Podcasts about Prudent

Last time we spoke about liberation of Luzon.. American forces, led by General Eichelberger and supported by General Krueger's armies, relentlessly advanced against the entrenched Japanese defenders of General Yamashita's 14th Area Army. Amid thick jungle and treacherous terrain, battles raged through the northern mountain ranges, as American troops aimed to restore the Filipino government. Facing overwhelming odds, the Japanese forces displayed extraordinary resilience, temporarily halting American progress. Remarkable efforts from General Swift's 1st Corps across Routes 9 and 11 led to significant breakthroughs as American forces captured critical positions, including Sablan and Baguio. However, the Japanese command, complacent and misjudging the American strategy, fell into disarray. As the tide turned with relentless American assaults, key Japanese positions were systematically dismantled. By late April, most of Luzon was liberated, restoring hope and autonomy to the Filipino people.  This episode is Invasion of Balikpapan Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, 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 world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two 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 you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  The battles for Okinawa and Luzon just closed up, and today we are going to be venturing back to the Dutch East Indies. As we left off in mid-May, the tides of war were shifting dramatically on the island of Luzon, with General Krueger's 6th Army celebrating significant victories across the region. In the north, General Swift's 1st Corps had successfully secured the scenic Baguio area, known for its lush mountains and cool climate, a stark contrast to the tropical heat that engulfed much of the Philippines. Yet, the fighting was far from over, as fierce battles continued on three major fronts. Colonel Volckmann's guerrilla 121st Regiment was making strides, snagging much of the strategically vital Bessang Pass, a crucial artery connecting northern Luzon to the central regions. However, their success came at a cost, leaving them overextended amidst fierce Japanese resistance. Meanwhile, General Gill's weary 32nd Division managed to claim dominance over the rugged terrain of Salacsac Pass along the historic Villa Verde Trail, known for its breathtaking views and treacherous paths that had challenged both soldiers and their supply lines. General Mullins' 25th Division achieved a remarkable breakthrough by capturing the key Balete Pass, opening the way for further advances. Not stopping there, the 25th Division pressed onward, quickly redirecting their focus northward towards the town of Santa Fe. By May 24, the 27th Regiment had cleared the Sawmill River valley, an area teeming with dense foliage and rugged hills, a significant accomplishment that paved the way for the next objectives. From there, the 1st Battalion expertly maneuvered eastward against the imposing Kanami Ridge. On May 22, the 161st Regiment dealt a heavy blow to Japanese positions in a stronghold on Mount Haruna, a location known for its steep, challenging slopes. Following this triumph, they began their descent down the northern slopes of Haruna Ridge, gearing up for a critical junction with the Villa Verde Trail by May 27. Meanwhile, the 35th Regiment launched a vigorous assault from Balete Pass, systematically clearing out the remaining Japanese caves and fortifications by May 26, culminating in the capture of Santa Fe the very next day. At Salacsac, the Japanese forces, led by General Iwanaka, initiated a limited counteroffensive, presumably to buy time for a strategic evacuation of their increasingly tenuous positions. If delay was indeed Iwanaka's intention, he executed it well; it wasn't until May 19 that the American supply line was finally deemed secure again. The 2nd Battalion of the 128th Regiment resumed its push east from Hill 525, but the progress was slow. By May 22, the 1st Battalion had only managed to advance a mere 500 yards east from Hill 508, while the 3rd Battalion commenced a southward and southeastward advance from Hill 516 on May 16. It was not until May 24 that the relentless fighting in the region bore fruit, leading to the eventual clearing of the area, and Salacsac Pass was officially declared secured. On that pivotal day, General Iwanaka began the difficult task of withdrawing the remnants of his battered forces northward, retreating up the winding valley of the Imugan River. This river, which flows through a lush, verdant landscape, would serve as a vital sanctuary, albeit one fraught with danger for the disheartened Japanese troops. Meanwhile, the American forces were gaining ground. The 2nd Battalion aggressively seized control of Hill 527, a position that provided a commanding view of the surrounding area, crucial for planning further advances. The 126th Regiment took decisive action, utilizing trucks to transport troops swiftly along Route 5 to Balete Pass before launching an assault toward Imugan from the east and southeast. Concurrently, the guerrilla 1st Battalion of the Buena Vista Regiment embarked on a northward push from Valdez, culminating in the hard-fought capture of Hill 528 on May 28. This hill, commanding and steep, presented a formidable challenge but also promised a vantage point critical for any further operations in the region. The very next day, Imugan finally succumbed to the relentless pressure of the advancing American forces, marking a significant milestone as the Villa Verde Trail came firmly under American control. This development effectively concluded the arduous operations of the 32nd Division. It was a costly campaign for General Gill; the division suffered approximately 825 men killed, 2,160 wounded, with an alarming 6,000 classified as non-battle casualties. In stark contrast, the Japanese defense was decimated, with at least 5,750 of the 8,750 troops they had deployed to defend the trail lying dead. As we gaze northward, we find Colonel Volckmann's guerrillas, who had extended themselves too thinly across Bessang Pass and into the challenging terrain of Yubo Ridge. The aftermath of their overreach saw them facing fierce Japanese counterattacks that swiftly pushed them back across Lamagan Ridge in the latter part of May. However, a small contingent managed to hold tenaciously onto the eastern slopes of Langiatan Hill, a strategic position that allowed them to maintain some level of influence in the region. Additionally, a robust force from the Japanese 76th Regiment assembled south of Butac, planning an offensive northward. However, this advance was met with fierce resistance from the guerrilla 15th Regiment, who successfully repelled the attack. Seizing the momentum, Volckmann directed the 15th Regiment into a new offensive eastward, and by the end of May, they had successfully re-secured their foothold up to Lamagan Ridge. Meanwhile, elements of the 121st Regiment executed a remarkable retaking of both Langiatan Hill and Yubo Ridge, gradually restoring control over this strategically vital area. Looking south, we find General Hall's 11th Corps vigorously engaged in two crucial offensives aimed at capturing Ipo Dam and Wawa Dam, both essential water reservoirs located east of Manila. The strategic importance of these dams cannot be overstated; they were vital not only for securing fresh water but also for controlling the flow of operations in the region. However, the relentless heavy downpours that characterized the season rendered air support missions impractical, exacerbating an already challenging supply situation for the advancing troops. As a result, General Wing's 43rd Division was forced to pause its offensive late on May 14 to reassess and devise new attack plans.  As of late May 14, the 43rd Division found itself in a precarious situation, necessitating a halt to operations to devise new attack plans. To this point, the division had made limited progress toward securing Route 52, a crucial supply line vital for their mission to capture Ipo Dam. Recognizing the urgency, General Wing decided it was essential to commit the 169th Regiment to a targeted attack to clear this road, as it would serve as a critical route for both supply and evacuation in the coming days. The adverse weather conditions had created a significant operational hindrance. For nearly the entire duration of their offensive, intermittent rains had severely disrupted ground and aerial supply chains, as well as evacuation and the crucial air support operations necessary for a successful advance. Ground conditions had become challenging, and division engineers struggled to construct and maintain supply roads at a pace even close to that of the infantry's advances. Consequently, supply drops and hand-carried provisions were just sufficient to keep combat units barely above the minimum required levels, but the evacuation of sick and wounded soldiers remained a pressing issue that plagued the division. By May 14, the situation worsened significantly. For the first time since May 6, the 5th Air Force was completely grounded, unable to conduct any air support or supply missions due to the worsening weather conditions. This represented a troubling turning point for the 43rd Division. Moreover, intelligence reports indicated that sizable groups from the Japanese Tomono and Hanabusa Detachments had shifted their focus away from their defenses along Route 52, moving instead to confront the 103rd and 172nd Regiments attacking from the south. General Wing recognized that this presented a timely opportunity for the 169th Regiment. Striking directly along Route 52 would likely be far easier and less costly than it would have been just a week prior. Furthermore, a successful offensive by the 169th could not only expedite the capture of Ipo Dam but also prevent further eastward redeployments of Japanese forces. This would be a vital maneuver, potentially relieving pressure from Fork Ridge, where the left flank of the 172nd Regiment was currently bogged down in fierce fighting. Time was of the essence, and decisive action was required to turn the tide in favor of the 43rd Division. The situation was critical; delay would allow Japanese forces to fortify their defenses further. In response, Wing mapped out a robust plan: he directed the 103rd Regiment to capture the Route 52 terminus at Ipo Dam itself, which was crucial for any further advances. Their orders included not only taking control of the dam but also clearing the high ground north of the road and west of the dam to ensure a secure position against any possible counterattacks. Additionally, he tasked the 172nd Regiment with seizing Hill 804, a vantage point that could provide vital intelligence and support to the offensive, while the 169th Regiment was directed to eliminate the last Japanese defenders in the Bigti area before advancing eastward along Route 52 to connect with the 172nd. A break in the weather finally came on May 17, allowing the 43rd Division to launch their offensive with much-needed air support. Aircraft successfully dropped napalm and strafed Japanese defensive positions, a strategy that proved devastatingly effective. General Kawashima, facing mounting losses, ultimately ordered the remnants of his command to withdraw to an assembly point on the western slopes of Mount Maranat, a retreat that revealed their deteriorating ability to hold the line. With the air support providing a critical advantage, the 103rd Regiment advanced boldly and swiftly cleared the last Japanese holdouts from Hill 860, securing an essential position. However, it was the guerrilla forces, under the command of Colonel Augustin, from the Marking Regiment who achieved a historic victory by capturing Ipo Dam shortly after noon. His patrols descended the slopes of Hill 803, crossed the Angat River at the dam, and triumphantly raised the American flag over