Podcasts about Taiwan

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: A potential shift from Europe and Japan on securing the Strait of Hormuz—but as allies stop short of specifics, U.S. air power, including A-10 Warthogs, is already striking Iranian assets to reopen the waterway. A bizarre and troubling turn in the cartel war, with a California-born figure now leading Mexico's most dangerous drug empire, complicating any effort to take him down. A new U.S. intelligence assessment is raising eyebrows, suggesting China may not be preparing to invade Taiwan—at least not on the timeline many had feared. And in today's Back of the Brief — a chilling reminder of the regime's brutality in Tehran, where a teenage champion wrestler is among those publicly executed as part of a widening crackdown on protesters. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/PDB CBDistillery: Visit https://CBDistillery.com and use promo code VIP for 50% off your entire order! DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/PDB and use promocode PDB at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's your Daily dose of Human Events with @JackPosobiecYou get 101 nights to try Ghost Bed at home. If you don't feel the difference, you can send it back, risk-free. Right now, GhostBed is offering my audience their lowest prices of the season, plus an extra 10% off; just got to GhostBed dot com slash POSO and use promo code POSO. That's https://www.GHOSTBED.COM/POSOGo to https://www.BlackoutCoffee.com/POSO and use promo code POSO for 20% OFF your first order.Allegiance Gold helps you protect your savings and retirement with real, physical gold and silver — not paper promises. And right now, Allegiance Gold is making it even better. They'll donate 1% of qualified investments from my audience to Turning Point USA or another great America-First organization — in addition to the 1% you already qualify for. Go to https://www.protectwithposo.com or call (844) 577-POSO now.Support the show

SHOW SCHEDULE 3-17-26 ST PATRICK'S DAY1950 STORK CLUB, HITCHCOCK AND LAMOUR1. Guest Elizabeth Peak analyzes how $105 oil impacts global inflation and the resilient U.S. economy. Despite war, AI investment persists. John Bachelor concludes by describing a "creepy," personalized interaction with AI assistant Claude. (1)2. Guest Elizabeth Peak highlights strong public support for Trump's Iranian strikes despite Democratic opposition. She criticizes the DHS shutdown for causing travel chaos and notes that midterm elections will focus on affordability and conflict. (2)3. Guest David Shed details China's global campaign of economic espionage and secret-stealing. Using Brazilian food delivery as a case study, he explains how the PRC leverages data and predatory acquisitions to dominate international markets. (3)4. Guest David Shed recommends that President Trump confront Xi Jinping over economic espionage and cyberattacks during their summit. He emphasizes strengthening ties with India and the Quad to counter China's slowing global economic influence. (4)5. Guest Mary Kissel discusses potential government transitions in Cuba following severe U.S. economic pressure and power grid failures. She notes a broader rightward political shift in South America, including Argentina and ready Venezuelan opposition. (5)6. Guest Mary Kissel evaluates the ongoing conflicts in Tehran and Beirut, noting the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to weaken Iranian proxies. Priorities include destroying nuclear capacity, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and managing rising fuel costs. (6)7. Guest Jonathan Schanzer discusses the killing of Iranian leader Ali Larijani and the degradation of Iran's missile production. He analyzes the closed Strait of Hormuz and the potential for the Iranian people to revolt. (7)8. Guest Jonathan Schanzer details the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah following ceasefire violations. Israel aims to destroy Hezbollah's arsenal while navigating regional dynamics, including opposition from Turkey and quiet support from Gulf nations. (8)Here are the 35-word summaries for the guests featured in segments 9 through 16: (9)SEG 9: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg, a Wall Street Journal editorial board member, analyzes the stalling of European right-wing populism. He observes voters in the UK, Germany, and Hungary rejecting insurgent parties in favor of moderate, centrist leadership movements. (10)SEG 10: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg examines UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's record unpopularity. He attributes this to economic pessimism, perceived political haplessness, and the Labour Party's internal struggle to define its ideological direction between the center and left. (11)SEG 11: Conrad Black Biographer Conrad Black details Canada's immense chromium deposits in the "Ring of Fire." He highlights its strategic value for stainless steel production and US national security, potentially ending reliance on several unreliable foreign minerals sources. (12)SEG 12: Charles Burton Charles Burton, Sinopsis expert, discusses the complex US-China trade dynamic. He examines Xi Jinping's ritualistic goals, potential concessions regarding Taiwan, and Canada's efforts to balance its economic interests and natural resources amidst these ongoing tensions. (13)SEG 13: Grant Newsham evaluates Japan's new hawkish Prime Minister, Takaichi Sai. He argues Japan must accept military risks in the Strait of Hormuz to solidify future American support against the growing threats from mainland China now. (14)SEG 14: :Grant Newsham  discusses South Korea's reluctance to assist in the Strait of Hormuz. He characterizes the current administration as ideologically pro-China and skeptical of US alliances, potentially undermining regional security cooperation against common global threats. (15)SEG 15: Craig Unger Journalist Craig Unger reviews the House Oversight Committee's investigation into Donald Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. He examines subpoenas regarding missing documents and investigates long-standing allegations of sexual misconduct and many "catch and kill" patterns. (16)SEG 16: Craig Unger Craig Unger explores the legal and political consequences of the Epstein investigation. He notes growing Republican dissent and argues that while presidential immunity complicates immediate prosecution, these allegations could significantly impact the upcoming national elections. (17)

SEG 12: Charles Burton Charles Burton, Sinopsis expert, discusses the complex US-China trade dynamic. He examines Xi Jinping's ritualistic goals, potential concessions regarding Taiwan, and Canada's efforts to balance its economic interests and natural resources amidst these ongoing tensions. (13)1910 ONTARIO

I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben, recording today in downtown Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Check out PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, incl. Patreon, Substack & books… The Memoirs of William Milne (PrayGiveGo.us) The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip) Why the Prison Pulpit? The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison. Thoughts on Bangladesh and How to Pray… When I first started learning about Bangladesh in 2002, there were only about 130+ million people. Today that number is closer to 180! Let me help you with an example of just how crowded it is… similar in size to Georgia, Iowa, and Alabama, but with 15 or 25x more people!s **Bangladesh is the most densely populated sovereign nation larger than 1,000 square miles** - It has a population density of roughly 3,538 per sq. mile (1400/km)! - Virtually all higher-density entries are tiny city-states, territories, or micro-nations far below 1,000 square miles, including: Macau (~33 km², ~22,000/km²), Monaco (~2 km², ~19,000/km²), Singapore (~710 km², ~8,225/km²), and Hong Kong (~1,100 km², ~7,000/km²). - Among sovereign countries (or comparable large entities) exceeding the size threshold, no other nation surpasses Bangladesh. Next in line for larger countries include places like Taiwan (~636/km²), the Netherlands (~548/km²), and South Korea (~529/km²). Islam growing faster than anything else Christians converted from Islam are growing, but still a tiny minority (200k) Pray for more laborers, open doors, boldness, and protection from the evil one As always, put yourself “in their shoes” as you pray… How to Give? MCI3.org ($50k need!) We have a major project later this year to help the missionary arm of China's underground church. Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books + Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

Many thanks to SRAA contributor, Dan Greenall, who shares the following recording and notes:Broadcaster: Xing Xing Guangbo Diantai (Star Star Broadcasting Station)Date of recording: March 16, 2026Starting time: 2358 UTCFrequency: 19.052 MHzReceiver location: ThailandReceiver and antenna: Kiwi SDR with Wellbrook loopMode: Single Side BandNotes: This is a "numbers station" broadcasting in Mandarin Chinese, presumably sending encrypted messages to Taiwanese intelligence agents in mainland China, from Taiwan. It appears to follow a set daily schedule, and begins each transmission with the tune of a Chinese folk song played on a flute. This is followed by station ID, given twice, and a few announcements in Mandarin, then a sequence of numbers read in groups of four. An excellent article about this station can be found on the Mount Evelyn DX Report written by Rob Wagner VK3BVW in May 2025.

I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben, recording today in downtown Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city to pray for every single day. Feel free to email anytime: chinacompass @ privacyport.com. Check out PrayGiveGo.us for everything else, incl. Patreon, Substack & books… The Memoirs of William Milne (PrayGiveGo.us) The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip) Why the Prison Pulpit? The goal is to remind people to pray for persecuted believers as Hebrews 13:3 teaches: “Remember those who are in prison, as bound with them.” We’ve looked at Wang Yi and Early Rain Church’s writings in the aftermath of their arrest and attack in 2018, but I’ve also regularly turned to other persecuted ministers who have gone before, such as Richard Wurmbrand, to give us a voice literally from prison. Thoughts on Bangladesh and How to Pray… When I first started learning about Bangladesh in 2002, there were only about 130+ million people. Today that number is closer to 180! Let me help you with an example of just how crowded it is… similar in size to Georgia, Iowa, and Alabama, but with 15 or 25x more people!s **Bangladesh is the most densely populated sovereign nation larger than 1,000 square miles** - It has a population density of roughly 3,538 per sq. mile (1400/km)! - Virtually all higher-density entries are tiny city-states, territories, or micro-nations far below 1,000 square miles, including: Macau (~33 km², ~22,000/km²), Monaco (~2 km², ~19,000/km²), Singapore (~710 km², ~8,225/km²), and Hong Kong (~1,100 km², ~7,000/km²). - Among sovereign countries (or comparable large entities) exceeding the size threshold, no other nation surpasses Bangladesh. Next in line for larger countries include places like Taiwan (~636/km²), the Netherlands (~548/km²), and South Korea (~529/km²). Islam growing faster than anything else Christians converted from Islam are growing, but still a tiny minority (200k) Pray for more laborers, open doors, boldness, and protection from the evil one As always, put yourself “in their shoes” as you pray… How to Give? MCI3.org ($50k need!) We have a major project later this year to help the missionary arm of China's underground church. Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe & leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! And don’t forget to visit PrayGiveGo.us for books + Heb. 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

In this week's Stansberry Investor Hour, Dan welcomes Cullen Roche back to the show. Cullen is the founder of portfolio-management firm Discipline Funds. He is also the author of several books, his most recent one titled Your Perfect Portfolio.   Cullen kicks things off with his thoughts on market uncertainty due to the Middle East conflict. He believes that volatile oil prices (and other commodities) will have an impact on the market. Additionally, he says that the U.S.'s attacks could prompt an escalating confrontation with China – where the latter decides to invade Taiwan and seize control of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM), the world's largest semiconductor producer. And he expresses his desire to see a freer market unhindered by tariffs. (0:00)   Next, Cullen delves deep into AI and how it relates to his investing strategies. He states the risk that the technology poses with many companies and sectors pouring money into it. However, he doesn't see that outcome playing out. He then shares how AI has been beneficial for him and says that utilizing it in creative ways can help differentiate your business from the competition. And he gives his outlook on robotics and how that will impact jobs in the future. (20:33)   Finally, Cullen details his exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") and what their purposes are. He also shares the time horizons for the ETFs so investors can know how to plan their strategies over those periods. But Cullen does allow flexibility with his funds to ensure that they can evolve and shift to match the changes in the markets and decrease risk. And he compares the pros and cons of using equal-weighted indexes versus market-cap-weighted indexes. (40:00)

Co-hosts Nick Hauselman and Jared Yates Sexton analyze a world barreling toward escalation as the Trump administration stares down a closed Strait of Hormuz. While the American economy teeters, European allies have begun navigating their own paths, negotiating directly with Iran and signaling a massive fracture in the Western alliance. The duo examines the disconnect between military reality and the hubris of an administration that seems to have ignored the tactical nightmares of Persian topography and drone warfare. From the potential collapse of the petrodollar to the suspicious timing of Chinese military sorties around Taiwan, the conversation maps out the crumbling of the American global order. This episode also dives into the bizarre rift between Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson. With Carlson alleging a CIA-led criminal referral against him, Nick and Jared peel back the layers of deep politics, investigating whether this is a genuine investigation or a shot across the bow in a brewing far-right civil war. Join our patreon and unlock a lot of great content like Live Shows and our Discord discussion: http://patreon.com/muckrakepodcast

Doug McHoney (PwC's International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Anja Manuel, co-founder and principal at Rice, Hadley, Gates, and Manuel LLC, a strategic consulting firm, and a former diplomat, author, and foreign policy advisor. Doug and Anja discuss the geopolitical forces reshaping cross-border business, including the Iran conflict and its implications for oil, shipping, Gulf investment, and AI infrastructure; China's internal trajectory, tariffs, critical minerals, Taiwan, and supply-chain strategy; the growth outlook for Southeast Asia and India; Europe's competitiveness challenges and the war in Ukraine; Venezuela's political and investment risks; the effect of possible US midterm shifts on foreign policy; and whether international institutions, alliances, and the broader global economy still offer reasons for optimism despite a highly unstable backdrop. 

