Podcasts about nighttime

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Best podcasts about nighttime

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Latest podcast episodes about nighttime

Mom & Mind
443: Behind the Sessions: 2 am Pep Talk, Part 1: The Night Feels Heavy

Mom & Mind

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 20:36


We are starting something different today that will carry through the next few Behind the Sessions episodes. I'm tackling those “middle-of-the-night” feelings during pregnancy and the postpartum. Nighttime can bring feelings of dread and loneliness that mothers experience as a heaviness, and all of this can magnify and intensify any perinatal mood and anxiety disorders to make life very challenging for a sleep-deprived parent. You are not alone, and there is a whole community of people experiencing the same things. Think of these subsequent few sessions as your “2 am pep talk.” Join me now! Show Highlights: The importance of connection Sleep deprivation makes everything darker. You may feel like you're doing everything wrong. You are doing a LOT while giving love and care to your baby. You aren't a bad mother if you don't LOVE middle-of-the-night care. Don't judge yourself because of how you feel at 2 am. The next few episodes will include coping skills for the middle of the night. Join me for a guided visualization to ease your feelings of isolation. Join me for self-compassion affirmations to try today. Resources: Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meditation for Anxiety
SLEEP: Create Calm with Nighttime Affirmations

Meditation for Anxiety

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 26:31


Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium The day is done now. Whatever happened today, whatever thoughts are lingering— You don't have to carry them into the night. PAUSE… This is your time to rest. Your time to soften. Your time to let the quiet settle around you. PAUSE… So take a deep breath in… Let it fill your lungs,  Your belly,  Your whole being with calm. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen  Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life.  If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want!  Namaste, Beautiful,

Real Life Weight Loss
How To Stop Nighttime Snacking

Real Life Weight Loss

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 31:55


“I do so good all day… but man, it's the nighttime snacking that gets me!”If I had a dollar for every time someone told me that, I could retire!If you've struggled with night time cravings and treats and snacking, I can pretty much guarantee that this episode will hit home and be incredibly helpful for you.We're going to dissect why you might struggle with night time snacking, why it feels more difficult to control your food choices at night, and what to do about it. We'll cover . . .The most common food patterns I see that keep people stuck and frustratedThe only 2 reasons we eatWhy eating at night is so difficult to quitHow to stop nighttime snackingJOIN COREY's EMAIL FAMILY: https://LoseFatList.comWant to know how coaching works?Contact Corey: support@CoreyLittleCoaching.com

Demystify Magic
Mundane Magic: Bedroom Altars, Crystals & Nighttime Intentions

Demystify Magic

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 42:52


From nightstand clutter to unwashed sheets, your bedroom holds more energy than you might think. In this episode of our Mundane Magic series, we explore how the bedroom can become a space for ritual and restoration. We talk about mattress cleansing to clear stagnant energy, simple nightstand altars for intention-setting, and crystals that support restful sleep, protection, and sweet dreams.You'll also hear why reclaiming “lazy” days is actually powerful Magic, how to set bedtime intentions that influence your dreams, and the role of moon phases in keeping your space aligned. This episode will inspire you to see your bedroom as more than just a place to crash, it's a portal for rest, healing, and manifestation.Pre-order Molly's book Mundane Magic A Lazy Witch's Guide to Hacking Your Brain, Building a Daily Practice, and Getting Stuff DonePreorder Mundane Magic & Join the Virtual Book Tour⁠: Celebrate the release of Molly's new book with an exclusive online event on Feb 21, 12 PM EST. Get behind-the-scenes insights, live Q&A, and your copy shipped on release day.Molly's Mundane Magic Meditations

Trying Not to Care
NIGHT TIME ROUTINE FOR THE GIRLS WITH ANXIETY AND BAD SLEEP HABITS

Trying Not to Care

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 19:25


My ideal night time routine to reduce anxiety and get better sleep

DriveNation on Cars
Everything we HATE about driving #280

DriveNation on Cars

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 47:02


Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel give it both barrels as they discuss all the things that really wind them up about driving. Nighttime road closures, needlessly low speed limits, unrestricted e-bikes, tailgating, badly designed junctions... What else will be in the firing line?Use coupon code pod20 at checkout to get 20% off an annual subscription to The Intercooler's online car magazine for the first year! Listen to this podcast ad-free, and enjoy a subscriber-only midweek podcast too. With a 30-day free trial, you can try it risk-free – https://www.the-intercooler.com/subscribe/Find out more about JBR Capital here – https://www.jbrcapital.comUse coupon code Ti10 to get 10% off your Supernatural Car Care order – https://supernaturalcarcare.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fall in Love with Fitness
How to Stop Nighttime Snacking Without Restriction?

Fall in Love with Fitness

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 17:15


Are you struggling with nighttime snacking that just won't seem to go away, no matter how much discipline you use? In this episode, I share why this pattern isn't a discipline problem at all—it's actually a nervous system issue. I open up about my own struggles with nighttime eating, the chaos of back-to-school stress, and why discipline alone only makes cravings worse. You'll learn how your circadian rhythm, hormones, and nervous system play a huge role in nighttime eating—and more importantly, how to shift from protection mode into safety mode so the cravings naturally fade away.Tune in now to learn how to finally stop nighttime snacking without relying on discipline or restriction!Topics Covered:Why 90% of people I work with struggle with nighttime eatingMy personal story with nighttime snacking and why it was so hard to breakThe role of stress, schedules, and life transitions in triggering cravingsHow the circadian rhythm affects how your body processes food after 7pmThe impact of nighttime eating on sleep quality and fat-storing hormonesWhy discipline and willpower don't work long-term for breaking habitsThe connection between the nervous system, protection mode, and cravingsHow shifting into safety mode naturally reduces nighttime snacking

MomAdvice Book Gang
How Lake Union Helped Shape The Sideways Life of Denny Voss

MomAdvice Book Gang

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 66:57


In The Sideways Life of Denny Voss, Holly Kennedy brings humor & heart to a neurodivergent hero, sharing how Lake Union Publishing shaped her journey.What happens when good intentions collide with messy realities? In The Sideways Life of Denny Voss, Holly Kennedy introduces us to Denny, an unforgettable, neurodivergent character whose big heart and distinct voice make him a narrator you'll want to follow anywhere… even into a goose-napping, an accidental bank robbery, and now a murder trial.In this conversation, Holly and I talk about the long road it took to trust her voice enough to bring Denny's story into the world, the challenges of writing authentically from a neurodivergent perspective, and the unique publishing journey she's experienced with Lake Union.And yes, we dig into how timely themes like gun violence filter through Denny's television obsessions and what it means to write a novel that feels both tender and topical today.In our warm conversation, Holly and I discussed:

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Thursday (September 11)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 0:57


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Wednesday (September 10)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 0:57


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Tuesday (September 9)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 1:03


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

Homebrewed
New ARIA charts flop & nighttime economy boost for NSW | Music News

Homebrewed

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 46:08


In typical Homebrewed fashion, this pod is a little bit hampered by technology. Curse our enemies at the NBN (decide which one!)In this episode we break down the latest report into the Nighttime Economy in NSW. The report finds that better transport and safety in required to get more people attending events. It also finds that reducing Government red tape is crucial for allowing venues to apply for DA's to transform their hospitality business into one suitable for live. music.We also get sad over the fact that Vance Joy is no longer in the renewed ARIA charts, and then get even sadder when we realise that ZERO Australian artists made the top 50 singles charts.We also look at the NRL and AFL's decisions over their grand final entertainment.Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe for more content.Support us on Patreon ⁠here⁠Follow Homebrewed on ⁠Instagram⁠Like Homebrewed on ⁠Facebook⁠Watch our content on ⁠YouTube⁠Check out our Spotify Playlists ⁠here⁠Catch up on everything ⁠Homebrewed⁠This podcast was recorded on Darkinjung land.Homebrewed is a podcast dedicated to supporting the Australian Music Industry. Cameron Smith and Eamonn Snow have been presenting Homebrewed since November 2017 and have received excellence awards and the admiration of local bands for their presentation of Homebrewed and their continued support of the Australian music scene. This podcast is designed so you can enjoy conversations with musicians, industry representatives and music media personalities.

Race Matters
#183 Listening through glitch

Race Matters

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 31:54


Non-linear sounds, improvising as spiritual catharsis, computer coding as companion. Sehej Kaur & Alicia Zhao immerse into the sound worlds of naarm-based artist Nū. Utilising live coding, Ethiopian samples, gospel trills and reclaiming non-linear time. We unearth the world-building of TECHNOFRO and relinquish into the divine unknown of hope and possibility. This episode includes clips from Nū's songs Bati and Night Time. Listen to more of Nū here: https://nu-nu.bandcamp.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nighttime
Production Updates -Good Night to Nighttime and the Birth of Canadian Gothic

Nighttime

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 5:43


Ten years ago today the first episode of Nighttime was released, telling the story of a UFO sighting over Cape Breton Island. In the decade since, Nighttime has produced over a thousand episodes, covered stories from nearly every corner of the country, been heard around the world, but… it's also begun to show it's age. As Nighttime toiled away podcasting has changed dramatically; the rise of celebrity-hosted shows, podcasts as video, the rise and fall of countless platforms, and many other factors which have reshaped the medium and led to Nighttime feeling like the product of a by-gone era. Ten years after it started, It's time to say good night to Nighttime! but this isn't a goodbye Its hosts, its contributors, its active series (like Keep Canada Weird) aren't going anywhere. The podcast feeds, the social media pages, and related landing pads will be updated to serve as home for a new show that will be similar in style and spirit, but better equipped to tell Canada's most fascinating stories for the next decade and beyond. the next chapter is… the Canadian Gothic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Solve The Overeating Puzzle - UNLOX'U
Ep: 145 Binge Eating at Night? Here's Why we overeat at night and what to Do About It

Solve The Overeating Puzzle - UNLOX'U

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 38:03


Why Do We Overeat and Binge at Night? Understanding Nighttime Cravings & How to Stop ThemDo you find yourself “good” with food during the day, but once the evening comes, it feels like your brain rebels? You're not alone. Nighttime overeating and binge eating are some of the most common struggles when it comes to food and weight loss.In this episode of Solve the Overeating Puzzle, Eugenia, founder of Unlocks You – The Eating Psychology Clinic, explains why overeating at night has nothing to do with willpower and everything to do with how your brain and body work.We'll dive into: The survival response to restriction — why dieting or eating too little during the day backfires at nightDecision fatigue — how your brain runs out of willpower and why chocolate feels irresistible after 9pmDopamine seeking — why your brain craves comfort and reward after a stressful dayCortisol drop — the stress hormone crash in the evening that makes you want soothing foodsConditioned habit loops — how your brain learns that “evening = snack time” and how to break the cycleYou'll also learn practical tools and strategies to:Stop binge eating at night without relying on willpowerEat in a way that leaves you satisfied, not deprivedBuild simple routines to reduce cravings and overeatingCreate calming rituals that actually help your brain and body relaxIf you've ever asked yourself:“Why do I always binge at night?”“How can I stop emotional eating in the evening?”“Why do I lose control with food after dinner?”

Women Strength Society
If Night Time Cravings Are Ruining Your Diet, Then Do This | Ep 135

Women Strength Society

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 29:27


Struggling with late-night cravings that derail your goals? In this episode, we dive into the surprising truth about food cravings, meal timing, and why your breakfast might be the secret weapon to reversing weight gain.We chat:The hidden reason your cravings keep showing up (and it's not about willpower)How meal timing + morning structure can make or break your energy, metabolism, and moodWhy eating more food is often the key to stopping cravingsThe exact breakfast formula Dragana uses to hit her protein + fiber goals with easeWhy what you eat first thing in the morning shapes your cravings for the rest of the dayWhat to do when you can't figure out why you're having cravings, and how to get back in balance fastCONNECT WITH US⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Dragana on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Yannick on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠READY TO GO ALL IN ON YOUR BODY TRANSFORMATION?

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Sunday (September 7)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 1:03


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

Nighttime on Still Waters
Down to the River (On this blue and grey September day)

Nighttime on Still Waters

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2025 42:22 Transcription Available


Send us a textTonight, for a little while, let's leave the sleeping canal in peace as it slowly recovers and heals after the summer long drought. Instead, let's go down to the river where the water is alive with light and chuckles and laps under rowing boats and let us see what we can see.Journal entry:4th September, Thursday“Clouds pillow and pile Black skies behind us A fleeting sun catches the scarlet of bryony berries That wrap themselves around Spiky vines of midnight blue blackthorn. The canal reflects the flight Of a raven passing overhead.”Episode Information:The soundscapes and washes for this episode were recorded beside the River Avon on 3rd September 2025 on the ‘River Steps' in Bancroft Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon, and by the chain ferry. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.Susan BakerMind ShamblesClare HollingsworthKevin B.Fleur and David McloughlinLois RaphaelTania YorgeyAndrea HansenChris HindsChris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger Captain Arlo Rebecca Russell Allison on the narrowboat Mukka Derek and Pauline Watts Anna V. Orange Cookie Mary Keane. Tony Rutherford. Arabella Holzapfel. Rory with MJ and Kayla. Narrowboat Precious Jet. Linda Reynolds Burkins. Richard Noble. Carol Ferguson. Tracie Thomas Mark and Tricia Stowe Madeleine SmithGeneral DetailsThe intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello' by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988). Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.All other audio recorded on site. Support the showBecome a 'Lock-Wheeler'Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.Contact Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Saturday (September 6)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2025 0:59


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

The Three Questions with Andy Richter
Aparna Nancherla: Nighttime Weirdness

The Three Questions with Andy Richter

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 63:42


Aparna Nancherla joins "The Andy Richter Call-In Show" this week to hear your NIGHTTIME WEIRDNESS STORIES! Want to call in? Fill out our Google Form at BIT.LY/CALLANDYRICHTER or dial 855-266-2604 with whatever you want to discuss! This episode previously aired on SiriusXM's Conan O'Brien Radio (ch. 104). If you'd like to hear these episodes in advance, new episodes premiere exclusively for SiriusXM subscribers on Conan O'Brien Radio and the SiriusXM app every Wednesday at 4pm ET/1pm PT.

Ebenezer Podcast
Psalm 42:8#Night Time

Ebenezer Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 0:42


ALBERT’S BOOKSHELF
How Peggy The Much Wenlock Piglet Took Part In The Olympian Games By Jocelyne Adams

ALBERT’S BOOKSHELF

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 4:36


Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to How Peggy the Much Wenlock Piglet took part in the Olympian games one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Meditation for Anxiety
SLEEP: Nighttime Anxiety Relief

Meditation for Anxiety

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 28:34


Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Tonight's sleep meditation will provide nighttime anxiety relief for you.  Close your eyes,  And invite yourself to settle. PAUSE… Find your breath. And see if you can ride it's smooth waves in, And out of your body. In, And out.  Breathing in a little deeper on each inhale. And breathing out a little further on each exhale.  In, And out. PAUSE… Feel your body melt with each breath, Softening,  And relaxing. Syncing with the slow,  Calming motion of your breathing. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen  Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life.  If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want!  Namaste, Beautiful,

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Thursday (September 4)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 0:59


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

Ambient Sounds & ASMR Meditation for Women

Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen  Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life.  If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want!  Namaste, Beautiful,

AP Taylor Swift
E98: Taylor Swift's Unreliable Narrators: When You Can't Trust the Story - You Belong With Me, Mr. Perfectly Fine, But Daddy I Love Him

AP Taylor Swift

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 37:38


"You're on the phone with your girlfriend, she's upset..." Welcome to Season 3 of AP Taylor Swift! What happens when we can't trust the person telling the story? In this week's Show & Tell episode, we explore the concept of unreliable narrators through three Taylor Swift songs that demonstrate how perspective shapes truth. From teenage crush confessions to post-breakup rants to defiant love declarations, we examine how Taylor uses narrative techniques that make us question what's really happening beneath the surface of these seemingly straightforward stories. Subscribe for free to get episode updates or upgrade to paid to get our After School premium content: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. After School subscribers get monthly bonus episodes, exclusive content, and early access to help shape future topics!   Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com Mentioned in this episode: The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon Atonement, Ian McEwan Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen After Party (Apple TV+ series) The Residence (Netflix)  How I Met Your Mother (TV series) E32: Love Story Deep Dive Episode Highlights: [01:22] Introduction to Unreliable Narrators [08:47] "You Belong With Me" (Fearless, 2008) [19:55] "Mr. Perfectly Fine" (Fearless Taylor's Version, 2021) [26:15] "But Daddy I Love Him" (The Tortured Poets Department, 2024)   Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!  TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts Libro.fm →  tinyurl.com/aptslibro Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com  Affiliate Codes:  Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!  Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro   This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Wednesday (September 3)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 0:54


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

Clark County Today News
Nighttime closures and delays on Northeast 99th Street in September and October during water quality project construction

Clark County Today News

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 1:23


Clark County will conduct nighttime lane closures on Northeast 99th Street in September and October during a water quality project to filter stormwater runoff into Suds Creek. Expect delays as crews upgrade infrastructure. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/nighttime-closures-and-delays-on-northeast-99th-street-in-september-and-october-during-water-quality-project-construction/ #VancouverWA #ClarkCountyWA #Transportation #RoadClosures #PublicWorks #Stormwater #WaterQuality #TrafficDelays

Biophilic Solutions
The Magic and Mystery of Nighttime with Leigh Ann Henion

Biophilic Solutions

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 44:59


When was the last time you really experienced nighttime? In our modern world of glowing screens, bright porch lights, and 24/7 brightness, true darkness has become rare. Yet nighttime holds a mystery and magic all its own, inviting us to slow down, tune into natural rhythms, and rediscover the awe that's right outside our doors.In this episode, Monica sits down with New York Times bestselling author Leigh Ann Henion, whose latest book Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark dives deep into the wonders that come alive after the sun sets. From glowworms and synchronous fireflies to the hidden beauty of moonlit gardens, Leigh Ann shows us how embracing darkness can transform the way we experience nature.Join us for an illuminating (pun intended!) journey into the world of night, and discover why reclaiming darkness might just be one of the most healing biophilic practices we can embrace.Show NotesNight Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark by Leigh Ann HenionLeigh Ann Henion on InstagramAbout Leigh Ann HenionBurnout by Leigh Ann Henion (Orion Magazine)Key words: Leigh Ann Henion, Night Magic book, Phenomenal book, New York Times bestselling author, night sky, darkness, dark skies, reclaiming the night, glowworms, fireflies, moon gardens, stargazing, nocturnal animals, nature connection, natural rhythms, light pollution, circadian rhythms, awe and wonder, mindful living, ecology, local nature, natural world, biophilia, biophilic, biophilic design Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Tuesday (September 2)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 0:54


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

Nighttime
Encounters With Creeps - Volume 28

Nighttime

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 69:06


In Encounters with CREEPS, Nighttime listeners are invited to share their unsettling experiences with the many CREEPS lurking in everyday life. In this episode, Jordan and Madelayne unpack the 28th volume of your Encounters with CREEPS. This time we've got a CREEP who saw a UFO, a CREEP doing science, CREEPS watching videos online, and so much more. Submit your creep encounter: nighttimepodcast.com/contact Series Links: Madelayne Klein: https://linktr.ee/madelayneklein Encounters with Creeps series archive: https://www.nighttimepodcast.com/encounters-with-creeps Subscribe to the show: https://link.chtbl.com/nighttime-subscribe Musical Theme: Noir Toyko by Monty Datta Social Links: Website: https://www.nighttimepodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightTimePod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter
#167 - Frequent Nighttime Urination: All Through The Night

Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 29:18


When it comes to insomnia, many people begin their journey staring at the clock after yet another middle-of-the-night bathroom trip and wondering: is it my bladder or my sleep that's broken? In this episode, we will:Define what nocturia is—and what counts as normal versus abnormalExplore why most people wake up first and then feel the urge to urinateReveal how nocturia can be a surprising red flag for obstructive sleep apneaDistinguish between urinary problems that happen all day long versus nighttime-only frequency linked to sleep disordersChallenge the myth that cutting off fluids during the day is an effective fixReassure you that a single nightly bathroom trip can be perfectly healthyProduced by: Maeve WinterMore Twitter: @drchriswinter IG: @drchriwinter Threads: @drchriswinter Bluesky: @drchriswinter The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child Thanks for listening and sleep well!

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Monday (September 1)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 0:59


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

Sleep Sounds Meditation for Women
Nighttime Restful Vibes

Sleep Sounds Meditation for Women

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2025 61:50


Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen  Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life.  If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want!  Namaste, Beautiful,

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Sunday (August 31)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2025 0:54


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Saturday (August 30)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 0:56


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

Songs From The Basement
Episode 310: Basement Metal # 117

Songs From The Basement

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 60:05


Hed Low Metttalll Hedzzz...Ready 2 ROCK ?? OK let'z git on the metal road.The bandz we will spin out will be from:  The Olivers / Rainbow / Dog Soldier and Uriah Heep and a few more...LET'ZZ ROCK !!!Open: Hard Road-Deep Purple1. Stand Up & Fight-Blue Oyster Cult2. Pillar To Post-Dog Soldier3. Reckless-Judas Priest 4. Beauty Queen-The Heard5. Getting Lucky-Head East6. Long Live Rock & Roll-Rainbow7. Good Rockin' Tonight-Montrose8. The Nighttime's For You-Steppenwolf9. Love & Hate-R.E.O. Speedwagon10. Red Light Mama-Humble Pie11. Fools-Uriah Heap12. The Love That I Lost-38 Special13. I Saw What You Did-The Oliver's14. Princes Of The Universe-Utopia Outro: Godzilla-Atilla

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Friday (August 29)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 0:57


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

ALBERT’S BOOKSHELF
Little Captain By Claudio Munoz

ALBERT’S BOOKSHELF

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 6:06


Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to Little Captain one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Thursday (August 28)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 1:03


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

Women's Meditation Network
Nighttime Lullaby Sleep Meditation

Women's Meditation Network

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 25:23


Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Close your eyes, dear one, And lay your head down slow.  The night is here upon you, And it's time for you to go.  PAUSE… No matter what the day has brought, No matter how you feel, The nighttime lullaby calms you down, And holds you while you heal.  PAUSE… Imagine that her arms are wrapped, Around you tenderly. This lullaby is here just for you, Unconditionally. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen  Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life.  If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want!  Namaste, Beautiful,

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast
Today's NIGHT TIME PRAYER -- Wednesday (August 27)

RosaryMinded Daily Rosary Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 0:57


End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

The Autism Little Learners Podcast
#137 - Autism: Potty Training 101 - Part 2

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 11:49


Welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast. I'm Tara, and I'm so glad you're here today. If you've been following along, this is Part 2 of our series on potty training autistic children with compassion. In our last episode, we talked about why potty training can be harder for autistic kids, how to prepare the environment, and how to build comfort and readiness before we ever expect a child to actually use the toilet. We also talked about some of the common pitfalls to avoid—like forcing kids to sit on the toilet every 10 minutes, or relying on outdated “3-day potty training” advice that just doesn't work for many of our kids. If you missed that episode, I highly recommend going back to listen first, because it really sets the foundation for everything we'll talk about today. In this episode, we're moving into the “how.” We'll go over practical strategies for implementation, how to track progress and make adjustments, and we'll spend some time troubleshooting common challenges—things like fear of flushing, withholding, resistance, and nighttime dryness. This episode is going to be full of tips you can use right away, so let's dive in. Takeaways Potty training is not linear—setbacks are normal, and small steps forward are worth celebrating. Visual supports like cue cards, schedules, and step-by-step sequences give structure and predictability. Pairing bathroom trips with natural routines (after meals, before leaving the house, before bed) helps build consistency. Incorporating a child's special interests into social stories, visuals, or play makes potty training more engaging. Tracking data helps you see patterns and know whether strategies are working or need to be adjusted. Fear of flushing can be reduced by covering sensors on automatic toilets or using noise-reducing headphones. Resistance behaviors like excessive flushing or playing in toilet water can be redirected to alternative sensory activities. Withholding urine or bowel movements is often about anxiety or routine preference—focus on relaxation, stability, and medical checks if needed. Nighttime dryness is a separate developmental milestone and often comes much later—don't let it overshadow daytime progress. Resources & Links: Free Potty Training Guide: www.autismlittlelearners.com/toilet Potty Training Course: www.autismlittlelearners.com/pottycourse Potty Training List In Tara's Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/45TD6lX You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook  

Nighttime on Still Waters
Under a Canopy of Trees ('Your word')

Nighttime on Still Waters

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2025 45:49 Transcription Available


Send us a textA newly born moon is still below the horizon and the parched ground breathes in the quiet of a summer's night. The water levels may be low, but you're assured a welcome that is full and warm aboard the NB Erica as we catch up on life with all its ebbs and flows, and unfuriating complexities that make it all so worthwhile. Journal entry:18th August, Monday“Rain in the night Woke up to streaks on the windows. I take the rake off the cabin roof And lower it into the water. Still a good rake handle's worth of water.The levels have now dropped by almost 9 inches. Somehow, it feels more.  The skies brood, But no more promises of rain.”Episode Information:In this episode I read numerous extracts from Darby Hudson's (2024) You're Going to be OK (Because you're fucked no matter what) published by Ingram Content, as well as a couple of my own poems; ‘Poems like prayers' and ‘Your word.'With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast.Susan BakerMind ShamblesClare HollingsworthKevin B.Fleur and David McloughlinLois RaphaelTania YorgeyAndrea HansenChris HindsChris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger Captain Arlo Rebecca Russell Allison on the narrowboat Mukka Derek and Pauline Watts Anna V. Orange Cookie Mary Keane. Tony Rutherford. Arabella Holzapfel. Rory with MJ and Kayla. Narrowboat Precious Jet. Linda Reynolds Burkins. Richard Noble. Carol Ferguson. Tracie Thomas Mark and Tricia Stowe Madeleine SmithGeneral DetailsThe intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello' by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988). Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence. Piano and keyboard interludes compSupport the showBecome a 'Lock-Wheeler'Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.Contact Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.social Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com.

The Nerdball Podcast
Things I Learned | 24

The Nerdball Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 28:25


Lorenzo is joined by Andrea Whiting, owner of the Sophisticates, to answer some baton questions.  Andrea explains scholarships available for twirlers, how competition levels work, picking competitions and some other baton stuff.  Then Anthony Martinez comes on the podcast for another episode of Things I have read. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon 226 pages and the audiobook is 6 hours and 33 minutes.  They Never Learn by Layne Fargo  384 pages and the audiobook is 10 hours and 49 minutes The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey 256 pages and the audiobook is 7 hours and 2 minutes Binti by Nnedi Okorafor   96 pages and the audiobook is 2 hours and 7 minutes I Am Legend by Richard Matheson 160 pages and the audiobook is 5 hours and 3 minutes  Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson482 pages and the audiobook is 12 hours and 27 minutes. 

Murphy, Sam & Jodi
AFTER THE SHOW PODCAST: Nighttime QUALITY Time With Kids.

Murphy, Sam & Jodi

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 7:06


FANTASTIC parenting advice from a pediatric sleep specialist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kings and Generals: History for our Future
3.163 Fall and Rise of China: Crossing Nanjing's Rubicon

Kings and Generals: History for our Future

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 38:54


Last time we spoke about the fall of Shanghai. In October 1937 a small battalion led by Colonel Xie Jinyuan transformed the Sihang Warehouse into a fortress against the advancing Japanese army. These men, known as the "800 Heroes," became symbols of hope, rallying local citizens who provided vital support. Despite heavy casualties, they held out against overwhelming odds until a strategic retreat was ordered on November 1. As Japanese forces intensified their assaults, they breached the Chinese defenses and captured strategic positions along Suzhou Creek. The fighting was fierce, marked by desperate counterattacks from the besieged Chinese soldiers, who faced an unyielding enemy. By November 9, the Chinese faced a full retreat, their organized defenses collapsing into chaos as they fled the city. Desperate civilians sought refuge in the International Settlement but were met with hostility, exacerbating the terror of the moment. Amidst the turmoil, remaining forces continued to resist in pockets, holding out as long as possible. By November 11, Japanese troops raised their flag in the last stronghold, marking a grim victory.   #163 Crossing Nanjing's Rubicon 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. As the Japanese were mopping up Shanghai, Chiang Kai-Shek wrote in his diary on November 11th “I fear that they could threaten Nanjing”. Over In Shanghai, General Matsui Iwane was dealing with foreign correspondents, eager to learn what Japan's next move would be and to this he simply stated “For future developments, you had better ask Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek”. The correspondents were surprised by this response and pressed him further. He replied . “Chiang Kai-shek was reported to have predicted a five-year war, well, it might be that long. We don't know whether we will go to Nanjing or not. It all depends on Chiang.” At this point Shanghai was falling under Japanese control and now Matsui and his fellow field commanders were thinking, what's next? Nanjing was certainly the next objective. It was a common understanding amongst the Japanese leadership, that if the four main eastern cities of Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing were lost, Chiang Kai-Shek's government would collapse. Three of these cities had been taken, Nanjing was dangling like fresh fruit. Matsui's staff believed the Chinese units departing Shanghai would mount a stand immediately west of the city, probably a defensive line running from Jiading to Huangduzhen. On the night of November 11th, Matsui issued a command to all units in the Shanghai area to advance west along the railway towards Nanjing. Their first objective would be a line extending from Taicang to Kunshan. Chiang Kai-Shek was not only reeling from military defeats, but also the gradual loss of his German allies. The Germans were increasingly aligning with the Japanese. Chiang Kai-Shek was looking for new external help, so he turned to the Soviets. It was a marriage of convenience, Chiang Kai-Shek signed a non-aggression pact with the USSR that year and wasted no time pleading for aircraft and pilots. Moscow began sending them before the ink touched the paper. 200 aircraft and pilots in return for some essential minerals, wolfram and tungsten. The Sino-Soviet friendship even drew in an unlikely source of support, Sir Winston Churchill. The Soviet envoy to the UK described how during a meeting with Churchill “he greatly praised our tactics in the Far East: maintenance of neutrality and simultaneous aid to China in weaponry.” Soviet pilots found themselves dispatched to Nanjing where they were briefed by Yakov Vladimirovich Smushkevich, the deputy commander of the Soviet Air Force. “The Japanese armed forces are technically superior to the Chinese. The Chinese Air Force is a particular concern. Soviet pilots who have rushed to China's aid are currently in Nanjing. They are fighting valiantly.” Meanwhile back at Shanghai discipline and order that had characterized previous Chinese withdrawal had collapsed. Simply put, there were hundreds of thousands of men trying to retreat across the lower Yangtze region, it was a shitstorm. Many units had to disengage during combat with the enemy and scramble to pull out. Huang Qixiang, the deputy commander of the Chinese right flank in Shanghai, executed a strategic withdrawal moments before his command post succumbed to the advancing enemy forces. Just fifteen minutes after his departure, the area was overrun by Japanese troops. In a desperate bid to avoid capture, another general had to cross a creek, nearly drowning in the process. Rescued while barely clinging to life and drenched in icy water, he was welcomed by a peasant family who aided in his recovery before he resumed his arduous journey westward. The scale of this withdrawal, occurring both day and night, could hardly escape the enemy's notice, and its complexity made the operation increasingly difficult. The execution of the withdrawal exacerbated the situation significantly. Orders to abandon their positions started to trickle down immediately after the upper command made the decision. However, these orders reached the units in a disorganized manner. Many telephone lines had been sabotaged, and when soldiers were sent to relay the orders in person, they faced severe disruptions in the transportation network. Consequently, many units only became aware of the withdrawal when they witnessed the mass movements of their comrades heading westward. Upon realizing what was happening, many soldiers fled in a state of panic. There were no comprehensive plans outlining the retreat, no designated routes for the various units, nor any established timetables. The outcome was a chaotic scramble for survival. Soldiers who had fought side by side for three months suddenly found themselves competing against one another in a desperate race to escape. At bridges and other chokepoints, weary soldiers exhausted their last reserves of strength, brawling with their fellow troops to be the first to cross. Meanwhile, officers traveling in chauffeur-driven cars attempted to assert their rank to gain priority access to the roads, adding to the growing disorder that ensued. The massive army was hindered by its sheer size, resulting in miles of congested roads filled with men unable to move in any direction. This made them easy targets for Japanese aircraft, leading to a bloody cycle of repeated attacks. Planes adorned with the red Rising Sun insignia would emerge from the horizon, swooping down to strike at these vulnerable formations. As commander Chen Yiding recalled “The lack of organization and the gridlocked roads resulted in far more casualties than could have been avoided,”.  On November 12th, the newspaper Zhaongyang Ribao, published an editorial addressing the citizens of Nanjing, to remind them that tough times lay ahead now that Shanghai had fallen. The article stipulated they needed to prepare the city for the upcoming battle,  “Now, all the citizenry of the capital must fulfill their duty in a way that can serve as a model for the entire nation.” Nanjing in 1937 was a city touched by the war, but not enough to change the social fabric just yet. Cinema's remained open, the shopping arcade was crowded as usual, traffic was heavy along Zhongshan Road, order remained. Telephones remained on, except during air raids. Connections to the outside world functioned as they should, given this was the capital. The region had seen a good harvest in 1937, no one was going hungry. However as the front 200 miles away drew closer, bombing raids more frequent, fear of the enemy increased. Contact with the outside world gradually declined. By mid November the train link from Nanjing to Shanghai was severed.  While the fear amongst the populace increased, so did a newfound sense of common purpose against a common enemy. Poster calling for the Chinese to unite against the Japanese invaders were found throughout Nanjing. Residents were conscripted for various fortification efforts, with some receiving basic military training to help defend the city. Those who refused to cooperate faced severe penalties as “traitors,” while the majority willingly participated. Both military and civilian police were deployed throughout the city, diligently checking identities in an ongoing effort to root out spies and traitors. The authorities enforced a strict prohibition against discussing military matters in restaurants and other public venues. Then all the high ranking military officials and politicians families gradually began departing the city in secrecy. This was followed by said politicians and military officials. Twas not a good look. Nanjing soon saw its population decline from 1 million to half a million. Those who stayed behind were mainly the poor, or those anchored, like shopkeepers. Every day saw a steady stream of Nanjing citizens leaving the city over her main roads, fleeing into the countryside with carts full of belongings. On November 12th at 10am orders were issued for the Japanese to advance west. What had been a war of attrition, where inches of land were claimed with blood, suddenly it was a war of movement. As one Japanese soldier recalled “In the course of 50 days, I had moved only two miles. Now suddenly we were experiencing rapid advance”. As the Japanese came across small towns, they found large posters plastered on all the walls. These were all anti-japanese with some nationalist propaganda. The Japanese soldiers would tear them down and paint up their own messages “down with Chiang Kai-Shek!”.  Towns and cities west of Shanghai fell rapidly one after another, each succumbing to a grim pattern: swift conquest followed by widespread devastation. Jiading, a county seat with a population of approximately 30,000, succumbed to a prolonged siege. When the 10st division captured Jiading on November 13, after relentless shelling had leveled a third of the city, they began a massacre, indiscriminately killing nearly everyone in their path, men, women, and children alike. The battle and its aftermath resulted in over 8,000 casualties among the city's residents and surrounding countryside. One Japanese soldier referred to Jiading as “A city of death, in a mysteriously silent world in which the only sound was the tap of our own footsteps”.  On November 14, soldiers from the 9th Division reached Taicang, an ancient walled city designed to withstand lengthy sieges. As they crossed the 70-foot moat amid heavy fire, the Japanese troops confronted the formidable 20-foot-high city wall. After breaching the wall, their infantry swiftly entered the city and seized control. The destruction persisted long after the fighting ceased, with half of the city being devastated, including significant cultural institutions like the library, and salt and grain reserves were looted. It was as if the Japanese aimed to obliterate not just the material existence of the people but their spiritual foundation as well.  Casual cruelty marked the nature of warfare along the entire front, with few prisoners being taken. Ishii Seitaro, a soldier in the 13th Division's 26th Brigade, encountered a mass execution while marching alongside the Yangtze River. Several headless corpses floated nearby, yet three Chinese prisoners remained alive. A Japanese officer, personally overseeing the execution, wore a simple uniform, but the two ornate swords at his belt indicated his wealthy background. Approaching one prisoner, the officer dramatically drew one of the swords and brandished it through the air with exaggerated flair. In an almost theatrical display, he held it aloft, the blade trembling as if he were nervous. The prisoner, in stark contrast, exhibited an unnerving calmness as he knelt, awaiting his inevitable fate. The officer swung the sword down but failed to deliver a clean strike. Although he inflicted a deep gash to the prisoner's skull, it was not fatal. The prisoner collapsed, thrashing and emitting a prolonged scream that sent chills through those present. The officer, seemingly exhilarated by the anguish he caused, began wildly slashing at the figure until the screams subsided. Ishii turned away in horror, his mind swirling with confusion. Why were the Chinese being executed? Had they not surrendered?  Three months into the war's expansion to the Yangtze region, air raids had become an all too frequent menace in Nanjing. The first major raid came on August 15th and increased each week. On the night of August 27, approximately 30 bombs were dropped on Purple Mountain, specifically targeting the Memorial Park for Sun Yat-sen, aiming to hurt the morale of Nanjing's residents. As days melted into weeks and weeks stretched into months, the landscape of Nanjing transformed under the weight of war. Residents began constructing dugouts in courtyards, gardens, public squares, and even on streets. Foreigners painted their national flags on top of buildings and vehicles, attempting to avoid the risk of being machine-gunned by strafing aircraft. Each raid followed a predictable routine: sirens wailed loudly 20 to 30 minutes before the attack, signaling pedestrians to seek shelter and drivers to stop their engines. By the time a shorter warning sounded, the streets had to be cleared, leaving nothing to do but await the arrival of Japanese planes. Initially, the part-US-trained Chinese Air Force posed a considerable threat to Japanese bombers. The 4th and 5th Chinese Squadrons, stationed near Nanjing to defend the capital, achieved early success, reportedly downing six bombers during the first air raid on Nanjing. Much of the credit for these aerial victories belonged to Claire Chennault, a retired American Army Air Corps captain who had become an advisor to the Chinese Air Force, overseeing Nanjing's air defense. Chennault taught his pilots tactics he had developed in the US but had never fully implemented. His strategy was straightforward: three fighters would focus on one enemy bomber at a time. One would attack from above, another from below, while a third would hover in reserve to deliver the final blow if necessary. He instructed the Chinese pilots to target the engines rather than the fuselage, reasoning that any missed shots could hit the gas tanks located in the wing roots. This approach proved successful, leading to the loss of 54 Japanese planes within three days. For Chennault, it validated his belief that air superiority required a diverse range of aircraft, not just bombers. Nighttime raids, however, posed a greater challenge. Chennault, along with other commanders, sought solutions. Chinese General C.C. Wong, a German-trained artillery officer overseeing the country's anti-aircraft defenses, ensured that dozens of large Sperry searchlights were positioned throughout Nanjing in a grid pattern. This setup had a dual purpose: it would dazzle the Japanese bomber crews and highlight their planes in silhouette for Chinese fighters above to target. The bravery of the most skilled Chinese pilots occasionally gained media attention, making them local celebrities amidst an otherwise grim war environment. However, this bright moment faded quickly when the Japanese command decided to provide escorts for their bombers. Consequently, the elite of China's air force, its finest pilots and aircraft, were lost within weeks that fall. All air raids were brutal, but the worst assaults occurred at the end of September. As a radio broadcaster reported on September 25th “Gallons of civilian blood flowed today as Nanking endured three ferocious air raids”. In total, 96 Japanese sorties were launched on that day. Witnesses observed around a dozen Chinese aircraft retreating north across the Yangtze, initially believing they were fleeing, but some returned to confront the enemy. When Chinese fighters managed to down a Japanese bomber, the streets erupted in cheers as civilians momentarily forgot their fear. The primary aim of the September 25 attack appeared to be spreading terror among the civilian population. Chiang Kai-Shek wrote in his diary that day  “The repeated Japanese air raids over the past several days have had no impact on our military installations. Instead, civilian property has sustained significant damage.” Around 20 bombs struck the Central Hospital, one of Nanjing's largest medical facilities, causing extensive destruction and prompting the evacuation of its staff. Two 1,000-pound bombs exploded nearby, leaving large craters. Had these bombs landed slightly closer, they could have resulted in mass casualties among the hospital's 100 patients, including a Japanese pilot who had been shot down earlier that month. The air raids at the end of September prompted protests from the Americans, British, and French governments to Japan. In response, Tokyo issued a statement on September 30, asserting that while they were not intentionally targeting non-combatants, it was “unavoidable” for achieving military objectives that military airfields and installations in and around Nanjing be bombed.   The battle for Jiashan was among the fiercest in the southern Yangtze delta campaign in November 1937. Although Jiashan was a moderately sized town straddling a crucial railway connecting Shanghai to Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province. For the Japanese, seizing Jiashan was imperative for their westward advance; without it, their military progress would be severely hampered. Jiashan had endured three days of relentless bombing by the Japanese Air Force, driving most residents to flee into the surrounding countryside. Only about 100 remained, those who were too old or too sick to escape, abandoned by family or friends who lacked the means to assist them. The Japanese troops brutally bayoneted nearly all of these individuals and buried them in a mass grave just outside the town's northern gate. Jiashan was captured by the 10th Army, a division fresh from victories and eager to engage in combat, unlike the weary forces of the Shanghai Expeditionary Force further north. With less than a week of combat experience, the 10th Army's soldiers were hungry for a fight. The martial spirit of the 10th Army was exemplified by its commander, Yanagawa Heisuke. Born near Nagasaki in 1879, he was among a group of retired officers called back to active service as the war in China escalated unexpectedly. Having served in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 and taught at the Beijing Army College in 1918, Yanagawa had considerable experience in military affairs. However, his past exposure to China did not cultivate any empathy for the enemy. He was determined to push all the way to Nanjing, and once there, he intended to blanket the city in mustard gas and incendiaries until it capitulated. While Japanese commanders debated the value of capturing Nanjing, the Chinese were equally preoccupied with whether it was worth defending. Most military professionals viewed the situation as a lost cause from the start. After the fall of Shanghai, Chiang Kai-shek summoned one of his top commanders, Chen Cheng, to Nanjing for discussions. “How can Nanjing be held?” Chen Cheng shot back “Are you ordering me to hold Nanjing?” Chiang replied “I am not”. Chen Cheng stated frankly, “I believe Nanjing should not be held at all.” By mid-November, Bai Chongxi, one of China's most respected generals, advocated for declaring Nanjing an open city. He argued that defending it was not only unnecessary but also impossible. All available forces had been deployed to Shanghai and were now exhausted. Furthermore, no reinforcements would be forthcoming if they made a stand in Nanjing. Instead of stubbornly clinging to fixed positions, he preferred a more flexible defensive strategy. Zhang Qun, Chiang's secretary, supported Bai's stance, believing that while Nanjing should ultimately be abandoned, political considerations were paramount. If the Chinese simply withdrew and allowed the Japanese to occupy the city, it would undermine China's position in any future negotiations. The Japanese would not be able to present themselves as victors who had triumphed in battle. Similarly, Chiang's chief military advisor, General Alexander von Falkenhausen, was against attempting to hold Nanjing. He deemed it “useless from a military perspective, suggesting it would be madness.” He warned that if Chiang forced his army into a decisive battle with their backs to the Yangtze River, “a disaster would probably be unavoidable.” Chiang's head of the operations bureau Liu Fei argued Nanjing could not be abandoned without a fight as it would crush the NRA's morale. He believed that defending the city could be managed with as few as 12 regiments, although 18 would be feasible. Most at the meeting agreed and Chiang understood Nanjing's international recognition necessitated some form of defense, doomed or not. A second meeting was formed whereupon, Tang Shengzhi, a general staff officer whose loyalties were, lets be honest very flip floppy. During the warlord era, he routinely switched sides, especially against Chiang Kai-Shek. At the meeting Tang stated in regards to Nanjing's international prominence and being the final resting place of Dr Sun Yat-Sen “How can we face the spirit of the former president in heaven? We have no choice but to defend the capital to the death.” Chiang's commanders were all well aware of his intentions. The generalissimo was eager for a dramatic last stand in Nanjing to serve propaganda purposes, aiming to rally the nation and convey to the world that China was resolute in its fight against Japan. His commanders also recognized the rationale behind fighting for Nanjing; however, very few were inclined to embark on what seemed a likely suicide mission. The third meeting occurred the day after the second. Chiang opened by asking, as many anticipated, “Who is willing to shoulder the burden of defending Nanjing?” An awkward silence followed. Then Tang Shengzhi stepped forward. “Chairman, if no one else is willing, I will. I'm prepared to defend Nanjing and to hold it to the death.” Without hesitation, Chiang accepted his offer. “Good, the responsibility is yours.”A little refresher on Tang, he had played a role in Chiang Kai-shek's efforts to unify China by force in the 1920s, when the nation was a patchwork of fiefdoms. However, their relationship had soured on two occasions, forcing Tang into temporary exile, first to Japan and then to Hong Kong. The Japanese invasion of northeastern China in 1931 prompted a loose reconciliation, and since then, Tang had held several important positions, notably organizing war games simulating a Japanese assault on Nanjing. However Tang had often suffered from illness, and crucially, he had not led troops in the field against the Japanese since the onset of full-scale war that summer. Hailing from Hunan province, he was a typical provincial soldier and would likely face challenges commanding respect among elite divisions loyal solely to the central government in Nanjing. He was definitely not the first choice for such a significant task.  Amazingly, while tens of thousands of Chinese and Japanese were killing each other, while Japanese planes relentlessly bombarded Chinese cities including the capital, and while Japanese soldiers committed heinous atrocities against Chinese civilians, the two nations maintained diplomatic relations. China had a fully operational embassy in Tokyo, led by Xu Shiying, a 65-year-old diplomat. This surreal arrangement persisted because neither side was willing to officially declare war. In the fall of 1937, as Japanese armies were heavily engaged on two fronts within mainland China, Xu met with Japanese Foreign Minister Hirota Koki to propose a non-aggression treaty. The proposal was swiftly rejected in Nanjing. By November 1937, Xu was no longer at the forefront of events, and foreign observers shifted their focus from the capitals of the warring nations to Belgium. While large-scale battles raged along the lower Yangtze, representatives from 19 countries convened in Brussels to search for a way to end hostilities. Although China participated in the conference, Japan did not. Japan had received two invitations to join the talks, with its response to the second arriving in Brussels on November 12: a firm rejection. Japan asserted that it preferred direct bilateral negotiations with China, dismissing the Brussels conference held under the auspices of the Nine-Power Treaty, a pact signed in 1922 aimed at ensuring China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Japan argued that intervention by a collective body like the conference “would merely stir national sentiments in both countries and complicate efforts to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.” The League of Nations had called for a Nine-Power conference a month earlier, which ultimately became a 19-power conference as other nations with interests in East Asia joined. From the outset, Japan opposed the assembly and was absent when the first plenary meeting commenced in Brussels on November 3. Japanese leaders feared that China might attempt to leverage the conference against Western powers, recalling how, in 1895, Japan had been denied its spoils following its first modern war with China due to the intervention of Russia, France, and Germany, who blocked Japan from claiming the strategic Liaodong Peninsula adjacent to Korea. China also exhibited a lukewarm attitude toward the conference. While Japan feared the potential outcomes, China was concerned about the lack of significant results. The proposal to transition discussions from the League of Nations, perceived as ineffective, to the even less authoritative Nine Powers, which lacked formal organization. Nonetheless, the Chinese chose to participate in Brussels, maintaining the pretense that something meaningful could be accomplished. Shortly after Japan's second rejection of the invitation, Wellington Koo made an impassioned plea in Brussels, stating, “Now that the door to conciliation and mediation has been slammed in your face by the latest reply of the Japanese Government, will you not decide to withhold supplies of war materials and credit to Japan and extend aid to China?” In reality, Koo understood that significant Western aid to China was highly unlikely, aside from token gestures. Previous international discussions had momentarily halted Japanese advances in the past; for instance, in 1932, Japanese troops had paused their movements in the Shanghai area just hours before the League of Nations General Assembly commenced. However, that was nearly six years earlier, and circumstances had changed dramatically since then. Rogue states had grown bolder, while democracies seemed increasingly timid. Thus, the Chinese agenda in Brussels was not primarily driven by hopes for substantial Western concessions. Instead, the delegates had been tasked by Nanjing to anticipate the post-conference landscape and to actively seek ways to encourage Europe and America to support Soviet military action against Japan.   China, long reliant on Germany as a diplomatic partner, increasingly felt betrayed, not just by Germany, but also by its fascist ally, Italy. Consequently, it began looking more favorably upon the Soviet Union, Japan's archrival in Northeast Asia, as its main source of international support. The Soviet Union exhibited a firmer stance than the Western democracies at the Brussels conference, joining China in advocating for collective security in Europe and Asia. On November 15th, a small group of officers from the 10th Army gathered for late-night discussions in an abandoned building north of Hangzhou Bay, where they would effectively decide the fate of China. Yanagawa Heisuke, the commander of the 10th Army, presided over the discussions. Fresh from the battlefield since the beginning of the month, he was eager to escalate the fight, a sentiment echoed among the others. It was an unusual meeting, where officers as low in rank as major were making decisions typically reserved for the highest echelons of political power. The agenda included a pivotal question: Should they adhere to Order No. 600 received from Tokyo a week prior, which instructed them to halt their advance along a line from Suzhou to Jiaxing? Or, should they disregard these explicit orders and push forward to seize Nanjing? While the Japanese Army had failed to completely annihilate the Chinese forces around Shanghai, there was a consensus that their adversary was now reeling from recent setbacks, presenting an opportune moment to strike decisively and secure a swift victory. The only remaining question was how aggressively to pursue this goal. Colonel Terada Masao, a senior staff officer within the 10th Army, spoke first. “The Chinese Army is currently retreating toward the capital. We should cross that line and pursue the enemy straight to Nanjing.” Major Iketani Hanjiro, a staff officer recently attached to the fast-moving 6th Division, then offered his input “From a tactical perspective, I completely agree with Terada that we should cross the line, but the decision to attack Nanjing should be considered not just tactically, but also politically. It's not that field commanders can't create a fait accompli to pressure our superiors in Tokyo. However, we must proceed with great caution”. A staff officer raised this question  “What if Tokyo orders us to pull back those smaller units?” Iketani responded “In that case, we will, of course, withdraw them to this side of the line”. Ultimately, Iketani's cautions were set aside, and Terada's aggressive approach prevailed. The majority agreed that the tactical circumstances presented a rare opportunity. Japanese troops in the Shanghai area were poised to advance west, not through small, individual skirmishes but with a substantial deployment of their forces. Officers estimated that if a decisive push was made immediately, Nanjing could fall into Japanese hands within 20 days. However Colonel Kawabe Torashiro, the newly appointed chief of the Army General Staff's Operations Section suddenly arrived at the theater. He was sent on a mission to assess whether the Central China Area Army should be granted greater operational freedom. It was well known in Tokyo that field officers were eager to capitalize on the momentum created by the collapse of Chinese defenses around Shanghai. Kawabe's task was to explore the possibility of allowing forces to cross the line from Suzhou to Jiaxing and move westward in pursuit of the retreating enemy. However, Kawabe was staunchly opposed to further military adventures in China. Kawabe was part of the dwindling faction of "China doves" within the Japanese military. As early as the summer of 1937, he had become alarmed by a letter from a civilian Japanese visitor to the Chinese mainland, warning that Japanese officers were attempting to engineer an “incident” with China to provoke open conflict. This would provide Japan with a pretext to expand its influence in northern China. Kawabe had attempted to alert his superiors, but his warnings fell on deaf ears. They had been lulled into a false sense of security by reports from China that dismissed all talk of war-mongering as baseless and alarmist. When he arrived to the front he stated “I am here to inspect conditions on the ground so that a final decision can be made on where to establish the operational restriction line”. Alongside him came General Akira Muto, recently appointed the commander of the Central China Area Army. He also happened to be one of the architects of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. Muto responded promptly: “The line currently stretches from Suzhou to Jiaxing, but we should consider crossing it. This will help us achieve our overall objectives in the theater.” Muto continued, arguing that the 10th Army should be permitted to advance to Huzhou, south of Lake Tai, effectively cutting off communications between Nanjing and the strategic city of Hangzhou. He further claimed that the Shanghai Expeditionary Force should be allowed to capture the vital city of Jiangyin, suggesting, perhaps overly optimistically, that its loss could lead to the fall of Chiang Kai-shek. Ultimately, Muto insisted, Nanjing should also be seized, which he asserted would bring an end to the war. Kawabe listened patiently, a practice he would repeat in the following days as other field officers echoed similar sentiments, eagerly expressing their desire to advance all the way to Nanjing. Yanagawa and his 10th Army exemplified this aggressive mindset. Nevertheless, just as the hawks within the Japanese military and the nation's political leadership appeared to be prevailing in the struggle over China policy, they faced unexpected challenges from a different direction. Germany, a power with ambiguous sympathies in East Asia, was quietly engaged in negotiations aimed at bringing peace. Oskar Trautmann, Germany's ambassador to China, had maintained an objective and neutral stance when he met with Chiang Kai-shek in early November to relay Japan's conditions for initiating peace talks. These conditions included extensive concessions in northern China, such as the withdrawal of all Chinese troops to a line south of Beijing and the establishment of a pro-Japanese regime in Inner Mongolia, bordering the Soviet-controlled Mongolian People's Republic. Chiang dismissed these demands outright, but Trautmann and his superiors in Beijing continued their top-secret efforts. Germany's motivation for seeking an end to the Sino-Japanese War was not rooted in a genuine love for peace, but rather in their embarrassment over witnessing their old Asian ally, China, fighting against their new partner, Japan. Herman Göring, president of the Reichstag and a leading figure in the Nazi party, told a Chinese visitor, “China and Japan are both friends of Germany. The Sino-Japanese War has put Germany between Scylla and Charybdis. That's why Germany is ready to seize the chance to become a mediator.” Germany also feared that a prolonged conflict in China could jeopardize its commercial interests in East Asia and weaken Japan's capacity to confront the Soviet Union, potentially freeing Moscow to allocate more resources to a fight in Europe. In essence, continued hostilities could significantly harm Germany. Japanese field commanders were frustrated by Germany's mediation efforts.  When news of Trautmann's mission leaked, the German diplomat faced severe criticism in the Chinese media, which deemed any negotiation with the "Japanese devils" unacceptable. Additionally, there was the matter of China's ties with the Soviet Union; employing a German mediator raised the possibility of cooperation among China, Japan, and Germany, potentially expanding the anti-Soviet bloc, which would, in turn, pressure Moscow to increase its support for China. By mid-November, however, the complexities of this diplomatic game started unraveling and then Japan took action. At 7:00 am on November 19, Yanagawa issued instructions to his troops in the field. “The enemy's command system is in disarray, and a mood of defeat has descended over their entire army. They have lost the will to fight. The main Chinese forces were retreating west of the line stretching from Suzhou to Jiaxing, and this withdrawal was soon likely to spiral into a full-scale retreat. We must not miss the opportunity to pursue the enemy to Nanjing.” 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. Shanghai had fallen, and the Japanese forces pursued their fleeing enemy further west. However they had orders to halt, but would they? Officers from top down deliberating on the issue, with the vast majority pushing for a drive to Nanjing. They thought it represented the end objective of the conflict. They would all be very wrong.