth War Zone Commander, relegating Xue Yue to a watchful perch in Changsha while entrusting the Nanchang front to his confidant Luo Zhuoying. Xue Yue haunted the command room day and night, monitoring the inferno through frantic phone calls and telegrams, his discomfort gnawing at him like an unhealed wound. He bore witness to Nanchang's fall and the counterattack's agonizing collapse.   The Nanchang Battle loss was not Xue's fault, but it scarred the Ninth War Zone under his watch, with generals' whispers spreading like venom, knotting his heart in a tangle of regret and resolve. Months of intense map study and on-site inspections had etched Hunan's terrain into Xue Yue's very soul, birthing a strategy that was bold, unique, and brimming with promise—a phoenix rising from the ashes of defeat. But as Zhao Zili understood with crystal clarity, Commander Xue's telegram to Chiang, a forceful plea to reverse the decision, sprang less from cold military "strategy" than from the seething "resentment" accumulated through repeated failures and humiliations, a fire that demanded reckoning. With Chen Cheng's help, Chiang finally agreed to change the plan, bending to the tide of persuasion. Xue Yue was delighted, his spirit soaring like a liberated eagle; Bai Chongxi was angry, his frustration simmering like a storm held at bay. After the battle erupted, Bai, dispatched by Chiang to assist Xue Yue, arrived at the war zone headquarters on Yuelu Mountain atop the Xiang River's west bank in Changsha but remained silent like a mute bodhisattva, his words locked away in disapproval. Even decades later, in his Memoirs of Bai Chongxi, discussing the First Battle of Changsha, he still did not consider it a victory, saying the Japanese "conducted a planned retreat without much loss, which is a fact."   I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. In 1939, amid the Second Sino-Japanese War's stalemate phase, Chiang Kai-shek received intelligence on Japan's Xiang-Gan Operation, aimed at pressuring Chongqing through military advances in Hunan. Deputy Chief Bai Chongxi proposed Plan A for a deep-lure annihilation south of Changsha, while Chen Cheng and Xue Yue favored Plan B for resistance north of the city. After tense debates, Chiang approved Plan B, influenced by Xue's insistence to avoid Changsha's fall and counter Japanese propaganda.   

Position Exercise: The audio will tell you where each of the pieces on the board are and whose turn it is. Find the best move! To learn more about Don't Move Until You See It and get the free 5-day Conceptualizing Chess Series, head over to https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/conceptualization FEN for today's exercise: 8/8/8/8/r1k5/b7/P2r4/KN6 b - - 0 1 And the answer is... 1... Bb2# *

The Grit and Grain team was lucky enough to be invited to the famous yearly celebration of Double Mountain's legendary inception, so we packed up the cars and took a field trip to beautiful Hood River. Nestled in the Brewer's Lounge couches, the entire Double Mountain team sat with us for a glorious hour of brewery history, shenanigans, and fond memories of the early days of Hood River craft beer.  From award-winning beer to award-winning cider, airplanes, early influences, and future plans, we get the full scoop on the brewery that has spent nearly two decades helping to shape Hood River's incredibly tight craft beer scene. Do not miss this one! Tap, tap, tap Alright, Grit & Grainers! Please email us at cheers@gritandgrainpodcast.com with your comments, opinions, and favorite Double Mountain pizza. You can subscribe to GGP on YouTube, Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, and iHeartRadio, and please leave us a review. Be sure to also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. If this podcast is not what you expected, please alter your expectations. No such thing as a bad time to visit Tacoma. No such thing as too much barleywine. Tune in next Friday for more sweet chatter. Cheers! The post Episode 183: Double Mountain's 19th Anniversary Party appeared first on Grit & Grain Podcast.