the powerhouse on the south bank, a potent symbol of liberation and resistance. Simultaneously, the 172nd Regiment seized control of Fork Ridge, further tightening the noose around Japanese forces, while the 169th Regiment secured strategic ground from Hill 535 to Osboy Ridge, pushing forward with relentless determination. In the following four days, the 43rd Division, supported by the fearless Marking guerrillas, meticulously mopped up the area west of Ipo Dam. Their efforts culminated in the successful opening of Route 52 from Bigti to Ipo on May 19, a critical milestone that allowed for the unhindered movement of troops and supplies. By May 21, they completed the operation by clearing out the last pockets of organized resistance in the region west of the dam and south of the Angat River, a crucial waterway that would play a significant role in sustaining American operations. With the capture of Ipo Dam intact, General Wing achieved his primary objective, making a significant contribution to addressing Manila's pressing water supply problems. This success would have lasting implications for the civilians and military alike, as the dam was key to ensuring a reliable water supply in the region. The 43rd Division maintained its momentum, continuing mopping-up operations through May 31. They patrolled eastward across the Ipo River, pressed northeast up the Angat from the dam, and scoured the areas that had witnessed some of the most intense fighting during the campaign. The cost of these operations was notable; Wing's forces suffered losses of 120 killed and 515 wounded, while the Kawashima Force endured devastating casualties, with over 2,700 men killed and approximately 115 captured during the grueling battle. Meanwhile, General Chase's 38th Division pressed forward with its offensive against Wawa Dam, following the failure of General Yokoyama's most recent counteroffensive. The 145th Regiment found itself holding a precariously exposed salient at Mount Binicayan, which severely hampered their ability to launch an effective attack toward Wawa Dam. Japanese positions on the high ground to the north of the dam dominated the narrow, winding road with artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire, making any advance perilous. In response to this daunting challenge, General Chase decided to launch an offensive with the 151st Regiment in the area north of the Marikina River, targeting the formidable Mounts Pamitinan and Hapanong-Banoy. This bold maneuver was contingent upon the 152nd Regiment gaining momentum in its attack to clear Woodpecker Ridge. As such, on May 19 and 20, the 152nd Regiment executed enveloping maneuvers centered on Woodpecker Ridge, ultimately breaking through enemy lines on May 21. The breakthrough was dramatically supported by the introduction of medium tanks and flamethrower tanks, powerful assets that helped turn the tide of battle. The following day, what began as a breakthrough rapidly escalated into a rout of Japanese defenders. By May 25, the 152nd Regiment had established control over the strategic junction of the Marikina and Bosoboso Rivers, a key position that not only bolstered their operational capabilities but also positioned them for further advances in the ongoing campaign. As Japanese resistance began to dissipate under the relentless pressure from the advancing American forces, the 149th Regiment, which had successfully relieved the 145th at Mount Binicayan, launched a bold strike toward Wawa Dam on May 27. Encountering little to no opposition, they secured the dam intact the following morning, marking a significant victory. It was on May 27 that General Yokoyama ordered a general retreat, recognizing the untenable position of his forces. Acting on these instructions, General Kobayashi's remaining troops fell back, pursued by vigilant patrols from the 38th Division. With Wawa Dam secured, General Chase shifted his strategy; rather than launching direct assaults against organized Japanese lines, he opted to focus on mopping up operations and pursuing the retreating enemy. The human cost of the campaign was significant. Chase's forces sustained losses of 160 killed and 590 wounded, while the Kobayashi Force suffered catastrophic losses, with over 10,000 men killed since the onset of the offensive.  Shifting focus southeast, the 7th Cavalry and Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Anderson's guerrillas converged on the coastal town of Infanta in late May. Faced with overwhelming pressure, the Japanese naval garrison retreated westward into the Sierra Madre mountains, a rugged and dense area that posed challenges for both sides. Infanta ultimately fell on May 25, and by the evening of the following day, the reinforced 7th Cavalry had successfully cleared the entire flat, rice-rich region surrounding the town, encountering only scattered and ineffective resistance. In a strategic move bolstered by overwater supply movements, the 7th Cavalry implemented an aggressive patrolling program to the southwest, seeking out any remaining enemy forces. Meanwhile, the 8th Cavalry focused its efforts on clearing the northern section of Santa Maria Valley, advancing northward into the Sierra Madre. By the end of May, the Shimbu Group, once a significant Japanese fighting force, was rendered ineffective. Its main units began to disband, breaking into small groups in a desperate bid to forage for food or to navigate their way to safety in northern Luzon. At the end of May, the Shimbu Group still boasted a strength of nearly 26,000 men, over half of its total personnel as of February 20. However, the remaining survivors were not the elite forces they once were. The relentless campaigns by the 11th and 14th Corps had decimated the best-trained and most well-equipped units, leaving behind a shell of what had once been a formidable fighting force. Of the approximately 13,000 survivors still organized into units, their combat effectiveness had deteriorated so significantly that it's worthy of mention only in passing. Meanwhile, about 13,000 others were struggling to survive without proper organization; roughly 5,000 of these were receiving whatever limited medical treatment the Shimbu Group could provide. The remaining 8,000 men had essentially lost all structure, scattering into small groups to forage for food or attempting to make their way north to Luzon, where they hoped to find safety and sustenance. The supply situation faced by the Shimbu Group at the end of May was even more dire than its personnel situation. They had been unable to transport significant portions of their vast stockpiles of supplies into the Sierra Madre mountains, a shortfall that would prove catastrophic for their survival. The only supplies they still possessed in any quantity were ammunition for small arms and machine guns, alongside medical materials for treating combat wounds. The most pressing issue, however, was a critical lack of food. The early loss of several key agricultural regions, including the Bosoboso Valley, the shores of Laguna de Bay, the Santa Maria Valley, and the fertile Infanta region, had deprived the Shimbu Group of expected food stocks. Most of the supplies brought out of Manila had already been consumed. For instance, the organized remnant of the Noguchi Force could currently allocate a meager two ounces of rice per day for each man—a portion that would undoubtedly vanish by mid-June. The Kobayashi Force fared little better, while the Kawashima Force managed to issue slightly more, around six to eight ounces of rice daily. The troops were gradually reduced to scavenging for survival, resorting to eating roots, bark, grass, and whatever food they could find in long-abandoned Filipino gardens. It's worth noting that after just a few days in June, there wasn't a single pig, carabao, or dog left alive within sight of the remnants of the Shimbu Group. Recognizing that mere existence was the overarching challenge, General Yokoyama hoped to regroup his organized units and move them into areas where they might have some chance to cultivate food, scattering them through the challenging terrain of the Sierra Madre. This desperate strategy highlighted the dire straits faced by the Shimbu Group as their chances for survival dwindled. Meanwhile, the Noguchi Force received orders to transfer its main strength to the mountainous region along the eastern shore of Laguna de Bay, where some of its elements were already positioned. This shift aimed to gather their forces in a more favorable terrain, potentially allowing for better access to resources. The Kobayashi Force was tasked with establishing a defensive sector in the area north of Mount Purro and east of Wawa. In a coordinated effort, the 31st Infantry, minus its 3rd Battalion, along with various miscellaneous troops from the 8th Division, were ordered to occupy positions north of the Lenatin River, enhancing their defensive capabilities in a strategic location. The remnants of the Kawashima Force, already in the process of withdrawing from the Ipo Dam area, were instructed to relocate to the mountains east of San Miguel, approximately 22 miles northwest of Ipo. This area was believed to have more abundant food supplies, crucial for the survival of their forces. However, as circumstances unfolded, this transfer later proved impossible. Unable to move effectively, the bulk of the Kawashima Force remained entrenched in the area surrounding Mount Inuman, where they faced mounting challenges in sustaining their troops. In the following month, General Hall directed the 38th Division and Major Edwin Ramsey's 2nd Provisional Regiment to pursue the remnants of Yokoyama's forces as they moved eastward toward Santa Iñez. Meanwhile, the 112th Cavalry employed various mountain and river valley trails to mount a converging attack from the south. They encountered light opposition and successfully captured the town on June 9, further consolidating their gains in the region. At the same time, patrols from the 43rd Division reported no signs of organized resistance north and east of Ipo Dam. The 2nd Cavalry Brigade, alongside Anderson's guerrillas, effectively dispersed the last organized remnants of the Kogure Detachment and the remaining Japanese naval units at Lamon Bay. By the end of June, the only indication of organized Japanese resistance in an area extending five miles north and ten miles east of Wawa Dam was found in the Lenatin River valley, approximately three miles north of Santa Iñez. This development forced the remnants of Yokoyama's forces into trackless and only partially explored wilderness, significantly complicating their ability to regroup or launch further operations. The operations throughout June were costly for Hall, resulting in approximately 110 men killed and 370 wounded. In contrast, Japanese losses during the month were staggering, amounting to 7,540 killed or found dead, alongside 1,105 captured.  Looking back north, General Yamashita aimed to avoid a similar fate for his northern forces. Ever since the fall of Baguio, he had been meticulously planning for the ultimate withdrawal of the Shobu Group deep into the Cordillera Central.  On May 5, less than two weeks following the fall of Baguio, General Yamashita disseminated an outline plan for future operations to the major components of the Shobu Group throughout northern Luzon. His strategy was built on three fundamental premises: Estimation of Enemy Actions: Yamashita assessed that the 6th Army would concentrate its main effort on a northward drive along Route 5, anticipating that General Krueger would only launch secondary attacks toward Bontoc via Routes 4 and 11. This understanding allowed him to anticipate the flow of enemy movements and allocate his resources more effectively. Timing for Resource Stripping: He calculated that the Shobu Group would have approximately three months during which it could strip the Cagayan and Magat Valleys of the essential food and military supplies needed for a protracted stand in the mountains. During this period, the group aimed to transport this matériel into the Cordillera Central through the junction of Routes 4 and 5, located near Bagabag, 25 miles north on Route 5 from Bambang. Control of Key Routes: Yamashita recognized that the success of his planned withdrawal and future delaying actions hinged on maintaining control over the Routes 4-5 junction for as long as possible. He estimated that his defenses south of Santa Fe would be robust enough to hold until mid-June. Additionally, he planned to construct new defensive positions across Route 5 between Santa Fe and Bambang, enabling him to contain the 1st Corps south of Bambang until the end of June. Most crucially, he believed that he would be able to retain control of the Junction of Routes 4 and 5 until the end of July, which was essential for his operational strategy. His initial perimeter encompassed the vital Route 11 terminus of the Baguio-Aritao supply road, as well as key locations such as Bessang Pass, Bontoc, Banaue, Oriung Pass, and Santa Fe In his May 5 plan, Yamashita outlined the necessity of holding the Salacsac Pass-Balete Pass line until mid-June while constructing additional defenses between Santa Fe and Bambang. After mid-June, the Japanese forces were to withdraw to a second perimeter, extending through Ambuclao, Mankayan, Sabangan, Bontoc, Oriung Pass, and Bambang, strategically positioning themselves for potential future engagements. Yamashita understood that these defenses would need to hold until July, when the defenders would be expected to retreat to his last-stand positions centered around Bokod, Mankayan, Polis Pass, the Rayambugan Farm School, and Bambang. He anticipated that the Shobu Group would be compelled to hold their ground until annihilation at these key locations. On April 27, the 103rd Division received orders from the Area Army to transfer its main strength to the Cauayan-Cabagan area, leaving behind only the Yuguchi Detachment 80th Brigade Headquarters in Aparri, which comprised a meager two battalions of nuclear infantry. Yamashita's plans called for virtually abandoning the Cagayan Valley, temporarily retaining only the 103rd Division, which was significantly outnumbered and equated to less than two American Regimental Combat Teams (RCTs), particularly since the Araki Force was stationed in the Cervantes area. The primary duty of the 103rd Division would be to gather all available resources in the valley, including rice and livestock such as carabaos, and dispatch these supplies into the Cordillera Central through Bagabag. Once this crucial task was completed, the division would also withdraw into the mountains, aligning with Yamashita's broader strategic objectives. Yamashita's decision to abandon the Cagayan Valley made logical sense. He realized that the forces he had remaining could not hold the valley for much longer. Additionally, there seemed little necessity to maintain a strong presence there any further. Initially, he had kept units in the valley to harvest and gather food, deny the Allied Air Forces of the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA) the use of airfields for strikes against Formosa and Okinawa, and hold onto Aparri in the hope that supplies and reinforcements might still reach Luzon. However, by early May, Yamashita concluded that the situation at Okinawa was largely resolved, negating any strategic purpose behind holding the valley airfields. The hope for reinforcements had long since faded, and crucially, his troops had already gathered the early rice harvest from the valley. With no new crop expected to come in until late September, Yamashita recognized that he would not be able to harvest this future crop, further solidifying his decision to withdraw. Yamashita also ordered the 79th Brigade to take over the defense of Banaue, while directing the 105th Division to defend both the Magat Valley and the Bato Bridge area against potential airborne attacks. However, by the end of May, the situation deteriorated significantly: Santa Fe had fallen, and the retreat of the 10th Division had devolved into a chaotic rout. This development put the defenders at risk of allowing the enemy to reach Bambang before they could establish any strong delaying positions south of the town. In response, Yamashita ordered the 10th Division and the 2nd Tank Division to assemble for a defensive stand across Route 5 at Bato Bridge. He also repositioned the 105th Division to the Rayambugan Farm School and directed the 103rd Division to occupy the vacated defenses at Oriung Pass. Despite these strategic maneuvers, time was not on their side. General Krueger wasted no time launching an aggressive pursuit northward, immediately sending the relatively fresh 37th Division to drive straight up Route 5 from Santa Fe to Bagabag. This force was then to swing east through Oriung Pass into the Cagayan Valley, continuing its advance north along Route 5 toward Aparri. To prepare for a larger offensive, Krueger also intended to use the 25th and 33rd Divisions in the initial assault against the Japanese home islands. To this end, he directed the 32nd Division to take over operations in the Baguio area, while the 6th Division was tasked with relieving the 25th at Santa Fe before striking northwest up Route 4 into the deep Cordillera Central, pursuing the Japanese forces further into the mountainous terrain. Finally, Swift was ordered to execute limited attacks up Route 11 from Baguio, maintain the guerrilla offensive against Cervantes, and deploy the Connolly Task Force to follow Route 3 around the northwest tip of Luzon to secure the Aparri region. Leading the charge, the 129th Regiment of the 37th Division advanced north from Santa Fe on May 31, quickly encountering a reinforced provisional anti-tank unit just south of Aritao. This unit managed to delay the town's capture until June 5. However, the following day, Bambang fell without resistance, and the 129th faced only token opposition at Bato Bridge before ultimately reaching Bayombong on June 7. On June 8, the 145th Regiment took over the lead, and by nightfall, they had seized the crucial junction of Routes 4 and 5 near Bagabag without a fight. Advancing further, the 145th crossed the Magat River on June 9 and pressed toward Oriung Pass, where they rapidly engaged the reinforced 179th Independent Battalion. Although the outgunned and outnumbered defenders valiantly delayed the advance, the 145th pushed through the pass along Route 5 and secured it late on June 12. This breakthrough prompted the bulk of the 103rd Division to decide on a strategic retreat toward the Bontoc-Natonin area, while the remnants of the 4th Air Division abandoned Echague to join this withdrawal. By the evening of June 13, the 145th finally halted its advance at Santiago, while the 148th Regiment worked to neutralize the remaining Japanese positions at Oriung Pass. With these positions secured, the offensive resumed, resulting in the fall of the Echague airbase on June 14, followed by the occupation of Cauayan two days later. As we can see, neither the 10th Division nor the 2nd Tank Division managed to reach Bagabag in time to impede the American advance; the latter was assembling along the Bambang-Pingkian road. On June 12, the 20th Regiment initiated a southwest drive along this road from Bambang. Two days later, elements of the 126th Regiment began pushing west toward Pingkian from Aritao, thereby applying significant pressure on Iwanaka's beleaguered troops. Meanwhile, the 10th Division had become hopelessly cut off east of Route 5 and had retreated to the Old Spanish Trail south of Aritao. On June 11, the 25th Division launched a two-pronged attack against this isolated group, forcing General Okamoto's remnants to retreat eastward deep into the Sierra Madre. In the meantime, General Clarkson dispatched the 130th Regiment up Route 11, where they encountered the 58th Independent Mixed Brigade, which was only capable of weak resistance. Poor weather conditions hindered the 33rd Division's operations in the following days, but by June 15, elements of the 130th Regiment had swung east along the Baguio-Aritao supply road and reached Ambuclao on the Agno River. To the north, Volckmann continued his offensive throughout June, deploying the 121st Regiment to clear Route 4 and secure the northern half of Lamagan Ridge. The 15th Regiment was tasked with advancing to seize Upper Cadsu Ridge and then moving generally northeast along the south side of Route 4. Additionally, the still-arriving 66th Regiment aimed to secure the area south of Butac and swing to the east on the 15th's right flank. As a result, both Lamagan Ridge and Lower Cadsu Ridge were cleared by June 5, with the 15th Regiment then turning its focus toward Upper Cadsu while the 121st Regiment advanced directly toward Bessang Pass. Volckmann's Provisional Battalion launched an attack on Magun Hill and, after a series of minor setbacks, succeeded in clearing much of the area by June 10. On that day, the 121st Regiment initiated a final assault toward Bessang Pass, advancing from the west and southwest. The following day, the Provisional Battalion began pressing in from the north and northeast. Meanwhile, the 15th Regiment overran the last organized resistance on Upper Cadsu on June 12, just as the 66th Regiment was reaching the southwestern corner of the ridge. Supported by artillery, the 121st finally overcame the last organized defenses at Bessang Pass on June 14, establishing contact with the Provisional Battalion east of the pass. On the same day, the final pockets of opposition crumbled before the 15th and 66th Regiments south of the pass. Consequently, the remnants of Japanese forces fled east along Route 4 toward Cervantes, pursued by elements of the 15th and 121st Regiments, which successfully secured the town before dark on June 15. During this final offensive, the guerrillas suffered losses of 119 men killed and 120 wounded, while exaggerated estimates placed Japanese losses at around 2,600 killed. At the same time, by mid-June, the guerrilla 11th and 14th Regiments had cleared almost all the valley west of the Cagayan River, stretching from Cauayan north to Aparri. They also gained complete control over Route 11 from Bontoc to the valley, effectively preventing the 103rd Division from joining Yamashita's last-stand positions. Meanwhile, the Connolly Task Force, after a largely uneventful march, approached Aparri and began an attack on June 11 to clear the last Japanese forces from the area. The last event forcing Yamashita to alter his plans came on 13 June, when the 6th Division's 63d Infantry began probing northwest up Route 4 from Bagabag. The reconnaissance foreshadowed a push that Yamashita especially feared, since Route 4 provided direct access to the deep Cordillera Central. The 105th Division, with defenses across Route 4 at the Rayambugan Farm School, did not have sufficient strength to hold the highway, Yamashita knew. Recognizing that he could not hope to maintain control along any of the three perimeters he had established in May, Yamashita issued new orders for a strategic withdrawal to a last-stand area. This new perimeter would be set up along the inhospitable valley of the Asin River, positioned between Routes 4 and 11. Accordingly, the orders were as follows: The 105th Division was to retreat from Route 4 to the Pacdan-Antipolo line. The 2nd Tank Division was to move north and hold the line from Tubliao to Antipolo. The 23rd Division was tasked with defending along the Adaoay-Bokod line. The 58th Independent Mixed Brigade was to hold the Agno Valley from Buguias south to Adaoay. The 19th Division was to consolidate the bulk of its forces into the Agno Valley, defending the river line from the Loo Valley south to Buguias. The 79th Brigade was assigned to defend Route 390 at Hapao. Once this last-stand perimeter collapsed, Yamashita planned for all remaining forces to retreat into the barren Asin Valley between Toccucan and Kiangkiang, prepared to fight to the death. The area behind this new last-stand perimeter boasted excellent defensive terrain, and Yamashita estimated that most of his units had sufficient ammunition for machine guns, mortars, and small arms to hold their positions for an extended period. However, the Shobu Group faced dire challenges: they were virtually out of medical supplies, had no clothing stocks, and their food reserves would be completely exhausted by mid-September. If they were not annihilated by the advancing Filipino-American forces, the Shobu Group could only anticipate a slow death by starvation and disease. Now, it's time to shift focus from the Philippines and head to Borneo to cover the preparations for the invasion of Balikpapan, codenamed Operation Oboe II. As the 9th Australian Division completed its tasks in North Borneo, General Milford's 7th Australian Division was assembling at Morotai for the upcoming invasion scheduled for July 1. Milford's plan entailed an amphibious assault on a two-brigade front between the Klandasan Besar River and Klandasan town, where the Japanese had established their strongest defenses.  In June, it was estimated that approximately 3,900 troops were stationed around Balikpapan, composed of: 1,500 in mobile units. 2,400 in anti-aircraft, air force, and base units. Additionally, there were 1,100 Japanese workers, 2,400 Indonesians, and 1,000 Formosans present. Near Samarinda, it was believed there were about 1,500 troops, plus possibly a battalion that had recently arrived from Tarakan. Experience had demonstrated that when estimating the strength of the enemy's resistance, every Japanese and Formosan, whether part of a fighting unit, base unit, or civilian labor group, had to be regarded as a combatant. Key defensive features included: At least 18 coast-defense guns, primarily located on ridges overlooking the sea. 26 heavy dual-purpose guns and 78 medium and light anti-aircraft guns. Offshore, between Klandasan and Manggar, rows of stout poles were driven into the seabed, horizontally braced with timber, and protected with barbed wire. An almost continuous anti-tank ditch, from 12 to 14 feet wide, extended above the beach from Stalkudo to Sepinggang. Extensive trench systems, with many tunnel openings, were detected on the ridges overlooking Klandasan. Numerous concrete strongpoints and a continuous line of bunkers lined the beach's fringe. This area was among the most strongly fortified that the Australians had encountered during the war. Indeed, Air Vice-Marshal Bostock, responsible for air support of the landing, cautioned the Prime Minister in a letter that these meticulously prepared defenses might result in Australian casualties comparable to those experienced during the landing at Gallipoli. It appeared that the Japanese had established their main defenses on the slopes overlooking the beaches from Klandasan to Stalkudo. The Australian staff believed the Japanese would attempt to contain the invaders within their beachhead area for as long as possible, before withdrawing inland, either south to Bandjermasin or overland to Bintulu in Sarawak. Additionally, it was anticipated that the enemy would direct burning oil onto the beach unless the oil tanks were destroyed during the preliminary bombardment. Brigadier Ivan Dougherty's 21st Brigade was to land with one battalion on Green Beach, while Brigadier Frederick Chilton's 18th Brigade would go ashore with two battalions on the Yellow and Red Beaches. Once a beachhead was secured, the 18th Brigade would seize the high ground dominating the town and clear the harbor for use, while the 21st Brigade would advance along the coast to capture the airstrips. Additionally, Brigadier Kenneth Eather's 25th Brigade, held in reserve, was set to land on July 2 with the likely objective of thrusting inland along the Milford Highway. Although Admiral Barbey favored a landing site farther east, possibly at Sepinggang, where their ships could be positioned more safely and further from Japanese coastal defense guns, Milford countered with sound reasoning: “Why land up the coast and have to fight miles through jungle, which suits the enemy, when you can go straight in under heavy supporting fire, which the enemy can't withstand, in comparatively open and favorable country?” Supported by General Morshead, this plan received approval, and by June 16, the 7th Division was successfully assembled at Morotai. Admiral Noble's Task Force 78 would once again transport the Australian troops to the landing area, supported by Rear-Admiral Ralph Riggs' cruiser group and Rear-Admiral William Sample's escort carriers. Against the Japanese defenses, Admiral Kamada's 22nd Special Base Force consisted of approximately 3,900 troops, with 1,500 in mobile units and 2,400 in anti-aircraft, air force, and base units, in addition to an estimated 4,500 laborers. In preparation for the invasion, aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force and the 5th and 13th Air Forces began bombarding enemy defenses and storage tanks on June 4. These attacks intensified a week later as they specifically targeted Japanese gun positions. On June 15, Noble's minesweepers arrived to clear the sea around Balikpapan of magnetic mines, but faced losses, with three ships sunk and three damaged during the operation. Ten days later, American underwater demolition teams began working to locate and breach the underwater obstacles, often under heavy gunfire. To further confuse the enemy, efforts were made to create the impression that the landing would occur at Manggar. This included spreading rumors, landing a reconnaissance party in that area, and demolishing underwater obstacles at both Manggar and Sepinggang. Finally, on June 26, Noble's convoy set sail from Morotai. After an uneventful voyage, they reached Balikpapan unmolested just before dawn on July 1. During the morning, Riggs' cruisers and Noble's destroyers shelled the landing beaches and the defenses behind them, continuing the bombardment until the first waves of landing craft were within 1,300 yards of the shore, at which point the fire shifted to the flanks and rear of the enemy positions. About an hour before the landing, a combined rocket barrage and low-level airstrike were executed, followed by a second rocket barrage just ten minutes before the troops hit the beaches. In total, during the 20 days leading up to the assault, the Balikpapan-Manggar area received 3,000 tons of bombs, 7,361 rockets, 38,052 shells, and 114,000 rounds from automatic weapons, all aimed at crippling the formidable Japanese defenses. Covered by a successful bombardment, the assault waves finally hit the beaches just before 09:00. However, due to navigation errors, the troops were put ashore at the wrong locations. The 2/27th Battalion landed on Yellow Beach instead of Green Beach and quickly captured the Ration, Romilly, Rottnest, and Charlie's Spur positions. The 2/12th Battalion landed on Red Beach instead of Yellow, necessitating a northeast swing to take over Ration and reduce the remaining Japanese defenses in the area. A platoon was also detached to push inland along Vasey Road to seize Portee, while other elements secured Parkes, Plug, and Blyth's Junction. The 2/10th Battalion, correctly landing on Red Beach, rapidly seized the high ground in front of them. Patrols found Prudent and Petersham Junction to be unoccupied. The 2/10th then assembled at Petersham Junction and captured the lower slopes of Hill 87, successfully taking the hill under assault by noon. Meanwhile, Dougherty landed his reserve units, which also came ashore further west than expected on Yellow Beach. The 2/16th Battalion quickly assembled at Ravenshoe and captured Record, Pigeon, and Mount Malang. By 11 a.m. the battalion was on Ravenshoe, whence Malang and Pigeon were visible. Advancing under sharp fire Captain Madigan's company on the left took Record about 4 p.m., killing 46 Japanese. At 4.5 Captain R. H. Christian's company launched a concerted attack on Malang, sup-ported by the fire of artillery, mortars and machine-guns, and using a flame-thrower. The hill was taken and 40 Japanese were killed. The Australians lost four killed, including the leading platoon commander, Lieutenant Armstrong, and 14 wounded. By nightfall the 2/16th held a line through Malang, Pigeon and Record. It had lost 6 killed or died of wounds in the day and 24 wounded; 86 Japanese dead had been counted.  The 2/14th Battalion advanced swiftly to secure a bridgehead over the Klandasan Besar and seized the Stalkudo ridge. The 2/5th Commando Squadron passed through this bridgehead and attacked northeast but encountered heavy opposition. Returning to Hill 87, the 2/10th Battalion assaulted and captured Parramatta in the afternoon, aided by artillery and tanks, while patrols further secured Newcastle and the Cracking Plant by dusk. A patrol led by Sergeant A. A. Evans was sent out from Davey's platoon towards Newcastle. They silenced a bunker with a flame-thrower, and came to a house from which Japanese were firing. They overcame this position with grenades and small arms fire and then moved on to New-castle. As Evans reached Newcastle he saw the surviving Japanese making off towards Portee. Davey's platoon now occupied Newcastle and the other platoon took up positions on Parramatta. The seizure of Parramatta gave the 2/10th observation over the low ground to the north and the northern end of the town, and tied the battalion in with the 2/12th on Portee; the Japanese were now in a very poor position to counter-attack from the western end of the beach-head. Lieutenant Russack of Sanderson's company led a patrol to the Cracking Plant where it silenced a Japanese pill-box. This patrol was strafed by American aircraft, but worse was to follow. At 4.55 American carrier-borne aircraft made a run over Parramatta from the west and dropped bombs and fired rockets across Hill 87, which had then been in the hands of the 2/10th for four hours and a half. Much of this fire landed in the area into which Captain Brocksopp's" company ("D") had moved and where Daly's command post was established. Three were killed, including Lance-Sergeant Hackett, a veteran of several cam-paigns, and 14 wounded, including Major G. R. Miethke and two other officers. Air panels were displayed in all platoon areas after this. Daly decided to hold that night as far forward as Newcastle, on which he placed two platoons plus a platoon of the 2/1st Machine Gun Bat-talion, all under Captain Bowie. In the day the battalion had lost 13 killed and 30 wounded, but 216 Japanese dead were counted. That night 24 more Japanese were killed while trying to penetrate the Australians' positions and no Australian was hit. All night there were fires round about where houses were burning, and the blazing oil tanks on the Tank Plateau 600 yards to the west of the Parramatta ridge lit up the landscape. Finally, Brigadier Chilton also landed the reserve 2/9th Battalion on Red Beach and sent it west in the afternoon to occupy Klandasan town, leading to the capture of Santosa Hill by nightfall. Thus, the Australians successfully landed at Balikpapan and secured a sizable beachhead, marking the beginning of what would become a fierce and challenging battle. 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 June 1945, American forces, led by Generals Eichelberger and Krueger, fought fiercely against Japanese troops in Luzon, achieving significant victories despite heavy resistance. The tide turned as they captured key positions, restoring hope to Filipinos. Meanwhile, preparations for the Balikpapan invasion intensified. The 7th Australian Division readied for an amphibious assault on July 1 against well-fortified Japanese defenses. Despite facing strong opposition, the Australians successfully landed at various beaches, seizing vital ground.

WQAM's midday host - Tobin - joins the show to vent about the Miami Heat not landing Kevin Durant via trade.

The Prudent Man Foresees Evil | Bear & Friends 23 JUNE 2025  ---  Don't choose a permanent solution to a temporary problem: DIAL '988' to get help.   BEAR INDEPENDENT SWAG: https://www.bearindependent.com/collections/swag-merch   BEARFAKS BACK IN STOCK: https://www.refugemedical.com/products/bearfak-individual-first-aid-kit Your promo code for free shipping on everything in the store from www.refugemedical.com is "Bear Nation" for all kits, components, and modules. Always HSA & FSA Eligible. Made in the USA, guaranteed forever, ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR lives saved to date.   THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT at https://www.grindstoneministries.com We couldn't do this without your continued support!   SUPPORT OUR ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING INITIATIVES: Kaleb House website: https://www.kalebhouse.org/

This is Episode 70 of the Consortium Podcast, an academic audio blog of Kepler Education. In this episode, Eric Cook teaches a breakout session on the Prudent Teacher. This lesson was given at the 2024 Consortium conference in Maynard, MA on July 12-13, 2024. Kepler's Consortiums provide resources and regional connections for Christian families, teachers, and educational organizations to expand the reach of classical education and foster human flourishing for generations to come. The New England Consortium of Classical Educators (NECCE) exists to point New England to the unifying Truth found in Christ and His creation, the Good of fellowship with like-minded individuals, and the Beauty reflected in great works of literature, science, and art, through teaching, conversation, and conferences. Eric Cook is the President of the Society for Classical Learning (SCL). Eric has been formally associated with SCL for over a decade serving in multiple roles, including Executive Director and Board Chair. He was the Head of School at Covenant Classical in Fort Worth, TX for 13 years before joining SCL full time. Prior to Covenant, Eric was the Head of Upper School at Faith Christian School in Roanoke, VA. Eric also taught and served in leadership at several public schools. Eric earned a bachelor's degree from Transylvania University, and a master's degree in Instructional Leadership from Northern Kentucky University. He is currently working on an EdS in Classical School Leadership from Gordon College. Eric has taught a myriad of subjects from philosophy to thesis. He consults with schools and coaches leaders in a variety of contexts. He speaks and presents at conferences around the country. Eric and his wife, Liz, have six children. They live in Richmond, Virginia, home of the SCL headquarters.

Explore the Prudent Pedal Growth Framework—a strategic, no-fluff model designed to help professional services firms align culture, strategy, and execution for sustainable growth. The post The Framework for Firms That Want to Win: The Prudent Pedal Growth Framework appeared first on Rattle and Pedal.

On Wednesday's Mark Levin Show, Iran, and isolationist ideologies are major threats. DNI Tulsi Gabbard's stance on nuclear war and her revisionism about the U.S. defeating Imperial Japan under Harry Truman are grotesque. Gabbard, the Quincy Institute, and people like Chatsworth Qatarlson (Tucker Carlson) are emboldening Iran's regime by signaling American weakness.  Despite the fake news, Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, and moral clarity is demanded against the Islamo-Nazi regime in Tehran. Prudent, fact-driven foreign policy is essential, with a commitment to hold misleading media and ideologues accountable. Later, the media ignored the funding behind the L.A. riots by Marxists and Islamists while promoting revolutionary rhetoric from protesters claiming indigenous rights and advocating socialism. Immigration should prioritize American citizens, not illegal immigrants. Also, a federal judge in Newark, New Jersey, appointed by Joe Biden, ruled that the Trump administration cannot detain Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil is not a student but a Hamas supporter who violated his immigration status by promoting a terrorist organization's agenda and engaging in efforts to undermine the U.S. and attack Jews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Summer is here as Jared shares his 4-step plan to beat dating app burnout, including why taking yourself out to dinner alone might be the reset you need! Then, J&J dive into a wild “Petty or Prudent?” email from a listener who exposed her cheating ex in a Facebook group, was it justified or just messy? They unpack the fine line between closure and revenge. Later, a married listener asks how to be a better wingwoman for her single sister without overselling or making things awkward. From dating drama to sisterly love, this episode is packed with laughs, real advice, and plenty of hot takes for summer! Watch full ep here

Brenda “Jan” Prudent, Sterile Processing Manager at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, has seen significant improvements in accountability, inventory management, and workflow efficiency since implementing CensiTrac, the leading cloud-based surgical instrument and asset management system from Censis.Before adopting CensiTrac, her department used manual tracking methods that limited visibility and made it difficult to ensure consistency. Now, every stage of the process, from decontamination and assembly to sterilization and storage, is captured in real time, enabling the team to trace errors, maintain compliance, and reinforce best practices.Prudent found the system especially valuable in analyzing tray utilization and productivity. With detailed reporting tools, the team can track how often trays are used and make data-driven decisions about whether new instruments are truly needed.Today, CensiTrac plays a critical role in supporting safe, efficient, and well-informed sterile processing operations at the facility.

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. (Hos 14:9 KJV)

Big Idea: Wisdom is a beautiful, loving mother who offers us life if we will just listen This mother is... 1. Impartial (8:1-9) 2. Precious (8:10-11) 3. Prudent (8:12-13) 4. Generous (8:14-21) 5. Work of God in Creation (8:22-31) 6. Not To Be Ignored (8:32-36)

Thank you for listening to today's message! Please make sure to share it with someone who needs to hear it today!

Thank you for listening to today's message! Please make sure to share it with someone who needs to hear it today!

A man's success depends on the prudence of the wife. The house's success depends on the communication and dealing of conflict between the husband and the wife. While many seek to build a successful life through careful planning while the foundation is built on seeking foolish gratification. This week's Bible study takes us on a journey to discover the important pillars of marriage and the means that God uses to join two together.

durée : 00:09:02 - L'invité de 7h50 - par : Sonia Devillers - Tetyana Ogarkova, journaliste et politiste, responsable du département international à l'Ukraine Crisis Media Center, était l'invitée de Sonia Devillers ce lundi.

durée : 00:09:02 - L'invité de 7h50 - par : Sonia Devillers - Tetyana Ogarkova, journaliste et politiste, responsable du département international à l'Ukraine Crisis Media Center, était l'invitée de Sonia Devillers ce lundi.

Trump's Federal Reserve drama, China's trade stance, gold's surge, and the risks of a debt-laden economy are explored with Paul Kiker, while discussing the importance of actively managing wealth during volatile markets.Click Here for Peak Financial Investing

This week, Casey Wilson is joined by his wife Erica to talk about prudence—one of the most essential yet under-discussed qualities of a godly man. Pulling from 1 Timothy, Titus, and Proverbs, they explore how prudence impacts leadership, marriage, parenting, and daily decision-making.Whether you're a husband, father, or a young man preparing for both, this episode will sharpen your understanding of what it means to lead with wisdom, discretion, and godly foresight.In this episode, we cover:• Why prudence is essential for godly leadership• The role of a prudent wife in a man's life (Proverbs 19:14)• Making decisions that glorify God, not your emotions• How to grow in prudence through God's Word• Why prudence leads to more joy—not less• Parenting and training children out of foolishness with patience

In a dire situation facing death, the Apostle Paul is willing to apply principles of prudence and shrewdness for the Kingdom while also trusting God's providence. Preached by Jared Kress on March 30th, 2025. Series: Church on Trial, The Book of Acts Primary Text: Acts 22:22-23:23. Join us in person Sundays at 10:30am at 6325 Poplar Ave, Memphis TN or online at https://www.kirbywoods.org/live. Follow us online! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirbywoodsmemphis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirbywoodsmemphis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kirbywoods Podcast: https://kirbywoodspodcast.buzzsprout.com

L'Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire a mis en garde contre les risques que représentent les compléments alimentaires pour la santé.Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

In this episode, Jordana's feeling a little bruised and Jared is unpacking the paradox of love's give-and-take. First, J and J dive in, tackling a tried and true listener dilemma—should you be dating when your life feels like a total layover? Then, they break down the all-too-relatable struggle of texting purgatory on dating apps—are NYC men just looking for pen pals? Next up, Petty or Prudent features a long-lost (and very aggressively reclaimed) pair of grandma's sneakers. And today's Red Flag or Deal Breaker debates some truly wild dating scenarios: a guy posting a second-date photo as his Facebook cover, a woman totally unphased by playing her dad's love interest in a musical, and the ultimate modern communication nightmare—someone who only sends voice memos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Paul Gigliotti, Head of Growth and Partnerships, Prudent AI Episode discussion timestamps: 1:44 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business. 3:10 - Why is the non-QM market becoming increasingly critical in today's lending landscape and how are you seeing them scale the non-QM operations? 6:39 - How is AI transforming the traditional lending qualification process? 10:52 - How are lenders currently handling complex income scenarios, and what bottlenecks exist?  15:50 - Can you share with our listeners why the Mortgage Innovators Conference has risen to be one of the best tech events in mortgage banking?   To learn more about the California MBA, visit cmba.com

Signs of spring are popping up everywhere, and we're embracing this spirit of renewal. Jordana shares some of her favorite lottery slogans and how they can be applied directly to your love life. And Jared takes his YouTube trolls head on and ends the Leonardo DiCaprio dating comparisons. Then, on "Petty or Prudent?", a listener gets cheated on by her longtime partner and decides to share the news with her ex's childhood role model and favorite high school teacher (Mr. Feeney anyone?). Later, a listener wonders if competitive dates are a bad idea after a night mini golfing with her boyfriend turns disastrous. New Yorkers -- U Up? LIVE is coming to a venue near you! Get your tickets to see Jared & Jordana live and in-person at The Palladium in Times Square on April 30th: https://betches.co/uuplive Today's the LAST DAY to get the official U Up? "Is That My Wife?" hat! Get yours here before it's too late: https://shop.betches.com/collections/hats/products/is-that-my-wife-hat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

durée : 00:20:20 - Journal de 12h30 - Sous pression des Etats-Unis, l'Ukraine avait accepté en début de semaine le principe d'une trêve immédiate si celle-ci était également suivie par la Russie. Or, hier, Vladimir Poutine a émis des réserves, invoquant des "questions" à régler au préalable. - réalisation : Nicolas Pommé, Aloïs Guérin, Brice Garcia

durée : 00:20:20 - Journal de 12h30 - Sous pression des Etats-Unis, l'Ukraine avait accepté en début de semaine le principe d'une trêve immédiate si celle-ci était également suivie par la Russie. Or, hier, Vladimir Poutine a émis des réserves, invoquant des "questions" à régler au préalable. - réalisation : Nicolas Pommé, Aloïs Guérin, Brice Garcia

Be Bold & Fear Not (Be Bold Series)2  Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power, love and self-control.”There is a lot of fear in the world today. There was a lot of fear during the pandemic, but now there may be even more. It seems as though everyone is afraid of something, and some people live in fear all day.  People all over the world are fearful. There is so much violence in the world right now. So many people are fighting. In America, there is a lot of fear with the change in government. There are people afraid for their lives, afraid to get sent back to unsafe conditions in their countries. People fear losing their jobs, health care, and benefits like food stamps and social security. People are afraid of losing their rights as American citizens, and many are afraid of losing democracy altogether.There are a lot of reasons to be fearful. These reasons are real; the threat is real, and it makes sense to be cautious. However, we need to remember who we are. We are children of God. He tells us in Matthew 6:27, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Worrying won't get us anywhere. However, knowing this does not make our fear any less real. I was doing Jeff Cavin's Walking Towards Eternity bible study during the pandemic. One of the chapters addresses fear.  One thing that I think is important to point out is that there is a difference between healthy fear and unhealthy fear. The difference is that a healthy fear keeps you safe and helps you make good choices. For instance, having a healthy fear of God can help you make choices that keep you from sinning. Having a healthy fear of COVID-19 or any disease can help you practice good hygiene and make other choices to prevent spreading the virus. An unhealthy fear is one that keeps you trapped in some way. For instance, you are so afraid of COVID-19 that you don't leave your house even when necessary or spend every moment of the day afraid you might catch the virus. One of the questions I found in the chapter that I thought would be especially relevant for everyone right now was, “What practical steps can be taken to overcome fear?” Did you know that fear, all on its own, triggers more than 1,400 known physical and chemical responses and activates more than 30 different hormones? Here are several practical steps you can take to conquer your fear.1. Turn your fear over to God. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5. As soon as you notice you are having a fearful thought, take a moment and hand that thought over to God. 2. Ask yourself if this fear is a legitimate fear/scenario.  Is it likely that the thing you are afraid of will happen? Oftentimes, we worry about things that never happen. Mark Twain once said, “I… have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.”3. Educate yourself: “Prudent education teaches virtue; it prevents or cures fear … The education of the conscience guarantees freedom and engenders peace of heart.” (Catechism 1784) Learn your faith, learn to know God, the more you know and understand the word of God the less you will be afraid.4. Understand your fear: Some fears are based on personal experience, and some are a result of culture and past experiences. Understand how your fears came to be. Understand how it comes on, how it makes you feel, and what level of intensity it is.5. Visualize Courage: What would it look like if you did not have this fear? What would it look like if you overcame this fear? What if this fear did not exist in your life? 6. Act as if: If you act courageously in a gradual way, you will overcome the limiting story you tell yourself. For instance, if you are afraid to give a presentation, one way to start overcoming this fear is to give a short presentation to a family member. When you are comfortable with that, you could give the presentation to a close friend and then to a not-so-close friend. The point of this is to step outside of your comfort zone slowly and then gradually expand your comfort zone. 7. Move towards your fear: Instead of running away from your fear, turn around and face it. Write down 5-10 ideas of ways you can face your fear in some small way, and then act on these ideas daily . 8. Don't live in Denial: It is important to examine how your fear is limiting you. Sometimes, we are so used to our everyday routine that we don't see the ways our fear has us trapped.9. Fortitude: “The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause. ‘The Lord is my strength and my song.' ‘In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.'” (Catechism 1008) Keep going, even when you don't want to, even when you are afraid. 10. Channel your spirituality: When you are feeling afraid of something, lean into your spirituality even more. Read God's word, say a prayer, talk to the Lord, do something to help you connect with God, and remember that he is your refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” ~Psalm 46:1-3Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today.  Lord, we ask you to help us trust you more and have less fear.  Lord, we know you are protecting us.  We know you are strength and our refuge.  If we know this, we have nothing to fear. Help us know this more, Lord.  Help us understand with you, nothing can harm us.  Help us to focus on how big you are instead of how big our problem is.  We love you, Lord. You are amazing.  We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus.  I wanted to take a minute to let everyone know, in case you are new to listening, that I have a book that I wrote called TOTAL TRUST In God's Safe Embrace.  It is a book that teaches the 15 ways in which I developed a really deep trust in God and a more intimate relationship with Him.  I have been through a lot of stuff over the last 18 years of my life, and yet through it all, I knew God was there with me and that things would be ok.  I discovered it is possible to have peace, even in the middle of chaos.  If life is hard right now, check out my book if you are struggling with something. It could help you find God in the middle of the chaos.  Also, if you want to reach out to me through my website or with an email to catherine@findingtruenorthcoaching.com, then I can even send you a signed copy of my book.  I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow.  Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I! Have a blessed day.Today's Word from the Lord was received in August 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “I have come that you might have life, life to the full. I came also to give you an example of how to live your life. Follow my example, and you will have greater peace. I am your God, and I love you.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Six of the seven times “prudent man” is mentioned in the Bible is in Proverbs. Each is examined with simplicity and clarity.

Lordy, Lordy look who's 40! It's the “Worst Day of the Year” aka Jared's birthday. Now that he's over the hill, Jared is embracing his “I want to speak to the manager” energy and reflecting with Jordana on the peaks and valleys from the past year. Then, we play Petty or Prudent and hear from a listener who got dumped the day after her boyfriend planned a romantic dinner for their one-year anniversary. Later, we dive into an email about a woman who tries to backpedal into dating a guy she once ended things with when he gave her the ick. There's been one thing on our minds since October and it's… “Is that my wife?” We got all your DMs and comments about needing merch and now we have it! For a limited time only, get your “Is That My Wife? hat at https://shop.betches.com/products/is-that-my-wife-hat. Available from now until March 14th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris discusses the ineffectiveness of foreign aid to Africa, arguing that it often leads to the creation of kleptocracies and does not address the root causes of poverty. He emphasizes the need for a shift in approach, advocating for the export of capitalism as a more effective solution to help impoverished nations. www.watchdogonwallstreet.com

Join us as we explore the ins and outs of Terrace Taurus tariffs—a unique economic policy shaking up trade and industry. In this podcast, we break down what these tariffs mean, how they impact businesses and consumers, and why they're sparking heated debates. Whether you're a policy buff or just curious about the buzz, we've got you covered with clear insights and lively discussion.

La deuxième heure en intégralité de l'émission « Rothen s'enflamme », le rendez-vous qui vous plonge dans un vestiaire de foot. Tous les soirs, des anciens joueurs professionnels analysent et débattent autour de l'actualité du foot. Jérôme Rothen anime des débats enflammés avec sa Dream Team composée de Christophe Dugarry, Emmanuel Petit, Jean-Michel Larqué, Eric di Meco, Pascal Olmeta, Jérémy Menez et deux recrues : Andy Delort et Steve Savidan. Julien Cazarre propose son journal du foot : Le Cazarre enchainé ainsi qu'un quizz Rothen contre le reste du monde.

In the world, we often think that money, fame, or reputable status makes us rich. In all reality, our relationship with Jesus, our moral status, or how we're known for treating people is truly what it means to be rich. The Biblical view of being rich and the worldly view of being rich are VERY different… and that's good! In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to look at your life and the life of Jesus and see how rich you actually are! If all you have is a relationship with Jesus Christ then you are more than wealthy!

In the world, we often think that money, fame, or reputable status makes us rich. In all reality, our relationship with Jesus, our moral status, or how we're known for treating people is truly what it means to be rich. The Biblical view of being rich and the worldly view of being rich are VERY different… and that's good! In today's message, Pastor Bill will encourage you to look at your life and the life of Jesus and see how rich you actually are! If all you have is a relationship with Jesus Christ then you are more than wealthy!

We are beyond blessed in life! We have clean drinking water, a home, and clothes on our backs, we have plenty to be thankful for! God has truly blessed us and He calls us to use those blessings for HIS Kingdom! In today's message, Pastor Bill will share about the different ways you can use your gifts and blessings to make friends! When you make friends, you can use that friendship and trust to share about Jesus! You get opportunities to be Jesus and share about Jesus in your relationships!

We are beyond blessed in life! We have clean drinking water, a home, and clothes on our backs, we have plenty to be thankful for! God has truly blessed us and He calls us to use those blessings for HIS Kingdom! In today's message, Pastor Bill will share about the different ways you can use your gifts and blessings to make friends! When you make friends, you can use that friendship and trust to share about Jesus! You get opportunities to be Jesus and share about Jesus in your relationships!

Everyone sins. There is no getting around it in life, but we do have a responsibility and the power of God to have some integrity in life! We have the same power that rose Jesus from the grave in us…just take that in first! There really isn't anything we can't do when we're aligned with God's will! In today's message, Pastor Bill will show you some examples of what life can look like and what you can accomplish when you live into the power of God! You have the strength and authority to live an upright life!!!

Everyone sins. There is no getting around it in life, but we do have a responsibility and the power of God to have some integrity in life! We have the same power that rose Jesus from the grave in us…just take that in first! There really isn't anything we can't do when we're aligned with God's will! In today's message, Pastor Bill will show you some examples of what life can look like and what you can accomplish when you live into the power of God! You have the strength and authority to live an upright life!!!

It's a second-guessing time of year on the podcast and in the dating world! Should you go out even though you're not feeling it in the thick of winter? Should you go for it with the cute person you met in your hometown? All the kinds of questions that J&J are tackling this Friday! They play a round of “Petty or Prudent?” about texting an ex's family that his cheating is the reason your relationship is ending. Plus, a listener writes in about wanting to pursue the guy in her hometown thousands of miles away, but she's not sure she's in it for the right reasons. After her last breakup and a similar situation, is going for a Hallmark-level romance just a way to evade vulnerability or a better way to ease into a new relationship? J&J discuss her circumstance and whether she's processed emotions enough to make a decision. Have a dating question for Jared & Jordana? Send an email or voice memo to uup@betches.com or leave us a voicemail at our hotline 212-589-8903 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Weaver: Beyond The Numbers, Host Adam Jones discussed grant compliance with Brandon Tanous, Partner Risk Advisory Services, and Travis Casner, Managing Director of Forensics and Litigation Services. Specifically, they covered the increased availability of grant money from the federal and state level, and more importantly, avoiding fraud in the grant management cycle. The best way to avoid fraud and adhere to grant compliance is by having a good system of internal controls. Whether it's higher education, state or local municipalities, or not-for-profits, the question is always where to start. Each organization is going to have a different level of maturity when it comes to these internal controls. “Most of recipients learn very quickly that every grant has strings attached,” explained Tanous, whose focus is state and local government and has 13 years of experience building internal controls around grant compliance. “An internal control that we always want to see is, first and foremost, is an understanding the grant criteria, with documented policies and procedures, and segregation of duty.”Tanous elaborated that too often, you see people trying to do too many things. Having those internal controls, and not having the same person initiating and executing and approving all transactions, and making sure there is a healthy number of people working on the project. The first place to start is by working on policies and procedures, so people know what they're supposed to do and how the protocols should be performed. Those policies and procedures should also reflect the current environment. “The common deficiencies we see are that people don't have those [policies and procedures] established,” Tanous said. A primary concern is how quickly fraud can occur when proper controls are not in place. This becomes a bigger challenge when working with a decentralized organization that needs a centralized process. “We are now able to use analytics to benchmark spending and identify abnormalities,” said Casner who has managed numerous financial forensics investigations involving allegations of fraud. “Why might an organization be paying more than their peers for a good or services? Is there a legitimate reason or something nefarious going on?” Casner went on to say that some of the most common fraud happens in the procurement processes. From kick-backs to bribery, not having proper controls around purchasing can open your entity up for fraudulent activity. Taking a proactive approach to combating fraud by utilizing analytics can help identify red flags and schemes before they occur, especially as it relates to grant management. Listen to the full episode to hear all of Tanous and Casner's insights.Subscribe and listen to future episodes of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, The Business of Government on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Weaver's professionals are known for helping government clients address problems, achieve compliance, and prevent fraud or loss. Visit weaver.com for more thought leadership.

Blake challenges guest Noah D. Buxton, Co-Founder and CEO of The Network Firm, to make the case for Bitcoin's lasting value. They explore the nature of money, the complexities of digital scarcity, the inevitability of tokenized real-world assets, and the forces driving institutional interest in cryptocurrency. This candid exchange offers insights into what truly underpins Bitcoin's worth, how regulators and investors view it, and why blockchain technology is poised to reshape finance as we know it. Whether you're a skeptic or believer, this discussion reveals the evolving landscape of digital assets.(Originally recorded on December 12, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+)SponsorMakersHub - https://earmarkcpe.promo/makershubChapters(00:52) - Bitcoin's Current Market Status (02:09) - Understanding Bitcoin's Value (05:26) - The Functions and Qualities of Money (06:39) - Bitcoin as a Store of Value (22:37) - Bitcoin vs. Other Cryptocurrencies (30:19) - Debating Bitcoin's True Value (31:21) - Real Estate vs. Bitcoin (31:48) - The Greater Fool Theory (33:18) - Bitcoin's Use Cases and Misconceptions (34:04) - Government Involvement in Bitcoin (38:27) - Decentralization and Wealth Distribution (43:57) - The Future of Digital Assets (50:56) - Conclusion and Future Discussions Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.comhttps://earmark.app/Download the Earmark CPE App Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appConnect with Our Guest, Noah BuxtonLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/noahbuxtonLearn more about The Network FirmWebsite: https://www.thenetworkfirm.com/about-usConnect with Blake Oliver, CPALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliverTwitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

Tony Barlow of Barlow Roots Market returns to the show to look back on their 10-year market gardening journey. He shares the practical financial mindset with which he ran Barlow Roots, as well as how they manage their finances both inside and outside the business.  Sign up to Tony's newsletter here! Click here to learn more about Barlow Roots Market! Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Check out Diego's book, Sell Everything You Grow, which is only $0.99 on  Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Everything-You-Grow-Homestead-ebook/dp/B0CJC9NTZF

Whether you're an athlete or a professional in any field looking for ways to grow your hard-earned money faster, tune in to this episode with Igor Shaltanov!Igor shares his story of continuing his investing journey from Russia to the US, the critical role of understanding the financial side of entrepreneurship, winning strategies to scale multifamily investments, and more about passive investing!Key Points & Relevant TopicsIgor's life as an athlete and his investing career in RussiaThe importance of learning the financial aspects of a business Igor's thought process before starting his investing journey in the United StatesWhat it takes to scale a multifamily businessThings to consider in opening a private credit fund for multifamily projectsThe advantage of being a passive investor and getting involved in syndicationsHaving the perseverance and ability to deal with issues in real estate investingResources & LinksCashflow Quadrant by Robert T. KiyosakiApartment Syndication Due Diligence Checklist for Passive InvestorAbout Igor ShaltanovA former pro athlete, Igor transitioned from Southern Californian entrepreneurship to multifamily investing. He started by acquiring single units of real estate and self-managing these properties. However, managing all of the units on his own became increasingly burdensome and labor-intensive. Recognizing that this approach was not scalable, he pivoted towards larger apartment buildings with over 100 units. This shift opened up opportunities for retail investors, ultimately leading to the launch of the Avista Fund which he cofounded with Nikita. Get in Touch with IgorWebsite: https://avistafund.com/ / https://winrealestategame.com/ Email: igor@avistafund.comTo Connect With UsPlease visit our website www.bonavestcapital.com and click here to leave a rating and written review!

In this episode of Enrich Your Future, Andrew and Larry Swedroe discuss Larry's new book, Enrich Your Future: The Keys to Successful Investing. In this series, they discuss Chapter 20: A Higher Intelligence.LEARNING: Choose passive investing over active investing. “Passive investing involves systematic, transparent, and replicable strategies without individual stock selection or market timing. It's the more ethical way to go.”Larry Swedroe In this episode of Enrich Your Future, Andrew and Larry Swedroe discuss Larry's new book, Enrich Your Future: The Keys to Successful Investing. The book is a collection of stories that Larry has developed over 30 years as the head of financial and economic research at Buckingham Wealth Partners to help investors. You can learn more about Larry's Worst Investment Ever story on Ep645: Beware of Idiosyncratic Risks.Larry deeply understands the world of academic research and investing, especially risk. Today, Andrew and Larry discuss Chapter 20: A Higher Intelligence.Chapter 20: A Higher IntelligenceIn this chapter, Larry discusses prudent investing.The Uniform Prudent Investor ActThe Uniform Prudent Investor Act, a cornerstone of prudent investment management, offers two key benefits.Firstly, it underscores the importance of broad diversification in risk management, empowering trustees and investors to make informed decisions.Secondly, it promotes cost control as a vital aspect of prudent investing, providing a clear roadmap for those who may lack the necessary knowledge, skill, time, or interest to manage a portfolio effectively.Ethical malfeasance and misfeasance in investingIn this chapter, Larry sheds light on Michael G. Sher's insights. Sher extensively discusses ethical malfeasance and misfeasance. He says ethical malfeasance occurs when an investment manager does something deliberately or conceals it (e.g., the manager knows that he's too drunk to drive but drives anyway).For example, consider the manager who invests intentionally at a higher level of risk than the client chose without informing them and then generates a subsequently higher return. The manager attributes the alpha or the excess return to his superior skill instead of the reality that he was taking more risk, so it was just more exposure to beta, not alpha.On the other hand, ethical misfeasance occurs when an investment manager does something by accident (e.g., the manager really believes that he's sober enough to drive). Thus, the manager doesn't know what he's doing and shouldn't be managing money.Avoid active investingLarry highly discourages active investing because the evidence shows that active managers who tend to outperform on average outperform by a little bit, and the ones that underperform tend to underperform by a lot.Either they don't have the skill, and they have higher expenses, and the ones who have enough skills to beat the market, most of that skill is offset by their higher costs. So it's still really tough to generate alpha.Passive investing is the ethical way to goAccording to Sher, managing money in an efficient market without investing passively is investment malfeasance.

Week 2 of the series FreedUp. A message by Travis Eades.

In this episode of The Business Brew, host Bill Brewster interviews John Buckingham, editor of the Prudent Speculator newsletter. John shares his investing expertise, strategies for managing a diversified portfolio, and provides data-driven insights on how stock markets perform under different tax regimes, political administrations, and election cycles. They discuss how to stay disciplined and focused on long-term investment objectives amidst market noise and uncertainty. John's commentary is complemented with historical data, illustrating that despite economic and political turbulence, sticking to a disciplined investment strategy can be rewarding.   00:00 Welcome to the Business Brew 01:52 Introducing John Buckingham 04:01 Navigating Market Uncertainty 06:32 The Value of Value Investing 11:11 The Origin of the Prudent Speculator 24:13 The Importance of Dividends 35:56 Navigating Market Volatility 36:12 Apple's Investment Strategy 37:43 The Role of Volatility in Investing 38:18 Market Reactions and Investor Behavior 39:39 Historical Market Trends and Predictions 46:39 Investment Strategies and Stock Selection 51:28 Tax Rates and Market Performance 57:00 Election Impact on Markets 01:04:04 Long-Term Investment Philosophy 01:07:31 Concluding Thoughts

Jared and Jordana kick off this last Sunday Special with a round of “Petty or Prudent?”. They tackle a homemade sign a listener hung in her neighborhood, calling out her ex for his deceitful ways. It's her bold move to retaliate against a liar and cheater, but J&J have some clever suggestions for delivering her message with a bit more finesse—no neighborhood drama required. Next, J&J give advice to a listener whose boyfriend is still grappling with the emotional fallout from his recent divorce. Despite their amazing adventures and great chemistry this couple might have, J&J focus on the passive aggressive ways he has been downplaying their relationship and wonder if he's even ready for someone new. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J&J are reminding us of the “disgustings” they are in today's Sunday Special, but you'll forget all about that by the time you hear how unhinged the advice email is. After catching up, they play a round of “Petty or Prudent?” that throws us back to the topic that inspired this segment: sharing streaming services. Is it petty or prudent to kick an ex off of your streaming accounts after a breakup? The episode ends with an advice email from a 40M listener hung up on sex in past relationships despite hearing “wedding bells” for his current partner. Looking beyond the red flags being waved, J&J sense something more problematic going on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before diving into emails, J&J get caught up in the sitcoms of the 90s. Plus, they follow up on a recent "Petty or Prudent?" after a YouTube comment schools them on the difference between kinks and fetishes. Then, the first email comes from a listener concerned her guy friend's intentions may be more flirty than friendly. The Awkward Encounter will make you think twice about where you hide your sex toys. Next, a listener is her boyfriend's first girlfriend and that's been noticeable as their relationship continues, but how much onus is on her to help him mature? The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about whether kissing gay friends counts as cheating, a traveling quirk, and a lack of boundaries with coworkers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Sunday Special is a dream brunch group as J&J are joined by Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin and Jac Vanek of The LadyGang podcast. They start with learning the famous toxic ex origin story behind The LadyGang's formation before J&J get into relationship icebreakers and questions that will tell you exactly how everyone's relationship style differs. Then, they play a round of Firsts and Worsts, for a lightning round catchup on The LadyGang's past and present relationships. Plus, Jared is outnumbered being the only one both single and male in the chat. Keltie, Becca and Jac each share differing marriage dynamics and perspectives on their past, and Jordana relates to one more than anyone else. The episode ends with a “Petty or Prudent?” about a male listener on the brink, wondering whether he should skip being his girlfriend's wedding date to avoid being part of her family's memories if a breakup will happen any day now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're balancing out the seriousness with a lot of laughter as comedian Rachel Feinstein (@rachelfeinstein_) joins J&J on the pod for this Sunday Special. She's married to a firefighter, but didn't mean to be, so she recounts bad dates, awkward dumpings, and the lessons learned from dating through her 30s that got her to find the right guy. Then, J&J read a “Petty or Prudent?” about wanting custody of a neighborhood after a breakup. The trio discuss post-breakup boundaries, both physical and emotional, as well as whether our listener or her ex were in the wrong.For more from this episode's guest, visit rachel-feinstein.com or follow @rachelfeinstein_ on Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices