Podcasts about unexpectedly

  • 1,489PODCASTS
  • 1,888EPISODES
  • 37mAVG DURATION
  • 5WEEKLY NEW EPISODES
  • Aug 31, 2026LATEST

POPULARITY

20192020202120222023202420252026

Categories



Best podcasts about unexpectedly

Latest podcast episodes about unexpectedly

Kings and Generals: History for our Future
3.217 Fall and Rise of China: The Battle of Hong Kong #2: the Island Aflame

Kings and Generals: History for our Future

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2026 41:37


Last time we spoke about the beginning of the Battle of Hong kong. Japan's rise as a threat to British interests accelerated through the 1920s and intensified after invading China. Britain's response remained contradictory—diplomatically conciliatory yet militarily apprehensive. While Singapore and Malaya received substantial reinforcements, Hong Kong was acknowledged indefensible, yet the 1936 Defence Scheme attempted to fortify it as an island fortress. Governor Northcote urgently advocated evacuation, recognizing the futility of defense. London rejected this, fearing it would demoralize China and forfeit sovereignty claims. Reinforcement requests from commanders like Grasett fell on deaf ears until Grasett independently lobbied Canadian leaders. This persistence finally convinced Churchill to dispatch two additional battalions. On December 8, 1941, Japanese forces attacked across three fronts with overwhelming force. Within hours, the RAF was destroyed on the ground, demolitions proved ineffective, and British units rapidly retreated toward the Gin Drinkers Line, facing an enemy that outnumbered and outmaneuvered them from the opening moments.   #217 The Battle of Hong Kong Part 2: the Island Aflame 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. Around 1500 hours on 9 December, Colonel Doi of the 228th Regiment arrived at Needle Hill, just north of the Gin Drinkers Line, ahead of his main force. For two hours he studied the British defensive positions through binoculars, noting trenches and bunkers—and to his surprise, washing lines fluttering with white clothes. The sight spoke volumes about the 2 Royal Scots' lax discipline. Then fog descended, reducing visibility to barely twenty meters, and heavy rain obscured the landscape. Doi sensed a fleeting advantage but lost radio contact with his battalions. Worse still, the Shing Mun Redoubt lay outside his regimental boundary, making an unauthorized attack a serious breach of protocol. When his units finally arrived, supporting artillery remained unavailable, held up by demolished roads. Doi chose to attack anyway. Doi ordered the 2nd Battalion to scout the eastern approach while the 3rd Battalion spearheaded the main assault. Major Nishiyana commanded the 3rd, sending Lieutenant Wakabayashi and Kasugai with 150 volunteers to lead. The Shing Mun Redoubt itself comprised five concrete pillboxes and an artillery observation post, connected by underground tunnels named after London landmarks—Piccadilly, Haymarket, and others. The whole complex sat on small rises above Jubilee Dam, then the British Empire's tallest. Defending the redoubt was A Company, 2 Royal Scots, under Captain Jones—just three officers and 39 men. One platoon of 25 soldiers under 2nd Lieutenant Thompson held the forward positions. Against this stood 150 Japanese attackers, with another 1,500 troops in reserve. Battalion orders forbade using the concrete works as fighting positions; they were meant for the Vickers machine-gun team and artillery protection. No mines could spare the redoubt's perimeter. On the night of the 9th, roughly half the defenders sheltered in the observation post while the remainder manned pillboxes 401b and 402. At 2000 hours, Thompson led a nine-man patrol northward to check Needle Hill and Shing Mun Valley. Despite two and a half hours in the field, the patrol returned at 2220 hours without detecting the Japanese force massing just 500 meters away. By that time, Lieutenant Kasugai's assault group had crossed Jubilee Dam undetected, bypassed unmanned Post X, and assembled below Pillbox 401b. At 2200 hours, Japanese sappers cut through two lines of wire. At 2300—H-Hour—Lance Corporal Laird heard movement in the bushes and opened fire. The Japanese answered with grenades and rushed the pillbox lines. One team entered the tunnel system; another hurled grenades through the air vents. Corporal Campbell swung his Vickers toward Pillbox 401, catching Japanese headquarters personnel in the open. Sergeant Robb mustered a counter-attack force of thirteen men. Five fell as casualties—Laird, Basnett, Coyle, Casey, and Jardine. Casey was killed; only Jardine escaped. The alert triggered gunfire from the observation post's defenders, and Forward Observer Wilcox called down 4.5-inch and 6-inch artillery fire. Without strong reinforcement and leadership, four Royal Scots and an Indian sentry abandoned the northern positions and withdrew to the observation post. Captain Jones received orders from Brigade to counter-attack, but delegated the task to Thompson. As Thompson attempted to leave the observation post, he found the gate locked from outside. This calamity had a backstory: just before the attack, Thompson had admitted a civilian at the request of Force 163 (SOE's sabotage unit in Singapore). Private Wylie had taken the observation post key from Lance Naik Kishan Singh and, upon exit, locked the gate behind him. The three officers were now literally locked out of the battle. Second Lieutenant Mochizuki and his platoon infiltrated through open trenches and began attacking the observation post from above, attempting to breach the hatches. The defenders held for three hours before Japanese sappers forced explosives down the air vents. At 0230 hours, the blast killed two Indian signallers inside. Thompson sustained a severe eye wound from grenade shrapnel; Jones and Warrant Officer Mead were both wounded. The remaining fifteen defenders surrendered; eleven became casualties. Meanwhile, a Rajput patrol engaging Japanese forces in the river valley managed to drive them back toward the redoubt. One final pillbox endured for another eleven hours before suffering the same sapper treatment. By 0400 hours on 10 December, the entire redoubt was lost. For just two killed, the Japanese had achieved a decisive victory—the breakthrough that would shift the entire campaign's trajectory. By dawn, a Japanese flag flew triumphantly from Point 255.   Major-General Maltby's assessment was stark: "This was calamitous, for Shing Mun was the key to the whole of the left position." Yet the Japanese perspective differed sharply. Having achieved a breakthrough, Colonel Doi received astonishing orders to withdraw—his success had transgressed into the 230th Regiment's sector and violated the meticulously prepared war plan. Doi refused. After heated confrontation with Major-General Ito and Lieutenant-General Sakai, his insubordination was later censured, though a divisional staff officer, Oyadomani, bore the scapegoat's burden of rebuke for failing to restrain Doi's initiative. With Shing Mun secured, Doi methodically fed reinforcements into the position. Throughout December 10th, the Japanese remained uncertain of their advantage and adopted a cautious strategy, probing British lines to exploit the evident disorder. Brigadier Wallis ordered the Royal Scots to mount an immediate dawn counterattack supported by the Rajputs and artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel White demurred; his battalion lacked any reasonable prospect of success. The resulting counterattack proved half-hearted at best. At first light on December 11th, the Japanese pressed Golden Hill forcefully, only to be repulsed by Captain Newton's Rajputs and gunfire from HMS Cicala. White positioned D Company in shallow shell scrapes and rusted wire—inadequate defenses against Japanese assault. Captain Pinkerton led a desperate bayonet charge that morning, temporarily clearing the Japanese and enabling the evacuation of wounded. Yet B, C, and D Companies absorbed devastating losses; Captains Rose and Richardson fell commanding their positions. With the Royal Scots collapsing, X Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and armored support rushed westward to seal the widening gap along Castle Peak Road. Meanwhile, Maltby grappled with alarming reports: Japanese landings on Lantau Island southwest of Hong Kong. Heavy artillery drove them back. A second probe at Aberdeen, where Special Naval Landing Forces approached within 300 yards of the naval base, was repelled by Canadian machine-gun fire. In hindsight, these were mere feints—never intended as the primary thrust. The stratagem succeeded. Maltby retained his island reserves—the Middlesex and two Canadian battalions—precisely where they would be needed. Had Wallis executed a forceful counterattack on December 10th with the Royal Scots and brigade reserves, the Rajputs might have retaken Shing Mun while the Japanese remained disorganized. Instead, Colonel Doi faced a furious Sakai, who had flown down from 38th Division headquarters at Taipo for what amounted to a pre-court-martial examination. The moment passed. After only 48 hours of combat, Maltby concluded the mainland was indefensible. The three battalions would withdraw intact to Hong Kong Island to assume their fortress defense roles. The naval commodore objected—demolitions, supply transfers, and troop ferrying required more time. The evacuation order was deferred 24 hours until noon on December 11th. At that hour, the decision was finalized: the mainland would be abandoned under cover of darkness. Further demolitions followed—the China Light and Power Station, the cement works on Tsing Yi Island, the docks. Yet Brigadier Wallis believed this merely a precautionary measure; he anticipated holding the mainland for at least another week. The withdrawal avoided Kowloon's congested streets, where street fighting and fifth columnists might have entrapped the British—a calculation that proved prescient, as an IJA advance column of 350 men from the 3/230th infiltrated Kowloon on the morning of December 12th to cut off the retreating garrison. The Royal Scots and Canadians retired south to Shamshuipo Barracks and Jordan Road Pier in western Kowloon; the Rajputs and supporting gunners withdrew eastward to Ma Lau Tong, which anchored the fortified Devil's Peak Peninsula. Maltby intended to hold this commanding position permanently—it was easily supplied across the narrow Lyemun Strait. The evacuation proceeded largely as planned. The Canadians and Royal Scots embarked on the afternoon and evening of December 11th under Punjabi covering fire. The Punjabis faced a harder journey—a moonlit scramble along steep Kowloon hills laden with supplies but critically short of mules. One group lost its way at a crucial junction, splitting into two columns. One proceeded toward Devil's Peak as planned; Battalion Headquarters descended into Kai Tak Airport, threaded through Kowloon City, and was evacuated by Star Ferry at Tsim Sha Tsui, fighting until the final moment as the last man boarded. The Rajputs' commander, unable to reach his Punjabi counterpart, abandoned Ma Lau Tong for the closer Hai Wan line near Devil's Peak. By 0400 hours on December 12th, the Punjabis and one Rajput company, accompanied by the gunners of the 25th Medium Battery, crossed Lyemun Strait to Hong Kong Island. Morning evacuations continued with minimal Japanese interference—a surprising restraint. Naval support proved crucial. The withdrawal completed by the morning of December 13th, though 170 mules were lost to the desertion of Chinese laborers—a deprivation that would haunt the subsequent campaign. During this passage, the IJN attempted shore bombardment. The Japanese cruiser and supporting vessels found themselves outranged by the defenders' 9.2-inch guns. The damage inflicted proved sufficient to discourage future naval adventures; for the remainder of the battle, the IJN maintained a cautious distance and played only a peripheral role. The speed and execution of the withdrawal apparently caught the Japanese unprepared. Their most probable expectation had been a full-scale assault on Devil's Peak accompanied by heavy bombardment—a day earlier, an assault without artillery preparation had been driven back with severe losses. The British appeared stronger than anticipated. The defense of the mainland had lasted only five days. With the mainland secured, the Japanese pivoted toward Hong Kong Island. The first move was diplomatic rather than military. At 0900 hours on December 13th, a small boat bearing a white flag crossed the harbor. It carried Colonel Toda, Lieutenant Mizuno, Mr. Othsu Dak, and two European women—the prominent and heavily pregnant Mrs. Macdonald and Mrs. C. R. Lee, wife of the Governor's secretary, accompanied by her two dachshunds. The surrender terms were flatly rejected. Major Boxer delivered the written refusal personally. Mrs. Macdonald remained in Hong Kong to give birth; Mrs. Lee and her dogs returned to Kowloon. The Japanese commenced systematic shelling of selected targets. On December 13th, a 9.2-inch gun on Mt. Davis was silenced; Belcher's Fort sustained damage. The following day, a 3-inch mount on Mt. Davis was hit, killing Chinese gunners and triggering morale collapse; some deserted. On December 15th, the barrage shifted to the northern shoreline, deliberately targeting pillboxes. At 2100 hours that night, approximately three Japanese companies attempted crossing the harbor in rubber rafts toward Pakshawan but were driven off by machine-gun fire. Fifth columnists intensified their operations—signaling with mirrors, sniping from concealed positions, spreading propaganda to encourage Chinese desertion. Their impact might have been catastrophic had not Rear-Admiral Chan and Colonel Yee, armed with tommy guns and grenades, systematically eliminated many of these saboteurs. By December 16th, half the pillboxes between the racecourse and Lyemun Strait lay destroyed. The intended crossing site was unmistakable. On December 17th, the Japanese dispatched a second peace mission—Colonel Toda's team now accompanied by Mrs. Lee with her dachshunds and a pregnant Russian woman. Again, the overtures were rebuffed. On December 18th, the bombardment reached new intensity. Oil storage tanks ignited, sending dense black smoke cascading across the northeast corner of the island—perfect concealment for what was to come. All signs pointed to imminent assault.  I want to note something here, you sometimes hear about how race played a role in the Pacific War and indeed it did. Racist attitudes were found on both the western and Japanese side of the war. There is a fantastic book dedicated to this by the way called, War without Mercy by John Dower, highly recommend it. What is interesting is how these racial attitudes actually affected decision making during the war. Take General Sakai's night amphibious assault for example. Western soldiers such as the Canadians in Hong Kong reported they were told by their commanders that quote "Don't worry about the Japanese, they can't see at night, they all wear glasses" another Canadian soldier wrote in a diary "They don't see well, especially at night we knew this as a matter of fact." Indeed the week before the outbreak of the battle of Hong Kong, Canadian officers attending a briefing by a British officer were informed that "Japan's aircraft were mostly obsolete, its air force had little practice in night flying, and its pilots were myopic and thus unable to carry out dive-bombing attacks". You might be asking yourself, why did they think the Japanese were myopic? The scientific explanation of the day was this "That the Japanese suffered widespread inner-ear damage. What caused this? Japanese motherhood, the practice of strapping babies to their mothers backs, it was explained caused their heads to bounce about, like when they harvested rice and permanently impaired their sense of balance". I particularly love this quote, one of my professors dedicated an entire class to the bizarre racial attitudes before and after the pacific war. There was a belief the Japanese could not see well at night, many western air force commanders actually believed there were times of day like at dawn or dusk where Japanese pilots would not operate because of this hindrance. American military commentator Fletcher Pratt in 1939 analyzed Japan's military strengths and explained it had four major weaknesses. The first was scarcity of resources such as iron, and steel. The second was that the Japanese "can neither make good airplanes nor fly them well" as a result of " the Japanese as a race have defects of the tubes of the inner ear, just as they are generally myopic. This gives them a defective sense of balance, the one physical sense in which an aviator is not permitted to be deficient.". The third was that the Japanese were short-tempered and were inclined to waste men unnecessarily when operations did not go well. The fourth was that the Japanese would simply never date to provoke a war with the US. Again Mr Pratt was an American military commentator whose information came from multiple accounts given by high ranking military officials! The British military maintained that the Japanese avoided night operations on land because they were simply incapable of caring them out well, while they avoided nighttime aerial attacks, as well as dive-bombing for the same reasons Pratt said quote "their pilots were poor and their aircraft inferior.". So take this all to mind when I talk about how certain ranking officers go about making their decisions. By the evening of 14 December, evacuated mainland units had regrouped on Hong Kong Island. The defensive structure was restructured into two brigades: Brigadier Wallis commanded the East Brigade from Taitam Gap, while Brigadier Lawson headed the West Brigade from Wongneichong Gap. This reorganization placed the 5/7 Rajputs across the north-east perimeter, defending over 3,500 metres of coastline with B Company positioned on the hills behind Taikoo Docks. The Royal Rifles of Canada held the north-east corner from Stanley to points south, with reserve positions at Lyemun. Two HKVDC companies supported from Taitam Valley and Pottinger Gap, while the veteran Hughsiliers manned the North Point power station. British and Canadian artillery provided fire support across the northern approaches. The West Brigade held the north-western and south-western shores. The 2/14 Punjab stretched from Causeway Bay to Belcher's Point, protecting Government House and General Maltby's headquarters, with battalion headquarters at Mid-Level. The Winnipeg Grenadiers covered the south-west from Wanchai Gap, with one company detached to the brigade headquarters at Wongneichong Gap. The 2 Royal Scots, severely mauled at Shing Mun, were held in reserve with fresh replacements from the HKVDC. The Middlesex Regiment's companies were dispersed along 72 pillboxes encircling the entire shoreline, while an improvised Z Company of clerks, musicians and cooks defended battalion headquarters at Leighton Hill. Supporting artillery included 9.2-inch and 6-inch guns on Mt Davis and 4.7-inch guns at Belcher's Point. As darkness fell on 17 December, Japanese reconnaissance swimmers reached Taikoo, confirming the crossing site despite detection. Reinforcements arrived: 18 additional heavy bombers from Guangzhou and 26 fighters from Taiwan joined the aerial assault. The crescendo of artillery fire on the 18th, combined with masses of small craft gathering across the harbour, signalled the imminent invasion. Japanese divisional headquarters shifted to Ma Tau Wei near Kai Tak Airport; the 23rd Army moved to Taipo. The invasion force disposed itself with the right flank embarking from east and west of Kai Tak, the left from Devil's Hill area. At 1800 hours, the invasion order was issued; by 1930 hours Sakai himself arrived in Kowloon to oversee the crossing. At precisely 2000 hours, the 2/228th Regiment silently paddled their collapsible craft toward Taikoo Docks and the nearby sugar factory as artillery support commenced. Colonel Doi embarked with 80 headquarters personnel aboard a large barge, leading the second wave. The conditions favoured the invaders—a moonless night, sporadic showers, and thick black smoke from burning oil tanks obscured their movement. They reached the midpoint undetected before searchlights and machine-gun fire scattered the small boats, separating commanders from their units. Despite this chaos, the assault pressed forward. At 2140 hours the artillery shifted to deeper targets; at 2145 hours the first wave of 3/230th landed at North Point, followed minutes later by 2/228th and then 2/229th. Three red flares signalled a successful landing. All six Japanese battalions were ashore by midnight, though wire fencing delayed their advance and Bren carriers added to the confusion on the beach. General Sano arrived at Taikoo one hour later. The 5/7 Rajputs bore the initial brunt of the assault. Despite days of preliminary shelling, the Rajputs mounted a stubborn defence; Japanese casualties mounted rapidly. The anti-tank company suffered so grievously that only a single gun remained operational. The Japanese plan was tactical rather than frontal—bypass isolated positions for later elimination and push rapidly toward high ground. Overwhelmed by numerical superiority and losing most of their officers, Rajput resistance gradually crumbled. Contradicting all evidence, Maltby remained convinced the main Japanese assault would strike directly at Victoria from Kowloon. He therefore withheld the counter-attack, instead dispatching a platoon of Middlesex troops, Royal Marines, naval personnel, and the Rajputs' reserve company—supported by artillery—to establish a defensive line blocking the Japanese advance toward Central District. Three HKVDC armoured cars were sent to protect East Brigade headquarters; two more reinforced the Middlesex battalion headquarters. It was manifestly inadequate against six Japanese battalions. In post-war dispatches, Maltby conceded his grave miscalculation: he believed he faced at most two battalions, not a full division. As the 3/230th broke through D Company of the 5/7 Rajputs, the 2/230th came ashore nearby and wheeled westward toward Victoria. Their advance halted abruptly at the North Point power station, held by an extraordinary force: four officers and 36 men of the HKVDC Hughsiliers Platoon—alongside 39 civilian volunteers from China Light & Power and Hong Kong Electric, including the station manager Vincent Sorby—plus eight Free French soldiers commanded by Captain Jacques Egal, a Shanghai businessman turned soldier. Without exception, these men were World War I veterans, many aged 55 or older. Some had fought in the Boer War. Major J. J. Patterson, the Hughsiliers' commander, had served with Allenby's Camel Corps and been mentioned in dispatches six times; he was chairman of Jardine Matheson and a legislative councillor. Private Sir Edward Des Voeux, 8th Baronet, a millionaire bullion trader and secretary of the Hong Kong Club, had enlisted as a private when deemed too old for mobilization. Private T. A. Pearce, 67 years old, was chairman of J. D. Hutchison & Company and secretary of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Captain Bruch, the second-in-command, aged 60, chaired a major trading house. The list extended through Hong Kong's business elite, each choosing to fight rather than flee. These old men held an entire regiment at bay. When Patterson called for aid, Maltby dispatched an HKVDC armoured car with a platoon from Z Company, 1 Middlesex, but the reinforcement was ambushed before reaching the station; only nine soldiers, including 2nd Lieutenant Caruthers, broke through. Unable to dislodge the defenders by assault, the Japanese resorted to bombardment. By 0145 hours on 19 December, surrounded and ammunition exhausted, the defenders withdrew to King's Road behind a disabled bus. The Japanese deployed three machine guns, killing or mortally wounding all but Private Geoghan. A Japanese officer, believing all dead, cautiously approached—only to have Geoghan, despite his wounds, surge from cover and charge. He killed the officer and four soldiers before collapsing from wounds. Somehow Geoghan survived. Those old men—civilians and reservists, businessmen and veterans—held the entire western Japanese advance for 18 hours, buying Maltby precious time to withdraw forces and establish a new defensive line. Their stand at North Point became one of the campaign's most improbable acts of defiance. As the 2/229th Regiment advanced southward toward Mt Parker, the 3/229th landed at Aldrich Bay and turned eastward toward Lyemun, where they seized an HKVDC 6-inch gun. Major Bishop of the Royal Rifles of Canada, unaware of the landings, dispatched 15 Platoon under Lieutenant Scott to check on A Company of the Rajputs. Unexpectedly, they encountered armed men in civilian clothes at Lyemun's gate—the first indication of the Japanese presence on the island. Yet senior officers dismissed initial reports of landings and lost positions as exaggerated, a critical miscalculation that proved catastrophic. At Lyemun Fort, the 5th Anti-aircraft Battery of the HKVDC was caught completely unaware and surrendered after minimal resistance. The Japanese then committed one of many atrocities that would characterize the battle, bayoneting 29 survivors. Alerted by 15 Platoon's report, Bishop attempted a counter-attack with two platoons to retake the fort, but the defenders could not scale the six-meter wall and withdrew with nine men killed. As the 2/229th pressed southward toward Mt Parker, they overran the Salesian Mission, which had been converted into an Advance Dressing Station. No. 8 Company of the 2/229th systematized a massacre of medical personnel and the wounded—an atrocity that would later become pivotal evidence at Colonel Tanaka's war crimes trial. Yet amid the chaos, several medical staff and wounded survived to testify: Gunners Y. K. Chan and Martin H. C. Tso of the 5th Battery, Captain Osler Thomas of the HKVDC, Captain Martin Banfill of the Royal Canadian Medical Corps, and Corporal Norman Leath of the Royal Army Medical Corps. C Company of the Royal Rifles, reinforced with captured Japanese machine guns abandoned by fleeing Rajputs, inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with one Japanese company suffering over 65 percent losses. Yet overwhelmed by superior numbers and suffering nearly two platoons worth of casualties themselves, the Canadians were forced to withdraw, leaving only a reinforcement platoon under Lieutenant Blaver on Mt Parker. When Captain Clerke arrived at dawn with 16 Platoon to reinforce the position, he found over 100 Japanese already entrenched. With no artillery support and only two platoons available, Clerke had no choice but to withdraw, abandoning Mt Parker to the enemy. By dawn on the 19th, the East Brigade faced catastrophe. Infantry strength had been halved, and losses of artillery were equally devastating. A series of misunderstandings and misinterpreted orders led coastal gun crews at Capes D'Aguilar and Collinson to destroy their own guns in confusion or lose them to the advancing Japanese. Of the entire artillery complement, only one 18-pounder and two 3.7-inch field guns remained operational. Wongneichong—literally "yellow muddy creek" in Chinese—occupies the center of Hong Kong Island, a valley separating the eastern hills (Mt Parker, Mt Butler, Jardine's Lookout) from the western massif (Mt Nicholson, Mt Cameron, Victoria Peak). This narrow gap formed the critical artery linking northern and southern Hong Kong, making Brigadier Lawson's decision to place West Brigade Headquarters there strategically sound yet tactically vulnerable. Recognizing the exposed position after the landings, Major Lyndon had located an alternative site south of Mt Nicholson, scheduled to open the following day. In response to the Japanese landings, Lawson dispatched three platoons of Winnipeg Grenadiers to block the advance. Lieutenant C. D. French took 18 Platoon to Mt Butler, Lieutenant G. A. Birkett's 17 Platoon moved to Jardine's Lookout, and Lieutenant L. B. Corrigan's platoon took the north-west approach to the Gap. As on Mt Parker, both French and Birkett were killed almost immediately, their small forces overwhelmed by battalion-strength enemy forces with artillery support. By morning on the 19th, two battalions each of the 230th and 228th Regiments were pushing for the high ground. The 2/230th rapidly occupied Jardine's Lookout while the 3/230th moved to Mt Nicholson and the 2/228th advanced toward the Gap itself. No. 3 Company of the HKVDC under Major E. Stewart held pillboxes around Jardine's Lookout, while No. 1 Company under Captain Penn defended Taitam Valley with forward positions at Quarry Gap. The pillboxes, despite heavy bombardment, held longer than anticipated—some for as long as 24 hours. Stewart maintained his company headquarters until the 22nd, four days of continuous fighting without adequate ammunition, food, or water. No. 3 Company suffered 80 percent casualties and ceased to exist as a cohesive unit. Realizing that the enemy had penetrated to Mt Butler, Brigadier Lawson decided counter-attack was essential. Major A. B. Gresham of A Company, Winnipeg Grenadiers, was ordered to retake Mt Butler and clear Jardine's Lookout. The Canadians initially succeeded, with Warrant Officer 2 J. R. Osborne leading a bayonet charge, but a strong counter-attack by three Japanese companies drove them back by 2200 hours. The Canadians held firm until 1500 hours, when Gresham attempted surrender despite waving a white flag—the Japanese shot him regardless. In the chaos that followed, a Canadian killed a Japanese officer in response, triggering a grenade barrage. Warrant Officer Osborne caught the grenades and hurled them back as fast as they came, but one landed in an impossible position. Without hesitation, Osborne threw himself on the grenade to save his comrades. This act of supreme self-sacrifice earned him a Victoria Cross—the first Canadian VC of World War II. At dawn on the 19th, Maltby dispatched A Company of the 2 Royal Scots under Captain K. J. Campbell to reinforce the Gap, but they lost all their officers with only 15 men reaching Lawson's headquarters. A group of sailors under Commander A. L. Pears came from the south, but were ambushed en route; only a few reached the Postbridge—a house just south of the Gap—which became an isolated strongpoint. The 3/230th captured the police station perched on a mound at the southern point of the Gap, then swept eastward to seize the anti-aircraft guns of 7th Battery (barely 250 meters from brigade headquarters) and continued uphill toward Taitam Hill to capture additional 6-inch and 3.7-inch guns. Maltby's response was to call down final protective fire from the HKSRA in Happy Valley, inflicting massive casualties on the 3/230th. At 1000 hours on the 19th, Lawson reported that his headquarters was surrounded and he was about to "go outside and shoot it out." Captain H. A. Bush provided covering fire as Lawson and his entire staff, including Middlesex signallers, were cut down by machine-gun fire across the Gap. Lawson's body was discovered two days later halfway up the hill behind his headquarters, dead from a gunshot wound to the thigh. Lieutenant Kerfoot of the 2/14 Punjab with his three Bren carriers arrived minutes too late to save him. IJA who saw the fight made a note stating "he died heroically". At 1330 hours on the 19th, Maltby issued "Operation Order No. 6" calling for a massive counter-attack to commence 90 minutes later. The plan was ambitious: A and D Companies of the 2/14 Punjab were to attack east from Victoria to North Point to relieve the Hughsiliers, while HQ Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the 2 Royal Scots were to attack the Gap and Jardine's Lookout. Eight field guns were promised but never materialized. There was no reconnaissance, no proper orders, and minimal coordination. The Canadians were to rendezvous with the 2 Royal Scots at Middle Gap at 1530 hours, but the Scots were late; the Canadians advanced without them. Captain Pinkerton of D Company, 2 Royal Scots, was ordered at the last minute to attack up Wongneichong Gap Road—the same route A Company had taken only seven hours earlier and been decimated—because it was reported as "lightly held." Captain A. M. S. Slater-Brown led the advance with three Bren carriers and attached engineers, followed by D Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers. Just as the carriers reached the burnt-out trucks of A Company, they too were ambushed. Mortars and machine-gun fire rained down from Jardine's Lookout, where the Japanese occupied captured HKVDC pillboxes. Slater-Brown and 2nd Lieutenant Bell, the battalion intelligence officer, were killed instantly. The Royal Scots waited in the roadside ditches until 0200 hours before launching an attack on the police station, reaching the steps before Pinkerton was severely wounded. Captain Ford's composite company attack at 0300 hours also failed. Simultaneously, C Company under Lieutenant F. L. Stanier attacked Jardine's Lookout—also unsuccessfully. This series of piecemeal assaults cost the Royal Scots eight officers and 68 soldiers. Growing increasingly desperate, Maltby ordered Major Hodkinson, Officer Commanding HQ Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, to attack the Gap and proceed to Mt Parker. Requesting reinforcements from A Company and the Royal Scots, Hodkinson launched his assault with covering fire from Lieutenant Corrigan on Mt Nicholson. The Grenadiers managed to reach Mt Nicholson with only five unwounded men, though Corrigan's group advanced to within 300 meters of the Gap road. Then came an unexpected stroke of fortune: while skirting Mt Nicholson, Hodkinson's group stumbled upon approximately 500 Japanese—probably from the 3/230th—eating lunch without posting sentries. The Winnipeg Grenadiers unleashed devastating fire, inflicting heavy casualties. By 1745 hours, Hodkinson's force was only 100 meters from Repulse Bay Road. With four men and a 2-inch mortar, Hodkinson worked his way to the abandoned brigade headquarters, bringing 20 walking wounded with him. He established a foothold at the Gap, receiving orders to attack the police station at 2200 hours. Two HKVDC armoured cars with Vickers machine guns came in support, but accurate enemy fire disabled both. Like Pinkerton before him, Hodkinson reached near his objective before being severely wounded. For this action of determination and courage, Hodkinson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. By the morning of the 20th, the Japanese had consolidated control of the Gap, but elements of D Company, Winnipeg Grenadiers, still held various pillboxes north of the position. Initially, 17 and 18 Platoons occupied forward positions with Company Headquarters and 16 Platoon in reserve, positioned across Wongneichong Road almost directly opposite brigade headquarters. Forward positions were rapidly overrun and cut off from the company. They fought without officers until withdrawal to battalion headquarters became necessary. With Captain A. S. Bowman killed and Captain R. W. Philips wounded, command fell to Lieutenant T. A. Blackwood. An attempt by B Company to relieve D Company on the evening of the 20th failed catastrophically, killing all officers and 29 men. With fewer than 50 men remaining—all wounded—Lieutenant Blackwood continued inflicting heavy casualties on the Japanese until 22 December, when exhaustion and the complete absence of ammunition, food, and water forced surrender. D Company killed over 200 Japanese soldiers. Post-war Japanese reports refused to believe that a single company had held the Gap for so long. For their stubborn defense, Philips and Blackwood were awarded the Military Cross, and three enlisted men received the Military Medal. The battle of Wongneichong Gap was characterized by fragmented planning and poor coordination. On the night of the 19th-20th, no fewer than three separate companies attacked the police station, with another company assaulting Jardine's Lookout—all within five hours, all independently organized by local commanders. Had these disparate actions been coordinated into a single simultaneous assault, fortress headquarters' objectives might well have been achieved. By the end of the 20th, the British had lost the vital ground of Wongneichong, though Postbridge House remained as an isolated holdout. For the Japanese, Wongneichong became the single costliest engagement since the invasion began, with over 800 casualties and the regimental commander of the 3/230th seriously wounded. 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.   Japanese landings on 18-19 December overwhelmed the East Brigade. Brigadier Lawson died defending the vital Gap. Desperate, uncoordinated counter-attacks by British and Canadian troops failed to dislodge the enemy. D Company Winnipeg Grenadiers held the position for four days against overwhelming odds before surrendering. The Japanese suffered 800 casualties but secured this critical strategic ground.

World at Work
What to Do If You've Been Unexpectedly Fired

World at Work

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2026 11:59


"Your first step forward may be giving yourself time to process." Episode Chapters [01:00] When getting fired comes as a surprise [02:14] Responding with emotional intelligence [03:49] Objectively reviewing what happened [05:28] When to consider legal advice [08:05] Determine your financial runway [09:12] Get clear about what comes next [09:40] Prioritize your well-being before restarting [10:55] Be thoughtful about sharing your experience [11:54] Processing the grief of job loss Getting fired unexpectedly can leave you trying to make important decisions while emotions are still raw. Tim Dyck and Katie Currens discuss how to approach those first days with greater clarity. Their conversation reflects on the importance giving yourself time to process what happened, and to take an objective look at what happened to determine whether legal advice may be appropriate. Tim also explains why understanding your financial runway can create space to process the loss before deciding what comes next. From acknowledging your own role in what happened to considering a career pivot, the discussion focuses on moving forward thoughtfully rather than reacting in the moment. Read the blog for more from this episode.  Connect with Tim and his team: Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/ LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc Instagram: @best.culture.solutions   Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca Jody Maberry: jodymaberry.com Katie Currens: katiecurrens.com  

Story Behind
Mother of Three Passed Away Unexpectedly, Neighborhood Did Something Beautiful | Determined Young Girl Launches Fundraiser For Friend

Story Behind

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2026 9:26 Transcription Available


A mother of three passed away unexpectedly, then her neighborhood did something beautiful. AND A young girl starts fundraising for her friend once she realizes she needs a little bit of help to play. To see videos and photos referenced in this episode, visit GodUpdates! https://www.godtube.com/blog/mother-of-three-honored.html https://www.godtube.com/blog/young-girl-starts-fundraising-for-her-friend.html Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

BJ Shea Daily Experience Podcast -- Official
Daily Podcast pt. 1 - "When did your car get towed unexpectedly?"

BJ Shea Daily Experience Podcast -- Official

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2026 17:07


Happy Hump Day! We ask the rockaholics and you don't want to miss these wild stories.

Marketplace All-in-One
Retail sales fell unexpectedly in July

Marketplace All-in-One

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 6:43


Forecasters predicted we'd see a slight increase in retail sales in July, but instead, Census Bureau data released this morning revealed a significant drop. As high energy prices persist and tax refunds run out, it appears that consumers have begun to pull back. Should we be worried? Plus: 200 Nebraskans have lost Medicaid coverage in the first wave of terminations under the government's new “work requirements.” Many more Americans may soon follow.Stories featured in today's episode:Roughly 200 people in Nebraska lost Medicaid on Aug. 1Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Marketplace Morning Report
Retail sales fell unexpectedly in July

Marketplace Morning Report

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 6:43


Forecasters predicted we'd see a slight increase in retail sales in July, but instead, Census Bureau data released this morning revealed a significant drop. As high energy prices persist and tax refunds run out, it appears that consumers have begun to pull back. Should we be worried? Plus: 200 Nebraskans have lost Medicaid coverage in the first wave of terminations under the government's new “work requirements.” Many more Americans may soon follow.Stories featured in today's episode:Roughly 200 people in Nebraska lost Medicaid on Aug. 1Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

AP Audio Stories
US retail sales slump unexpectedly and sharply after a summer tax-refund boost fades

AP Audio Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 0:41


AP correspondent Jennifer King reports on a disappointing July retail sales report.

In Awe by Bruce
Motherhood, Children and Spiritual Warfare

In Awe by Bruce

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026


Today's podcast picks up where I left off in our first podcast with Shalene Roberts, on children and spiritual warfare. Several years ago, Shalene Roberts sat with her two young children under the age of three, wrestling with thoughts about motherhood and wondering why it was so desperately hard. Pulling out her phone, she poured out her thoughts in a blog post entitled “When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees.” Unexpectedly, those honest musings went viral, and that heartfelt post has had more than 630,000 views. Now a mother of five, Shalene understands that women everywhere struggle with the all-consuming service of motherhood—feeling unseen and underappreciated.Today I want her to tell us more about the battle that goes on behind the scenes with Spiritual Warfare. Motherhood, Children and Spiritual Warfare Bruce T Davis Shalene Roberts Shalene C. Roberts is a wife, part-time homeschooling mom of five, writer, photographer, and small business owner. As a former magazine editor, she seeks to inspire women to anchor in Christ, nurture grace-filled families, and foster life-giving homes. Her work has appeared in an array of outlets, including Her View From Home, Motherly, the Thrive Moms Exhale Bible study, the MOPS Blog, MICI Magazine, KirkCameron.com, SHINE magazine, TODAY Parents, Stroll Magazine, and a variety of other publications. Her post “When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees” has had more than 630,000 views and has been shared worldwide. Shalene has also taught at the Declare Conference and is the author of Bruce the Brave, a heartwarming children's book about courage and faith. Additionally, she is the founder of Lily & Loom, a boutique vintage Turkish rug shop. Lily & Loom rugs have been seen on HGTV, the Magnolia Network, and Fixer Upper: Welcome Home.WebsiteLinkedInWhitaker House

The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep1216: Jim McTague analyzes the July jobs report, which unexpectedly showed a loss of 23,000 jobs, signaling a cutback in spending by those "with little." He describes a "K-shaped economy" where the wealthy continue to spend while

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026 8:49


Jim McTague analyzes the July jobs report, which unexpectedly showed a loss of 23,000 jobs, signaling a cutback in spending by those "with little." He describes a "K-shaped economy" where the wealthy continue to spend while others struggle with high gas prices and inflation. In Lancaster County, the economy remains uneven; while tourism and manufacturing are strong, hiring for non-specialists is weak. The property market is particularly discouraging for buyers, with low inventory driving prices toward one million dollars for decent homes. McTague observes local economic health through visits to Costco and Olive Garden, noting that despite high traffic, people are increasingly discount-conscious. He also mentions the high-security development of a new data center, which is expected to contribute significantly to the local tax base through 2028. (3)

Bloomberg Talks
Instant Reaction: Employers Unexpectedly Shed Jobs; Unemployment Rate Falls

Bloomberg Talks

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 34:10 Transcription Available


US employers unexpectedly cut jobs in July and hiring in the prior two months was revised lower, suggesting the labor market is weaker than previously thought after surprising strength earlier this year.Nonfarm payrolls decreased 23,000 last month following a combined 103,000 downward revision to the May and June figures, Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed Friday. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1% as labor force participation continued to slide, and wage growth slowed. Bloomberg's Tom Keene and Damian Sassower break down the numbers with: Claudia Sahm, Chief Economist at New Century Advisors Constance Hunter, Chief Economist at EIU Kristina Campmany, Senior Portfolio Manager at Invesco Andrew Hollenhorst, Chief US Economist at CitiStephanie Roth, Wolfe Research Chief Economist See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AP Audio Stories
US stocks jump as employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs, raising hopes for easier rate policy

AP Audio Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 0:42


U.S. stocks are rising after a softer jobs report raises hopes the Fed can wait a bit before raising interest rates.

AP Audio Stories
US stocks jump as employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs, raising hopes that rate hikes can wait

AP Audio Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 0:40


Stocks rise over interest rate possibilities.

AP Audio Stories
US employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs amid strain from the Iran war, unemployment dips to 4.1%

AP Audio Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 0:36


AP's Lisa Dwyer reports on the latest job numbers.

Make Prayer Beautiful
Unexpectedly Bursting Into Loud Sobs for No Apparent Reason

Make Prayer Beautiful

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 8:00


Stirring from the Lord at the start of a fast.

Ramsey Call of the Day
My Son's Unexpectedly Inherited $400,000

Ramsey Call of the Day

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 10:37


explore ramsey calculate inherited unexpectedly everydollar christian brothers automotive churchill mortgage
Prayerhouse Weymouth
When The Tide Unexpectedly Turns | Paul White

Prayerhouse Weymouth

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 32:14


We look at the story of the early church from the book of Acts and see how one moment the church is flourishing and thriving but then the tide turns against very quickly, persecution strikes and scatters the followers of Jesus. What happens next? Website: www.prayerhouse.uk Email: connect@prayerhouse.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/prayerhouseweymouth Instagram: www.instagram.com/prayerhouseweymouth Give : www.prayerhouse.uk/give

Our Daily Bread Podcast | Our Daily Bread

My friend, Alex, a book editor, checked his inbox, anticipating an angry email from an author. He’d been working with a prominent business leader on his manuscript for months. Unexpectedly, the publisher had decided to halt the publication of the book due to company problems. After emailing the author the bad news, Alex braced himself. A week later a reply came. “I didn’t answer right away because I wanted to think first about my words and how to respond,” the author wrote. He expressed disappointment, then calmly stated how he thought the publisher could’ve handled the issue. The author’s wise, measured response left a deep impression on me. His behavior reflected what the Bible says our communication should be like, especially when we’re angry. The apostle James tells us to keep “a tight rein on [our] tongues” because it’s easy to sin with our words (James 1:26; 3:5−6). We’re to prioritize listening to others so we can understand them, choose our words, and consider whether it’s necessary to get angry (1:19). Not only does restraint in speech help us to avoid sin and allow the Scriptures to change us (v. 21) but it also reflects who God is to others: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8). Let’s model our loving God with our words—and our silences.

The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep1166: Jeremy Zakis shares that his dog, Dallas, has expanded his "avian menagerie" by befriending two ducks that unexpectedly settled in his garden. These ducks traveled miles from their typical lake habitat during winter, a period when the

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2026 6:29


Jeremy Zakis shares that his dog, Dallas, has expanded his "avian menagerie" by befriending two ducks that unexpectedly settled in his garden. These ducks traveled miles from their typical lake habitat during winter, a period when they are normally inactive. Dallas interacts with these friends peacefully, demonstrating his unique status as a magpie whisperer. Concurrently, John Batchelor prepares for a harsh New England winter featuring heavy snow and high winds influenced by El Niño. (4)

Redditor
I Had The Most Positive Social Interaction With A Stranger (Unexpectedly Wholesome Reddit Stories)

Redditor

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 11:37


Listen to all my reddit storytime episodes in the background in this easy playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_wX8l9EBnOM303JyilY8TTSrLz2e2kRGThis is the Redditor podcast! Here you will find all of Redditor's best Reddit stories from his YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

McAnally's Pubcast
19.3 Down Town: Kathoom

McAnally's Pubcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 58:00


McAnally's Pubcast - A Dresden Files PodcastHere We discuss Issue 5 & 6 in which Big Hands Bad Santa gives no regard for chest wounds, Marcone is a germaphobe and decides to try out Martyrdom for fun.Down Town Issue 5 Summary:Harry and his group confront the master of the Golem and are able to defeat him. They discover the altar that controls where the attacks are directed, and find out the next one will be at the Children's Hospital.Down Town Issue 6 Summary:Marcone insists on killing the infected hostage but Harry convinces him otherwise. In a daring move, Marcone switches himself for the target instead of the children's hospital. The group fights off the newly redirected golem. Unexpectedly, the hostage is able to delay the monster in order for Harry and Marcone to dispatch it in an explosive finish.Find Us Elsewhere:Do you want to follow up with us for even more Dresden? We're all over the internet - you can email us at pubcast@freeflowrambling.com, or you can track us down at Facebook, Instagram, Discord, X (formerly known as Twitter), Reddit, our Dresden Files website, or our parent website. If you want hypnotic visuals with your podcast, you can find us at YouTube. Not enough? Why not show your support by clicking here and donating or joining us on our Patreon. Also, if you're in the market for some merch, you can click here. If you still aren't satisfied, click here and tell us all about it!

Parent Compass Radio on Oneplace.com
From Heartache to Hope: Navigating Suicide Loss

Parent Compass Radio on Oneplace.com

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 39:00


Hope is what author Wende Gaikema brings. For this critical topic, suicide loss, each one of us might know someone who could desperately need this information. Our guest, Wende Gaikema, is a fabulous leadership coach who empowers businesses and nonprofits to grow their people and organizations. She has also done the hard thing: writing a book about her heartbreaking experience in order to help others. Unexpectedly, she and her husband, Jeff, lost their wonderful son, Matt, to suicide in February, 2018. Her book, From Heartache to Hope: Navigating Choices in Your Suicide Loss Journey is an important resource that those in heartache need. As she states: You didn't have a choice that someone you loved died by suicide, but you have a choice in how you respond.Wende is the author of "From Heartache to Hope: Navigating Choices in Your Suicide Loss Journey," available now on Amazon in paperback and e-book. Get the book: "From Heartache to Hope" by Wende Gaikema on Amazon Connect with Wende: coachwende.comOther Resources:https://www.griefshare.org/https://whilewerewaiting.org/TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro00:37 Welcome to Parent Compass01:09 The story02:59 The unexpected call03:46 Speaking at Matt's funeral09:00 The choices you make after loss16:00 Is suicide an unpardonable sin?20:00 Scriptures that brought comfort24:00 Forgiveness after loss27:00 How to support someone grieving suicide loss33:00 Coping with holidays and "heaven dates"38:00 Closing prayerFor a safe place to talk, have support, a listening ear, have prayer and biblical guidanceCall 1-855-255-7729 (or 1-855-255-PRAY) or 1-888-388-2683. Online Chat: If you prefer not to call, you can connect with a team member through the Peace With God Online ChatAnother safe place option as wellTo have a conversation about Christ or to ask for prayer text or call 817-760-2643, or click the blue chat button in the right lower corner on parentcompass.tv.To be emailed information about Christ fill out the form at parentcompass.tv/know-christIf you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help: US: Call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Lifeline) International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1493/29?v=20251111

The Patrick Madrid Show
The Patrick Madrid Show: July 22, 2026 - Hour 3

The Patrick Madrid Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 51:04


Patrick opens the hour talking about music genres, wrestling with the complex relationship between heavy metal, virtue, and personal taste, then shifts rapidly to heartfelt calls on food addiction and the tension between faith, practical steps, and deliverance prayers. Unexpectedly, the conversation veers toward rules for Catholic godparents and the emotional wrestle of regret over old sins. An unexpected question about Mary Magdalene and the meaning behind Jesus’ “don’t touch me” keeps the energy unpredictable till the end. 00:34 Email on heavy metal's positive themes 09:36 Losing weight after wife's illness 13:56 Dealing with guilt and doubt 14:53 Recognizing actions have consequences 20:39 Concerns about godparent eligibility 21:34 Godparent requirements in Catholicism 24:49 Spiritual warfare misconceptions 27:58 Discussing spiritual guidance strategies 31:33 Addressing personal temptations 41:09 Understanding Church Marriage Validity 42:25 Church annulment process details 49:28 Mary Magdalene's relationship with Jesus

Getting Unstuck - Shift For Impact
424: Telling the Story You Can't Forget

Getting Unstuck - Shift For Impact

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 11:32


The story behind this episode The story I relate in this episode emerged when, in September 2019, I walked some of the World War I battlefields in Belgium and France with my guide, Iain McHenry. As we walked along where a trench had existed during the war, Iain told me the story of an archaeological dig that recovered and eventually identified the remains of a British soldier who was killed there in November 1914 in a German mortar attack. The story has stayed with me because of how the soldier, Richard Lancaster, was finally identified and because there are literally thousands of other Richards who've never been found. Rather than tell the story as a straight historical narrative, I wanted the piece to have a distinct voice, so I chose to write it from the perspective of Richard's unique dog tag, which led to his identification. After we visited the site where Richard was found, we visited where he was later buried. (see the photo) Our final stop on this part of the journey was the nearby Principals Cindy House is the author of Mother Noise, a memoir in essays and a regular opener for David Sedaris on his tours across the country. She teaches nonfiction at the Gotham Writers Workshop. She also offers private writing classes. Cindy is my writing coach, and our Friday meetings are a high point of my week. This essay came out of a prompt she suggested: "Write about a headline that never left you." She epitomizes good teaching: she is quick to challenge me to "dig deeper for my real story," offers sound suggestions, and then praises me when I hit a strong note. I can't imagine taking this writer's journey with anyone else. When we had completed the essay, I asked her for her thoughts on producing an audio version. Unexpectedly, she was quick to offer her voice. You can't see me smiling, but trust me, I still am. Iain McHenry was born in Belfast and, after leaving school, joined the British Army, embarking on a career that took him all over the world. He was stationed in Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada, the Falkland Islands, and Belgium, and he has completed operational tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Sierra Leone. He has always had a passion for WW1, and after leaving the army, he started his own business in Belgium, working as a WW1 researcher, battlefield guide, and published author.

Morning Joe
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina dies unexpectedly at the age of 71

Morning Joe

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 60:16


July 13, 2026 - 6am: Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina dies unexpectedly at the age of 71 U.S., Iran trade strikes over Strait of Hormuz closure The New York Times says several of its journalists were issued subpoenas after they reported on security concerns involving President Trump's new Qatari-donated Air Force One New White House task force appears to be part of a series of efforts by Trump and his allies to question the results of the 2020 election and decrease public trust in the November midterms New video raises more questions in Houston ICE shooting FIFA World Cup latest To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
Ginestra Bianconi: The Physicist Who (Unexpectedly) Derived Gravity From Entropy

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 58:42


I personally subscribe to The Economist. TOE listeners get 35% off the annual subscription. No other podcast has this! https://economist.com/TOE Ginestra Bianconi thinks gravity can be derived from entropy — and that gravity itself is fundamentally anti-reductionistic, since it's about geometry rather than isolated particle interactions. In this episode, the network-topologist-turned-gravity-theorist explains her "Gravity from Entropy" action, which treats matter and geometry symmetrically through a geometric quantum relative entropy (not the horizon entropy of Verlinde or Jacobson). She details why it reduces to Einstein's equations at low energy while predicting a dynamical, always-positive dark energy term (the "G field"), how it may avoid black hole singularities and reproduce the area law without invoking holography, and why she believes understanding the brain may be harder than understanding quantum gravity. We close with her advice for young researchers. I hope you enjoy. TIMESTAMPS: - 00:00 - Information Content of Geometry - 07:38 - Geometric Quantum Relative Entropy - 15:58 - Geometrizing the Matter Field - 23:45 - Emergent Dark Energy - 30:12 - Statistical Mechanics vs Thermodynamics - 37:59 - Structure and Dynamics Interplay - 45:20 - Holography and Area Law - 51:23 - Interdisciplinary Research Vision LINKS MENTIONED: Ginestra's Webpage: https://webspace.maths.qmul.ac.uk/g.bianconi/ Ginestra's Papers: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ycQXwWgAAAAJ Gravity from Entropy [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.14391 Geons, Black Holes, and Quantum Foam [Book]: https://amazon.com/dp/0393319911?tag=toe08-20 The Thermodynamics of the Gravity from Entropy Theory [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.22545 Notes on Some Entanglement Properties of Quantum Field Theory [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/1803.04993 Inflation from Entropy [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.23987 Thermodynamics of Spacetime: The Einstein Equation of State [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9504004 More Is Different [Paper]: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.177.4047.393 Information, Physics, Quantum [Paper]: https://philpapers.org/archive/WHEIPQ.pdf Network Geometry with Flavor [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/1511.04539 Black Holes and Entropy [Paper]: https://physicsgg.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/black-holes-and-entropy_bekenstein.pdf Ginestra's Lecture on Higher-Order Networks: https://youtu.be/o4TWDTgqQKY Elan Barenholtz [TOE]: https://youtu.be/A36OumnSrWY Frederic Schuller [TOE]: https://youtu.be/Bnh-UNrxYZg Erik Verlinde [TOE]: https://youtu.be/ilVImMHcr_g Ted Jacobson [TOE]: https://youtu.be/3mhctWlXyV8 Karl Friston [TOE]: https://youtu.be/2v7LBABwZKA Subir Sarkar [TOE]: https://youtu.be/epkuoytFJWA Stephen Wolfram [TOE]: https://youtu.be/FkYer0xP37E Roman Yampolskiy [TOE]: https://youtu.be/TgFmA-Qwsek Eva Miranda [TOE]: https://youtu.be/6XyMepn-AZo Cumrun Vafa [TOE]: https://youtu.be/kUHOoMX4Bqw Neil Turok [TOE]: https://youtu.be/zNZCa1pVE20 David Kaiser [TOE]: https://youtu.be/_yebLXsIdwo Ivette Fuentes [TOE]: https://youtu.be/YWbjI-QsH2E Philip Mannheim [TOE]: https://youtu.be/rNXNHYvS7zU FOLLOW: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e - Substack: https://curtjaimungal.substack.com/subscribe - Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt - Discord Invite: https://discord.com/invite/kBcnfNVwqs - Crypto: https://nowpayments.io/donation/TOE - PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XUBHNMFXUX5S4 Guests do not pay to appear. #science Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mojo In The Morning
Dirty 4: Senator Lidsay Graham Unexpectedly Dies at Age 71

Mojo In The Morning

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 6:08 Transcription Available


Shannon's 9:30 dirty 7-13-2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bingers: Anime Edition
Our New Side Hustles: Top Ten Unexpectedly Good Anime

Bingers: Anime Edition

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 75:42


Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode please join Matty and Mo as they give a review over the top ten anime that were unexpectedly good!!  Never judge a book by its cover but we sure did until we watched these anime! These are the anime you never think you'll like but end up becoming the shows you talk about the most! Wanna hear what we said about the anime? Listen to the episode and find out!!Join us next week when we review Doctor Elise!Support the show

How To Become A Personal Trainer
The Top 30 Best Habits for Busy Personal Trainers to Stay Lean Year-Round (Part 1)

How To Become A Personal Trainer

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2026 57:51


In this episode, we rank tips 1-15 of the top 30 fat loss strategies for busy personal trainers from S (supreme) to F-tier.We hope you enjoy this episode and if you'd like to join us in The Online Fitness Business Mentorship, you can grab your seat at https://www.fitnessbusinessmentorship.comThank you!-J & MWATCH this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/57ACoIZ2TAQTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) — Intro(00:11) — Muscle Milk is OUT. Mike's new post-workout is...(03:11) — Training & chess updates(07:11) — Unexpectedly enjoyable marketing(09:43) — PSA: If you're not seeing the progress you want on social media(14:28) — I can't prove this, but...(18:37) — Ranking the top 30 fat loss strategies for busy personal trainers (S to F tier)(57:02) — Thanks for listening!You can find a full transcript of this episode by clicking hereFollow the show on social:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@personaltrainerpodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/personaltrainerpodcastTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@personaltrainerpodcastJoin our email list & get our FREE '30 Ways To Build A Successful Online Coaching Business' manual: https://bit.ly/30O2l6pCheck out our book 'Eat It!' at https://www.amazon.com/Eat-It/dp/0008543046If you have any questions you'd like to have answered on the show, shoot us an email at info@fitnessbusinessmentorship.comIf you enjoyed the episode, we would sincerely appreciate it if you left a five-star review.----Post-Production by: David Margittai | In Post MediaWebsite: https://www.inpostmedia.comEmail: david@inpostmedia.com© 2026 Michael Vacanti & Jordan Syatt

Grandpa and Grandma Bedtime Stories
S5-E26 Happy Anniversary Grandpa and Grandma (Big Foot Story)

Grandpa and Grandma Bedtime Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2026 25:02


Send us Fan MailIn this episode Grandpa Edward Jeffrey Hill and Grandma Tamara Snell Mulford Hill celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary on a cruise in Maine. They ride E-bikes through the carriage roads of beautiful Acadia National Park and love the red and yellow and orange leaves.  Unexpectedly they have an exciting adventure which requires Big Foot to intervene.  

McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning
Andrew Ivins, who covers recruiting for 247 Sports, tells McElroy & Cubelic the latest in CFB recruiting, which team is unexpectedly excelling, and the one guy you should be paying attention to

McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 16:30


"McElroy & Cubelic In The Morning" airs 7am-10am weekdays on WJOX-94.5!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple News Today
The U.S. is turning 250. These songs unexpectedly changed American history.

Apple News Today

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2026 23:47


From Apple News In Conversation: The United States turns 250 years old this summer — and there’s no shortage of ways to mark the moment. One of the most revealing lenses through which to view the country’s history may be music. Anna Harwell Celenza, professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of On the Record: Music That Changed America, joined Apple News In Conversation guest host David Greene to discuss the hidden political history of American music — from why “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the national anthem to how “Strange Fruit” helped pass anti-lynching legislation — and what music still has to say about democracy now.

The Bobby Bones Show
TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD (FRI): Bobby's Unexpectedly Great Celebrity Encounters!

The Bobby Bones Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 30:53 Transcription Available


Bobby started a new show that he is enjoying. Amy is working on a new project and uses one of Bobby’s resources. Bobby ranks his friends in terms of being good dudes. Eddie had an unfortunate situation turn into a great family moment. Lunchbox is excited for the USA World Cup game today. USA! USA! Morgan finished watching all new Star Trek.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Somers
It's officially Knicks parade day and Jalen Brunson unexpectedly became the face of New York sports

Steve Somers

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 50:15


Hour 2: It is officially parade day for our beloved champion Knicks. Jalen Brunson unexpectedly became the face of New York sports.

Apple News In Conversation
The U.S. is turning 250. These songs unexpectedly changed American history.

Apple News In Conversation

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 23:47


The United States turns 250 years old this summer — and there’s no shortage of ways to mark the moment. One of the most revealing lenses through which to view the country’s history may be music. Anna Harwell Celenza, professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of On the Record: Music That Changed America, joined Apple News In Conversation guest host David Greene to discuss the hidden political history of American music — from why “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the national anthem to how “Strange Fruit” helped pass anti-lynching legislation — and what music still has to say about democracy now.

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast
108. How the Pandemic Unexpectedly Launched Kendall Lademann's Dance Career

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 30:45


In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by professional dancer (and one of my former students!) Kendall Lademann for a full-circle conversation on the unexpected twists and turns that have shaped her dance career.We dive into Kendall's transition from student to professional at Mareck Dance, including what it was like dancing alongside former teachers and how that environment helped her grow as both an artist and an adult.We also talk about how Kendall moved forward with her dance career after Mareck Dance unexpectedly folded, finding new opportunities at Lexington Ballet.Kendall is a true testament to the fact that dance careers never travel in a straight line. She shares so much thoughtful advice for aspiring professional dancers about taking risks, handling rejection, and treating people with kindness in the small world of dance.Key “Pointes” in this Episode: How the teachers, choreographers and directors Kendall has worked with have grown her into the artist she is today How the pandemic unexpectedly launched her professional dance career Going from dancing as a student in “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland” to dancing the title role Navigating the sudden closure of Mareck Dance and finding a new path Moving away from home and starting fresh with Lexington Ballet Unique performance experiences including dancing in a distillery, performing in a music video, and starring as Charlie Chaplin in “A Charlie Chaplin Christmas” with Lexington Ballet Kendall's passion for adaptive dance through Danceability and why teaching became one of the most meaningful parts of her careerConnect with KendallINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kendall_lademannLinks & Resources:SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items)SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off)Let's connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

AP Audio Stories
Ford recalls more than 250,000 Focus models because engines can stall unexpectedly

AP Audio Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 0:30


Ford has announced a major vehicle recall. The AP's Marcela Sanchez explains which models are affected.

The Almost Amazing Dinner Party
Are We Believing Lies About God? | The Almost Amazing Podcast

The Almost Amazing Dinner Party

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 47:05


In this episode of the Almost Amazing Podcast, Jennifer Dennis, Justin Kellough, and Ashley Miksch sit down to chat about life, friendship, and the misconceptions we often hold about God, suffering, and our past. From our hilarious experiences with drive-thru apps and "point hoarding" to the deeper, meaningful conversations about reconciling our theology with difficult life seasons, we're keeping it real. We also dive into: The excitement of meeting Beth Moore at Truett Seminary. Unexpectedly reconnecting with high school friends after 30 years. Reflecting on why we sometimes believe lies about our worth or God's character during times of suffering. Whether you're here for the laughs or the deep, soul-searching questions, we're so glad you joined us!

One Minute Scripture Study
Be Unexpectedly Kind

One Minute Scripture Study

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 3:00


Today we're studying Ruth 1:8, 16 in just one minute! Grab your scriptures and let's dive into them together!And grab study guides for the whole family here: -Grab Kristen's copies of helpful PDFs and study guides here: https://shop.kristenwalkersmith.com/products/ Check out her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@startherestudy/shorts- To get Cali's scripture study guide for adults click here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSSOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/06bWsVYVGet our NEW 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0p3Ds0t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winging It Travel Podcast
Temporary Locals Podcast Interviews James Hammond I Bhutan

Winging It Travel Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 78:32


Welcome to this special episode where I am on the other side of the mic!I recently joined the Temporary Locals Podcast to share my experience travelling through the fascinating Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. In this conversation, we dive into what makes Bhutan one of the most unique travel destinations on Earth, from its strict tourism policies and sustainable tourism model to its rich Buddhist culture and breathtaking mountain scenery.We discuss the realities of planning a trip to Bhutan, including costs, guided tours, and the famous Sustainable Development Fee. I share stories from hiking to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, staying with a local family in a traditional homestay, attending Bhutanese festivals, exploring the capital Thimphu, and experiencing the country's deep spiritual culture.Along the way, we talk about Bhutanese food, local customs, mountain life, and even the surreal experience of flying home on the same flight as the King and Queen of Bhutan. If you've ever wondered what it's really like to visit one of the world's most exclusive and mysterious countries, this episode is packed with practical advice, cultural insights, and memorable travel stories.Temporary Locals' ShownotesIn this episode, Jared and Megan welcome travel vlogger James Hammond to discuss his recent trip to Bhutan. They explore Bhutan's unique culture, geography, and the requirements for visiting this lesser-known Himalayan destination. James shares his experiences hiking to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, staying with a local family, interviewing a Lama, nightlife of Thimphu and ending up on the same flight as a King.Please check out Megan and Jared's Temporary Locals Podcast below. I love their style, content and approach to travel.Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/temporary-locals-podcast/id1845249694Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3pQ3gIDSRfd4Ep9zqZ2YoK?si=f4997bb0755b4997YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TemporaryLocalsPodcastSupport Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit

In Awe by Bruce
When Mothering is Hard and No One Sees

In Awe by Bruce

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026


Several years ago, Shalene Roberts sat with her two young children under the age of three, wrestling with thoughts about motherhood and wondering why it was so desperately hard. Pulling out her phone, she poured out her thoughts in a blog post entitled “When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees.” Unexpectedly, those honest musings went viral, and that heartfelt post has had more than 630,000 views.Now a mother of five, Shalene understands that women everywhere struggle with the all-consuming service of motherhood—feeling unseen and underappreciated. Even those whose motherhood ride has been fairly smooth may wonder if what they're doing is making any difference. The words in Shalene's post gave voice to these questions. And it was out of that post that this book was born.You may be a younger mom or an older mom, a mom of toddlers or teens. The children you care for may be biological, adoptive, foster, or grandchildren. In When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees, you will feel seen for your own motherhood struggles and challenges. This book helps you gain a new sense of how God views you as you move toward the hope He has revealed to Shalene: a bigger picture of being a mom with an impact that ripples throughout eternity. In creation and in redemption, you were made—and remade—to mother.In these pages, you will discover…God's original design for motherhoodYour position as a daughter of the King, elevating your motherhood roleThe assurance of abundant forgiveness for mistakes and failuresHow God has uniquely equipped you for this sacred role—with your specific childrenHow to find true rest amid the never-ending demandsWhen mothering is hard…God sees. And He will take you from the gritty to the glorious in your journey as a mom. When Mothering is Hard and No One Sees Bruce T Davis Shalene Roberts Shalene C. Roberts is a wife, part-time homeschooling mom of five, writer, photographer, and small business owner. As a former magazine editor, she seeks to inspire women to anchor in Christ, nurture grace-filled families, and foster life-giving homes. Her work has appeared in an array of outlets, including Her View From Home, Motherly, the Thrive Moms Exhale Bible study, the MOPS Blog, MICI Magazine, KirkCameron.com, SHINE magazine, TODAY Parents, Stroll Magazine, and a variety of other publications. Her post “When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees” has had more than 630,000 views and has been shared worldwide. Shalene has also taught at the Declare Conference and is the author of Bruce the Brave, a heartwarming children's book about courage and faith. Additionally, she is the founder of Lily & Loom, a boutique vintage Turkish rug shop. Lily & Loom rugs have been seen on HGTV, the Magnolia Network, and Fixer Upper: Welcome Home.WebsiteLinkedInWhitaker House

Mark Reardon Show
Hour 3: Audio Cut of the Day - NASCAR Racing Legend Kyle Busch Dies Unexpectedly at 41

Mark Reardon Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 37:17


In hour 3, Mark is joined by Scott Jennings, a 97.1 FM Talk Political Insider, the Host of The Scott Jennings Show on KFTK every weeknight at 8pm, and a CNN Contributor. They discuss Thomas Massie's Kentucky election loss, the Cardinals "tarps off" movement and more. Mark is then joined by NASCAR Racing legend Kenny Wallace. Wallace remembers NASCAR driver Kyle Busch who died today, unexpectedly, at the age of 41. He's later joined by Graham Parker, a legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist. He discusses his music career and his upcoming concert in Edwardsville. They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

Evidence Based Birth®
REPLAY: EBB 253 – Preparing for a 38-week Labor Induction due to Intrauterine Growth Restriction with Leah Bergman, EBB Childbirth Class Graduate

Evidence Based Birth®

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 34:39


What happens when your carefully planned, low-intervention birth transforms into something entirely unexpected? In this replay episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker revisits her conversation with Leah Bergman, a graduate of the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class, and her birth story of navigating a surprise diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (sometimes called intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR) in late pregnancy. Together, they unpack the emotional rollercoaster of changing birth plans, wrestling with uncertainty, and making tough decisions around induction while still finding space for empowerment, advocacy, and joy. Leah opens up about leaning on evidence-based education, support from her husband and doula, and a compassionate midwifery team as she faced a challenging induction process complete with surprises, setbacks, and two trips to the hospital. You'll also hear practical strategies for advocating during labor, the realities of taking a break from an induction then "starting over", and how to build a positive birth experience even when things go off script. Content Note: Discussion of the risk of stillbirth associated with fetal growth restriction. (03:44) Discovering Evidence Based Birth® (09:15) Deciding to induce labor(10:43) Placenta health and birth timing(14:50 Discussing timing of delivery(17:41) Labor induction experience(23:29 Beginning stages of labor induction(25:55) Advocating for rest during labor(28:48) Unexpectedly quick delivery experience(31:51) Managing baby's low birth weight   For the full list of resources from this epiosde, click here. For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Horror Vanguard
Interlude IV - Bug (lost) & Sorcerer Double Feature

Horror Vanguard

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 50:00


Your (g)hosts continue their quest to uncover the new home of Horror Vanguard. However, this leg of the journey unravels as a computer glitch renders the Bug half of the discussion unusable; for now. Unexpectedly akin to a certain truck fused together like a certain literary monster like certain gendered bodies, this show is also a thing made of its own dissolution, at times. Enjoy, won't we. Discuss the geopolitics of metaphor with Horror Vanguard at: @horrorvangaurd on Instagram and bsky You can support the show for less than the cost of a oneway ticket out of the material conditions that have come to define your life at www.patreon.com/horrorvanguard

The Past Lives Podcast
A Past Life as a Confederate General

The Past Lives Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 11:25


This episode I am reading from Jeffrey Keene's book 'Fire in the Soul: Reincarnation from Antietam to Ground Zero' I had never given reincarnation much thought, nor had I ever seen a psychic, but both of these elements came together one Halloween night. That one night was to change my outlook on life and my way of thinking forever. That evening started a progression of puzzle pieces floating into place. As each piece gently touched down, it added to a picture, a portrait that reinforced a strong case for reincarnation. My story weaves a tapestry of mystery and history, of love and the horrors of warfare. The journey was and still is a wondrous one, sometimes funny but at other times sad and physically painful. I force my beliefs on no one. I only ask that the readers open their minds to their own experiences, to take a good look at the world around them. As for me, I have no choice but to believe in reincarnation. I lived the story, and every word is true. Join me on an amazing journey through the eyes of two people: one a Georgian, the other a Connecticut Yankee. Similarities between the two go far beyond coincidence. They think alike, look alike, and even share facial scars. Their lives are so intertwined that they appear to be one. Half of this equation, Jeffrey J. Keene, a retired Assistant Fire Chief from affluent Westport, Connecticut. The other half, John B. Gordon, Confederate General, Army of Northern Virginia, died January 9, 1904. I would be lead into a 10-year travel odyssey that included the battlefields of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia as well as the library of Congress. Gathering information from official records, wartime reports and even love letters, I uncovered many parallels between my own life and that of General Gordon. Unexpectedly a trip to the emergency room on my thirtieth birthday with facial pain that mimicked a wound General Gordon received 115 years before at the battle of Antietam when he was thirty years of age. My hospital visit was more than a decade before I first heard his name. September 11, 2001 would start a new chapter in my life, literarily. In 2007, I was summoned to an online Reincarnation Forum dedicated to Children's past lives. I was called in to aid in verifying a child's information because of my knowledge of Fire Department operations and equipment. In less than a week, from the information given to me by the mother, on and off the forum, I discovered the boy was relating a lifetime of a New York City firefighter who perished in the events of September 11, 2001. After hearing his story, I call the young boy, The Phoenix. Bio Jeffrey J. Keene was born in Danbury, Connecticut in 1947 and grew up in the town of Westport, CT, attending Staples High School. He joined the Air Force following his graduation in 1965. Following basic training, Keene specialized as a medic. While serving in Texas, Alabama, Florida, and New Jersey; he rose to the rank of sergeant, and received an honorable discharge in 1969. After returning to Westport, Keene joined the town's fire department in 1976. In his thirty five years in the fire service, Keene studied Fire Science at Norwalk State Technical College and attended Delaware State Fire School, where he progressed to the Fire Instructor level. One of the state's first Hazardous Materials Technicians, he also developed a Mock Crash Program to educate local high school students on the dangers of drinking and driving, gaining recognition for his efforts from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Jeffrey Keene was a decorated firefighter and an Assistant Fire Chief with the Westport, Connecticut Fire Department (retired 2003) Asst. Chief Keene spent his last fifteen years as a shift commander and was charged with the development and implementation of Standard Operation Procedures for the department. An accomplished Civil War researcher and speaker (having visited most of the major battle sites in the North and South) he has lectured on Civil War topics to groups ranging from elementary students to peer experts. Mr. Keene makes a strong case for reincarnation in his book titled Someone Else's Yesterday. Through years of research and travel, he has amassed compelling evidence of a former life during the American Civil War; that of Confederate General John B. Gordon. Keene resides with his wife Anna in Trumbull, Connecticut. https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Soul-Reincarnation-Antietam-Ground-ebook/dp/B09LR63BZ3 https://jeffreykeene.com/ https://www.pastliveshypnosis.co.uk/https://www.patreon.com/ourparanormalafterlifeMy book 'Verified Near Death Experiences' https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXKRGDFP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep838: 16/16: Bob Zimmerman reports on an unexpectedly weak solar cycle and its link to climate. He also covers China's new space regulations and Russia's recent test flight of a suborbital rocket.

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 5:28


16/16: Bob Zimmerman reports on an unexpectedly weak solar cycle and its link to climate. He also covers China's new space regulations and Russia's recent test flight of a suborbital rocket.1721

The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep809: 1. Headline: Peru's Electoral Uncertainty and the Simmering Falklands Dispute Guest: Professor Evan Ellis Summary: Professor Ellis discusses Peru's presidential election, where leftist Roberto Sanchez has unexpectedly surged into a runoff agai

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 12:34


1. Headline: Peru's Electoral Uncertainty and the Simmering Falklands Dispute Guest: Professor Evan EllisSummary: Professor Ellis discusses Peru's presidential election, where leftist Roberto Sanchez has unexpectedly surged into a runoff against Keiko Fujimori. The conversation also covers a leaked Pentagon memo that has reignited the Falklands/Malvinas dispute, suggesting a potential shift in US policy toward supporting Argentine claims. 11880 WIEN

Where I Left Off
Reading Recap 11- Virginia Wolff, Alexandra Moody, & More!

Where I Left Off

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 56:13 Transcription Available


Send us Fan MailCome see me at the GetLit Bookfair on Sunday, May 3rd at TUPPS Brewery in McKinney, Texas from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Books Mentioned:Yours, Unexpectedly by Rachel LewisFoolishly Yours by Rachel LewisThe Expiration Date by Leslie McElroyNever Been Shipped by Alicia ThompsonHappy Ending by Chloe LieseThe Appies Series by Emma St. Clair and Jenny ProctorRival Season by Katie Bailey and Leah BrunnerThe Friendship Fling by Georgia StoneBrawler by Lauren GroffDating After the End of the World by Jeneva RoseNow You Owe Me by Aliah WrightDaisy Darker by Alice FeeneyOther Mentions:I will be Pearl's Books in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Sunday, June 7th from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Book BeauBookshop.orgLibro.FMBooks Purchased:Release Me by Tahereh MafiThis Ain't Our First Rodeo by Liara TamniLessons in Falling by Christy SchilligStill Into You by Erin ConnorBetter than Revenge by Kasie WestUnbound by Peyton CorinneHeaFor links to the books discussed in this episode, click the link here to take you to the Google Doc to view the list. For episode feedback, future reading and author recommendations, you can text the podcast by clicking the "Send us a message button" above. For more, follow along on Instagram @whereileftoffpod.

Soft Skills Engineering
Episode 507: I got fired unexpectedly and breadth and depth

Soft Skills Engineering

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 33:15


In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hey there, I started a new job in August at a large European retailer. There were ups & downs, but long story short, my weekly one-on-ones with my manager was either positive or neutral. This was my second job after graduating, so the firm factored in, I'd like to think, when setting expectations this was my first time switching codebases and tech stacks. On January 3rd, I was fired in the last month of my 6 month probation. This was a total surprise. My tech lead told me I required too much assistance from others to finish my tasks. Some part of me doubted the sincerity of my boss, since I asked for example pull requests or tickets where this was the case and he was unable to provide a single example, but obviously, like every dev, technical insecurities are a big part of my life. I'll be starting a new job at a prestigious newspaper in May, so here's my question. In a remote first environment, how do I determine if I'm meeting expectations? How do I gauge my standing in my team? How do I avoid a repeat? How do I effectively integrate myself into a codebase? Disclaimer: At the end of January, everyone in my department was hauled into a meeting and was told the retailer hired 11 external, Portuguese developers to ‘finish the job' since management wasn't happy with the output of the 9 internal developers (aka nearshoring) and no internal would get a pay increase this year. My tech's boss was also fired/forced out/quit before he could be fired. Trevor asks, How do I balance depth with breadth? At my current job, I am moved around projects/code bases all the time and I am exposed to a variety of technologies and subareas. That's cool but I feel like I only manage to face the consequences of our choices for a couple months until I am moved again. I think I need more time to really become an expert in any one area. At the same time, I dread getting stuck in maintenance work. It seems like most people around me (at my company or outside) find it boring and soul-sucking, and are only excited about major projects from scratch. Does a job that has a good balance of both exist and if so, how do I find it?

Depresh Mode with John Moe
Annabelle Gurwitch: Author, Actor, Unexpectedly Still Alive

Depresh Mode with John Moe

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 61:29


Covid was already rough for the very funny and personable Annabelle Gurwitch, as it was for everyone, and that was before her car broke down on an LA freeway just as she was getting a call with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Stage four. Annabelle has dealt with anxiety and depression for a long time and the cancer news certainly didn't help, especially as Annabelle found strong connections between mental and physical health, culminating, perhaps, in Annabelle crab-walking down the sidewalk. It's all detailed in her new memoir, The End of My Life Is Killing Me: The Unexpected Joys of a Cancer Slacker, in which she tells of going on medications that have worked for years, but which she knows will eventually stop working. And eventually, as with us all, she will die. For now, she's alive and here to talk, enlighten, and share more than a few laughs.  Thank you to all our listeners who support the show as monthly members of Maximum Fun. Check out our I'm Glad You're Here and Depresh Mode merchandise at the brand new merch website MaxFunStore.com! Hey, remember, you're part of Depresh Mode and we want to hear what you want to hear about. What guests and issues would you like to have covered in a future episode? Write us at depreshmode@maximumfun.org. Depresh Mode is on BlueSky, Instagram, Substack, and you can join our Preshies Facebook group.  Help is available right away. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255, 1-800-273-TALK Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. International suicide hotline numbers available here: https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep466: 6.. Guest: Hampton Sides. Cook unexpectedly discovers the Hawaiian Islands, landing at Kauai. He is amazed by the sophisticated agriculture and aqueducts but stays briefly, rushing toward the Arctic. This first contact is mutual puzzlement; loc

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 8:34


6..  Guest: Hampton Sides. Cook unexpectedly discovers the Hawaiian Islands, landing at Kauai. He is amazed by the sophisticated agriculture and aqueducts but stays briefly, rushing toward the Arctic. This first contact is mutual puzzlement; locals view the British as "volcano people" due to their smoking, while Cook worries about transmitting disease.