There's no better feeling than having no expectations for a brewery visit and being blown away. That's exactly how Cee felt after visiting Thirty Eight O Six during a recent trip to his motherland of Australia. Nestled in the South Eastern suburb of Berwick in Melbourne, Co-Founders Lachie (Brewer) and Zac (Chef) have turned their industrial unit into something you'd be more likely to find in hipster city neighbourhoods like Collingwood or Fitzroy. The fellas jumped on the pod to chat about their connection to Berwick and how proud they are to bring their idea to life where they grew up, how Lachie went from an electrician to a full-time brewer and business owner, Zac's harrowing story of losing a pinkie during the build of the brewery, how they connect with their neighbours (shout out Bermuda Coffee Studio!), their lineup of beers and why they have so many core brands, the popularity of Pale Ales and Xtra Pale Ales in Australia, their approach to their food program and why it's so exceptional, Cee's incredible experience at the brewery with the food, why they attract such a diverse crowd, why they chose shared tables for the taproom, and where they plan to take it from here. They got into five 3806 bangers: Hazy Pale Ale, West Coast IPA, Hazy IPA, Pale Ale, and Oat Cream IPA. This was such a gem - cheers! Where To Drink Craft Beer In Melbourne vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGI6Lu8Gb5w BAOS Podcast Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube | Website | Theme tune: Cee - BrewHeads

Send us Fan MailVermont-based singer, composer, guitarist, dancer and poet Hannah Frances joins Al to introduce him to Fiona Apple's 2012 album The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do (aka The Idler Wheel…). Hannah talks about her earliest experiences with listening to The Idler Wheel… and why the album made such an impression on her. She and Al delve into several of the album's tracks, and they highlight what they enjoy about Apple's lyrics, vocal delivery and instrumentation in general. Hannah also discusses her most recent album Nested in Tangles as well as her recent and upcoming shows and projects, including her Landscapes of Song workshop.Correction: Al made an incorrect reference to Hannah's album Nested in Tangles as Nestled in Tangles.To find Hannah's music, videos, merch and more, visit her website https://hannahfrancesmusic.com/. As mentioned on this episode, you will also be able to purchase the on-demand version of Hannah's Landscapes of Song songwriting workshop via her website soon.You can follow Hannah on Instagram and Substack at @hannahfracesmusic.Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. The first eight episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA's subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum. More monthly episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.2:02 Hannah's introduction2:38 Does Vermont need a new state seal?3:17 Hannah talks about how she got introduced to The Idler Wheel…5:53 Hannah explains why she chose to discuss The Idler Wheel…8:27 Hannah discusses the personal loss that changed her music listening13:27 Hannah revisits one of the first times she had listened to the album17:01 Hannah explains why she thinks Apple's anger is part of what makes The Idler Wheel… an important album20:33 Hannah and Al find Apple's lyrical directness appealing23:10 Hannah explains why she needs to hear the album in fullDiscussion of specific tracks:23:59 Daredevil/Valentine27:09 Werewolf30:20 Periphery31:58 Regret34:05 Hannah contrasts Apple's approach on The Idler Wheel… to Fetch the Bolt Cutters and Extraordinary Machine37:06 Al and Hannah comment on the variety in the use of percussion across the tracks on The Idler Wheel…42:07 Hannah sums up what she loves about The Idler Wheel…42:57 Hannah talks about the sonic and lyrical landscapes of Nested in Tangles46:08 Hannah explains how she consciously wanted to defy genre labels51:10 Hannah talks about how Joni Mitchell is an inspiration for her54:38 Hannah discusses how her love of progressive rock impacts her own music56:47 Hannah shares her upcoming plans for live and recorded music1:00:43 Hannah talks about her recent songwriting workshopOutro music is from “Falling From and Further” by Hannah Frances.Support the show

WE HAVE MERCH, CHECK IT OUT: https://artistsonartistsonartistsonartists.com/shopOscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, George Bernard Shaw, W. B. Yeats. Some of the most iconic playwrights across genres, from absurdism to pastoral stories. Nestled within sweeping hillsides and rocky cliffs, Irish playwrights's stories have been told across not just the continent but the world. This week we sat down with some modern Irish playwrights as they discuss their own legacies they hope to leave, how their Irish upbringing has influenced their work, and the last time they saw God. All in the most beautiful and accurate of accents. Grab a pint, sit down at the pub with us, and listen in!This episode was filmed in the beautiful Dynasty Typewriter Theater, and tech-produced by Samuel Curtis. For live shows and events you can find more about them at dynastytypewriter.com. To learn more about the BTS of this episode and to find a world of challenges, games, inside scoop, and the Artists being themselves, subscribe to our Patreon! You won't be disappointed with what you find. Check out patreon.com/aoaoaoapod Artists on Artists on Artists on Artists is an improvised Hollywood roundtable podcast by Kylie Brakeman, Jeremy Culhane, Angela Giarratana, and Patrick McDonald. Produced by Laservision Productions. Music by Gabriel Ponton. Edited by Conner McCabe. Thumbnail art by Josh Fleury. Logo designed by Lucy Tomkiewicz.Hollywood's talking. Make sure you're listening. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube! Please rate us five stars!

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE!Nestled in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Linville Manor is an imposing Greek Revival mansion with roots stretching back to the late 1600s. Built on the site of a farmhouse destroyed by fire, the property has witnessed centuries of history, tragedy, and transformation.Today, the manor is widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in Maryland.Owner Winn Brewer joins us to share the remarkable history of Linville Manor, the stories tied to the land, and the unexplained activity that many believe still lingers within the home. Visitors who come for private ghost tours—or even overnight stays—often report strange experiences and an atmosphere that feels heavy with the past.We explore the long and fascinating history of Linville Manor and the mysterious energy that continues to draw paranormal investigators and curious visitors alike.#TheGraveTalks #LinvilleManor #HauntedMaryland #HauntedMansion #UpperMarlboro #HauntedHistory #GhostTours #ParanormalInvestigation #HauntedAmerica #SpiritEncounters #GhostStories #ParanormalPodcastLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

I'm back and starting the eighth season, we're visiting a small Vietnamese joint celebrating its 5th anniversary this month. Meet Hung, a charismatic, soft spoken owner and chef of Hung's Kitchen. Nestled between Izakayas and Pachinko parlors near Kamata Station, this welcoming restaurant attracts those craving authentic Banh Mi and Pho. Even though his food speaks volumes, Hung's excellent service and constant effort to be part of the community invokes tangible warmth that brings locals and visitors together. If you're in Tokyo and want some Vietnamese deliciousness, visit Hung's Kitchen.For more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

Nestled among the old growth trees in Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest, a winding trail leads to the historic bathhouses and hand-carved tubs of Bagby Hot Springs. People have been visiting the springs to soak and commune with nature since time immemorial.   But this beloved place also has a complicated history. Over the years, crowds, misuse, vandalism and other problems have caused it to repeatedly fall into disrepair. And teams of volunteers have repeatedly banded together to restore Bagby to its former glory.   This week on the show: how do we love a place without loving it to death? How do we reckon with the impact our presence has on the natural spaces we feel connected to? And can a place like Bagby Hot Springs be saved for good?   We consider these big questions with OPB “Oregon Field Guide” producer Ian McCluskey, who first visited and fell in love with the springs as a small child.   Watch Ian’s documentary for Oregon Field Guide, “Bagby Hot Springs: Ruin and Redemption” on March 19th on OPB’s YouTube channel and at opb.org.   -   For more episodes of The Evergreen, and to share your voice with us, visit our show page. Follow OPB on Instagram, and follow host Jenn Chávez too. You can sign up for OPB’s newsletters to get what you need in your inbox regularly.   Don’t forget to check out our many podcasts, which can be found on any of your favorite podcast apps:HushTimber Wars Season 2: Salmon WarsPolitics NowThink Out Loud And many more! Check out our full show list here.  

Send a textIn this episode of We Know Texas Vino, we head to the Piney Woods of East Texas to visit Valle della Pace Vineyards & Winery, a hidden gem whose name translates from Italian to “Valley of Peace.” Nestled in the scenic countryside of Garden Valley near Tyler, this family-owned winery blends Old World inspiration with Texas-grown character. Founded in 2011 by Dr. Don Clark, Valle della Pace has grown from a small vineyard dream into a destination known for award-winning wines, welcoming hospitality, and a peaceful atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back. In this episode, we talk about the journey behind the winery, the science and passion behind their wines, and what makes East Texas such a unique place to grow grapes.Valle della Pace Vineyards & Winery

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE!Nestled at the intersection of 13th Street and Kansas Avenue in Atchison, Kansas, stands the majestic McInteer Villa. Constructed in 1889 by Irish immigrant John McInteer, this historic mansion has woven itself into the fabric of local lore with its tales of unexplained hauntings.From lights flickering mysteriously to children laughing and ghostly apparitions, the McInteer Villa has long captured the imagination of those drawn to the supernatural, including Stephanie O'Reilly. When she realized this stately mansion was for sale, she became obsessed. And in 2018, she and her father became the proud owners of this incredible piece of history, along with its hauntings.However charming its exterior may appear, the McInteer Villa holds many ghostly secrets. There's an undeniable mystique surrounding it, hinting at a bond that keeps spirits lingering within its confines while enticing the living to venture to Atchison, Kansas, in search of paranormal encounters.Today on the Grave Talks, the 1889 McInteer Villa, with owner Stephanie O'Reilly.For more information on tours and overnight investigations, visit their website, 1889mcinteervilla.com. #TheGraveTalks #McInteerVilla #AtchisonKansas #HauntedKansas #VictorianHaunting #ParanormalPodcast #GhostStories #HistoricHauntings #HauntedMansion #KansasGhosts #MidwestHauntings Love real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael sits down with Yancy to explore a powerful journey from career burnout to purpose-driven leadership. What began as a successful career in green building ultimately led to a health crisis that forced Yancy to confront the cost of overperformance, unconscious habits, and chronic self-neglect. That reckoning became the catalyst for creating Casa Alternavida, a leadership and wellness retreat center in Puerto Rico designed to help leaders reset, recalibrate, and lead sustainably. Yancy shares the real, unpolished reality behind the transition including a two-year remote phase-out from his corporate role, navigating hurricanes, financial strain, and the pandemic. Rather than derailing the mission, each disruption deepened his coaching capacity and clarified the work he was meant to do. The same burnout patterns that once drove his own collapse now show up repeatedly in the leaders who attend his retreats, reinforcing a simple truth: burnout is rarely a personal failure; it is a leadership signal. From Career Success to Conscious Leadership Yancy walks listeners through the internal and external shifts required to move from traditional success metrics to values-driven leadership. Leaving a stable career was not a dramatic overnight leap. It was a slow, uncomfortable disentangling process marked by uncertainty and resilience. The environmental challenges faced in Puerto Rico, from hurricanes to infrastructure breakdowns, mirrored the internal rebuilding leaders must do after burnout. These experiences shaped the retreat philosophy: growth is forged in disruption, not comfort. That insight ultimately led Yancy to write a book grounded in lived experience, not theory, offering leaders a roadmap to recognize burnout early and respond with intention rather than collapse. The Real Root Causes of Burnout Michael and Yancy unpack burnout beyond surface-level stress management. Yancy identifies three recurring root causes he sees consistently in leaders: Neglect of physical well-being Leaders often treat their bodies as tools rather than systems, ignoring sleep, nutrition, and recovery until health forces their attention. Unconscious communication patterns Unspoken expectations, unresolved tension, and misalignment quietly drain energy and erode trust, both internally and within teams. The “superhero complex” driven by the inner critic Many leaders operate from a belief that they must carry everything alone. This identity is often praised externally while silently destroying capacity from the inside. Through the lens of self-leadership, these patterns can be interrupted. Awareness creates choice, and choice restores agency. Why Retreats Create Breakthroughs The conversation highlights why immersive retreats remain one of the most effective environments for leadership transformation. Removed from constant digital noise and performance pressure, leaders experience time differently. Presence expands. Nervous systems downshift. Perspective returns. Yancy explains that when people reconnect with their senses and the natural environment, clarity accelerates. Decisions that once felt overwhelming become obvious. Productivity improves not because leaders push harder, but because they stop leaking energy. Michael reinforces that self-care is not a reward for hard work; it is the infrastructure that makes sustainable leadership possible. Leadership That Lasts Yancy also discusses his book, Amplify Your Leadership, which distills the tools, practices, and frameworks he teaches at Casa Alternavida. The book is designed for leaders who want to scale impact without sacrificing health, relationships, or integrity. The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to rethink how they define success and to recognize burnout as an early warning system rather than a breaking point. Key Takeaways Burnout is not a weakness; it is feedback Self-leadership precedes sustainable external leadership Presence and recovery increase performance, not reduce it Leaders do not need more pressure; they need better systems Conscious communication and body awareness are non-negotiable leadership skills Learn More To learn more about Yancy's work, retreats, and leadership resources, listeners are encouraged to explore his programs and writing through Casa Alternavida. https://www.yancywright.com/ https://www.casaalternavida.com/     ABOUT YANCY A visionary facilitator and coach, Yancy Wright guides organizations to new horizons. For almost two decades, he has been at the forefront of behavior change, aiding leaders and teams in resolving pain points such as communication breakdowns, misaligned values, silos, and resistance to change. His strength lies in championing value-aligned communication and igniting collaboration through authentic emotional intelligence.   Emerging from his own career burnout as a luminary in Seattle's green building industry, Yancy founded Alternavida in 2013. For over a decade, he has curated impactful learning experiences for esteemed organizations like CBRE Real Estate, Blanchard, Money Group, AbbVie, and Dell Children's Hospital Foundation. Yancy's nature-centric team-building approach doesn't just transform mindsets; it empowers executives to lead authentically from the very core of their being.   In 2017, Yancy reached a major milestone by designing and constructing Casa Alternavida, a tropical leadership retreat center transformed from an old, abandoned structure. Nestled between a lush rainforest and a warm ocean, this Puerto Rican sanctuary layers healthy food, quality rest, and nature adventures with personal growth.   Certified in Leadership and Transformation coaching (Hendricks Institute), Resilience coaching (HeartMath Institute), and Forest Therapy (ANFT), Yancy's mastery extends beyond qualifications. His master's degree in architecture enables him to design unique experiential learning structures tailored precisely to meet clients where they are.   Yancy Wright stands as the transformational catalyst, blending unique expertise, decades of experience, and a commitment to empowering positive change that helps his clients achieve extraordinary outcomes.

This week, we are joined by Nick Ladd and Jessie Quan, owners, operators, and the respective Ladd and Lass from Ladd & Lass Brewing. Nestled in the heart of Seattle’s University District — and in the old Fabulous Rainbow Tavern, no less — the couple have spent the last four years creating something very special: bringing the attention to detail that comes from years studying architecture, and the creative instincts that have quickly turned them into one of Washington's newest sweetheart breweries. Tune in to meet Nick and Jessie. Find out how they got started, where they are headed, and how the two of them manage to run an entire brewery and taproom by themselves. Tap, tap, tap Alright, Grit & Grainers! Please email us at cheers@gritandgrainpodcast.com with your comments, opinions, and the documented side effects of an architect who accidentally drinks too much Ladd & Lass Barrel-Aged Year 3 Barleywine. You can subscribe to GGP on YouTube, Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, and iHeartRadio, and please leave us a review. Be sure to also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. If this podcast is not what you expected, please alter your expectations. No such thing as a bad time to visit Tacoma. No such thing as too much barleywine. Tune in next Friday for more sweet chatter. Cheers! The post Episode 178: Brewing a New Legacy with Ladd & Lass appeared first on Grit & Grain Podcast.

Nestled in the heart of Somers, New York, about one hour north of Manhattan, Honeybee Grove is a cozy little flower farm offering cut-your-own flowers, small events, workshops, retail pop-ups, and more. As owner Sarah Coldwell enters her fifth season, she joined me to share her story and discuss the benefits of planning a full […] The post Episode 756: Sarah Coldwell of Honeybee Grove Flower Farm – on building a destination floral enterprise on U-Pick, farmers' and makers' markets, and seasonal flower festivals appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! PART TWOWith a population of just 75, Port Gamble appears frozen in time. Nestled on the Kitsap Peninsula, the town's preserved 19th-century buildings and quiet waterfront charm create the kind of postcard setting that feels almost too perfect. But beneath that historic beauty lies a reputation that has earned Port Gamble recognition as one of Washington's most haunted locations.At the center of its paranormal lore stands the Walker-Ames House, widely regarded as the town's most active site. Reports of apparitions, unexplained voices, shifting objects, and persistent cold spots have followed the property for decades. Visitors often describe an atmosphere that feels watched rather than welcoming.Insights from Pete Orbea connect documented history with ongoing activity throughout the town. As the founder of Port Gamble Paranormal and organizer of the annual ghost conference, Orbea has spent years documenting encounters and guiding investigations into the town's layered past.Port Gamble may be small, but its haunted reputation looms large — a place where history remains intact, and some residents never truly moved on.#TheGraveTalks #PortGamble #HauntedWashington #WalkerAmesHouse #ParanormalHistory #GhostTownVibes #TrueParanormal #HauntedAmerica Love real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE!With a population of just 75, Port Gamble appears frozen in time. Nestled on the Kitsap Peninsula, the town's preserved 19th-century buildings and quiet waterfront charm create the kind of postcard setting that feels almost too perfect. But beneath that historic beauty lies a reputation that has earned Port Gamble recognition as one of Washington's most haunted locations.At the center of its paranormal lore stands the Walker-Ames House, widely regarded as the town's most active site. Reports of apparitions, unexplained voices, shifting objects, and persistent cold spots have followed the property for decades. Visitors often describe an atmosphere that feels watched rather than welcoming.Insights from Pete Orbea connect documented history with ongoing activity throughout the town. As the founder of Port Gamble Paranormal and organizer of the annual ghost conference, Orbea has spent years documenting encounters and guiding investigations into the town's layered past.Port Gamble may be small, but its haunted reputation looms large — a place where history remains intact, and some residents never truly moved on.#TheGraveTalks #PortGamble #HauntedWashington #WalkerAmesHouse #ParanormalHistory #GhostTownVibes #TrueParanormal #HauntedAmerica Love real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! PART TWOWith a population of just 75 residents, Port Gamble may be small—but its reputation looms large. Nestled on Washington's Kitsap Peninsula, the picturesque town is widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the state, with paranormal activity reported throughout its historic streets, buildings, and surrounding woods.Among its most infamous locations is the Walker-Ames House, a site long associated with unsettling encounters and unexplained phenomena. But the activity doesn't stop there. Visitors report shadow figures, disembodied voices, and an atmosphere that feels charged long after night falls.We're joined by Pete Orbea, founder of Port Gamble Paranormal. Pete leads ghost walks and investigations throughout the town, coordinates the annual Port Gamble Ghost Conference, and hosts his own radio show, The Paranormal Pete Show. Together, we explore the encounters and experiences that have made Port Gamble a destination for those seeking a genuine paranormal experience.#TheGraveTalks #PortGambleHauntings #HauntedWashington #WalkerAmesHouse #ParanormalPodcast #GhostTours #HauntedTowns #UnexplainedPhenomena #DisembodiedVoices #Ghosts #ParanormalExperienceLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE!With a population of just 75 residents, Port Gamble may be small—but its reputation looms large. Nestled on Washington's Kitsap Peninsula, the picturesque town is widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the state, with paranormal activity reported throughout its historic streets, buildings, and surrounding woods.Among its most infamous locations is the Walker-Ames House, a site long associated with unsettling encounters and unexplained phenomena. But the activity doesn't stop there. Visitors report shadow figures, disembodied voices, and an atmosphere that feels charged long after night falls.We're joined by Pete Orbea, founder of Port Gamble Paranormal. Pete leads ghost walks and investigations throughout the town, coordinates the annual Port Gamble Ghost Conference, and hosts his own radio show, The Paranormal Pete Show. Together, we explore the encounters and experiences that have made Port Gamble a destination for those seeking a genuine paranormal experience.#TheGraveTalks #PortGambleHauntings #HauntedWashington #WalkerAmesHouse #ParanormalPodcast #GhostTours #HauntedTowns #UnexplainedPhenomena #DisembodiedVoices #Ghosts #ParanormalExperienceLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

Nestled at the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, India, the ruins of Bhangarh Fort have earned a reputation so chilling that visitors are legally forbidden from entering after sunset. Declared one of the most haunted locations in the world, this 17th-century fort is wrapped in legends of curses, obsession, and restless spirits.In this episode of Lurk, we explore the rise and fall of Bhangarh Fort—from its royal origins under the Kachwaha dynasty to the eerie silence that now blankets its temples, palaces, and marketplaces. Locals whisper of shadowy figures, disembodied screams, sudden drops in temperature, and an overwhelming sense of dread felt by those who linger too long.At the heart of the haunting are two enduring legends: • A powerful curse laid by a holy ascetic after his land was violated • A sorcerer whose obsession with a princess may have doomed an entire cityWe'll examine how these stories intertwine with historical records, why the Archaeological Survey of India enforces strict nighttime bans, and what modern investigators and visitors claim to have experienced among the ruins.Is Bhangarh Fort truly cursed—or is fear itself the most powerful force haunting its walls?Press play, and step carefully. Some places don't like to be remembered.Subscribe & Follow:Don't miss future episodes of Lurk! Follow us on Spotify Apple Podcasts etc. and hit that subscribe button.Join the conversation: Follow us on social media for updates, discussions, and to share your thoughts on this case.Lurk on FacebookLurk on TwitterLurk on InstagramWe have a new Facebook Group join in the discussion! Lurk Podcast Facebook GroupNew Merch Store!We are also now found on YouTube- Lurk on YouTubeBackground Music Royalty and Copyright Free MusicIntro and Outro music purchased through  AudioJunglewith Music Broadcast License (1 Million)Send us a textSupport the show

Nestled inside the whimsy of City Museum, Circus Harmony feels right at home as a space for young people to explore. The acclaimed circus school's dedication to using the arts to teach essential life skills has been at its core since the start. Guests have marveled at the circus world standout for 25 years, and it's not slowing down. This year's full-length production, “Misterioso,” lets the students' creativity and minds truly shine.

Nestled between Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria, Benin is a rich sliver of West Africa too often overlooked. This program puts Afropop's spotlight on Benin, starting with the country's favorite daughter. International star Angelique Kidjo looks back on her musical education in the Benin capital, Cotonou, as she walks us through the songs on her album Oyo, which spans covers of songs by James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Miriam Makeba, and Benin's own Bella Bellow. We meet the 70s "vodoun funk" band Orchestre Poly-Rythmo, who are still going strong, and recently made their belated US debut. We move forward to present a chat with Lionel Loueke, a Beninois guitarist who has moved on to become one of the most original voices in contemporary American jazz. The program ends with a remembrance of the brilliant Malian guitarist and singer Lobi Traore. APWW PGM #594 Originally aired in 2010

Nestled in the countryside of Kent, England, is a quaint little village known as Pluckley. Dating back centuries, the town is a place some never want to leave—earning it the reputation of “The Most Haunted Village in England.” At least 12 different ghosts have been spotted around town regularly—and in the 1950s one author began uncovering the ghosts' true identities.For a full list of sources, please visit: sosupernaturalpodcast.com/haunted-pluckley-villageSo Supernatural is an Audiochuck and Crime House production. Find us on social!Instagram: @sosupernatualpodTwitter: @_sosupernaturalFacebook: /sosupernaturalpod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nestled in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Linville Manor—is an imposing Greek Revival mansion with a history that dates back to the late 1600s. On this episode, owner Winn Brewer dives into the history of his home, which was built on the ashes of a farmhouse destroyed by fire. This grand home has seen tragedy, rebirth, and, perhaps most notably, a long-standing connection to the spirit world. With a storied past and an eerie present, Linville Manor is considered one of the most haunted places in Maryland. Whether you go for a private ghost tour or an overnight stay, the energy of the manor is undeniable. Some come seeking the supernatural, while others come to uncover the mysteries that linger behind its walls. Whatever you believe, one thing is certain: Linville Manor is a place where the living and the dead collide, and the past is never far behind. For more information, find them on Facebook or visit their website at linvillemanor.com. #LinvilleManor #HauntedMaryland #HauntedMansion #GreekRevivalHaunting #HistoricHauntings #ParanormalPodcast #GhostTourExperience #HauntedPlacesUSA #TrueGhostStories #SpiritsAmongUs Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:

Nestled in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Linville Manor—is an imposing Greek Revival mansion with a history that dates back to the late 1600s. On this episode, owner Winn Brewer dives into the history of his home, which was built on the ashes of a farmhouse destroyed by fire. This grand home has seen tragedy, rebirth, and, perhaps most notably, a long-standing connection to the spirit world. With a storied past and an eerie present, Linville Manor is considered one of the most haunted places in Maryland.Whether you go for a private ghost tour or an overnight stay, the energy of the manor is undeniable. Some come seeking the supernatural, while others come to uncover the mysteries that linger behind its walls. Whatever you believe, one thing is certain: Linville Manor is a place where the living and the dead collide, and the past is never far behind.For more information, find them on Facebook or visit their website at linvillemanor.com.#LinvilleManor #HauntedMaryland #HauntedMansion #GreekRevivalHaunting #HistoricHauntings #ParanormalPodcast #GhostTourExperience #HauntedPlacesUSA #TrueGhostStories #SpiritsAmongUsLove real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:

On the 7th Nightmare Before Christmas... Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is the kind of place that sells serenity. Nestled in the lush green folds of the state's northern panhandle, its glittering lakes and cozy resorts draw tourists each summer, while locals call it the Lake City. It's a place where doors stay unlocked, where evenings hum with crickets, and where danger feels far away. Eight miles east of town, near the Wolf Lodge campground, a small, weathered house sat back from the road—nearly hidden by the trees. In 2005, it was home to 37-year-old Mark McKenzie, his girlfriend, 40-year-old Brenda Groene, and Brenda's three children: 13-year-old Slade, 9-year-old Dylan, and 8-year-old Shasta. The family lived their days filled with school, work, and play. Their back door was almost always unlocked. But on the night of May 15, 2005, that small gesture of safety and comfort would be the very thing that destroyed them. That night, a man named Joseph Edward Duncan, 42, slipped through the open back door. He was dressed in dark clothing, wearing black leather gloves, and carrying a shotgun. Along with the gun, he brought duct tape, zip ties, and a claw hammer. The family was asleep. Duncan knew they would be. He had been watching them for days. He'd first noticed Dylan and Shasta playing outside in their swimsuits—laughing, carefree, the way children should be. Something in his twisted mind fixated on that moment. In the quiet town of Coeur d'Alene, a single open door had invited a nightmare that would leave five lives shattered—and shadows that would never lift. Join Cam and Jen on this episode of Our True Crime Podcast entitled "Abducted in Idaho: Groene Family Massacre." Thank you to our incredible team: Listener discretion by Edward October @octoberpodVHS Executive Producer/Music @theinkypawprint Sources:  https://rivcoda.org/community-info/news-media-archives/convicted-serial-killer-who-murdered-10-year-old-beaumont-boy-24-years-ago-dies-in-indiana https://web.archive.org/web/20110510093816/http://spokesmanreview.com/sections/duncan/?ID=258599 https://web.archive.org/web/20240616142947/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/brother-of-molester-duncan-speaks-for-first-time/ https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2005/jul/06/duncans-history-by-age-17-he-fit-definition-of-a/#:~:text=In%201980%2C%20a%20psychological%20evaluation,definition%20of%20the%20sexual%20psychopath.%E2%80%9D https://meaww.com/who-was-joseph-edward-duncan-crimes-serial-killer-dies-idaho-groene-family-death-row-brain-cancer https://web.archive.org/web/20110510094245/http://spokesmanreview.com/sections/duncan/?ID=79500 https://www.foxnews.com/story/convicted-child-killer-joseph-duncan-gets-6-life-sentences https://web.archive.org/web/20220219180530/https://casetext.com/case/us-v-duncan-3 http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2011/07/11/08-99031.pdf https://archive.today/20120721053927/http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/news/local/article_cbcf5288-ac50-11e0-9115-001cc4c002e0.html https://abc7.com/archive/8015571/ https://5nchronicles.blogspot.com/2020/07/day-to-day-on-federal-death-row-for-me.html http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/oct/24/shasta-groene-wants-sex-offenders-to-spend-life-be/ https://web.archive.org/web/20110510100116/http://spokesmanreview.com/sections/duncan/?ID=154916 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices