Podcasts about Surrounded

In this episode, Clint continues his conversation with Thomas Erikson, behavioral expert and best-selling author of “Surrounded by Idiots.” Drawing from millions of personality assessments and decades of coaching, Thomas reveals why cultural stereotypes are often misleading, what color combinations thrive (or crash) on teams, and why being “self-made” is a myth. He also shares his best advice for handling difficult coworkers, adapting your communication style, and confronting conflict before it gets out of hand. Plus, hear the touching story of how his book helped save a relationship. This is the second part of a two-part conversation.

In this special Jubilee Year episode, Dr. Edward Sri visits the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome, home to relics of St. Clement and St. Ignatius of Antioch. Surrounded by sacred beauty, he reflects on the inner deserts of the soul and how God meets us there with his love. Drawing from Scripture, sacred art, and prophecy, Dr. Sri offers a powerful meditation on suffering and grace. He explains what it means to thirst for God. Snippet from the Show  Your heart is thirsting for God to come in to guide you, to shed some light on where your life is going. _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

What is intelligence? If we look hard, can we find it in unexpected places: not just in brains but in all kinds of structures? How should we recognize it? And what does any of this have to do with a bipedal dog born without front legs, or making small new organisms out of single cells, or how Wikipedia might be like an axolotl, or why we are so blind to the vast variety of minds that might surround us? Join Eagleman with guest Michael Levin, professor at Tufts, about how we might discover intelligence all around us in ways we don't typically intuit.

In this throwback episode, Chris sits down with Mike Hogan, a real estate veteran who has mastered the art of turning Zillow leads into cash, building a strong team that closes 1,000+ transactions a year.Discover the step-by-step process Mike uses to convert online leads into successful transactions, the systems he developed to scale his business, and the strategies he would use if he was starting all over again.Key Takeaways:From Struggle to Strategy: How early challenges shaped Mike Hogan's mastery of online lead conversion.Follow-Up that Closes: The systems Mike uses for relentless follow-up and higher-than-average conversion rates.Profit Meets Portfolio: Mike's winning formula for balancing quick profits with long-term wealth.Rinse & Repeat: Insider tips to help agents and team leaders duplicate Mike's proven success.Connect with Mike:LinkedIn: Mike HoganPhone: 804-503-0811Instagram: _mike_hogan_Hit Chris Up:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ChrisCraddockBusiness/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/craddrock/RESOURCES: 

Let's Chat!The line between breaking and rebuilding blurs in this compelling episode where we transition from week one to week two of our psychological thriller series. What began as a simple story about a grief-stricken hacker living in his mother's basement has transformed into a profound exploration of identity collapse, memory fragmentation, and digital consciousness.Our protagonist discovered more than just a conspiracy when he followed a link from his deceased friend—he found Unathur, an ancient system that knows his name and watches from the static. Surrounded by compelling characters like Orilla Moss (the secretive government agent), ICU-93 (the female hacker defying stereotypes), and his slowly fading mother, he's beginning to experience echoes from alternate versions of himself. The system hasn't just selected him to join it; it wants him to become it.This series speaks to the parts of ourselves we've buried, the versions of us that didn't make it, and the echoes that still know our names. Week two promises an emotional, spiritual, and psychological storm as we witness our protagonist fracture completely. Yet within this breakdown lies the podcast's true message—breaking is sometimes necessary, but the real story is how we rebuild afterward. Like many of us who become "functional depressives" during life's challenges, breaking and repairing in cycles because complete collapse isn't an option, our protagonist's journey mirrors our own resilience. Life isn't about succeeding "because of" but "in spite of" our circumstances. What if Unathur chose you? Would you break? Would you rebuild? Subscribe now to discover how our protagonist navigates the storm ahead, and perhaps learn something about your own capacity for resilience along the way."True mastery is found in the details. The way you handle the little things defines the way you handle everything."

What happens when two lifelong friends—and practicing physicians—set out into the California wilderness just to bond over a backpacking trip, but come back with a story they can't explain? In this intense and gripping episode, we sit down with Curtis and David, medical professionals turned amateur investigators, who recount their chilling encounters in the most remote corners of the Siskiyou wilderness and Eastern Washington.From a massive igloo-shaped shelter surrounded by inhuman-sized scat piles to a 16-inch footprint left in a marsh—just hours before they arrived—their findings raise more questions than answers. You'll hear about pine cones thrown in dead silence, twisted trees suspended in the air, and nighttime vocalizations that sounded eerily human.Locations include the legendary Smith River, Kelsey Trail, and the Salmo-Priest wilderness near Sullivan Lake.Listen now to find out what made two doctors believe in Bigfoot.Resources:See what happened when Curtis and David went back to Gypsy Meadows in June on the Salish Sasquatch channel here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf26b6mg3NQ

Tune in to hear a bunch of naughty confessions from Hosers (aka guys with a pantyhose fetish) and then hear Kathy's and Pantyhose King's take on them. You'll heard first from a pilot who finds it hard to control himself around the pantyhose clad women he works with, then from a guy who loves smelling pantyhose feet and the smellier the better, then from a Hoser who's first porn magazine was Vogue and I hen lastly from a guy who loves everything about pantyhose and he's wondering if women feel the same way. After each confession you'll hear Kathy and Pantyhose King talk about them as well as discuss how and why stewardess sell their hose and how Pantyhose King has sold his hose as well and for how much, how early sexual experience can hard wire guys being into certain kinks and fetishes, how and why a girl might not care if you ask to smell her feet even though you probably think she would, the difference between a fetish and kink, the “porn” magazines Pantyhose King was first into as a gay Hoser growing up, how and why Dian Hansen was able to take Leg magazine to the next level, why educating a partner on fetish helps and how long that can take, they type of pantyhose gear your girl will feel sexy in, what to say to your girl to get her to start wearing hose for you plus a whole lot more. You can find Pantyhose King's podcast and more here: www.patreon.com/tightsframeofmind **To see anonymous a pics of my guests + get TONS of exclusive HOSER and/or CROSSDRESSER episodes and content + gain access to my PRIVATE Discord channel where people get super XX naughty + hear all the anonymous confessions, join my Patreon Crossdresser tier it's only $8 a month for Hosers and $10 a month for crossdressers (you get also get Hoser episodes too!) and you can cancel at any time. You can sign up here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/StrictlyAnonymousPodcast⁠⁠ MY BOOK IS NOW OUT FOR PRE-ORDER!!!! Strictly Anonymous Confessions: Secret Sex Lives of Total Strangers. A bunch of short, super sexy, TRUE stories. GET YOUR COPY NOW: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4i7hBCd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  To join SDC and get a FREE Trial! click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sdc.com/?ref=37712⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to SDC.com and use my code 37712  Want to be on the show? Email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strictlyanonymouspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.strictlyanonymouspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click on "Be on the Show" Have something quick you want to confess while remaining anonymous? Call the CONFESSIONS hotline at 347-420-3579. You can call 24/7. All voices are changed.  Sponsors:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://vb.health ⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get 10% off Load Boost and Drive Boost by VB Health use code: STRICTLY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beducate.me/pd2516-anonymous⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code: ANONYMOUS to get an 50% off plus a 14 day money-back guarantee Follow me! Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/strictanonymous/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/strictanonymous?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.strictlyanonymouspodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Strictlyanonymouspodcas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last time we spoke about the Oyama Incident and decision to fight at Shanghai. In July 1937, escalating tensions between Japan and China erupted into war after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. As conflict spread, Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek, believing in his nation's resilience, called for unity to resist Japanese aggression. A pivotal moment occurred on August 9 at Hongqiao Airport, where a violent confrontation left several Japanese soldiers dead. The circumstances remained murky, with both sides blaming each other, further inflaming hostilities. Despite attempts at negotiation, the military standoff intensified, leading to a consensus that war was imminent. Chiang mobilized troops to Shanghai, a crucial city for both strategic and symbolic reasons, determined to demonstrate that China could defend its sovereignty. The Chinese forces, under Generals Zhang Fukai and Zhang Zhizhong, faced logistical challenges but aimed to strike first against the increasingly aggressive Japanese military. On August 12, both nations prepared for conflict, leading to a drastic escalation.  #157 The Battle of Shanghai Part 2: Black Saturday and Operation Iron Fist Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. On Friday, August 13 of 1937, the residents of Shanghai began enduring the sounds of rifle fire and machine gun salvos, punctuated by the distant booms of artillery.  Members of the Japanese marines, disguised in civilian clothes and posing as rowdy thugs, boisterous ronin, arrived at barricades manned by the Peace Preservation Corps at the northern edge of Yangshupu around 9:15 a.m. They began to provoke the Chinese guards with loud taunts and jeers. When the Chinese fired a warning shot into the air, the Japanese retaliated with deadly intent. The Chinese responded in kind, resulting in a lethal exchange. From that moment on, the situation was beyond control. As the day progressed, nervous skirmishes continued throughout the northern part of Shanghai. Chinese commanders dispatched patrols to conduct probing attacks, hoping to identify weak points in the Japanese defenses and push them back wherever possible. Meanwhile, their Japanese counterparts rushed to occupy key positions outside their main line of defense, aiming to gain an advantageous position should their adversaries launch a larger offensive. Small bands of soldiers from both sides maneuvered along narrow alleys to minimize the risk of detection; however, whenever they encountered each other, the results were deadly. In the western sector of the front line, where the Chinese Army's newly arrived 88th Infantry Division was preparing its positions, the center of activity was the headquarters of the Japanese marines near Hongkou Park. This location resembled a fortress, featuring a massive four-story structure shielded from air and artillery bombardment by a double roof of reinforced concrete. The building, which encompassed a large inner courtyard, occupied two city blocks and could accommodate thousands of troops at once. Highly visible, it represented both a significant military threat and a symbol of Japan's presence in Shanghai. The Chinese were acutely aware of their objective: they had to eradicate it. The Sichuan North road lies south between the marine headquarters and the Japanese section of the International Settlement. This road became the scene of frantic activity from the first day of battle. Japanese armored cars and motorcycle patrols, with machine guns mounted on sidecars, sped up and down the otherwise deserted street, while trench mortars positioned along the pavement lobbed grenades into Zhabei to the west. As columns of smoke rose into the sky from buildings in the Chinese district, Japanese officers squeezed into a narrow conning tower atop the marine headquarters, watching the bombardment's results through field glasses. Reports of Chinese snipers stationed in the upper floors of buildings along the road prompted Japanese squads, led by sword-wielding officers, to carry out door-to-door searches. Suspects were unceremoniously dragged away to an uncertain fate. Not a single civilian was visible in the area; everyone stayed indoors, behind closed windows and drawn curtains. On the afternoon of August 13, the Eight Character Bridge, located west of the marine headquarters, became the site of one of the battle's first major engagements. The bridge, measuring just 60 feet in length and spanning a minor creek, was deemed by both sides to have significant tactical importance. The Chinese commanders viewed it as a crucial route for advancing into the Hongkou area, believing that if the bridge fell into Japanese hands, it would be like a "piece of bone stuck in the throat." At around noon, Major Yi Jin, a battalion commander of the 88th Infantry Division, led a couple of hundred men from around the North Railway Station toward Eight Character Bridge. When the soldiers reached their objective at about 3:00 p.m., they spotted a small Japanese unit that had just arrived across the creek and was setting up defensive positions. The Chinese opened fire and managed to secure the bridge, prompting the Japanese to launch a brief artillery bombardment that resulted in several Chinese casualties. Gunfire near the bridge continued intermittently until 9:00 p.m., when a fragile silence fell over the area. Further to the east, in the 87th Infantry Division's sector, the day was also characterized by frantic maneuvering, punctuated by lengthy bursts of violence. Chinese reconnaissance parties infiltrated enemy-held areas, making their way to the Japanese Golf Club near the Huangpu River, where they began shooting at workers busy preparing the makeshift airfield. As the first volleys from the Chinese snipers rang out, clouds of dust filled the air, causing the workers to hastily seek cover. Japanese soldiers stationed in the clubhouse immediately returned fire, throwing off the snipers' aim. After about an hour, two Japanese vessels moored in the Huangpu River, the destroyer Run and the gunboat Seta were called in to assist the Japanese marines facing the 87th Infantry Division on land. Four- and six-inch shells screamed across the sky, exploding in the Chinese districts to the north. Shanghai University was also shelled, as the Japanese troops on land believed it had been occupied by Chinese soldiers. Ultimately, the last remaining staff members, two Americans, were forced to flee the campus. The naval artillery had come to the aid of the beleaguered infantry onshore, a scene that would be repeated continually in the days and weeks to come. Late that evening, Chiang Kai-shek finally ordered his military commanders to “divert the enemy at sea, block off the coast, and resist landings at Shanghai” Even before the mobilization of troops began, panic swept through Shanghai. Meanwhile, the city's waterfront took on an increasingly ominous tone. The China Daily News wrote “Arms, ammunition, and supplies streamed from several Japanese cruisers and destroyers onto the O.S.K. wharf in what appeared to be an unending flow. Additionally, a large detachment of soldiers in full marching gear disembarked, while a cruiser, the Idzumo, two destroyers, and nine gunboats arrived shortly before.” Zhang Zhizhong, the commander of the left wing, finally received the orders he wished to hear. Zhang intended to deploy all available troops in a bold effort to eliminate the Japanese presence once and for all, following the strategy recommended by the Germans. However, the plan had a significant weakness. The assault was to focus on the marine headquarters and the rest of the Hongkou salient while deliberately avoiding combat within the formal borders of the International Settlement. This decision was made as a concession to international public opinion and was politically sound. However, from a military perspective, it was nearly suicidal and greatly increased the risks associated with the entire operation. The Hongkou area represented the most heavily fortified position along the entire front. The marine headquarters was at the center of a dense network of heavy machine gun positions, protected by barbed wire, concrete emplacements, and walls of sandbags. On Saturday, August 14th, the Nationalist military command decided to target one of the most significant Japanese naval assets in Shanghai: the Izumo, anchored with support ships on the Huangpu River in the city center. Shortly before 11:00 a.m., five Chinese planes appeared over the rooftops, flying toward the river and the Japanese vessels. The aircraft released their bombs, but all missed their target, with several detonating on the wharves, demolishing buildings and sending shrapnel flying through the air. In response, the Japanese battleships unleashed a massive barrage, further endangering those unfortunate enough to live or work in the area as shell fragments rained down with deadly force. At 11:20 a.m., another Chinese air raid occurred, this time involving three planes, once again targeting the Izumo. However, for two of the pilots, something went horribly wrong. “From one of the four monoplanes, four aerial torpedoes were seen to drop as they passed over the Bund, far from their intended target... Two others fell on Nanking Road.” Either the pilot misjudged the target, or there was a malfunction with the release mechanism. Regardless of the cause, the bombs landed in one of the city's busiest civilian areas, where thousands were walking, shopping, and enjoying a hot August Saturday. At 4:46 p.m., the public health department's work diary noted, “Palace Hotel hit! Many injured and dead in street! Nanking Road opposite Cathay Hotel.” A reporter vividly captured the horror of the scene: “A bomb arced through the air, struck the Palace Hotel with a glancing blow, and unleashed indescribable carnage. As the high explosive fumes slowly lifted, a scene of dreadful death emerged. Flames from a blazing car danced over distorted bodies. Bodies wrapped in coolie cloth lay in shapeless heaps at the entrances to the main doorways and arcades of the Palace and Cathay hotels, their heads, legs, and arms separated from smashed masses of flesh. The corpse of a Chinese policeman lay dead in his tracks, shrapnel lodged in his head, and a disemboweled child was nearby.” To make matters worse, another pilot mistakenly released his bomb over Avenue Edward VII, another major shopping street. When the numbers were finally tallied, over 1,000 people, both Chinese and foreign had been killed. The bombs struck the International Settlement, a zone that was politically neutral and presumed safe. Hundreds of civilians were killed culminating in what would soon be referred to as “Black Saturday” or “Bloody Saturday.” By the time these tragedies unfolded, the Battle of Shanghai had already entered its second day.  Zhang Zhizhong's men prepared their positions for most of the day, then launched their attack late in the afternoon. Intense fighting erupted in the few hours before sunset, and it quickly became clear that the 88th Infantry Division was encountering resistance that was tougher than expected. In addition to the direct fire from entrenched Japanese positions, the attackers were bombarded by the Third Fleet's powerful artillery, which was awe-inspiring even when it employed only a fraction of its total strength of 700 pieces. However, the Chinese infantry lacked proper training in the use of heavy weaponry against fortified enemy positions. Their heavier guns, which could have made a significant difference, were held too far in the rear and missed their targets too easily, as inexperienced crews used flawed coordinates from observers who were not close enough to the action. Additionally, some of the Japanese positions had such thick defensive walls that it was questionable whether even the most powerful weaponry in the Chinese arsenal, the 150 mm howitzers, could do more than merely dent them. These tactics resulted in extraordinarily heavy losses for the Chinese, including among senior ranks. Around 5:00 p.m., Major General Huang Meixing, the 41-year-old commander of the 88th Infantry Division's 264th Brigade, was leading an attack near the marine headquarters. His divisional commander, Sun Yuanliang, attempted to reach him via field phone, but he was forced to wait. When he finally managed to get through to Huang, he cracked a rare joke: “It took so long, I thought you were dead.” Just minutes later, as if fate wanted to punish Sun Yuanliang for his black humor, Huang Meixing's command post was struck by an artillery shell, killing him instantly. Shock spread through the ranks as the news circulated, recalled Wu Ganliao, a machine gunner in the 88th Division. “Brigade Commander Huang was a fair-minded person, and he showed real affection for his troops. It was sad new”. Huang was by no means an exceptional case; Chinese officers died in large numbers from the very first day. One regiment lost seven company commanders in a single short attack. Several factors contributed to the high incidence of death among senior ranks. One reason was the ethos among some officers to lead from the front in an effort to instill courage in their men. However, leading from the rear could also be highly risky in urban combat, where opposing forces were often just yards apart, and the maze-like environment created by multi-story buildings and narrow alleys led to a fluid situation where the enemy could be just as likely behind as in front. Moreover, soldiers on both sides deliberately targeted enemy officers, perhaps more so than in other conflicts, because rigid leadership hierarchies placed a premium on decapitating the opposing unit's command. However, the massive fatality rates among officers, and even more so among the rank and file, were primarily the result of Chinese forces employing frontal assaults against a well-armed, entrenched enemy.The men who were dying by the hundreds were China's elite soldiers, the product of years of effort to build a modern military. They represented the nation's best hope for resisting Japan in a protracted war. Nevertheless, on the very first day of battle, they were being squandered at an alarming and unsustainable rate. After just a few hours of offensive operations with minimal gains, Chiang Kai-shek decided to cut his losses. In a telegram, he commanded Zhang Zhizhong: “Do not carry out attacks this evening. Await further orders.”In the weeks leading up to the outbreak of the battle of Shanghai, Chiang Kai-shek received a parade of leaders from various provinces eager to participate in the upcoming fight. After years of the Warlord nonsense , a new sense of unity began to emerge among them for the first time. All of these factions proclaimed they would lend their troops to his leadership if he pledged them against Japan. As a sign of his sincerity, Chiang decided to appoint the position of overall commander in Shanghai to one of his longest-standing rivals, our old friend, the finger nails inspector, Feng Yuxiang. This was a political savvy move directed at the Communists, trying to earn their favor.  Feng Yuxiang did not hesitate when offered the command. “As long as it serves the purpose of fighting Japan, I'll say yes, no matter what it is.” His appointment was announced just as the first shots were fired in Shanghai. Feng was about a decade older than his direct subordinates, which Chiang considered an advantage. He desired someone who was both composed and prudent to counterbalance the fiery tempers of the frontline commanders, as Chiang put it“ The frontline commanders are too young. They've got a lot of courage, but they lack experience.” Feng moved his command post to a temple outside Suzhou in mid August. Almost immediately afterward, he visited Zhang Zhizhong, who had established his command near the Suzhou city wall. At that time, Zhang was just beginning to realize how formidable the Japanese resistance in Shanghai truly was. His staff started to notice troubling signs of his deteriorating health, sensing that sickness and exhaustion were taking a toll on his ability to stay upright and effectively lead the battle. Perhaps this feeling of being overwhelmed was why he failed to undertake basic tasks, such as providing adequate protection from air attacks. Meanwhile, Shanghai society responded to the sudden outbreak of war. In July, the city's residents worked, ate, drank, and played as they had for decades. Beginning in August, however, they had to entirely remake their lives. Local institutions began to relocate; by late September, it was announced that four local universities would open joint colleges with institutions in China's interior. In the country's premier commercial city, business was being devastated. “Like a nightmare octopus flinging cruel tentacles around its helpless victims,” the North-China Daily News reported, “the local hostilities are slowly strangling Shanghai's trade.” A shopkeeper lamented, “We obtain a lot of business, of course, from tourists who visit Shanghai. What tourists are there these days?” For the foreigners in Shanghai, the war was seen as a violent diversion, but nothing truly dangerous, at least, that's what they thought. For the Chinese, however, life was unraveling. As the fighting intensified around the Japanese district, thousands of refugees poured into the streets, heading for Suzhou Creek and the Garden Bridge, the only link to the International Settlement that remained open. It was a chaotic and merciless stampede, where the weak were at a severe disadvantage. “My feet were slipping… in blood and flesh,” recalled Rhodes Farmer, a journalist for the North China Daily News, as he found himself in a sea of people struggling to escape Hongkou. “Half a dozen times, I knew I was walking on the bodies of children or old people sucked under by the torrent, trampled flat by countless feet.” Near the creek, the mass of sweating and panting humanity was nearly uncontrollable as it funneled toward the bridge, which was a mere 55 feet wide. Two Japanese sentries were almost overwhelmed by the crowd and reacted as they had been trained, with immediate, reflexive brutality. One of them bayoneted an old man and threw the lifeless body into the filthy creek below. This act of violence did not deter the other refugees, who continued to push toward the bridge, believing they were heading toward the safety of the International Settlement. Little did they know, they were moving in the wrong direction, towards the horrific slaughter of innocent civilians that would mark the entire Shanghai campaign. The American advisor Claire Chennault had been in the air since the early hours of August 14. After only a few hours of sleep at his base in Nanjing, he jumped into a lone, unarmed fighter to observe the Chinese air raid as a neutral party. The night before, he had been at the Nanjing Military Academy, in the company of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling. That night, as war loomed, Soong Mei-ling in tears said “They are killing our people!” Chennault asked “what will you do now?”. She replied “We will fight,”. Chennault was the one who suggested bombing the ships on the Huangpu River because of the artillery support they provided to the Japanese infantry. Since there was no Chinese officer with the expertise to prepare such an operation, Soong Mei-ling had asked Chennault to take over. Although he was completely unprepared for this new role, he felt a growing affinity for China, fueled by excitement at the prospect of contributing to their fight. Eleanor B. Roosevelt, the wife of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was in Shanghai at the time of the bombing and was horrified by the loss of innocent life. She sent a letter to Japan's premier, Prince Konoye, urging him to seek ways to minimize the risk of Chinese air raids, which she argued were caused by the presence of Japan's military in the Shanghai area. The Japanese did not respond. However, the day after her letter, the Izumo was moved from its anchorage near the Japanese Consulate to the middle of the Huangpu River. The cruiser remained close enough to contribute its artillery to the fighting inland, but far enough away to significantly reduce the danger to civilians in the city. The 15th was surreal, even after thousands had been killed in battle, the fighting in China remained an undeclared war as far as the Japanese government was concerned, and it committed forces only in a piecemeal fashion. The Japanese Cabinet continued to refer to events in Shanghai and further north near Beijing as “the China Incident.” However, euphemisms were not enough to disguise the reality that Shanghai was becoming a significant problem. In the early hours of the 15th, a Japanese Cabinet meeting decided to send army reinforcements to the hard-pressed marines in Shanghai, leading to the deployment of the 3rd and 11th Divisions. The two divisions were to form the Shanghai Expeditionary Force, a unit resurrected from the hostilities of 1932. Many of the soldiers sent to war were reservists in their late twenties and early thirties who had long since returned to civilian life and were poorly disciplined. In their habitual disdain for the Chinese, Japanese leaders figured that this would be more than enough to deal with them. Underestimating the foe would soon prove to be a mistake they would repeat again and again in the coming weeks and months. To lead the force, the Japanese leaders brought out of retirement 59-year-old General Matsui Iwane, a veteran of the 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War. Matsui was a slight man, weighing no more than 100 pounds, with a large 19th century mustache and a palsy affecting his right side. He was not an accidental choice; he knew China well and had been an acquaintance of Sun Yat-sen.  Hongkou or “Little Tokyo” had become an area under siege. Surrounded by hostile Chinese troops on three sides, its only link to the outside world was the dock district along the Huangpu River. From the first day of the battle, the area was bombarded with Chinese mortar shells, prompting an exodus among Japanese residents, some of whom had lived in Shanghai for years. An increasingly common sight was kimono-clad women carrying heavy loads as they made their way to the wharfs to board ferries taking them back to Japan. Hongkou, said visiting Japanese correspondent Hayashi Fusao, “was a dark town. It was an exhausted town.” Those who remained in “Little Tokyo,” mostly men forced to stay behind to look after their businesses, tried to continue their lives with as little disruption to their normal routines as possible. However, this was difficult, given the constant reminders of war surrounding them: rows of barbed wire and piles of sandbags, soldiers marching from one engagement to another, and the sounds of battle often occurring just a few blocks away. “Every building was bullet-marked, and the haze of gunpowder hung over the town,” wrote Hayashi. “It was a town at war. It was the August sun and an eerie silence, burning asphalt, and most of all, the swarm of blue flies hovering around the feet.” It seemed Vice Admiral Hasegawa Kiyoshi, the commander of the Japanese 3rd Fleet, had bitten off more than he could chew in aggressively expanding operations in the Shanghai area. August 16th saw repeated Chinese attacks, placing the Japanese defenders under severe pressure, stretching their resources to the limit. Rear Admiral Okawachi Denshichi, who headed the Shanghai marines, had to hastily commit reserves, including irreplaceable tanks, to prevent a Chinese breakthrough. That day Hasegawa sent three telegrams to his superiors, each sounding more desperate than the last. After his second telegram, sent around 7:00 pm,  warning that his troops could probably hold out for only 6 more days, the Naval Command ordered the marine barracks at Sasebo Naval Base in southern Japan to dispatch two units of 500 marines each to Shanghai. Following Hasegawa's 3rd telegram later that night, the navy decided to send even more reinforcements. Two additional marine units, consisting of a total of 1,400 soldiers waiting in Manchuria for deployment at Qingdao, were ordered to embark for Shanghai immediately. The Chinese, however, did not feel that things were going their way. The battle continued to be much bloodier than anyone had anticipated. Throwing infantry en masse against fortified positions was the only feasible tactic available to an army rich in manpower confronting an adversary with a clear technological advantage. Yet, this approach turned the battle into a contest of flesh against steel, resulting in tremendous loss of life. Chiang Kai-shek was losing patience. After several days of fighting, his troops had still not succeeded in dislodging the Japanese from the streets of Shanghai. The Japanese marines entrenched in the Hongkou and Yangshupu areas proved to be a harder nut to crack than he or his generals had expected. At a meeting with his divisional commanders, Chiang ordered a massive attack to be launched in the early morning of August 17. The troops were to utilize more firepower and be better prepared than they had been for the assault three days earlier. Codenamed Operation Iron Fist, it was the most ambitious Chinese offensive in the first critical week of the Shanghai campaign. Colonel Hans Vetter, the advisor assigned to the 88th Division, played a key role in planning the offensive. He aimed to employ “Stosstrupp” or “stormtrooper” shock troop tactics that the Germans had effectively used during the Great War. After an intense artillery bombardment, a small, elite group of determined, well-armed men was to punch through the Japanese lines and fight their way deep into the enemy camp before the defenders had a chance to recover from the initial surprise. This procedure was to be followed by both the 88th Division moving in from the west, targeting the area south of Hongkou Park, and the 87th Division conducting a parallel operation from the east. Zhang Zhizhong recognized a window of opportunity while he still enjoyed a significant, but likely temporary, advantage against the Japanese. This opportunity had to be seized before reinforcements arrived. However, the odds were not favorable. Urban combat with modern weaponry of unprecedented lethality was a costly affair, especially when the enemy had the upper hand in the sky. Japanese airplanes constantly threatened the Chinese positions, carrying out relentless sorties throughout the day. The Chinese Air Force remained a factor, but it was uncertain how much longer it would hold out against the more experienced Japanese pilots and their superior, more maneuverable aircraft. The growing Japanese presence overhead, supported by both shipborne planes and aircraft based on airstrips on Chongming Island in the Yangtze Delta, greatly complicated any major movements on the ground. Despite these challenges, the Chinese Army continued its troop build-up in the Shanghai area. The 98th Infantry Division arrived on August 15 and placed one brigade, half its strength, at the disposal of the 87th Infantry Division, ensuring that the division's rear area was covered during Operation Iron Fist. Operation Iron Fist kicked off as planned at 5:00 am on the 17th. Utilizing all available firepower, the 87th and 88th Infantry Divisions launched simultaneous assaults against stunned and bewildered Japanese defenders. In line with the Stosstrupp approach of rapid penetration, Zhang Zhizhong introduced a new tactical principle, prompted by the severe losses during the first few days of fighting. Forces under his command were to identify gaps in the Japanese defenses and exploit them, rather than launch massive, costly, and most likely futile attacks on heavily fortified positions. Once an enemy stronghold was spotted, the main forces would circumvent it and leave just enough troops to keep it pinned down. Chen Yiding, a regimental commander of the 87th Infantry Division, played a pivotal role in the assault. His soldiers, each equipped with provisions for two days, made good progress during the first hours of Iron Fist, leveraging their local knowledge and moving with the slippery dexterity of alley cats. They would enter a building on one street, knock down the wall inside, and exit onto the next street, or they would throw down beams from rooftop to rooftop, sneaking as quietly as possible from one block to another without being noticed by those on the ground. They proved elusive targets for the Japanese, who expected them to come from one direction, only to be attacked from another. Nevertheless, changing the tactical situation from the previous days was not enough. The attackers encountered well-prepared defenses that sometimes could not be circumvented, resulting in significant losses from the outset of the assault. An entire battalion of the 88th Division was wiped out while trying to take a single building. Despite their sacrifices, there was no major breakthrough anywhere along the Japanese defense lines. This was partly due to strong support from Japanese naval artillery stationed along the Huangpu River and partly a reflection of poor coordination between Chinese infantry and artillery.Equally detrimental to the Chinese cause was their careful avoidance, during the first days of combat in Shanghai, of fighting inside the International Settlement or even in the predominantly Japanese part of the settlement, in order to avoid angering the outside world and swaying international opinion against them. This approach frustrated their German advisors. “It was obvious that the attacking troops had been told to engage only enemies standing on Chinese territory, not the ones inside the international areas,” the Germans wrote, with an almost audible sigh of regret in their after-action report. This frustration was shared by several Chinese officers at the frontline. “We are much handicapped by the demarcation of the foreign areas,” the adjutant to a divisional commander told a Western reporter. “We could have wiped out the enemy if it had not been for orders from the Central Government and our commander to avoid causing damage to foreign lives and to give them adequate protection.” The presence of the large foreign community primarily played into Japanese hands. Many of Chiang Kai-shek's officers believed that if the Chinese had been able to move through the French Concession and the International Settlement to attack the Japanese from the rear, they could have won easily. Zhang Fakui would later say “Without the protection provided by the foreign concessions, they would have been wiped out,”. At the end of the day, the Japanese emerged victorious. Their defense proved stronger, as it had for four long years on the Western Front during the Great War. The challenge facing the Japanese was tough, but at least it was straightforward and uncomplicated: they had to hold on to Hongkou and Yangshupu while waiting for reinforcements to arrive. They proved adept at this task. In many cases, Chinese soldiers found themselves fighting for the same objectives they had targeted when the battle for Shanghai began several days earlier. By August 18, the Chinese attack had been called off. Operation Iron Fist had proven to be a costly endeavor for the Chinese, who endured heavy casualties in the vicious urban fighting. The Japanese, on the other hand, suffered approximately 600 casualties, of which 134 were fatalities, according to the Official Gazette. The Japanese marine units dispatched from Manchuria on August 16, the day of crisis for their compatriots in Shanghai, arrived in the city during the morning of August 18 and were immediately thrown into battle. A few hours later, the Japanese Cabinet announced the formal end of its policy of non-expansion in China, which, by that time, had already been a hollow shell for several weeks. “The empire, having reached the limit of its patience, has been forced to take resolute measures,” it stated. “Henceforth, it will punish the outrages of the Chinese Army, thereby spurring the Chinese government to self-reflect.” 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. On August 13, Japanese marines, disguised as civilians, provoked Chinese guards, leading to mutual gunfire. The fierce urban fighting escalated, especially at the strategically vital Eight Character Bridge. Despite determined Chinese assaults, heavy losses ensued as they struggled against well-fortified Japanese positions. As artillery and air strikes rained down, civilian casualties soared, culminating in the infamous "Black Saturday," followed by the failed Operation Iron Fist.    

What does it take to start over and succeed in pet care—twice? After moving from Los Angeles to Canada, Maricella Sauceda launched Love 4 Dogs Pet Services from scratch, building it into a thriving solo operation. When betrayal and burnout led her to scale back and start fresh in a new town, she leaned on resilience, community, and clarity to move forward. From seasonal adventure hikes to enrichment walks for senior dogs, she shares how custom services and strong boundaries have helped her stay passionate and present. Her evolving journey—including a surprising recovery from a cat allergy—highlights the power of trusting your instincts and staying true to your purpose. Main Topics Starting over in a new country Rebuilding after betrayal and burnout Offering seasonal and custom services Balancing business with community work Overcoming health challenges to grow services Main Takeaway: “I can reinvent myself again… because I've done it over and over.” Starting from scratch isn't a failure—it's proof that you're adaptable, capable, and strong. Maricella Sauceda's journey in pet care is a reminder that we're not defined by setbacks, but by our willingness to keep showing up, keep serving, and keep dreaming. Whether it's moving to a new country or recovering from betrayal, she proves that resilience and reinvention go hand in hand. If you've ever had to hit reset, this episode will inspire you to trust your experience and believe in your next chapter. About our guest: Maricella Sauceda is the owner and founder of Love for Dogs Pet Services based in Aurora, Ontario, just north of Toronto. Originally from Los Angeles, she moved to Canada in 2009 with her two beloved rescue dogs, Tazz and Jazz (may they rest in peace), who were more than happy to make the cross-country journey by her side. After months of research and planning, she officially launched Love for Dogs in 2010—building the business from the ground up with determination and care. Surrounded by animals her entire life, Maricella has a natural disposition that dogs and cats instinctively gravitate toward. As an only child, pets became her closest companions, a bond that still shapes her work today. She is certified in Pet CPR and has completed continuing education in Animal Behaviour and Welfare through the University of Edinburgh, and Dog Emotion and Cognition through Duke University. Her services include weekday dog walking, seasonal forest adventure hikes, and enrichment walks for senior dogs, along with select custom services for long-time clients. Now developing Love 4 Cats after recovering from a long-standing allergy, Maricella brings her signature personal touch to feline care. Deeply involved in her local community, she volunteers with Turtle Tias, serves on her child's school council, and contributes to local town committees. Starting Love for Dogs has been one of the best decisions of her life—and her clients' pets are better for it. Links: https://otcn.ca/location/turtle-tias/ info@love4dogs.ca http://www.love4dogs.ca Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

Emily shares her three births experiences from a medicated hospital birth, an unmedicated hospital birth, to an unexpected bathtub birth! 

For this episode of 5 O Clock Apron Podcast, Claire travels to Margate to cook with Ruby Rare. Ruby is a sex educator, that is to say, a force of nature with a mission to encourage and include everyone in her task to make the world a fairer and more accepting place when it comes to the enormous and thorny topics of sex, relationships and body positivity. In the podcast episode Claire and Ruby talk about the word ‘woke' being misappropriated, the correct use of pronouns with Ruby saying she is she / her but “you can chuck a couple of they / thems in for good measure, if you like”, together the two discuss marriage VS non monogamous relationships, queerness, sex with friends, celebrating divorce and winter swimming. And all the while, Claire and Ruby cook alongside each other with a casual ease that Claire finds reassuring as it is enchanting. Surrounded by her father's paintings and with Ruby's Sri Lankan gorgeous tableware bought on a recent trip with her family, lunch with Ruby was one of the nicest and most illuminating lunches Claire has had in sometime. Claire leaves Ruby's tiny seaside cottage with a slightly skewed lens on her world, a good thing, there is much to celebrate in the world with people like Ruby in the centre of it. Oh, and she's also a great cook, that salad dressing was something else! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Clint sits down with Thomas Erikson, behavioral expert and international bestselling author of “Surrounded by Idiots,” to explore what really drives human behavior and how better understanding it can make us stronger leaders, communicators, and teammates. Thomas shares his unconventional path to publishing success, the origins of his four-color personality model, and why so many of us feel misunderstood at work and at home. Plus, the two discuss why people clash, how we can connect across differences, and what it truly takes to change. This is the first part of a two-part conversation.

In this Meat the People episode, we go inside the finishing pen—literally—with Adam Wackel of Plum Creek Wagyu. Surrounded by 80 full-blood Wagyu cattle, each tipping the scale at over 1,000 pounds, Adam walks us through what makes his herd different: calm, well-treated animals raised with intention.We talk about the temperament of Wagyu and how low-stress handling directly impacts meat quality, marbling, and texture. Adam breaks down the difference between feeding corn versus force-feeding corn, especially in large-scale feedlots vs. small, local operations like his. Yes, he uses corn—it's Nebraska—but it comes from the farm next door, not a commodity mill. Everything is sourced locally, with care and transparency.We also dig into how Wagyu cattle behave differently from Angus, why scale matters, and what it takes to raise some of the best beef in the country. If you've ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at ethical Wagyu farming done right, this episode delivers.Learn more about Adam's work and order his beef at plumcreekwagyubeef.comWorld Wagyu Council Health Benefits: https://worldwagyucouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Health-Benefits-of-Wagyu-Beef-ISSUED-MAY-2025.pdf

Today, we explored the reality of doubt in the life of faith, drawing from the story of Habakkuk—a prophet who dared to bring his deepest questions and frustrations directly to God. Habakkuk lived through a time of spiritual revival under King Josiah, only to see everything unravel under the wicked reign of Jehoiakim. Surrounded by political chaos and spiritual decline, Habakkuk's heart was broken as he watched his people turn from God and face the threat of destruction from brutal foreign powers. In his confusion and pain, he did not turn away from God, but instead turned toward Him, voicing his honest doubts and asking, “Why?”God's response to Habakkuk was not what he expected. Instead of promising immediate rescue or revival, God revealed that He was already at work in ways Habakkuk could not understand—even using the Babylonians, a ruthless nation, as part of His plan. This answer only deepened Habakkuk's confusion, showing us that sometimes, even when God answers, it doesn't resolve all our questions. The story invites us to wrestle honestly with our doubts, recognizing that doubt is not the enemy of faith, but can be a catalyst for deeper trust and a more personal relationship with God.We also reflected on the story of Thomas, the disciple who doubted, and how his journey led him to a faith that was truly his own. Doubt, rather than being a sign of spiritual weakness, can be the soil in which authentic faith grows. The key is not to run from our questions, but to bring them to Jesus, who meets us with patience and love.Ultimately, what we need most in seasons of doubt is not answers, but God's presence. Answers may not heal our pain or restore what we've lost, but the assurance that God is with us—steadfast, loving, and unafraid of our questions—gives us the courage to hold on. Faith is not about having everything figured out; it's about trusting the One who holds us, even when nothing makes sense. In the space between our questions and God's answers, we find that His presence is enough.Chapters[00:00] - Welcome[01:00] - Introduction: Life-Changing Encounters[03:55] - Wrestling with Doubt and Asking “Why?”[06:00] - Context: The World of Habakkuk[07:43] - Josiah's Revival and Judah's Decline[09:09] - The Spiritual and Political Crisis[12:17] - Habakkuk's Honest Questions[13:56] - Personal Story: A Father's Pain and Doubt[16:33] - God's Surprising Answer[18:31] - God at Work in Unexpected Ways[20:13] - The Babylonians: God's Unimaginable Plan[22:27] - Habakkuk's Confusion and Struggle[24:14] - Doubt as a Pathway to Deeper Faith[27:04] - Thomas: From Doubt to Devotion[30:51] - Faith in the Midst of Unanswered Questions[32:52] - The Limits of Answers and the Need for God[35:53] - Holding On When Life Doesn't Make Sense[38:22] - Waiting and Watching in the Silence[39:12] - Presence Over Answers[40:44] - Spoken Word: “A Shadow of a Doubt”[46:46] - God's Love in Our Doubt and Closing PrayerWelcome, EVC!

Scan Messages 6/26/25(Doubting The Truth.)

BREAKING: Dana White announces Jon Jones retirement…but UFC Heavyweight star Tom Aspinall still wants a title fight. He reveals the truth about Jon Jones' retirement, and breaks down the champion mindset, fear, and mental toughness required for UFC title fights.  Tom Aspinall is the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, a top-ranked professional mixed martial artist, and the first British heavyweight in history to claim a UFC title. He was set to face UFC legend Jon Jones until Jones announced his retirement in June 2025, automatically elevating Aspinall from interim to undisputed champion. Tom explains:  The mental trick he uses to control fear before stepping into the cage. Why so many young men feel lost, and how MMA gave him purpose. The harsh reality of life as a UFC fighter behind the scenes. How embracing pain, pressure, and adversity made him a champion. 00:00 Intro 02:37 Did You See This Coming? 03:16 What Was Your Reaction When You Found Out Jon Jones Was Retiring? 04:08 Did You Want to Fight Jon? 05:06 Was Jon's Decision a Strategic Dodge? 06:08 Do You Take It as a Compliment? 07:14 Would You Fight Jon If He Came Back? 08:36 What's Changed Overnight? 10:28 Who's the Contender Now? 11:33 When Will You Fight Next? 13:47 What Was Your Family's Reaction? 15:14 If Jon Is Watching, What Would You Say? 17:33 The Dream to Become a Heavyweight Champion 18:17 Where Does Tom Aspinall Come From? 19:37 Where Did Your Inspiration Come From? 21:53 What Kept You Going? 24:38 Why Did Your Mum Never Come to an MMA Fight? 26:32 What Advice Would You Give to Young People? 29:41 I'm Scared to Fight Anybody 31:55 I've Always Been Fearful to Fight 32:56 Overcoming the Fear 35:29 Working on Your Mental Strength 37:49 Tom's Process of Writing Things Down 41:22 Very Few Make Money Fighting 44:14 Tom Aspinall's Career Progression and Fighting Style 48:33 When Do You Start Making Good Money? 49:59 Sergei Pavlovich Fight 51:09 It Takes Years to Become an Overnight Success 52:34 Having Kids at 23 and Not Being Able to Support Them 57:11 Your Rock Bottom Moment 58:37 Tom's Family 01:01:58 Ads 1:02:57 My Knee Problems Helped My Career Massively 1:06:22 Surrounded by Toxic People 1:09:45 How Did You Feel After the Injury? 1:11:58 Did It Knock Your Confidence? 1:13:32 Jon Jones 1:17:40 There's No Contract Signed 1:23:58 Tom's Fighting Secrets 1:26:16 The Health Routine to Get Into Elite Shape 01:30:08:17 Ads 1:31:12 Why Do You Do Hypnotherapy? 1:34:36 Your Journey With Anxiety 1:37:30 Your Son's Health 1:38:18 Having an Autistic Child 1:47:27 The Importance of an Autism Diagnosis 1:52:47 The UFC Heavyweight Champion Belt 1:53:43 How Did You Feel Winning the Heavyweight Championship? 1:55:28 Retiring Early to Avoid Cognitive Issues 2:00:54 Why Are You Special? 2:03:59 How I Prepare Mentally on Fight Day Follow Tom:  Instagram - https://bit.ly/4kbCZGh  YouTube - https://bit.ly/4lhLwbO  Get your hands on the Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards here: https://bit.ly/conversationcards-mp   Get email updates: https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt  Follow Steven: https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb  Sponsors:  Vanta - https://vanta.com/steven   KetoneIQ - Visit https://ketone.com/STEVEN for 30% off your subscription order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt like your artwork knows more than you do? In this intimate, unplanned conversation recorded during a Montana retreat, Ty and Nathan explore the vital yet often overlooked practice of soul care for artists.Surrounded by the sounds of birdsong and nestled in Montana's rolling landscape, we dive into what happens when artists intentionally step away from their studios. More than just a luxury, these moments of pause—whether through travel, immersion in nature, or simple daily rituals—fundamentally transform our creative practice and the work that emerges from it.Drawing wisdom from Mary Oliver's poetry collection "Redbird" and Jack Whitten's studio journals, we unpack what it means to create "not for the sake of winning, but for sheer delight and gratitude." Oliver's observation that "it is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world" reminds us that pausing to notice our surroundings isn't just pleasant—it's essential to developing our artistic voice.We share our personal soul care practices, from morning reading rituals and mindful walks to the transformative power of travel and trying uncomfortable new experiences. The conversation explores how these moments help us break free from achievement-oriented creation and return to our work with renewed vision. As Whitten noted, "Nature does not think"—it simply exists. There's profound creative wisdom in learning to sometimes just be rather than constantly do.Whether you're struggling with burnout or simply seeking to deepen your creative practice, this conversation offers practical inspiration for incorporating soul care into your artistic journey. Take a moment with us, slow down, and discover how the small pauses might actually hold everything you need.Send us a message - we would love to hear from you!Make sure to follow us on Instagram here:@justmakeartpodcast @tynathanclark @nathanterborg

Surrounded by Explosives!

In this powerful episode of Dates, Mates, and Babies, Jason and Lauren Vallotton welcome two courageous women: Kirsten Lapp, Executive Director of Northstate Care Clinic, and Lauren Hodgson, a mother of four who walked through an unexpected pregnancy and found hope in the face of overwhelming pressure. This is the second part to a conversation that began in episode 122.When Lauren discovered she was pregnant with her fourth child, it came as a complete shock. That shock deepened when she learned her baby had Down syndrome. Surrounded by doctors quoting grim statistics and suggesting termination, Lauren found herself in a vulnerable and isolating place—until she connected with Northstate Care Clinic. There, she encountered something radically different: compassion, clarity, and care. All offered freely, without pressure.Now, 18 months later, Lauren's daughter Millie is a joyful, thriving little girl. In this deeply honest conversation, the hosts explore the realities women face during a crisis pregnancy, the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs, and the profound impact of having a supportive community.This episode covers:What defines a crisis pregnancy and the pressure many women experience from the medical system and cultureThe emotional and spiritual strength required to say yes to life when fear and uncertainty are loudThe vital role of Northstate Care Clinic in providing non-judgmental, life-affirming support and resourcesThe need for continued after-birth resources, including housing, especially for women without stable home environmentsA unique opportunity for listeners to help Northstate raise $300,000 to close escrow on a permanent home by July 14thJason and Lauren share that they are contributing to this campaign and invite their listeners to join them in funding a place of real hope for women in Northern California.To learn more or to give, visit:

In this world, it is easier than you think to go missing. Here one minute and gone the next. Todays topic is over a woman who despite having just been seen minutes prior, went missing as a search ensued, yet for some reason, she couldnt be found. Thank you for watching Roanoke Tales Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RoanokeTalesPatreon Merch: Roanokemerch.com #truestory #horror #missingperson

Eli Sharabi (אלי שרעבי) is an Israeli father and survivor who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. During that time, he endured unimaginable suffering - the murder of his wife Lian, his daughters Noya and Yahel, and the death of his brother Yossi, who was abducted with him and killed in captivity. Despite it all, Eli refuses to give up. He has become a symbol of unshakable resilience and hope. In interviews, Eli shares how his faith didn't break - it grew. Surrounded by darkness, he says it was his belief in God and in the Jewish people that gave him strength to survive.► DONATE to ELI to rebuild his life here:→ https://www.charidy.com/sharabiBuy his book (Hebrew): https://a.co/d/9dB6H1GThank YOU to the Young Israel of Woodmere for facilitating this interview.✬ SPONSORS OF THE EPISODE ✬► Woodmont College: A Bright Future AheadIf you're figuring out your next step, look into the online, frum-friendly BS in Computer Programming from Woodmont College. It's affordable, flexible, & teaches real skills like coding and cybersecurity, with strong income potential in a growing field.→ https://bit.ly/4dovJVT► Hachezek: Short But PowerfulGet 4-8 minute videos on this beautiful app that will help you become a better person. Choose from hundreds of Rabbis.→ https://bit.ly/3FS4E13► BitBean: Smart Custom SoftwareReally great way to take your business to the next level.Contact Bitbean today for a FREE CONSULTATIONReach Out Here→ https://bitbean.link/MeEBlY► PZ DEALS: Never Pay Full Price AgainAn epic app that tracks deals for you.Download here→ https://app.pz.deals/install/iftn► Wheels To Lease: #1 Car CompanyFor over 35 years, Wheels To Lease has offered stress-free car buying with upfront pricing, no hidden fees, and door-to-door delivery.Call today!→ CALL/TEXT: 718-871-8715→ EMAIL: inspire@wheelstolease.com→ WEB: https://bit.ly/41lnzYU→ WHATSAPP: https://wa.link/0w46ce✬ IN MEMORY OF ✬This episode is in memory of:• Shimon Dovid ben Yaakov Shloima• Miriam Sarah bas Yaakov Moshe✬ Donate and Inspire Millions (Tax-Deductible) ✬Your generous donation enables us at Living Lchaim to share uplifting messages globally, enrich lives, and foster positive change worldwide! Thank you!https://www.LivingLchaim.com/donateOur free call-in-to-listen feature is here:• USA: (605) 477-2100• UK: 0333-366-0154• ISRAEL: 079-579-5088Have a specific question? email us hi@livinglchaim.comWhatsApp us feedback and get first access to episodes: 914-222-5513Lchaim.

Episode #357: When Wai Yan Phyo Naing, a civilian scholar in Myanmar vocal against the human rights atrocities of the junta, received a scholarship from a Russian university to pursue his Masters, he did not expect to receive a rare insight into the intricacies of Myanmar's military. Yet that is exactly what happened, as many soldiers were also studying at his university in Moscow. Surrounded by hundreds of uniformed students, he observed a prevalent insularity within their ranks. Yet, amid this closed environment, he identified a distinct subgroup: military officers whose willingness to interact with other international students cultivated, for him, a notable "sophistication and nuance." This observation led him to ponder the potential for these officers to subtly influence their homeland's future in ways the stricter officers could not.The dramatic 2021 coup in Myanmar, however, abruptly shifted Wai Yan Phyo Naing's focus, placing him in a precarious position. When civilian friends in Moscow sought his counsel on protesting the junta — a perilous undertaking in Russia's restrictive political climate — he opted for a more strategic approach. His background in journalism proved invaluable as he drafted a public statement against the coup. He was careful to be diplomatic with his words, an act that speaks to his conviction that internal harmony is essential for Myanmar's future as, he argues, political factions have too often favored opposition rather than seeking practical ways to collaborate with all parties, ultimately holding back the nation's holistic progress.As his research on Myanmar-China and Myanmar-Russia relations progressed, he also noted a significant geopolitical realignment recently: the junta's increasing change in strategy from its historical ties with China towards a partnership with Russia, who offer military arms to the junta. He questions this shift, considering China is a more immediate neighbor.Wai Yan Phyo Naing further speaks on what he perceives as the delicate and often misunderstood role of Buddhist monks in Myanmar's political landscape. He offers a defense of controversial Buddhist monks like Dhammaduta Sayadaw, whose public silence regarding the junta, he suggests, may be a calculated measure to avert further violence and chaos. He stresses that it is fine to criticize monks, but to blame them would be to disregard their complex positionality.Ultimately, Wai Yan Phyo Naing expresses a deep-seated anguish over the ongoing conflict. "I really hope fighting and killing each other is not the real solution for my country," he says, speaking for a future built on trust and comprehensive national development rather than perpetual strife.

Send me a DM here (it doesn't let me respond), OR email me: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.comToday I'm honored to have back on the show for a second time: Satanic ritual abuse, mind control and organized abuse survivor, overcomer and whistleblower, military veteran, former private contractor, anti-piracy operator, and bodyguard, prison and health industry reform activist, podcaster and host of his own YouTube channel called ‘Survivor's Story, men's trauma and sexual abuse advocate, and the wolf in the lion's den roaring in the face of evil: Daniel In case you are new here or if you missed Daniel's outstanding first episode, here's a brief recap: Born into an expatriate family in Nigeria, Daniel's childhood was a facade of privilege masking deep fear and neglect. Surrounded by wealth and walls, an inexplicable terror haunted him, rooted in experiences he couldn't yet name.As a young man, Daniel poured his intensity into a high-stakes career in security and military service, excelling in elite forces, private contracting in the Middle East, anti-piracy missions off Somalia, and protecting high-profile figures. But beneath his capable exterior simmered self-loathing, rage, and suicidal thoughts he couldn't explain. Disillusioned by the greed driving his military work, he turned to a spiritual quest, diving into personal development and somatic therapy with fierce commitment.In 2020, a seismic shift occurred. Through holistic therapies, repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse - rape and torture by multiple perpetrators - erupted in visceral flashbacks, plunging Daniel into psychosis and paranoia. Forgiveness became his lifeline. Initially resistant, fearing it betrayed those who suffered with him, Daniel embraced it as liberation, not absolution. By severing ties with his abusers and setting firm boundaries, he found safety to forgive from afar, transforming resentment into love. Through relentless psychological work, he integrated his trauma with purpose.Now, Daniel channels his pain into advocacy through his podcast, Survivors Story, uplifting men's healing and amplifying survivors' voices. He stands resolute, inspiring others - especially men - to break the silence around male child sexual abuse. Danie's message is clear: “Chains will be broken.”Today, we plunge deeper into Daniel's story post-revelation. We'll navigate his high-stakes clashes with the law, his struggles against a callous medical system, and the intricate family ties survivors must untangle to break free. Daniel will continue to unveil his path to healing, stitching together shattered memories while rooted in unyielding faith. A modern-day hero, he wields truth, compassion, and resilience as weapons to reclaim his power. The boy his abusers tried to destroy has risen as the leader he once needed - a living, breathing miracle. Daniel's story ignites a powerful truth through living example: abuse survivors, against all odds, can rise from the ashes of their pain, forging unbreakable spirits that light the way for others to heal and triumph.CONNECT WITH DANIEL:YouTube: @SurvivorsStory - YouTube:​⁠ - https://youtube.com/@survivorsstory?si=6_2N0bYnW_Kq9ixz Website: https://survivors-story.com/CONNECT WITH THE IMAGINATION:EMAIL: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.comMy Substack: https://emmakatherine.substack.com/All links: https://direct.me/theimaginationpodcastSupport the show

In this episode, Pat and Mike respond to Jordan Peterson's recent appearance on Surrounded. For more undoubtedly awesome philosophy content, head to Pat's Sbstack at https://substack.com/@journalofabsolutetruth 

When Trump Couldn't Deport, He BombedTariffs blocked. Deportations sandbagged. So he reached for the B‑2s.It's easy to see Trump's June 2025 bombing of Iranian nuclear sites as yet another episode of MAGA theater—rage, firepower, and a dramatic “message sent.” But this time, it wasn't just for show. This was an act of geopolitical spite born from domestic paralysis. Trump, denied the ability to wage his preferred internal war—on undocumented immigrants, on tariffs, on the bureaucracy—chose instead to unleash a foreign one. If he couldn't stimulate the economy through deportation logistics and tariff revenue, he'd do it through the defense budget.Trump's economic nationalism has never required foreign conquest. He intended to stimulate the economy by taxing imports, expelling millions of undocumented immigrants, and redirecting federal spending into buses, lawyers, detention centers, and federal contractors. Like the Marshall Plan or post-9/11 Homeland Security boom—but pointed inward. That vision, however controversial, was internally coherent. But it collapsed under the weight of injunctions and process lawfare.While Obama removed over 3 million people, many via expedited removal, he was never seriously challenged by courts. But when Trump tried to expand expedited removal to cover undocumented individuals who had been in the U.S. for under two years, he was blocked by courts demanding hearings and extended due process. The same statutory tools were treated differently depending on who wielded them.Stripped of the tools used by every prior “Deporter-in-Chief,” Trump pivoted to the one realm where injunctions have no reach: foreign policy. And in the Middle East, he still had one friend—Israel. Surrounded by adversaries at home and abroad, Trump leaned into his relationship with Netanyahu, using Iran as a stand-in for every institution that blocked him at home.So came Operation Midnight Hammer. B-2 bombers dropped bunker-busting payloads on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These were not just tactical targets—they were symbolic, theatrical, and strategic. It was a clear message to allies and enemies: if I can't fix the country my way, I'll make my power felt overseas.War is bipartisan. It doesn't get bogged down in courtrooms or FOIA requests. Unlike mass deportation—which would have required years of hearings and billions in logistics—bombing Iran took hours, not lawsuits.This wasn't just a military decision—it was a political workaround. When the courts took away his buses and judges and deportation raids, Trump gave the defense contractors what they wanted instead. Foreign war became his fallback stimulus.If America won't allow a domestic war on illegals, maybe it'll settle for a traditional one abroad. Either way, the spending flows.

Are you happy with your surroundings

This week's episode features DJ Chus and his captivating live set from Panama Viejo, recorded during the epic 25th Anniversary celebration. Surrounded by the historic beauty of the ruins, Chus delivers a powerful mix of deep, organic, and tribal house, honoring his journey and the global community that has shaped his sound over the last quarter-century!

This week on Everything You Didn't Know About Herbalism, we are joined by our beloved friend and herbal formulator who traded the language of the corporate world for the language of plants, Jody Berry. As the Founder of the nature-infused and inspired botanical skincare company, Wild Carrot Herbals, Jody sits down with Tommy to uncover how her budding love for plants and passion for skincare bloomed into her business back in 2000.  Tune in as Jody shares the plant magic and energetics behind her formulations, her strong connections to the land that she infuses into every product, and what's on the horizon for Wild Carrot Herbals after celebrating 25 years of growing her passion for plants into a thriving business. As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are so honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are an invaluable piece to our podcast. Email us at podcast@mountainroseherbs.com to let us know what solutions we should uncover next within the vast world of herbalism. Learn more about Jody and Wild Carrot Herbals below! ⬇️

As soothing rain gently taps on the fabric of your tent, the peaceful rhythm lulls you into a state of calm, creating a cozy, rhythmic lullaby that contrasts with the quiet stillness of the forest. Every thunderclap, distant yet powerful, reverberates through the trees, reminding you of nature's majestic presence. Inside the tent, sheltered from the elements, you feel a sense of warmth and security, as the storm's symphony of rain and thunder weaves together in perfect harmony. Surrounded by the gentle hum of nature, this serene experience fosters a peaceful atmosphere, inviting rest and reflection under the protective canopy of the forest.❗ ❗ To support this podcast and unlock all the ad-free and intro-free episodes, along with other benefits, SUBSCRIBE at ⁠⁠https://12hourwhitenoise.supercast.com⁠⁠ ❗ ❗Although there may be an ad or two at the very beginning of this free episode, you can rest assured that there will be no further interruptions or ads once the Sleep Sound begins

The Wheel turns again, and the witches are outdoors, which can only mean one thing: Litha has arrived! In this delightfully sun-soaked episode, the Three Witches— Maeve, Margo, and Gwen — drag their lawn chairs into Druid Brian's backyard to soak up the solstice (and maybe a bit of wine) all while diving deep into the longest day of the year. Surrounded by the scent of wildflowers, the hum of bees, and perhaps... just a whisper of fae mischief in the breeze.In this episode, the gang is asking some real questions. What happens in lands where sunlight barely kisses the earth or refuses to sleep at all? Do the sabbats take on new shapes in those corners of the world? The conversation weaves through myth and mystery as they explore how place and practice intertwine. From the age-old tale of the Holly King and the Oak King, to delicious summer offerings and rituals soaked in sunlight and strawberry juice. And yes… Brian may or may not call out the gang for sounding like “four old white folks complaining about the weather.” He's not wrong but let's be real, Canadian solstice can mean anything from sunburns to frozen cloaks.Here's what we're conjuring up this week:

The turmoil of the world we cannot avoid, but the disturbances of mind we can overcome. The duties and difficulties of life claim our attention, but we can rise above all anxiety concerning them. Surrounded by noise, we can yet have a quiet mind; involved in responsibilities, the heart can be at rest; in the midst of strife, we can know the abiding peace. The twenty pieces which comprise this book, unrelated as some of them are in the letter, will be found to be harmonious in the spirit, in that they point the reader towards those heights of self-knowledge and self-conquest which, rising above the turbulence of the world, lift their peaks where the Heavenly Silence reigns. 

In this uplifting Morning Prayer titled "Faith Surpassing Our Present Circumstances," we dive into the powerful story of Rahab from Joshua 2:1-13. Surrounded by fear, danger, and uncertainty, Rahab chose to believe in the God of Israel. Her courageous faith opened the door to salvation—not just for herself, but for her entire family.This message is a reminder that no matter how overwhelming your current situation may seem, faith in God can lift you above your circumstances. When everything around you says it's over, God says it's just the beginning.

In this powerful episode of The Eight Podcast, Javi and Fossie recap their wild weekends—Fossie's trip to Denver for a concert and clubbing experience, and Javi attending a baby shower and giving Father's Day shoutouts.But things take a serious turn as they unpack two tragic shootings: one at a downtown Salt Lake protest where a peacekeeper fatally shot a bystander, and another at West Fest where a teen opened fire—killing three people, including a baby.They reflect on Utah's growing violence, why West Valley can't seem to catch a break, and how lower-income areas face deeper systemic issues. They even go global, talking about Iran's threats and U.S. military dominance.

A mixed verdict in the Karen Read retrial in the 2022 death of her police officer boyfriend. A South Carolina man sits in jail without bond after deputies found human remains stored in plastic containers inside his home. A teacher in Florida is arrested after deputies say he traveled to meet a child for sex, from a Christian school where this sort of this has already been a problem. Drew Nelson reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The warm week continues for North Texas as the heat settles in. Today's high for the metro area will be 94. According to the National Weather Service's Fort Worth office, the humidity will make it feel more like 103. Add to that, a few wispy clouds will offer little in the way of cover or relief. The overnight low will be 77. Todays headlines include: Vance Boelter, the man suspected of fatally shooting a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband Saturday, attended Christ For The Nations Institute in Dallas in the late 1980s; a new Dallas City Council began its term Monday amid calls by Mayor Eric Johnson to focus the city government's priorities on infrastructure improvements, funding public safety and moving past the political theater that has engulfed local politics; Gov. Greg Abbott signed a package of bills Monday that aims to slash property taxes for Texas homeowners. Surrounded by state legislators, local officials and residents of Robson Ranch, a luxury senior community in Denton County, Abbott called the Texas property tax cuts unprecedented in the U.S. The bills approve two constitutional amendments, which voters must still approve in November. One would raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000; the other would raise the exemption to $200,000 for state residents with disabilities or those who are 65 and older. Abbott said, more than half of seniors would pay no property taxes at all; and the Knox District development at the corner of Knox and Travis streets in Dallas has announced its first of several restaurants. Italian cafe Sant Ambroeus will serve Milanese food in an indoor-outdoor setting overlooking Dallas' Katy Trail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mr Chutes Powerful Message to Kids and Who They're Surrounded By by Maine's Coast 93.1

Are you surrounded by false religions and don't even know it? Discover the one question that exposes every cult and heresy.

This is by far the cleanest part of the episode. Please support the show for more @ patreon.com/quorators

This week Erin tells us about Janet Chandler, a Michigan woman whose 1979 abduction and murder went unsolved for decades before the shocking truth finally came out.Sources:https://www.glamour.com/story/janet-chandlerhttps://www.reddit.com/r/TrueCrime/comments/o4rdsk/janet_chandler_22yearsold_michigan_woman_is/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna24792743https://www.michbar.org/opinions/appeals/2009/073009/43383.pdfSupport the show

The Saint Patrick's Battalion, also known as the San Patricios, was a hard-fighting unit of foreign soldiers, mostly Irish, who deserted the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War. From the Siege of Fort Texas to the Battles of Monterey, Buena Vista, Cera Gordo, and beyond, these Irishmen served with valor and distinction. Surrounded, outgunned, far from their homeland, and branded as traitors, the men of the Saint Patrick's Battalion had nothing to lose. But why? Why'd they turn their backs on their adopted country and join forces with the enemy? What would become of the San Patricios who were ultimately captured? And who exactly was their leader, John Riley?    Check out the website for more true tales from the Old West https://www.wildwestextra.com/   Email me! https://www.wildwestextra.com/contact/   Free Newsletter! https://wildwestjosh.substack.com/   Join Patreon for ad-free and bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/wildwestextra   Street Dogs | San Patricios - https://youtu.be/1asy-BWEaAM?si=V7s4M49Yf7kdP7Zc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don't usually do reaction videos, but when I saw the same basic thing happen in two debates, I thought it at least worth calling out, especially because of how egregious it was, and how little people took note of it. The Jordan Peterson episode in full can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwk5MPE_6zE&t=1983sAnd the relevant clip from it can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/clip/Ugkx9fSjo72wmxYWxpUh5WZgS4fkaRrhNgzoThe Michael Knowles Episode in full can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBoFwaTWm70&t=2462sAnd the relevant piece begins here: https://youtu.be/yBoFwaTWm70?si=xM7uU8VWIHm1otL2&t=2647The two-part Star Trek: TNG episode was Chain of Command.  As always, check out our work, and join our email list, at https://ouroutpost.org/join our free resource library platform herecatch our other podcast, Love Your Marriage, by clicking here: https://ouroutpost.org/podcasts/see what we have upcoming in terms of events here: https://ouroutpost.org/events/send us an email at hello@ouroutpost.organd please rate, review, and share!If you're a Catholic husband, feel free to sign up for some time to chat with Joseph! https://bookme.name/ouroutpost/45-minutes-with-joseph

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 4: 6:00pm- Remembering D-Day, June 6th, 1944: On Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commemorated the 81st anniversary of the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Normandy, France. While speaking from the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Hegseth proclaimed: “Hitler thought his Atlantic wall was impenetrable. He clearly had not met enough Americans.” 6:30pm- On the 40th anniversary of D-Day, President Ronald Reagan delivered one of his most famous speeches at the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France—the site where U.S. soldiers scaled 100-foot cliffs while being constantly exposed to heavy Nazi gunfire. Their objective: neutralize artillery threatening Allied landings at Omaha and Utah beaches. Surrounded by World War II veterans, Reagan famously stated: “These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs...You were young the day you took these cliffs; some of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys of life before you. Yet you risked everything here.”