Every year we try to dedicate an episode of Talking Taiwan to 228, an important date in Taiwan's history, marking the 228 Massacre. 228 stands for February 28 1947. February 28th is now commemorated as a national holiday in Taiwan known as the 228 Peace Memorial Day. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/kita-foundation-mapping-the-path-of-the-trailblazers-that-paved-the-way-for-taiwans-democracy-and-freedom-ep-342/   However, the 228 Massacre is not confined to this single date in history. There were circumstances leading up what happened on February 28th and there were also subsequent events after February 28th which escalated into bloody violence and massacres leading to what some refer to as the March Massacre.   Under the authoritarian Chiang regime, and Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang, what followed after 228 was 38 years of martial law and the White Terror era. Anyone could be disappeared, executed or worse for just saying or doing the wrong thing, or for what was seemingly wrong in the eyes of the authorities. The people of Taiwan were horrified and terrified. For decades there was denial and suppression of 228 by authorities in Taiwan, and generations dared not speak of 228.   228 was absent from high school textbooks until relatively recently. To learn more about the specifics of 228 I invite you to listen to some of our past episodes on the topic. We recommend episodes 309, 277, 228, and 172.   In an effort to confront its authoritarian past, in recent years Taiwan has taken steps to acknowledge historical sites of injustice such as buildings where military police fired on civilians on February 28, 1947. Around this time of year, around February 28 and leading into March, it's a time to reflect on the past, and what we can learn from it.   So in the vein of reflecting on the past, this year I thought I'd share my interview with Sabrina Liu and Meng Chiang who are part of the team that makes up the KITA Foundation, an organization that was formed as an oral history project to understand who are the trailblazers that paved the way for Taiwan's democracy and freedom.   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/kita-foundation-mapping-the-path-of-the-trailblazers-that-paved-the-way-for-taiwans-democracy-and-freedom-ep-342/

S&P futures are down (0.3%) right now following Monday's rebound. Asian markets were mostly higher on Tuesday, though many indices pulled back from earlier peaks. Strong performances in South Korea and Taiwan were driven by optimism in tech and semiconductor sectors, while Japan and Hong Kong posted moderate gains. European markets are narrowly mixed in early trading. Companies Mentioned: NVIDIA, AeroVironment, Solaris Energy Infrastructure

An update on the ongoing legal controversy surrounding tech leaker John Prosser kicks off this MacVoices Live!. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs look at Apple's potential U.S. manufacturing of the Mac mini and what that could mean for production, tariffs, and supply chains. The group then dives into a wave of tech nostalgia, debating the reported resurgence of iPods and comparing it with renewed interest in film cameras, vinyl records, and other retro tech.  MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at http://clnmy.com/MACVOICES Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00 – Apple news preview: Mac minis, iPods, and tech nostalgia 0:11 – Sponsor message: CleanMyMac 0:22 – John Prosser legal issues and Apple's demands 2:12 – Panel reactions to the Prosser situation 2:23 – Apple reportedly moving Mac mini production to the U.S. 3:38 – Debate over what U.S. Mac mini production implies 6:47 – Manufacturing details and Apple's infrastructure investments 8:03 – Tariffs, assembly, and supply chain considerations 10:40 – Chips, Taiwan manufacturing, and geopolitical concerns 14:15 – Sponsor message: CleanMyMac and Space Lens 16:03 – Reports of Gen Z rediscovering the iPod 19:33 – Personal memories and experiences with iPods 21:15 – Streaming vs. dedicated music players 23:56 – Is the iPod comeback real or just nostalgia? 27:23 – Could modern devices replace the iPod experience? 29:17 – Retro photography and film camera revival 32:20 – Polaroid-style cameras and analog appeal 35:17 – CRT monitors and other retro tech memories 36:03 – Show wrap-up and contact information Links: Leaker's legal troubles haven't ended, as he makes more videos 
 https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/20/leakers-legal-troubles-havent-ended-as-he-makes-more-videos Apple will start making Mac minis in the US https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-will-start-making-mac-minis-in-the-us-101000341.html Young adults turn to iPods and vintage tech over iPhones https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/23/why-gen-z-and-young-adults-are-embracing-ipods-again Guests: Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,' including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He's been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web:      http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Welcome to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In today's episode, Tom and co-host Drew dive headfirst into the wild world of current events, where geopolitics, technology, and social media collide. From escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, alienated U.S. allies, and rumors swirling about Netanyahu's fate—to viral conspiracy theories fueled by AI and wartime propaganda spinning online. The conversation unpacks economic leverage in global conflicts, explores how media and misinformation are weaponized, and questions the blurry lines between journalism and activism. They also spotlight Cuba's historic decline under communism and what we can learn from nations like Singapore, alongside a story that brings optimism: a man using AI to create a custom cancer vaccine for his dog, showcasing just how rapidly technology is transforming medicine. Tom and Drew don't shy away from debating complex political ideology, the dangers and benefits of innovation, and the rapidly changing job landscape as AI continues to reshape society. This episode is a compelling mix of sharp analysis, high energy, and candid perspectives, challenging listeners to stay curious and engaged in a world where the truth is increasingly hard to pin down. 00:00 Intro 07:50 Iran's Leverage on Global Economy 14:07 Is Bibi Alive? 25:49 Tucker Carlson Investigation 34:14 Absence of Allies In The War 40:05 China Moves Military Around Taiwan 49:03 Cuba's Economic Collapse Explained 01:04:52 ChatGPT Miracle Cure 01:12:46 AI's Impact on Job Markets 01:17:48 Loyalty and Conditional Patriotism 01:20:38 "Monday Motivation and Updates" What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:  https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.:  https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu's Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Quince: Free shipping and 365-day returns at https://quince.com/impactpodDuck.Ai: Protect your privacy at https://duck.ai/impactShopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impactBlinkist: Start your free trial at https://blinkist.com/impactPlaud: Get 10% off with code TOM10 at https://plaud.ai/tomBlocktrust IRA: get up to $2,500 funding bonus to kickstart your account at https://tomcryptoira.comCape: 33% off your first 6 months with code IMPACT at https://cape.co/impactNetsuite: Right now, get our free business guide, Demystifying AI, at https://NetSuite.com/TheoryKetone IQ: Visit https://ketone.com/IMPACT for 30% OFF your subscription orderQuo: Try for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months at https://quo.com/impactPique: 20% off at https://piquelife.com/impactMonetary Metals: Future-proof your wealth at https://monetary-metals.com/impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up — the United States is sending more firepower to the Middle East, with a Marine Expeditionary Unit now heading to the region. I'll explain what capabilities that powerful rapid-response force brings to the fight and why the Pentagon believes it may soon be needed. Later in the show — protests erupt in Cuba as demonstrators attack a Communist Party office amid growing frustration over widespread blackouts and deteriorating living conditions on the island. Plus — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees a live-fire exercise featuring tactical nuclear rocket launchers capable of striking targets across the region. And in today's Back of the Brief — Chinese military aircraft return to the skies around Taiwan after an unusual two-week absence that had raised new questions about Beijing's intentions. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief CBDistillery: Visit https://CBDistillery.com and use promo code VIP for 50% off your entire order! DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/PDB and use promocode PDB at checkout. Mars Men: For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://Mengotomars.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Intuit halts management stock sales and accelerates buybacks. And Micron will build a second manufacturing site in Taiwan for AI memory products. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last time we spoke about the Soviet-Japanese neutrality pact. In the summer of 1939, the Nomonhan Incident escalated into a major clash along the Halha River, where Soviet-Mongolian forces under Georgy Zhukov decisively defeated Japan's Kwantung Army. Zhukov's offensive, launched on August 20, involved intense artillery, bombers, and encirclement tactics, annihilating the Japanese 23rd Division and exposing weaknesses in Japanese mechanized warfare. The defeat, coinciding with the Hitler-Stalin Nonaggression Pact, forced Japan to negotiate a ceasefire on September 15-16, redrawing borders and deterring further northern expansion. Stalin navigated negotiations with Britain, France, and Germany to avoid a two-front war, ultimately signing the German-Soviet pact on August 23, which secured Soviet neutrality in Europe while addressing eastern threats. Post-Nomonhan, Soviet-Japanese relations warmed rapidly: fishing disputes were resolved, ambassadors exchanged, and the Chinese Eastern Railway sale finalized. By 1941, a neutrality pact was concluded, allowing Japan to pivot southward toward China and Southeast Asia.   #193 The Chiang-Wang Divide 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. After that lengthy mini series covering the battle of Khalkin Gol, we need to venture back into the second sino-japanese war, however like many other colossal events….well a lot was going on simultaneously. I wanted to take an episode to talk about the beginning of something known as the Reorganized National Government of the Republic of China, or much shorter, the Wang Jingwei Regime. It's been quite some time since we spoke about this character and he is a large part of the second sino-japanese war.    After the fall of Tianjin and Beiping, the government offices in Nanjing entered their annual summer recess. All of GMD's senior leadership, from Chiang Kai-shek down to Wang Jingwei, gathered on Mount Lu, a picturesque resort in northern Jiangxi, south of the Yangtze, famed for cliffs, clouds, and summer villas. Although Chiang had visited Mount Lu every summer, this was the first occasion that nearly the entire central government assembled there. Analysts suspected the gathering was a deliberate move to relocate government functions inland in the event of total war. Dozens of the nation's leading intellectuals were invited to Mount Lu to discuss strategies for countering Japan's ambitions. The forum was scheduled to begin on July 15 and to last twenty-seven days in three phases. The bridge incident caught them off guard. Unlike Manchuria, Beiping had long been the nation's capital, and the shock added urgency to the proceedings. When the forum, chaired by Wang, finally opened on July 16, speculation ran as to whether this signaled another regional conflict or the onset of full-scale war. The media pressed for a resolute stance of resistance from the government. To dispel the mounting confusion and perhaps his own indecision, Chiang delivered a solemn speech on July 17, declaring that if the incident could not be resolved peacefully, China would face the "crucial juncture" of national survival and would consider military action; if war began, every Chinese person, from every corner of the country and from every walk of life, would have to sacrifice all to defend the nation.   Chiang's Mount Lu Speech was now commonly regarded as the moment when China publicly proclaimed its firm commitment to resistance. Contemporary observers, however, did not take Chiang's stance at face value. Tao Xisheng, a Peking University law professor who had been invited, recalled that after the speech, people gathered in Hu Shi's room to discuss whether a peace option remained. Chiang left the mountain on July 20, leaving Wang to chair the conference. The discussions continued upon their return to Nanjing, where a National Defense Conference was organized in mid-August. It was also Tao's first encounter with Wang Jingwei. A "peace faction," largely composed of civil officials and intellectuals, began to take shape around Wang, favoring diplomatic solutions over costly and potentially ineffective military action.   During this period, both Chiang and Wang publicly called for resistance, while both harbored hopes for a peaceful solution. Yet their emphases differed. On July 29, Wang Jingwei delivered a radio address from Nanjing titled "The Critical Juncture," echoing Chiang's slogan. He likewise asserted that after repeated concessions and retreats, the critical juncture had come for China to rise against Japan. It would be a harsh form of resistance, since a weak nation had no alternative but to sacrifice every citizen's life and scorch every inch of land. Yet toward the end, Wang's speech took on an ironic turn. He stated, "The so-called resistance demands sacrificing the whole land and the whole nation to resist the invader. If there is no weakness in the world, then there is also no strength. Once we have completed the sacrifice, we also realize the purpose of resistance. We hail 'the critical juncture'! We hail 'sacrifice'!" The sentiment sounded almost satirical, revealing his doubt about the meaning of total sacrifice.   The hope for containment was crushed by Japan's ongoing advances. On November 12, Shanghai fell. Chiang's gamble produced about 187,200 Chinese casualties, including roughly 30,000 officers trained to German standards. Japanese casualties were estimated at a third to a half of the Chinese losses, still making it their deadliest single battle to date. The battered Japanese Imperial Army and Navy, long convinced of their invincibility, were consumed by vengeful bloodlust. The army swept from Shanghai toward Nanjing, leaving a trail of murder, rape, arson, and plunder across China's heartland.   With the fall of Nanjing looming, the central government announced on November 20 that it would relocate to Chongqing, a city upriver on the Yangtze protected by sheer cliffs. Plans for Chongqing as a reserve capital had already begun in 1935, with Hankou as the midway station. To preserve elite troops for the future while saving face, Nanjing was entrusted to General Tang Shengzhi and his roughly one hundred thousand largely inexperienced soldiers. Nanjing fell on December 13. Despite this victory, Japan's hopes of ending the China Incident within three months were dashed. The carnage produced by the war, especially the Rape of Nanjing, left a profound moral stain on humanity. A mass exodus from the coastal provinces toward the hinterland began. People fled by boats, trains, buses, rickshaws, and wheelbarrows. Universities, factories, and ordinary households were moved halfway across China, step by step. The nation resolved to persevere, even in distant mountains and deserts if necessary. In Sichuan alone, government relief agencies officially registered about 9.2 million refugees during the war years.   Chiang Kai-shek, after paying respects at Sun Yat-sen's mausoleum, flew to Mount Lu with Song Meiling. The so-called Second Couple chose a more modest path: like most refugees, the Wang family traveled upriver along the Yangtze. On November 21, they left Nanjing, abandoning a recently renovated suburban home and thirty years of collected books. Coincidentally, the ship carrying Wang Jingwei from Nanjing to Wuhan was SS Yongsui, the former SS Zhongshan that had escorted Sun Yat-sen to safety and witnessed Wang's ascent and subsequent downfall from power. Ironically renamed "Yong-sui," the ship's new title meant "peace," while the compound term suijing denoted a policy of appeasement. This symbolism—Wang being carried away from Nanjing by a ship named "Eternal Peace"—foreshadowed his eventual return to the city as a champion of a "peace movement."   After the Mount Lu Forum, Hu Shi and Tao Xisheng could not return to Beiping, now under Japanese occupation. They joined the government in Nanjing. Beginning in mid-August, Japanese bombers began attacking Nanjing. Air power—an unprecedented weapon of mass destruction—humbled and awed a Chinese public largely unfamiliar with airborne warfare. By striking a target that did not serve its immediate interests, Japan demonstrated its world-class military might and employed psychological warfare against the Chinese government and people. Because Zhou Fohai's villa at Xiliuwan had a fortified cellar suitable as an air-raid shelter, a group of like-minded intellectuals and civil servants sought refuge there. They preferred a peaceful approach to the conflict, subscribing to the idea of trading space for time—building China's industrial and military capabilities before confronting Japan. Tao Xisheng and Mei Siping, old allies of Zhou Fohai, lived in his house. Another frequent guest was Luo Junqiang, an ex-communist. The former CCP leader Chen Duxiu, recently released from prison, joined their gatherings a few times. Gao Zongwu hosted another meeting site. Hu Shi, as a guest himself, jokingly called this circle the "Low-Key Club" (Didiao julebu), a label that underscored their pragmatic defiance of the government's high-flown rhetoric urging all-out resistance. Many members of this group would later become central figures in a conspiracy known as the "peace movement," with Wang Jingwei as its leader and emblem.   As Gerald Bunker noted, the peace scheme did not originate with Wang but with certain associates of Chiang, elements in Japanese military intelligence, and members of liberal-minded Japanese political circles who were linked to Konoe. Zhou Fohai belonged to the Chiang-loyalist CC faction, named for Chen Guofu and Chen Lifu. Zhou believed that resistance under current conditions was suicidal. He sought to influence Chiang through people around him, including Wang Jingwei, whom he found impressionable and began visiting at Wang's salon. Gao Zongwu, head of the Foreign Ministry's Asian Department, felt sidelined by Chiang's uncompromising stance. They shared the sense that Chiang might be willing to talk but feared the price, perhaps his own leadership. They were dismayed by the lack of a long-range war plan beyond capitulation. Their view was that China's battlefield losses would worsen the terms of any settlement, and that the war's outcome seemed to benefit Soviet Russia and undermine the GMD more than China itself. The rapid collapses of Shanghai and then Nanjing vindicated their pessimism. Chiang's autocratic decision-making only deepened their dissatisfaction. They feared China was again at risk of foreign conquest from which it might not recover.   Wang Jingwei became the focal point for these disaffected individuals, drawn by his pacifist leanings, intellectual temperament, and preference for consensus-building. After the government relocated to Hankou, he lent guidance to the Literature and Art Research Society (Yiwen yanjiu hui), a propagandist body led by Zhou Fohai and Tao Xisheng. Its purpose was to steer public opinion on issues like the war of resistance and anticommunism, and to advocate a stance that the government must preserve both peace and war as options. Many believed it to be Wang's private organization; in truth, Chiang supported its activities. For much of 1938, Chiang's belligerent anti-Japanese rhetoric and Wang's conciliatory push were two sides of the GMD's broader strategy.   Among the society's regional branches, the Hong Kong chapter flourished under Mei Siping and Lin Baisheng. In addition to editing South China Daily News, Lin established Azure Books and the International Compilation and Translation Society (Guoji bianyishe) as primary propaganda organs. Ironically, Mei Siping had himself been a radical during the 1919 student protests, when he helped set fire to the deputy foreign minister's house in protest of perceived capitulation to Japan.   Wang Jingwei also actively engaged in international efforts to broker peace between Japan and China, including Trautmann's mediation by the German ambassador. Since the outbreak of war, various Western powers had contemplated serving as mediators, but none succeeded. Nazi Germany, aligned with Japan in an anti-Soviet partnership, emerged as China's most likely ally because it did not want Japan to squander its strength in China or compel China to seek Soviet help. Conversely, Japan's interest lay in prolonging the war or achieving a swift settlement. Ambassador Trautmann met with Wang Jingwei multiple times from October 31 to early November 1937 to confirm China's preference for peace before negotiating with Japan. The proposal Trautmann carried to Chiang Kai-shek on November 5 proposed terms including autonomy for Inner Mongolia, a larger demilitarized zone in North China, an expanded cease-fire around Shanghai, a halt to anti-Japanese movements, an anti-communist alliance, reduced tariffs on Japanese goods, and protection of foreign interests in China. Although Japan did not specify territorial gains, these terms deviated significantly from Chiang's demand to restore pre–Marco Polo Bridge status. After Shanghai fell, Chiang's rigidity softened.   On December 5, at Hankou, the National Defense Conference agreed to begin peace negotiations based on Trautmann's terms, a decision Chiang approved. But it was too late: Nanjing fell on December 13, and a provisional Beiping government led by Wang Kemin was established, signaling Japan's growing support for regional separatism. On December 24, Japan issued an ultimatum for a harsher deal to be accepted by January 10. In response, Chiang resigned as chairman of the Executive Yuan on January 1, 1938, and was succeeded by his brother-in-law Kong Xiangxi. Chiang declared that death in defeat was preferable to death in disgrace and refused to yield under coercion. The Konoe Cabinet announced on January 16 that Japan would not negotiate with Chiang Kai-shek. Trautmann's mediation had failed.   After Konoe's announcement, mediation became even more precarious, as it placed the already deadly, no-win situation between the two nations in deeper jeopardy. Secret contacts between the two governments persisted through multiple channels—sometimes at the direction of their own leaders, other times at the initiative of a cadre of officials and quasi-official figures of dubious legitimacy. Many of these covert efforts were steered by Chiang himself. In late 1937, Wang Jingwei even sent Chen Gongbo to Rome to explore the possibility of Italian mediation between China and Japan. After meetings with Mussolini and Foreign Minister Ciano, Chen concluded that Italy had no genuine goodwill toward China and favored Japan. His conversations with other Western leaders (Belgium, France, Britain, and the United States) proved equally fruitless. In diaries, Zhou Fohai and Chen Kewen recorded a pervasive mood of pessimism among Hankou and Chongqing's national government factions. Although direct champions of negotiating with Japan were few, many voices insisted that China was on the brink of collapse while secretly hoping peace talks would begin soon. Gao Zongwu's mission emerged from this tense atmosphere.   With Konoe's cabinet refusing to negotiate with Chiang Kai-shek, many regarded Wang as the best candidate to carry forward a diplomatic solution. Yet Wang remained convinced of his loyalty to Chiang and to Chiang's policy. The Italian ambassador visited Wuhan to offer mediation between Wang and the Japanese government, an invitation Wang declined. Tang Shaoyi's daughter traveled to Wuhan to convey Tokyo's negotiation intent, but was similarly turned away. Even Chen Bijun, then in Hong Kong, urged Wang to join her and start peace negotiations; he again declined. Tao Xisheng remembered a quiet night when Wang confided in him: "This time I will cooperate with Mr. Chiang until the very end, regardless of how the war unfolds." His stance did not change when Gao Zongwu reported that the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff Office wanted him to head the peace talks.   Gao Zongwu's bid was brokered by Dong Daoning, head of the Japan Affairs Section in the Foreign Ministry. Shortly after Konoe's statement, Dong traveled to Shanghai to meet Nishi Yoshiaki, representative of Mantetsu, and Matsumoto Shigeharu, a Dōmei News Agency journalist. Nishi and Matsumoto then introduced Dong to Kagesa Sadaaki, head of the Strategy and Tactics Department in the General Staff Office. Kagesa introduced Dong to Deputy Director Tada Hayao and colleagues Ishiwara Kanji and Imai Takeo, who agreed that a peaceful resolution to the China crisis aligned with Japan's interests. It would be inaccurate to paint these figures as pacifists: Ishiwara, who helped build Manchukuo, also recognized that further incursions into China could jeopardize Japan's hard-won gains. They proposed a temporary resignation by Chiang to spare Konoe from having to retract his refusal to negotiate, thereby allowing Wang to lead the talks. In short, the scheme aimed to save face for Konoe.   Dong returned to Hong Kong and delivered the proposal to Gao Zongwu, who had been stationed there since February under Chiang's orders to oversee intelligence and liaison with Japan. Luo Junqiang, Gao's contact, testified that Gao was paid monthly from Chiang's secret military fund. Gao went back to Hankou twice, on April 2 and May 30. On the second trip, he personally conveyed Japan's terms to Chiang. Gao later admitted that Chiang never gave him explicit instructions, but rather cultivated an impression of tacit approval. At no point did Gao view the deal as Chiang's betrayal. As long as Chiang retained control of the military, Wang's leadership could only be nominal and temporary. Unbeknownst to Wang, Gao's personal ties to Chiang remained hidden from him; he learned of them only through Zhou Fohai. Startled, he handed the information to Chiang Kai-shek and told Tao Xisheng: "I cannot broker peace with Japan alone. I will not deceive Mr. Chiang." Given Tao's later departure from Wang's circle to rejoin Chiang, Tao's recollection could be trusted.   Two months later, Wang left Chongqing to pursue a peace settlement. A key factor may have been persistent lobbying by Zhou, Gao, Mei, Tao, and especially his wife Chen Bijun. Luo Junqiang recalled that Kong Xiangxi objected that Gao acted without him, prompting Chiang to order Gao to halt his covert efforts, an order Gao ignored. Gao and Mei Siping continued to press for a deal. Gao even spent three weeks in Japan in July, holding extensive talks with Kagesa Sadaaki and Imai Takeo. Their discussions produced the first substantive articulation of the Wang peace movement as a Sino-Japanese plot to end the "China incident." On November 26, Mei flew from Hong Kong to Chongqing with a draft of Japan's terms and Konoe's planned announcement. The proposal stated that the Japanese army would withdraw completely within two years once peace was reached, but it demanded that China formally recognize Manchukuo. Wang was to leave Chongqing for Kunming by December 5, then proceed to Hanoi. Upon Japan receiving news of his arrival in Hanoi, the telegram would reveal the peace terms. This pivotal moment threw Wang into intense inner turmoil. Zhou Fohai visited Wang daily, and Wang delayed decisively each time, much to Zhou's frustration. Ultimately, it seemed that Chen Bijun rendered the final judgment on Wang's behalf. As in earlier episodes, Wang found himself trapped by an idealized image of himself held by family, followers, and loyalists, seen by them as a larger-than-life figure who must undertake a mission too grand to fail.   Yet Wang's stance was not purely involuntary. As Imai Takeo noted, he fundamentally disagreed with Chiang's strategy of resistance. The so-called scorched-earth approach caused immense suffering. Three episodes stood out: the 1938 Yellow River flood, ordered by Chiang to impede Japan's advance, which destroyed dikes and displaced millions, yielding devastating agricultural and humanitarian consequences; the subsequent epidemics and famine that followed, producing about two million refugees and up to nine hundred thousand deaths, while failing to stop the Japanese advance toward Wuhan (which fell in October); and the Changsha fire, ignited in the early hours of November 13, which killed nearly thirty thousand people and devastated most of the city. These events sharpened Wang's doubts about Chiang's defense strategy, especially its reckless execution and cruelty. By late November, Wang began to openly challenge Chiang's approach, delivering a series of speeches advocating his own war-weariness and preference for limiting resistance to preserve national strength for future counterstrikes. He argued that guerrilla warfare burdened the people and wasted national resources that could be saved for a later, more effective defense. He urged soldiers to exercise judgment and listen to their consciences, and he attributed much of the civilian suffering to the Communists; nonetheless, with General von Falkenhausen, Chiang's German adviser, now urging a shift toward smaller-unit mobile warfare, Wang's critique of Chiang's strategy took on a more pointed, risksome tone. If resistance equaled total sacrifice, Wang was not prepared to endorse it. As Margherita Zanasi noted, Wang Jingwei and Chen Gongbo had long shared a vision of a self-consciously anti-imperial "national economy", the belief that China's economy had not yet achieved genuine nation-power and that compromising with the foe might be necessary to save the national economy.   Wang and Zhou also worried that continuing resistance would strengthen the Communists and that genuine international aid would not arrive, at least not soon. After Nazi Germany occupied Czechoslovakia, Wang briefly hoped for the formation of an antifascist democratic alliance. Yet the Munich Agreement disappointed him. Viewing Western democracies as culturally imperialist, he doubted they would jeopardize their relations with Japan, another imperial power, on China's behalf. This view was reinforced by Zhou Fohai and other China specialists who had recently joined Wang's circle; they argued that China would fall unless the international situation shifted dramatically. Their forecast would prove accurate only after Pearl Harbor.   In the end, Wang longed for decisive action. He had been sidelined since the government's move to Wuhan. At the GMD Provisional National Congress in Hankou (March 29–April 1), the party resolved to restore Chiang Kai-shek to near-total control by reasserting the authoritarian zongcai system. The Congress also established the People's Political Council as a nominal nod to democracy, but it remained largely consultative. Wang was elected deputy director and chairman of the council, yet he clearly resented the position. Jiang Tingfu described Wang's Hankou mood as "somewhat resentful," recognizing the role as largely ceremonial. More optimistic observers attributed his dismay to the return of dictatorship, and he likely felt increasingly useless. Since the Mukden Incident, Wang had prioritized party unity and been content to play a secondary role to Chiang, but inaction did not fit his sense of historical purpose. It was Zhou Fohai who urged Wang to risk his reputation for a greater cause, presenting a calculated nudge to someone susceptible to idealism. A longing to find meaning through action may have finally pushed him toward a fateful decision. As Chen Bijun bluntly told Long Yun, her husband "was merely an empty shell in Chongqing and could contribute nothing to the country; thus he wanted to change his surroundings."   Wang considered staying abroad as a serious option amid the Hanoi uncertainty. Gao Zongwu had previously told Japanese negotiators that if Konoe's stance did not satisfy Wang, he might head to France. Chongqing echoed this possibility. On December 29, Ambassador Guo Taiqi, acting on Chiang's orders, telegraphed Wang suggesting he go to Europe "to take a break." It would have offered a graceful exit. Kagesa recommended Hanoi as Wang Jingwei's midway station because, as a French colony, it offered a relatively safe environment. Only the French were armed there, and several members of the extended Wang family had grown up in France, enabling them to communicate with the colonial authorities.   After Wang departed for Hanoi, Long Yun hesitated for weeks. On December 20, he telegraphed Chiang, saying Wang had paused in Kunming on the way to Hanoi to seek medical treatment. Knowing this was untrue, Chiang replied on December 27 with a stern warning about Japan's unreliability, a message that appeared to have persuaded Long. A day later, Long urged leniency for Wang. Following Wang's publication of the "yan telegram," public anger likely pushed Long toward a final decision. On January 6, he informed Chiang of a letter from Wang delivered by Chen Changzu, and he noted that the Wangs were considering the French option, but recommended allowing Wang to return to Chongqing to show leniency and to enable surveillance.   Chiang replied two days later that Wang would be better off going to Europe. The extended Wang family resided in two Western-style mansions at 25 and 27 Rue Riz Marché, surrounded by high walls. On February 15, Chongqing's envoy Gu Zhengding brought their passports to Hanoi. Accounts differed on what happened next. One version had Wang offering to travel abroad if Chongqing accepted his proposal to start peace talks; if Chongqing remained indecisive, he would return to voice his dissent. Another version claimed Gu's primary task was to bring Wang back to Chongqing, which Wang declined, preferring France.   Although the French option was gaining favor, the Wang circle continued to explore other avenues. In early 1939, secret contacts with the Japanese government persisted, though not always in a coordinated way. Chiang's intelligence advised that the Wang group was forming networks in Shanghai and especially Hong Kong, with Gao Zongwu playing a central role. On February 1, Gao returned from Hong Kong and stayed for five days, finding Wang in a despondent mood. Wang asked Gao to pass along a few letters to Japanese leaders urging the creation of a unified Chinese government to earn the Chinese people's understanding and trust. Wang believed his actions would serve the best interests of both China and Japan. On March 18, the Japanese consulate in Hong Kong informed Gao that funding for the Wang group would come from China's customs revenues that Japan had seized.   Meanwhile, Chiang Kai-shek sensed a shift in the war's direction. On February 10, Japan seized Hainan, China's southernmost major island. The next day, Chiang held a press conference describing the development as "the Mukden Incident of the Pacific." He warned that Japan's ambitions could threaten British and French colonial interests and U.S. maritime supremacy. Gao Zongwu read the speech and concluded that Chiang's outlook had brightened.   For three months, the Wang circle met frequently to weigh options. The prominent writer and scholar Zhou Zuoren, who had already accepted a collaborationist post as head of the Beiping library, warned Tao Xisheng, saying "Don't do it," signaling his misgivings about collaborating with Japan based on his reading of Japanese politics. As Zhou observed, many young Japanese militarists did not even respect General Ugaki, let alone a foreign leader.   Then the assassination of Zeng Zhongming, Wang's secretary and protégé, abruptly altered the meaning of Wang's mission. The Wang group was deeply unsettled by Zeng Zhongming's assassination. The event came as a shock. On March 20, Gu Zhengding's second Hanoi visit concluded. Allegedly Gu delivered passports and funds for a European excursion. On a bright spring day, the entire Wang family enjoyed a lighthearted outing to Three Peaches Beach, only to be halted by a French officer who warned they were being followed. During their afternoon rest, a man posing as a painter, sent by the landlord to measure rooms for payment, appeared at the door and was turned away when he insisted on entering every room. More than twenty people in the household, none were armed.   Since January, Hanoi had been a hive of BIS activity. The ringleader was Chen Gongshu, a veteran operative under spymaster Dai Li, though Chen's recollections clashed with those of other witnesses, leaving the exact sequence unclear. Chen claimed their role was intelligence and surveillance until March 19, when an unsigned telegram from Dai Li ordered, "Severest punishment to the traitor Wang Jingwei, immediately!" The mission supposedly shifted. The Wang family was followed the next day but evaded capture in traffic, prompting a raid on the house. Reports varied: some said Wang resided on the second floor of No. 27; others suggested he lived in No. 25, with No. 27 used for day guests. The force entered the courtyard, forced open the door to Wang's room, and a getaway car waited outside. Chen, in the car, heard gunshots: initial shots toward a downstairs figure, then three shots through a bedroom door hacked open with an axe, aimed at a figure beneath the bed, believed to be Wang Jingwei. The team drove off after four to five minutes. Vietnamese police soon detained three killers who lingered in the courtyard and even listened in on a hospital call. Chen didn't realize the target had been misidentified until the next afternoon. Some BIS records suggested Wang and Zeng Zhongming had swapped bedrooms that night, a detail Chen doubted. Chen did not mention a painter's earlier visit.   There were competing accounts of the event with their numerous inconsistencies that fueled conspiracy theories. Jin Xiongbai outlined three possibilities: (1) the killers killed the "wrong person" as a warning to Wang Jingwei; (2) they killed Zeng to provoke Wang toward collaboration; or (3) the episode was always part of a broader Chiang-Wang collaboration plan.   In any case, Dai Li showed unusual leniency toward Chen Gongshu, who was never punished and later led the Shanghai station. After Dai Li's agent Li Shiqun was captured in 1941, Li not only spared Chen's life but recruited him on a double-agent basis for the remainder of the war, with Chen retiring to Taiwan. Chiang Kai-shek never discussed the case publicly or in his diary, and his silence was perhaps the strongest indication that he ordered the killing.   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. Wang Jingwei, once a key figure in China's resistance against Japan, grew disillusioned with Chiang Kai-shek's scorched-earth tactics during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Amid devastating events like the Yellow River flood and Changsha fire, which caused immense civilian suffering, Wang joined a peace faction advocating negotiation. Secret talks with Japanese officials led to his defection in 1938. He fled Chongqing to Hanoi, where an assassination attempt, likely ordered by Chiang, killed his secretary Zeng Zhongming instead.   

Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code advpodcast at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/advpodcast While the world focuses elsewhere, China is going through something absolutely insane. Go to http://thechinashow.threadless.com to get the LIMITED Chaos Under Heaven shirt, hoodie, or postersGo see our secret show every Monday on Patreon - http://patreon.com/advpodcasts - join at the $10 or $20 tier Free Rations Show! - Thank you! - https://youtube.com/live/Fb2CJRrlZkQCartoon feat. Jüri Pootsmann - I Remember Uhttps://soundcloud.com/nocopyrightsoundsTrack : Cartoon feat. Jüri Pootsmann - I Remember USome Sources - China is not richhttps://www.aei.org/articles/various-estimates-of-private-and-national-wealth-including-my-own-show-the-american-lead-over-china-expanding-from-2015/China's green energy SHAM https://nypost.com/2026/03/11/opinion/dont-buy-green-china-hype-heres-beijings-real-energy-agenda/Teacher Li https://safeguarddefenders.com/en/blog/teacher-li-full-transnational-repression-storyReduction in China incursions in Taiwan https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/11/world/asia/taiwan-china-military-planes.htmlEthnic Law China https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6271gxpdkzoSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In episode 223 host Galit Friedlander and guest May Or (professional dancer with touring and commercial credits and a doctorate in psychology) discuss what it took for May to complete her PhD while working as a dancer, the pressure and perfectionism many dancers experience, and how social media has changed the way dancers are seen in the industry. They also talk about May's experience growing up as an immigrant navigating language barriers, balancing rehearsals with doctoral coursework, and her perspective on why dancers can pursue more than one path. Follow Galit Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gogalit Website - https://www.gogalit.com/ Fit From Home - https://galit-s-school-0397.thinkific.com/courses/fit-from-home You can connect with May Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maylovespink and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@maylovespink. Listen to DanceSpeak on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jade grew up knowing she was half Chinese, but without the language, family connection, or cultural context to understand what that really meant. In this deeply personal episode, she shares what it was like growing up mixed race in a mostly white community, carrying questions of identity, belonging, and cultural disconnection from an early age.Jade shares why learning Chinese became much more than a language goal. What began as a quiet lifelong pull eventually turned into something healing, empowering, and transformative during the pandemic, when she finally committed to learning Mandarin seriously. She describes how Chinese gave her a way to reconnect with herself, reshape her story, and discover a new sense of confidence.Jade's journey took her to Taiwan, where studying Mandarin brought both joyful breakthroughs and very real culture shock. From challenging start to the unexpected feeling of being seen as someone who might belong, Jade reflects on how language learning, identity, and personal growth became inseparable.This is an honest and moving conversation about mixed identity, heritage learning, and the powerful role language can play in helping us become more fully ourselves.Links from the episode:LengLengCoolJade | InstagramMandarin Companion Graded Readers

Ever since the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Iran, oil prices have been on a rollercoaster but overall have been trending higher. An increase in the price of oil has world-wide consequences with winners and losers. To get a snapshot of where things stand, we hear from three reporters around the world— in Russia, Germany and Taiwan.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Section 301 of the U-S Trade Act of 1974 is a broad tool which authorizes the sitting U.S. President to negotiate trade agreements, reduce tariffs, and combat unfair foreign trade practices. In mid-March, the U.S. Trade Representative's office put Taiwan on two 301-related lists: one for failing to take action over structural excess capacity, and the other, for failing to take action over accusations of false labor. International Trade attorney James Ransdell explains the regulation, and how it is being used against traditional U-S allies today. Hosted by I.C.R.T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

An update on the ongoing legal controversy surrounding tech leaker John Prosser kicks off this MacVoices Live!. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs look at Apple's potential U.S. manufacturing of the Mac mini and what that could mean for production, tariffs, and supply chains. The group then dives into a wave of tech nostalgia, debating the reported resurgence of iPods and comparing it with renewed interest in film cameras, vinyl records, and other retro tech.  MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at http://clnmy.com/MACVOICES Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00 – Apple news preview: Mac minis, iPods, and tech nostalgia 0:11 – Sponsor message: CleanMyMac 0:22 – John Prosser legal issues and Apple's demands 2:12 – Panel reactions to the Prosser situation 2:23 – Apple reportedly moving Mac mini production to the U.S. 3:38 – Debate over what U.S. Mac mini production implies 6:47 – Manufacturing details and Apple's infrastructure investments 8:03 – Tariffs, assembly, and supply chain considerations 10:40 – Chips, Taiwan manufacturing, and geopolitical concerns 14:15 – Sponsor message: CleanMyMac and Space Lens 16:03 – Reports of Gen Z rediscovering the iPod 19:33 – Personal memories and experiences with iPods 21:15 – Streaming vs. dedicated music players 23:56 – Is the iPod comeback real or just nostalgia? 27:23 – Could modern devices replace the iPod experience? 29:17 – Retro photography and film camera revival 32:20 – Polaroid-style cameras and analog appeal 35:17 – CRT monitors and other retro tech memories 36:03 – Show wrap-up and contact information Links: Leaker's legal troubles haven't ended, as he makes more videos
https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/20/leakers-legal-troubles-havent-ended-as-he-makes-more-videos Apple will start making Mac minis in the US https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-will-start-making-mac-minis-in-the-us-101000341.html Young adults turn to iPods and vintage tech over iPhones https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/23/why-gen-z-and-young-adults-are-embracing-ipods-again Guests: Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession 'firsts,' including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He's been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

海外援助不是一件容易的事，台灣曾經是接受「外援」的地方，如今卻有力量回應聯合國永續發展目標SDGs的第十七項多元夥伴關係，對外援助有需要的國家與地區，進而搶救、幫助其中一個個鮮活的生命。但台灣的國際處境微妙，甚至可說困難，以政府名義發動的援助可能受到政治力的影響。但反過來說，民間團體、NGO直接對外援助，也受到許多國內外法令與環境的限制。本集特別邀請台灣海外援助發展聯盟理事長王金英，從民間NGO平台的角色，談談台灣人的愛心，如何在尼泊爾強震後成為當地人可長可久的幫助？從越南、柬埔寨、寮國到巴西，台灣NGO的海外援助有哪些動人的故事？當政府的援助力量與民間NGO整合，借鏡日本、韓國等的經驗，是否可以開創新局？台灣的NGO營運在亞洲名列前茅，可說是台灣之光，更在亞洲培育國際NGO人才，這件事又如何辦到？歡迎收聽！

What do Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam have in common? Chopsticks. In the second Formosa Files Snack, Eryk and John explore the cultural story behind one of East Asia's most iconic everyday objects. Why did chopsticks replace spoons in China? What role did noodles, rice, and Confucian philosophy play in their adoption? And how did superstitious Ming-dynasty boatmen turn the ancient word for chopsticks into “kuàizi” (literally “quick little boys”)? The origins of the English word “chopsticks” are pretty interesting too. Enjoy this quick, fun cultural and historical detour through the Greater Asian Chopsticks Sphere.

Newt talks with Professor Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, about the global impact of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, with a focus on China's perspective. Tsang discusses China's strategic interests in the Middle East, highlighting the region's importance for energy security and its role in China's global strategy under Xi Jinping's leadership. Xi Jinping's ambitions for China are highlighted, including his vision for Chinese global preeminence by 2049, which aligns with the 100th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The strategic dynamics in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran's role and the potential consequences of U.S. actions in the region are evaluated. They discuss the U.S. military focus on Iran and the Persian Gulf and whether the U.S. engagement will tip the balance of power around Taiwan, considering China's military readiness and strategic calculations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:00 Intro01:18 Taiwan Parliament Approves $9B U.S. Arms Deal03:21 Could the U.S. Hack China's Surveillance Cameras?05:11 Senate Hearing: ‘Malign Foreign Influence in Higher Education'07:49 Lawmakers Press Military on CCP Threats, U.S. Readiness11:36 Bill to Protect Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting13:01 China's Forced Organ Harvesting on Falun Gong14:17 Sun: Bipartisan Outcry Over Persecution of Falun Gong15:25 Beijing's Repression of Faith Reaches U.S. Soil16:39 Sun: Over 300 Cases of Transnational Repression17:38 Falun Gong Protection Act Targets Organ Harvesting

Was ist Pilgern eigentlich – und wann wird aus einem Weg mehr als nur eine Wanderung?Christine Thürmer, die meistgewanderte Frau der Welt und Stammgast bei Weltwach, hat das Jahr 2025 zu ihrem ganz persönlichen Pilgerjahr erklärt. Auf historischen, modernen und kaum bekannten Pilgerwegen war sie unterwegs: auf den großen Caminos Spaniens, auf nahezu unbekannten Routen durch Osteuropa, auf katholischen Wallfahrtswegen, aber auch auf buddhistischen und shintoistischen Pilgerpfaden in Asien.In dieser Folge sprechen wir über die Ursprünge des Pilgerns, über Buße, Anstrengung und Glauben – und darüber, warum Pilgern mehr ist als nur Gehen. Christine erzählt von singenden Pilgergruppen in Polen, von Marienwallfahrten in Ungarn und Rumänien, vom fast vergessenen Pilgerziel Wilsnack in Brandenburg und von modernen Wegen wie dem Camino Lituano oder dem Franziskusweg in Italien.Es geht um spirituelle Ernsthaftigkeit und um Kommerzialisierung, um überfüllte Jakobswege und stille Alternativen – und um die Frage, was passiert, wenn religiöse Rituale ihren ursprünglichen Sinn verlieren.Persönlich wird es, wenn Christine erzählt, wie sie über das Wandern wieder zum Glauben gefunden hat, warum Dankbarkeit für sie eine religiöse Dimension hat – und weshalb Kirchen für sie unterwegs oft ein Stück Heimat sind.Eine Folge über Wege und Umwege, über Rituale und Zweifel, über Geschichte, Kultur und Spiritualität – und darüber, was Menschen antreibt, sich auf den Weg zu machen.Verpasst außerdem nicht Christines aktuelles Buch, „Hiking Asia“ über das Wandern in Japan, Südkorea und Taiwan auf Trails, bei denen selbst die meistgewanderte Frau der Welt ins Schwitzen kommt.Christine ist auch 2026 wieder auf Tour – mit ihrer neuen Show „Wandern Total, die Welt zu deinen Füßen“. Die Tour hat schon angefangen, läuft aber noch weiter mit vielen Stationen, schaut dazu auf Christines Website vorbei www.christinethuermer.de----------------------------------Redaktion & Postproduktion: Erik Lorenz----------------------------------Dieser Podcast wird auch durch unsere Hörerschaft ermöglicht. Wenn du gern zuhörst, kannst du dazu beitragen, dass unsere Show auch weiterhin besteht und regelmäßig erscheint. Zum Dank erhältst du Zugriff auf unseren werbefreien Feed und auf unsere Bonusfolgen. Diese Möglichkeiten zur Unterstützung bestehen:Weltwach Supporters Club bei Steady. Du kannst ihn auch direkt über Spotify ansteuern. Alternativ kannst du bei Apple Podcasts UnterstützerIn werden.----------------------------------WERBEPARTNERhttps://linktr.ee/weltwach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Head of Asia Technology Research Shawn Kim explains what disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could mean for the global semiconductor supply chain and the immediate future of AI infrastructure.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Shawn Kim, Head of Morgan Stanley's Asia Technology Team.Today: why the Strait of Hormuz closure may matter to the global technology industry.It's Friday, March 13th, at 8 pm in Taipei. AI and advanced chips may represent the cutting edge of technology, but they depend on something far more basic: that's energy. And a large share of that energy flows through one narrow shipping lane in the Middle East – the Strait of Hormuz. When energy supply chains are disrupted, the effects can quickly ripple into semiconductor manufacturing.Advanced semiconductor fabrication is, in fact, one of the most energy‑intensive industrial processes in the world. Take Taiwan, for example – home of the world's largest share of leading-edge chip production. Just one major manufacturer alone accounts for roughly 9–10 percent of the country's total electricity consumption. That scale of energy use means the stability of power supply is critical.Taiwan relies heavily on imported LNG to generate electricity. But storage levels are limited. It maintains roughly one and half weeks worth of LNG inventory, with several additional weeks supplied by vessels currently at sea. If shipping through the Strait of Hormuz were significantly disrupted, that supply chain could come under pressure. The immediate impact might not necessarily be an outright shortage – but rising energy costs could still affect semiconductor production economics. And that's important because advanced chips are foundational to everything from cloud computing to artificial intelligence systems.Energy isn't the only potential bottleneck. Another lesser-known input in the semiconductor ecosystem is sulfur. More than 90 percent of the world's sulfur supply is produced as a by‑product of oil refining. That sulfur is then used to produce sulfuric acid, a key chemical that supports semiconductor materials, metal processing, and battery components.Disruptions in oil refining tied to shipping constraints or energy market shocks could also affect sulfur supply. In other words, a disruption in energy markets could trigger second‑order effects across multiple layers of the technological supply chain. And those effects extend beyond chips themselves. The downstream impact touches industries tied to electrification, data centers, and advanced electronics manufacturing.History also offers some lessons learned about how technology markets react when energy prices spike. During periods of major oil price surges – such as in 2008 and again in 2021 through 2022 – semiconductor equities experienced significant drawdowns. In both cases, semiconductor stocks declined by roughly 30 percent before reaching an inflection point. The mechanism is fairly intuitive. Higher oil prices raise costs across the economy and can weaken consumer spending. At the same time, companies building energy‑intensive infrastructure – like large‑scale AI data centers – may face higher operating costs and low revenues.So when energy markets move sharply, technology markets often move with them. A disruption in the Strait of Hormuz wouldn't automatically halt chip production, but it could ripple through power costs, materials supply, and the economics of building AI infrastructure. And that highlights an important reality for investors: the future of technology isn't just written in code. It's powered by energy, by infrastructure, and the fragile global networks behind the digital economy.Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.

In this episode of the Planet MicroCap Podcast, I spoke with John Petrides, Portfolio Manager at Tocqueville Asset Management. We take a step back and examine the broader market landscape—from record concentration in mega-cap tech to the evolving AI investment thesis and the growing geopolitical and fiscal risks shaping today's capital markets. We discuss why the S&P 500's historic concentration may be creating hidden risks for passive investors, how the AI story is shifting from infrastructure providers to real-world adopters across industries, and why geopolitical flashpoints like Taiwan could represent the market's most significant systemic risk. We also explore the implications of rising U.S. deficits and higher interest rates for fixed income investors, and why the growing valuation gap between large-cap tech and the rest of the market may be setting the stage for renewed opportunity in small and micro-cap stocks—particularly those with strong balance sheets and exposure to hard assets like energy and critical minerals. We mention several companies and sectors during this conversation, and I'm not a shareholder in any of them. For more information about Tocqueville Asset Management, please visit: https://tocqueville.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Market Landscape Overview 01:00 Market Surprises Since Spring 2023 02:09 Impact of AI Spending and Geopolitical Risks 03:10 Market Concentration and Sector Valuations 04:07 Opportunities in Healthcare and Small Caps 05:08 Portfolio Construction Amid Macro Uncertainty 06:05 International Diversification and Valuation Dispersion 07:02 Market Narrative Cycles and Signal Filtering 07:59 Long-Term Investing Principles and Market History 09:03 Market Structure and Price Discovery Risks 10:07 Key Market Mispricings and Sector Disconnects 11:06 Government Involvement and Sector Evaluation 12:04 Opportunities in Undervalued Sectors and Small Caps 13:02 Discipline and Focus in Rapid Information Environments 13:56 Fundamental Signals for Microcap Investment 15:07 Institutional Ownership and Market Movements 16:05 Impact of Government Actions on Market Sectors 17:04 Risks in Geopolitics and Long-Term Bonds 18:00 Microcap Market Inefficiencies and Opportunities 18:59 Market Disconnects and Investor Attention 19:57 AI Spending and Geopolitical Risks Revisited 20:53 Valuation Opportunities in Low-Margin Businesses 21:54 Underappreciated Risks: Taiwan and Capital Flows 23:06 Macro Trends and CapEx Quality Concerns 24:04 Microchip Supply Chain and Geopolitical Tensions 25:02 Interest Rates, Deficits, and Fiscal Risks 26:03 Active Bond Strategies and Long-Term Risks 26:59 Underestimated Geopolitical and Market Risks 27:46 AI CapEx and Cost Structure Risks 29:05 Microcap Liquidity and Institutional Flows 30:06 Signals of Institutional Interest in Microcaps 31:03 Fundamental Analysis for Microcap Selection 31:59 Emerging Themes in Microcap Space 32:49 Building Resilient Portfolios in Volatile Markets 34:10 Sector Opportunities in Rare Earths and Energy 34:52 Market Discipline and Investor Focus 35:52 Staying True to Investment Principles 37:04 Lessons from Market Crises and Capital Preservation 38:04 Aligning Portfolio with Investor Goals 39:00 Key Principles for Navigating Market Uncertainty 40:05 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Planet Microcap hosts the highest quality in-person microcap events in North America. The mission is to bring the best microcap investors, companies, and allocators together to gather, connect, and grow.; visit https://planetmicrocap.com/ to learn more about our Las Vegas and Toronto events. The purpose of this conversation is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any security. Planet MicroCap Holdings LLC and MicroCapClub LLC are not registered investment advisors. Planet MicroCap Holdings LLC, MicroCapClub LLC, its partners, contractors, members, subscribers, guests, and affiliates may or may not hold positions in one or more of the securities mentioned on this program and may trade in such securities at any time. Do your own due diligence and seek counsel from a registered investment advisor before trading in any security.

On this episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor is joined by former Navy SEAL and the man who killed Osama bin Laden, Rob O’Neill, for a deep dive into today’s escalating global conflicts. They discuss the military operations behind Operation Epic Fury, the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, and the broader geopolitical strategy involving Iran, China, and Russia. O’Neill explains how modern special operations are executed, why the strikes against Iranian and Venezuelan targets could reshape global power dynamics, and how these moves may impact China’s ambitions toward Taiwan. Tudor and Rob also discuss media narratives, national security threats at home, and what these conflicts mean for America’s future. From covert missions to the global chessboard of power politics, this conversation breaks down the strategy behind the headlines and what Americans should understand about the rapidly shifting world order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I want to invite you into one of the most meaningful, emotional, and important conversations I've ever had the honor to record.This episode is a tribute, a celebration, and a deep bow of respect to a man whose very presence influenced the direction of my path, who shaped an entire island's martial culture, and who quietly—but powerfully—influenced some of the biggest names in Jeet Kune Do and modern martial arts.Today, with my dear friend Guro Burton Richardson, we honor the life, legacy, philosophy, and spirit of the one and only:Professor / Sifu Daniel Duby De Lavergnê—martial artist, philosopher, rock star, pioneer, and a living embodiment of JKD's essence.There are people in life who teach you techniques…And there are people who teach you how to live.There are people who show you how to kick…And there are people who show you how to be.Sifu Dan was one of those rare individuals who carried a different frequency.A different presence.A different internal stillness.A different type of lightning.When you stood with him, you didn't just see martial arts—you felt an entire way of being.He wasn't imitating Bruce Lee.He wasn't reciting philosophy.He was the philosophy.He was the art.He was the expression.He traveled from Reunion Island to Taiwan and Hong Kong at a time when there was no YouTube, no translators, no pre-arranged seminars—just pure heart, courage, and curiosity. He trained Wing Chun under Lo Man Kam, Monkey Boxing under Grandmaster Liao Wu Tsang, he studied the internal arts, he studied with Philip Bourjon and then fused all of it with the ferocity and elegance of Street Savate, which he brought to the United States in the 1970s.People don't realize this, but the street kicking, the stop-kicking, the savate flavor in JKD today?A huge part of that came through him.He influenced Jeet Kune Do luminaries like —Guru Dan Inosanto, Paul Vunak, and Matt Thornton—who spoke of Dan's ability to close the gap, the suddenness of his kicks, the cobra-like explosion that made him look like lightning.This man influenced multiple generations of martial artists who never even met him.But beyond the technique, what made him truly extraordinary was something deeper:His presence.His ability to be fully himself—without facade, without mask, without fear.His ability to empower others.To look you in the eyes and say,“You've got this. Go find your own way.”That single sentence changed the trajectory of my Jeet Kune Do.And so today, we honor him.We honor his journey.We honor his courage.We honor his impact.We honor his students, his family, and the martial artists of Reunion Island whose culture he transformed forever.So settle in.Take a deep breath.Because today, we're not just recounting stories…We're remembering a legend.Welcome to:“The Legend of Daniel Duby de Lavergne: Fearless, Fluid, Free.” 

Ein Bushäuschen am Pazifik, ein Blau, das fast unwirklich wirkt, und plötzlich absolute Stille. Willkommen an der Ostküste Taiwans.Während der Westen der Insel dicht besiedelt und hochmodern ist, fühlt sich der Osten wie ein anderes Land an. Zwischen Meer, Reisfeldern und grünen Bergen liegt Taitung, eine entspannte Küstenstadt, in der man mit dem Fahrrad durch Parks rollt, über Nachtmärkte schlendert und in kleinen Restaurants die vielleicht besten Nudeln der Welt entdeckt. Hier erzählt uns ein Mönch von den indigenen Kulturen der Region, während moderne Kunstmuseen und hippe Cafés zeigen, wie überraschend vielseitig Taiwan sein kann.Weiter nördlich führt die Reise in eine Landschaft, die fast unwirklich wirkt. Über eine geschwungene Drachenbrücke nach Sanxiantai, durch Marmorschluchten im Taroko-Nationalpark und schließlich in einen nebligen Regenwald, der zu einer der eindrucksvollsten Wander-Erfahrungen der Reise wird.Taiwan zeigt hier eine ganz andere Seite: ruhiger, wilder und voller Kontraste. Genau das macht den Osten dieser Insel so besonders. Wenn ihr alle Infos, Orte, Tipp und Geschichten, kommt mit und hört rein in diese Episode!—Diese Folge entstand mit der freundlichen Unterstützung der Taiwan Tourism AdministrationUnsere Werbepartner findet ihr hier.Kommt zu unserer LIVE-Show:11.4.2026 Mannheim (SWR Podcastfestival)Tickets gibt es HIER.Mehr Reisen Reisen gibt es bei Instagram und in unserem Newsletter-Magazin.—Taitung Forest Park - TaitungGroßer Küstenpark direkt am Pazifik mit Fahrradwegen durch Kasuarinenwälder, kleinen Seen und ruhigen Aussichtspunkten aufs Meer. Ein perfekter Ort, um die entspannte Atmosphäre der Stadt zu erleben.https://maps.google.com/?q=Taitung+Forest+Parkhttps://www.taiwantourismus.de/Su Tien Chu Vegetarian Noodles - TaitungKleines vegetarisches Nudelrestaurant mit einfachen Plastikstühlen und fantastischen hausgemachten Nudeln. Ein unscheinbarer Laden, der sich schnell als kulinarischer Geheimtipp entpuppt.https://maps.app.goo.gl/YeiTdpeRRkJMuDrd8Taitung Art Museum - TaitungModernes Kunstmuseum in einem grünen Park mit zeitgenössischen Ausstellungen, Installationen und einer überraschend internationalen Atmosphäre.https://www.instagram.com/taitung_art_museum/https://maps.google.com/?q=Taitung+Art+MuseumW.G. Café – TaitungModernes Café im Museumsgarten mit großen Fenstern, skandinavischem Design und kreativen Gerichten von Brunch bis Dessert. Ein entspannter Ort für Kaffee oder Frühstück.https://www.instagram.com/w.g.cafe/https://maps.app.goo.gl/UYGF7qdVgRjpdoC37Sanxiantai Bridge – Taitung CountySpektakuläre geschwungene Fußgängerbrücke, die wie ein Drache über das Meer führt und eine kleine Insel mit der Küste verbindet. Eines der bekanntesten Fotomotive an Taiwans Ostküste.https://share.google/2NNm7rVu8uapOPyLXTaroko National Park - TaiwanEiner der spektakulärsten Nationalparks Ostasiens mit tief eingeschnittenen Marmorschluchten, türkisfarbenen Flüssen und dichtem subtropischem Bergwald.https://maps.google.com/?q=Taroko+National+ParkSilks Place Taroko - Taroko National ParkLuxushotel mitten im Nationalpark mit Blick in die Schlucht, Pool auf dem Dach und direktem Zugang zu Wanderungen im Taroko-Gebirge.https://www.instagram.com/silksplacetaroko/https://maps.google.com/?q=Silks+Place+TarokoDali Village Trail – Taroko National ParkAnspruchsvoller Wanderweg durch subtropischen Bergwald mit spektakulären Blicken in die Taroko-Schlucht. Besonders atmosphärisch bei Nebel oder nach Regen.Aktuelle Trails gibt es hier: https://maps.google.com/?q=Dali+Village+Trail+Taroko Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Há décadas você pedalou em bicicleta feita na China ou Taiwan — com nome americano, italiano ou belga na chapa.O que mudou é simples: quem fabricava para as marcas ocidentais resolveu vender direto para você.A dúvida que fica: como separar o produto bom do pirata? E se der errado, tem suporte — ou é "la garantia soy yo"?Joe Wittingham saiu da Inglaterra, foi morar na China, se apaixonou pelo ciclismo e criou o PANDA PODIUM — um site só com o que ele pessoalmente usa e recomenda.A gente gravou na madrugada e foi longe.#gregariocycling #ciclismo #bicicletaschinesses #pandapodium #podcast

日常奔波，是否讓你忘了好好照顧自己？ 把行程放心交給旅行老朋友「喜鴻假期」。 我們用超值的貼心款待，替你卸下生活疲憊。 你只需要帶著期待，去感受沿途風景， 將純粹的快樂收進專屬回憶裡。 搜尋「喜鴻假期」， 陪你寫一段段美好的旅行故事！ https://sofm.pse.is/8tqaf3 -- 放慢了車速，心跳卻加速； 將你的手輕輕收進我外套的口袋， 隔絕涼意，卻藏不住滿溢的悸動。 紅燈停下的瞬間，影子重疊著曖昧； 永遠難忘的心動秘密， 都藏在……同一陣風裡。 盧可沛 首張個人專輯加速載入中 2026.03.13第二波心動單曲〈同一陣風裡〉 數位聆聽

We talk the premier making a brief trip to Japan on his day off that raised some ire feelings, a sharp decline in Chinese military flights near Taiwan, revisions to the Meteorological Act and more. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Dylan Patel, founder of SemiAnalysis, provides a deep dive into the 3 big bottlenecks to scaling AI compute: logic, memory, and power.And walks through the economics of labs, hyperscalers, foundries, and fab equipment manufacturers.Learned a ton about every single level of the stack. Enjoy!Watch on YouTube; read the transcript.Sponsors* Mercury has already saved me a bunch of time this tax season. Last year, I used Mercury to request W-9s from all the contractors I worked with. Then, when it came time to issue 1099s this year, I literally just clicked a button and Mercury sent them out. Learn more at mercury.com.* Labelbox noticed that even when voice models appear to take interruptions in stride, their performance degrades. To figure out why, they built a new evaluation pipeline called EchoChain. EchoChain diagnoses voice models' specific failure modes, letting you understand what your model needs to truly handle interruptions. Check it out at labelbox.com/dwarkesh.* Jane Street is basically a research lab with a trading desk attached – and their infrastructure backs this up. They've got tens of thousands of GPUs, hundreds of thousands of CPU cores, and exabytes of storage. This is what it takes to find subtle signals hidden deep within noisy market data. If this sounds interesting, you can explore open positions at janestreet.com/dwarkesh.Timestamps(00:00:00) – Why an H100 is worth more today than 3 years ago(00:24:52) – Nvidia secured TSMC allocation early; Google is getting squeezed(00:34:34) – ASML will be the #1 constraint for AI compute scaling by 2030(00:55:47) – Can't we just use TSMC's older fabs?(01:05:37) – When will China outscale the West in semis?(01:16:01) – The enormous incoming memory crunch(01:42:34) – Scaling power in the US will not be a problem(01:54:44) – Space GPUs aren't happening this decade(02:14:07) – Why aren't more hedge funds making the AGI trade?(02:18:30) – Will TSMC kick Apple out from N2?(02:24:16) – Robots and Taiwan risk Get full access to Dwarkesh Podcast at www.dwarkesh.com/subscribe

What do the fall of Venezuela’s Maduro regime and the war with Iran mean for China? On this episode of The Truth with Lisa Boothe, Lisa is joined by China expert and bestselling author Gordon Chang to break down the geopolitical ripple effects of Operation Epic Fury and President Trump’s foreign policy moves. Chang explains how China has relied on Iran and Venezuela as strategic proxies, why Chinese weapons and defense systems have failed against U.S. and Israeli forces, and how losing discounted oil from those regimes could hit China’s struggling economy. They also dive into the biggest question: Does this make China more or less likely to invade Taiwan? Chang analyzes Xi Jinping’s political vulnerabilities, the turmoil inside China’s military leadership, and the growing risk of conflict with the United States. Plus, they discuss China’s surveillance state, potential internal unrest, and why this moment could be a turning point in the global balance of power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1897 ENTRY OF THE KING OF PERSIAThe following individuals joined the discussion to analyze the current geopolitical and economic landscape: (1)*   Gordon Chang, Columnist and co-host *   Peter Huessy, President of Geostrategic Analysis and Fellow at the National Institute for Deterrent Studies *   Alan Tonelson, Manufacturing and trade expert who blogs at *Reality Check* *   Rebecca Grant, Vice President of the Lexington Institute (2)### Summary of Geopolitical Instability and Global Consequences (3)Global Economic "Tsunami" and Resource Shortages The potential closure or instability of the Strait of Hormuz poses a threat far beyond the price of oil, described by participants as a looming economic "tsunami". Critical shortages are building for products like fertilizer (urea), sulfur, and petroleum products used in high-end manufacturing. Sulfur is particularly vital as it is required to process the copper used in semiconductors and high-end electronics. While the U.S. may be self-sufficient in fertilizer, the heavy technology-dependent economies of East Asia, including Taiwan, face significant risks to their semiconductor production if these supply chains are severed. Recent reports indicate this threat is immediate, with three cargo ships, including a bulk carrier from Bangkok, recently hit by projectiles in the Strait. (4)China as a Hostile Trade Partner and Provocateur China is characterized as a "hostile trade partner" and an "enemy combatant" that wages proxy wars through Russia in Ukraine and Iran in the Middle East. Experts note that Iran's military capabilities are heavily supported by China, which provides supersonic missiles and the semiconductors found in Iranian drones. Furthermore, Iran's nuclear program is described as a subset of the North Korean program, which was historically promoted by China to keep the U.S. pinned down. Domestically, China continues to ignore promises to stop the flow of fentanyl precursors, with participants noting that leader Xi Jinping has now "dishonored" four such promises to U.S. presidents. (5)U.S. Navy Operational Limits The U.S. Navy is currently facing significant strain, described as being "tightly squeezed" regarding its aircraft carrier fleet. The USS Gerald R. Ford has seen its deployment extended to 11 months, performing continuous combat operations in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Similarly, the USS Nimitz, which was scheduled for decommissioning, has had its service extended to participate in Southern Command exercises. Although these carriers possess "layered defense" systems capable of neutralizing Chinese supersonic missiles and drones, the Navy lacks a sufficient number of ships to maintain these global commitments indefinitely; while law requires 11 carriers, experts argue the current global challenge requires 15. (6)The "Brothers of Mayhem" Alliance The participants argue that China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea act as a coordinated group of "brothers of mayhem". This alliance is not merely fighting over territory or reputation but is engaged in a fundamental contest over "what kind of world we're going to live in". While the West seeks to maintain the status quo and open trade routes, this opposing bloc utilizes economic warfare, proxy conflicts, and the threat of nuclear escalation—such as China's hinted "first-strike" nuclear posture—to challenge Western hegemony. (7)

International equities have recently generated meaningful outperformance relative to U.S. equities, suggesting a material shift after an extended period of U.S. dominance. Host John Bryson is joined by Dean Bumbaca, CFA, portfolio manager at Axiom Investors, to discuss why international markets could continue to gain momentum and how global exposure can help investors capture these dynamic opportunities. Dean shares insights into the most attractive investment opportunities as the global economy restructures. The conversation also touches on the AI trade, equity valuations, and the consequences of a weaker U.S. dollar for investors with U.S.-focused portfolios. 1 How would you describe Axiom's investment approach? Dean: At Axiom, we view the predominant, most durable factor that drives alpha in equity markets to be positive surprise. Our entire process is designed to spot inflections in businesses that will ultimately result in positive earnings surprises, coupled with an improving competitive advantage and deepening moats. We embrace buy and monitor, where new information proves or disproves our hypothesis. 2 Why should investors consider international equities in 2026? Dean: U.S. market outperformance through the end of 2024 was fueled by the strength of the U.S. economy and the country's edge in design. We believe the global economy is beginning to shift from the design era to a build era, where outsized growth comes from capital heavy enterprises. The winners of this phase are in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and parts of Europe, where advanced manufacturing remains concentrated. 3 What are the specific regional opportunities available in international markets? Dean: We have a large and increasing position in Japan. With the country's dominance in materials science and scaled manufacturing, our companies are seeing strong demand for high performance specialty materials used in aeroengines and nuclear reactors. On top of that, the government has made structural changes to enhance shareholder return, improve return on equity, and valuation multiples. We also see meaningful upside in defense and aerospace. Defense demand is supported by rising government budgets, while aerospace should benefit from stronger international travel, which increases aircraft utilization and drives higher maintenance needs. In addition, we expect positive earnings momentum in European financials, supported by credible cost takeout programs that should translate into substantial capital returns over the coming years.

Louis-Vincent Gave, founder and CEO of Gavekal Research, joins Julia to break down the three prices that drive every investment decision — the dollar, the 10-year treasury, and oil — and why right now all three are flashing red. With the Strait of Hormuz under threat, Louis explains why he sees oil heading toward $120 and why that number breaks the global economy. He makes the case that the traditional 60/40 portfolio is dead and should be replaced with 60% equities, 20% precious metals, and 20% energy. He reveals why the Chinese renminbi is the most undervalued asset on the planet, why China already won the trade war, and why the US is in greater danger of crushing its allies than itself. One of the most thought-provoking macro conversations you'll hear this year.Links: https://web.gavekal.com/https://x.com/gave_vincentTimestamps: 0:00 Intro and welcome 01:22 The 3 prices that drive everything: dollar, 10-year, oil 2:38 Oil went from $65 to $85 — but Louis fears $120-150 4:08 Why the oil futures curve isn't pricing in a prolonged crisis 5:06 Dollar bear market — why the rebound won't last 6:28 "If truth is the first casualty of war, bonds are a close second" 6:53 The binary outcome on Iran — both scenarios are bad for bonds 7:51 Regime change = Berlin Wall moment — but real rates explode 9:44 "Tails I lose, heads I don't win" — the bond market trap 11:33 $100 oil and Trump's political predicament 13:41 Trump wanted lower energy — "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" 14:06 Why $100 oil is "right pocket, left pocket" for the US 15:58 The real victims: Europe, Taiwan, Korea, Japan 17:23 90% of Hormuz oil heads east — not to the US 18:39 Missing 15 million barrels: prices skyrocket or demand collapses 20:28 Why energy is the best hedge for your portfolio right now 21:50 The new portfolio: 60% equities, 20% precious metals, 20% energy 22:07 The four quadrants framework explained 25:40 Why the 60/40 portfolio is officially dead 27:52 Gold is NOT an inflation hedge — what it actually is 28:37 Why central banks started buying gold after Russia asset seizure 30:08 Western retail has completely missed the gold bull market 31:32 The broken equation: US treasuries no longer equal commodities 32:59 The next shift — stockpiling physical commodities 33:15 "I'm bearish on the dollar and treasuries — but the US has pocket aces" 34:38 Four pillars: fundamentals, momentum, positioning, valuation 36:40 Where Louis sees opportunity: Chile, Brazil, China, South Africa 37:21 China for beginners — the biggest misconceptions 39:05 China's growth miracle — it wasn't central planning 42:06 The Hunger Games of capitalism 44:24 How China really views the Iran war — purely economic 46:46 The most underappreciated macro theme right now 48:19 "Stupidly, stupidly undervalued" — the renminbi slam dunk trade 50:41 Why China kept the RMB artificially low for 8 years 51:49 The weaponization of China's own savings52:35 "China went to the gym" — why it could stand up to Trump 54:18 Who won the trade war? 56:12 The one risk keeping Louis up at night 57:08 "$120 oil breaks stuff" — the number to watch

Horses have never played a big role in Taiwan's history – or have they? Eryk and John start Season Six of Formosa Files and celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse by uncovering a series of surprising equine stories. We have prehistoric horses, Dutch cavalry, and Indigenous riders hunting wild cattle in the 1700s. And this will be a revelation to most; horse racing was hugely popular across the island during the later part of the Japanese colonial period. In the 1930s, tens of thousands flocked to the tracks, fortunes were wagered, and the Japanese colonial government even linked betting to imperial patriotism.Follow us on IG or FB.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Iran's leadership may survive the current war, but the balance of power inside Tehran could be shifting. We take a closer look at how the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may be using this moment to tighten its grip on the regime—potentially accelerating a long-running evolution toward an IRGC-dominated state. French President Emmanuel Macron orders a major naval deployment to the Middle East, sending ten warships to the region to reinforce France's presence and potentially escort commercial shipping through the increasingly tense Strait of Hormuz. China unexpectedly suspends its daily military flights near Taiwan, leaving the skies around the island strangely quiet and raising new questions about what Beijing may be planning next. In today's Back of the Brief — investigators uncover new evidence in the attempted bombing during a New York City protest, as the FBI searches a Pennsylvania storage unit tied to what authorities say was an ISIS-inspired plot. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief HomeServe: Protect your home systems from costly repairs with HomeServe—plans start at $4.99/month at https://HomeServe.com.  Cardiff: Get fast business funding without bank delays—apply in minutes with Cardiff and access up to $500,000 in same‑day funding at https://Cardiff.co/PDB  StopBox: Get firearm security redesigned and save 10% off @StopBoxUSA with code PDB10 at https://stopboxusa.com/PDB10#stopboxpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Left is currently working overtime to convince you that Non-Citizen voting is just a 'MYTH.' They claim the SAVE Act—a simple bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, is actually about 'disenfranchisement' and Voter Suppression. But if non-citizens voting is truly a myth, why are Democrats fighting so desperately to keep the loopholes open?SPONSOR: Brave BooksBrave Books creates pro-God, pro-America stories teaching the lessons our culture is trying to erase, like truth, courage, sacrifice, faith, and love of country through stories kids actually want to read. Get a new book every month and FREE access to their parent-vetted streaming platform BRAVE+ when you join the BRAVE Book Club.Use code NICK for 20% off your first order at: https://www.BraveBooks.com/NICK-----SPONSOR: Lear CapitalThe best way to invest in gold and silver is with Lear Capital. Get your FREE Gold and Silver investor guides from Lear Capital. And, receive FREE bonus metals with a qualified purchase.Call them today at 800-707-4575 or go to: https://www.Nick4Lear.com-----GET YOUR MERCH HERE: https://shop.nickjfreitas.com/BECOME A MEMBER OF THE IC: https://NickJFreitas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickjfreitas/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickFreitasVATwitter: https://twitter.com/NickJFreitasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickjfreitasTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickfreitas3.000:00:01 – Frustration with Republican leadership over the SAVE Act00:01:29 – What is actually inside the SAVE Act legislation.00:02:29 – Why Republican senators must face primary challenges now.00:03:57 – Defining proof of citizenship for all federal elections.00:05:48 – How to handle name discrepancies for married women.00:06:51 – Exposing Democrat efforts to encourage illegal alien voting.00:11:11 – Why security must always be prioritized over convenience.00:13:00 – The Taiwan model for election security 00:15:00 – Debunking claims of disenfranchisement and unnecessary barriers.00:19:46 – Balancing election integrity through security and voter convenience.00:23:58 – Highlighting states with dangerous and permissive voting laws.00:26:07 – The problem with Minnesota's insane voter vouching system.00:27:06 – Why law enforcement refuses to prosecute voter fraud.00:30:20 – Personal stories of election day shady thumb drives.00:33:07 – Why the Left imports voters to build power.00:39:08 – Identifying the Senate Republicans blocking the SAVE Act.00:41:26 – Why Lisa Murkowski must face a primary challenger.00:46:08 – John Thune dismisses MAGA pressure as paid influencers.00:47:06 – Why Mike Lee wants the speaking filibuster back.00:50:17 – Why conservatives should never vote for Democratic candidates.00:51:53 – Using electoral fear to motivate mediocre Republican politicians.00:54:39 – Why John Thune plays hardball only against conservatives.00:57:44 – Why Mitch McConnell's constitutional arguments are total garbage.01:00:00 – Final thoughts: Reclaiming the country through local action

Live Mar 11, 2026 | Yaron Brook ShowSeason 12, Episode 509/11 & Iran War; Oil; Taiwan; WA Taxes; More | Yaron Brook Show9/11 Lessons Ignored? Iran War, Oil Shock, Taiwan Risk & America's Economic ContradictionsWhat if the biggest lesson of 9/11 is the one policymakers still refuse to learn?In this explosive episode of the The Yaron Brook Show, Yaron Brook connects the dots between the Iran war, oil geopolitics, Taiwan tensions, tax policy, welfare fraud, and the housing crisis—revealing the deeper ideas driving today's political chaos.Are we repeating the same strategic mistakes that led to decades of failed Middle East policy?Could an Iran war reshape global oil markets?Is Taiwan the next geopolitical flashpoint?And why do governments keep expanding welfare and taxation while housing becomes unaffordable?From foreign policy to economics to philosophy, this episode exposes the contradictions shaping the world in 2026.

All @TheBrancaShow mugs! https://tinyurl.com/k778wj2kJOIN OUR COMMUNITY! Exclusive Members-only content & perks! Only ~17 cents/day! $5/month! YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hn32rfz9 Locals: https://tinyurl.com/yck4w9kfFOUNDING FATHERS SPEED DIAL: Founding Fathers SPEED DIAL: https://tinyurl.com/3f7pc8nzTODAY's MEMBERS-ONLY SHOW: “ICE: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Judicial Warrants!”YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2edcx5ehLocals: https://tinyurl.com/57ee446bI was sitting in my office this weekend watching the news on Iran, and I couldn't help but think that Iran's decades-long antagonism of America and murder of Americans is finally turning out much like the Chihuahua that finally chased down the milk truck—bark around, find out.  Of course, it took Trump to make this find out a practical reality, after decades of feckless prior presidents bent the American knee to Iran's relentless yapping—because unlike those prior presidents Trump just does the things that America can and should do. Now the word on the street—or should I say, the word on the Strait of Hormuz—is that Trump is eyeballing Iran's Kharg Island like a hungry bear eyes a fat rabbit.  If you don't know, Kharg Island handles about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports—you can think of it as Iran's big fat wallet. Seize that asset and suddenly Iran goes from rich boy living large on a trust fund to the kid restocking shelves on the night shift. Without Kharg Island, Iran simply can't keep distributing the fast sums of money that maintain its theocratic death-cult grip on the nation—and that theocratic death-cult will find itself eviscerated in precisely the same manner as its several layers of leadership have been eviscerated by American & Israeli bombs and missiles. Even better is the strategic impact on China.  Traditionally, China purchased as much as 80% of Venezuela's oil exports, and as much as 90% of Iran's oil exports.  With Venezuela now a secured American partner and Iran demonstrably unable to ensure exports as the United States has begun to explode its tanker ships, China is facing a tightening petro-energy noose around its economy.  Hear that gagging sound? That's Xi as the rest of China's political leadership see his rule of the nation resulting in its economic collapse. Again, Trump can just do the things America ought long have been doing. As for America's enemies, foreign and domestic, black-pilling about sky-rocking prices of oil as a consequence of Trump's military action against Iran—the brief spike in oil prices immediately after the bombs started dropping has already begun to collapse. Why? Because price setters of crude oil recognize that the world actually has a current oil surplus, America itself floats on an ocean of oil, the US has just secured Venezuela's oil resources, Trump's savvy offer of maritime insurance has already brought Lloyds of London back into the market, and any energy spike is likely to be short-lived at worst. Once more: America's back, baby. Under Sleepy Joe, we'd be begging the UN for permission slips while oil hits triple digits. But with Trump? We're talking leverage on every strategic front, baby—enforce the Donroe doctrine in the American hemisphere, seize Iran's wallet, stabilize the energy prices, and make China suffer sufficiently to neuter it's own strategic ambitions against Taiwan, against America, against anybody. Join me LIVE at 11 AM ET as I break it all down!Episode #1242.

Ethan Thornton is the Founder and CEO of Mach Industries, a defense technology company developing next-generation unmanned systems and hydrogen-powered weapons platforms to redefine modern warfare and energy logistics. Ethan left MIT after one semester in 2023 to focus on building Mach full-time. Originally from Texas, Ethan grew up on a farm where he began prototyping weapons in high school. Funded through car tech jobs, knife and furniture sales, and small engineering projects. His early hands-on ingenuity and deep sense of urgency, intensified by the war in Ukraine—motivated him to accelerate U.S. innovation in unmanned aircraft and weapon systems to help deter China and strengthen national defense capabilities. Under his leadership, Mach Industries has attracted backing from top venture firms including Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Bedrock, and has secured major U.S. Army contracts while expanding manufacturing operations. Ethan's work reflects a broader vision beyond defense. He frequently speaks on the strategic significance of Taiwan's semiconductor industry, the U.S. dollar's reserve status, the challenge of social decay and neo-feudalism, and the need for productive, post-partisan solutions that secure America's technological and economic future. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go to https://calderalab.com/SRS. Use code SRS for 20% off your first order. Go to https://helixsleep.com/SRS for 25% off. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! Go right now to https://hillsdale.edu/SRS to enroll. There's no cost, and it's easy to get started. Ethan Thorton Links: X - https://x.com/ethanrthornton Mach Industries X - https://x.com/mach_industries Mach Industries - https://www.machindustries.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices