Podcasts about World War II

Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has visited the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and prayed there, violating a decades-old arrangement covering one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East. Also: as Pope Leo addresses a million young Catholics, we meet the influencers who spread the word online, and platypus diplomacy in the Second World War.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

They blindfolded him, but Kuda Bux still saw everything — even having the ability to read without being able to see! How?!==========HOUR ONE: All families have their ups and downs. However, when you find a clan where an infanticide trial is arguably the least worst thing to happen to them, it's safe to say you've found one very special household… the Mabbitt family. 
(The Confusing Disappearance of Luella Mabbitt) *** A woman moves into a home where the past three residents went insane. What could possibly go wrong? (The House With The Unfortunate Past) *** Bartholomew Roberts, better known as the in famous pirate Black Bart, operated in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean from 1719 to 1722. He was easily the most successful pirate of the Golden Age of Piracy, having been known to have captured over 400 ships in his day. But could it be true that he was actually forced to become a pirate against his will? (Was Black Bart Forced To Become a Pirate?) *** If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Invisibility? Flight? Super strength or speed? What about X-ray vision like Superman? Would you believe there was a man in the 20th century who did have x-ray vision, without technology to do it? He had a few other superpowers as well! (The Man With The X-Ray Eyes)==========HOUR TWO: I'm pretty sure that unless you were born of a virgin, died, and then rose from the grave three days later, no one has had any real success at bringing people back from the underworld. But that's exactly what people who practice necromancy try to do – wake the dead. They can't be successful at it though, can they? (Raising The Dead) *** The people of Japan have a myth of a terrible snake-like creature with death-dealing powers called a Tsuchinoko. But unlike many legends, there have been modern sightings of this bizarre cryptid. Is it real? If so, what could it be? (Is The Legendary Tsuchinoko Real?) *** At the age of only 14, George Stinney Jr. was the youngest person in history to be put to death in the electric chair. Then, seventy years later he was proven innocent. (The Execution of an Innocent) ***They were cigar-shaped, glowed red and could turn on a dime. Which ruled out even the most sophisticated rockets of the time. What is it that World War II fighter pilots were seeing in the skies flying with them? (The UFOs of World War 2)==========SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME: It was the slaying that shocked Australia. Sometime on the night of December 26th, 1898, Michael Murphy and his two younger sisters were slaughtered as they traveled back from Gatton in southeastern Australia. Their murders prompted a massive investigation—yet the crime remains unsolved to this day. (Australia's Unsolved Gatton Murders) *** A snowy November day, a bus full of students, and an icy lake. It was about to become the day of the worst school-related accident in Washington state history. (School Bus Plunges To An Icy Death)==========SOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM TONIGHT'S SHOW:VIDEO of Kuba Bux from 1938: https://weirddarkness.com/archives/6546BOOK: Military Encounters with UFOs in World War II by Keith Chester: https://amzn.to/2MdWUHl“Australia's Unsolved Gatton Murders” by Orrin Grey for The Line Up: https://tinyurl.com/yapybysk“The Confusing Disappearance of Luella Mabbitt” from Strange Company: https://tinyurl.com/y88xoa95“The Man With The X-Ray Eyes” by Marc Hartzman for Weird Historian: https://tinyurl.com/y9ok2wnz“The House With The Unfortunate Past” by Dar77 from Your Ghost Stories: https://tinyurl.com/y85t95qe“Was Black Bart Forced To Become a Pirate?” by Ellen Lloyd for Ancient Pages: https://tinyurl.com/yc7doxlj“Is The Legendary Tsuchinoko Real?” by Ellen Lloyd for Ancient Pages: https://tinyurl.com/y7aoznc2“The Execution of an Innocent” from Bugged Space: https://tinyurl.com/yagynb2y“Zombie Science” by Kimberly Hickok for Live Science: https://tinyurl.com/ybud3hly“Raising The Dead” by Jen Jeffers for Ranker: https://tinyurl.com/y9g48lkz“The UFOs of World War 2” by Adam Janos for History: https://tinyurl.com/yamx3hnl“School Bus Plunges To An Icy Death” by Daryl McClary for History Link: https://tinyurl.com/ybtxdrrl==========(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for material I use whenever possible. If I have overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it immediately. Some links may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)=========="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46==========WeirdDarkness®, WeirdDarkness© 2025==========To become a Weird Darkness Radio Show affiliate, contact Radio America at affiliates@radioamerica.com, or call 800-807-4703 (press 2 or dial ext 250).

On 9 August 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, in Japan, killing at least 74,000 people. It led to the end of the World War Two in Asia, with Japan surrendering to the Allies six days later. The bomb, alongside the Hiroshima bomb on 6 August, remain the only times nuclear weapons have been used in a war.In an interview he gave to the BBC in 1980, British prisoner of war Geoff Sherring describes how he survived the explosion. This programme was made in collaboration with BBC Archives. Producer/presenter: Rachel NaylorEye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.(Photo: The Nagasaki bomb on 9 August 1945. Credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

The largest ever surrender of American forces occurred in May 1942. The event resulted in medals of honour for two American military leaders - one who escaped, another who became the highest ranking prisoner of war of the Second World War.In this episode, Don is joined by Jonathan Horn to discuss the loss of the Philippines, and the fight to get it back.Jonathan, who previously came onto the podcast to talk about Robert E. Lee, is a former White House presidential speechwriter and author of 'The Man Who Would Not Be Washington'. His new book on this subject is ‘The Fate of the Generals: MacArthur, Wainwright, and the Epic Battle for the Philippines'.Edited by Tim Arstall, produced by Sophie Gee. The Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

rWotD Episode 3014: General Government administration Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Monday, 4 August 2025, is General Government administration.The General Government administration (German: Generalgouvernement für die besetzten polnischen Gebiete, lit. 'General Government for the occupied Polish areas'), a government and administration of the General Government set up on part of that area of the Second Republic of Poland under Nazi German rule, operated during World War II between 1939 and early 1945. The Third Reich formed the General Government in October 1939 in the wake of the German and Soviet claim that the Polish state had totally collapsed following the invasion of Poland in September–October 1939. The German Wehrmacht had attacked Poland with strong air-power and with massive numbers of troops and tanks on 1 September 1939. The Germans' initial intent was to clear the western part of Poland, the Reichsgau Wartheland, and to bring it into the "Greater German Reich". However, those plans quickly stalled. On 23 August 1939, German foreign-minister Joachim von Ribbentrop and his Soviet counterpart had agreed to a non-aggression pact and had demarcated their respective countries' "spheres of influence" in Poland.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:44 UTC on Monday, 4 August 2025.For the full current version of the article, see General Government administration on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm generative Olivia.

This is an in depth interview with host @heyitsmeCarolyn. Tonight's show has several internet based interruptions. Let's talk about real hammer accounting. The reference has since been removed from the Congressional records. Never trust anyone that comes out of the Agency. When people live in trailers and are employed by the enemy they can't be convinced. Our women would rather burn standing up, than ever kneel to evil. Q is a multiple level operation with many facets. Fearing the unknown is understandable. Many now know what happens when you don't play along. It's a threat, so have no doubt. Nobody looks very closely at the State Department. They actually do most of the dirty work. People will jump ship to save a lifestyle. The subject of Antarctica comes up. The truths of WWII also. Self censorship and maneuvering public opinion work together. There is even talk about secret subpoena's. FBI is always in the mix. Some people are new to the interference game. Unstable connections take a toll. Stay tuned for a big event filled, long and hot month of August.

In this short solo episode from the Baltic coast, I talk more about Gdańsk. This is where World War II started. Then, half-a-century later, was the first domino to fall before the collapse of the Soviet Union. I also talk about the city's Catholic roots, the street scenes during the Saint Dominic festival, and how much the place has changed through the years.I also talk about US media & government. For example, the recent revelations from the Russia Collusion Hoax. Unfortunately, the corporate media can't cover the biggest political scandal in American history because they're complicit. Which means many of our boomer friends & family who were duped will remain that way. But it's always been easier to convince someone of a lie than to convince them they've been lied to. And speaking of dominos falling, I wonder whether we'll soon find out what COVID & Climate Change were all about?There's also my Ryne Sandberg memories and some Gurwinder.

In this episode, we're doing something a little different. I recently joined Scott Bury on his podcast Beyond Barbarossa, which takes a close look at the Eastern Front of the Second World War from a Soviet perspective. Together, we explored the topic of American aid to the USSR through the Lend-Lease program. The usual narrative often paints Lend-Lease as the lifeline that saved the Soviet Union. But, as with most things in history, the reality is far more complex. While Lend-Lease undeniably made a difference—especially in the war's later stages—its impact, timing, and strategic value are worth examining more closely. So, in this episode, we dig into what was actually sent, when it arrived, how it was used, and whether or not it really was decisive in turning the tide on the Eastern Front.   patreon.com/ww2podcast  

Episode Seven – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode of Stories from the Heart, Msgr. John Esseff joins Kris McGregor to reflect on his seminary years beginning in 1945 during the final months of World War II. He recalls the rigorous training in Latin and ... Read more The post SFTH-7 – The Days of Formation – Stories from the Heart with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

I am joined by Andrea van de Loo to discuss her new book, The Pressing Stones. From the dark shadow of WWII to the spiritual dawn of Auroville, we trace Andrea's remarkable journey through trauma, transformation, and transcendence. We explore the generational echoes of war, the recovery from authoritarian programming, the healing power of psychedelic therapy, and the deep search for identity across continents. Her story offers a rare glimpse into resilience, awakening, and the pursuit of peace beyond pain. Keeping with the show's theme, Andrea will share her views on Gnostic thought. Get the book: https://amzn.to/455ZDdO More on Andrea: https://thepressingstones.com/ Get The Occult Elvis: https://amzn.to/4jnTjE4 Virtual Alexandria Academy: https://thegodabovegod.com/virtual-alexandria-academy/ The Gnostic Tarot: https://www.makeplayingcards.com/sell/synkrasis Homepage: https://thegodabovegod.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aeonbyte AB Prime: https://thegodabovegod.com/members/subscription-levels/ Voice Over services: https://thegodabovegod.com/voice-talent/ Support with donation: https://buy.stripe.com/00g16Q8RK8D93mw288Stream All Astro Gnosis Conferences for the price of one: https://thegodabovegod.com/replay-sophia/

The operation, codenamed "W Hour," was launched by the Polish underground resistance movement, primarily the Home Army (Armia Krajowa), with the objective of liberating Warsaw from Nazi occupation before the arrival of Soviet ...

Nutrition Nugget! Bite-size bonus episodes offer tips, tricks and approachable science. This week, Jenn is talking about black beluga lentils, a superfood hiding in plain sight. Curious about this tiny legume that packs a nutritional punch? Jenn uncovers the secrets of a small but mighty ingredient that's been a staple for centuries, offering a protein-packed, fiber-rich boost to your plate. What makes them stand out from other lentils, and how can they transform your meals? Listen to discover the tasty possibilities! Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes of new releases every Wednesday. Have an idea for a nutrition nugget? Submit it here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/index.php/contact/ RESOURCES:Become a Member – A Salad With a Side of FriesJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramKeywords: Black Beluga Lentils, Black Lentils, Nutrition Nugget, Plant-Based Protein, Gluten-Free Legumes, Mediterranean Diet, World War II, Meat Substitute, Canada Lentil Producer, Green Lentils, Brown Lentils, Red Lentils, French Lentils, Nutty Flavor, Cooking Texture, Lentil Soup, Puree Soup, Peppery Taste, High Fiber, Protein Content, Iron Source, Folate Benefits, Calcium, Potassium, Phytochemicals, Antioxidants, Weight Management, Heart Health, Blood Sugar Support, Cancer Prevention, Cholesterol Levels, Anti-Inflammatory Properties, Neuroprotective Effects, Blood Pressure, Energy Boost, Antinutrients, Trypsin Inhibitors, Lectins, Phytic Acid, Soaking Lentils, Cooking Lentils, Versatile Ingredient

World War I and World War II were started by Germany. Understand how Germany is now preparing for World War III.

World War I and World War II were started by Germany. Understand how Germany is now preparing for World War III.

The Prosecutor is the remarkable true story of Fritz Bauer, a gay German Jew who survived the Nazis and sought to hold his countrymen to account. 

What really tipped the scales in the Allies' favour during World War II? In this episode, we break down five critical reasons behind the Allied victory - from strategic coordination to Hitler's own catastrophic mistakes.Joining us to dig into this is James Holland, historian of the Second World War and co-host of the 'We Have Ways of Making You Talk' podcast.Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.Join Dan and the team for a special LIVE recording of Dan Snow's History Hit on Friday, 12th September 2025! To celebrate 10 years of the podcast, Dan is putting on a special show of signature storytelling, never-before-heard anecdotes from his often stranger-than-fiction career, as well as answering the burning questions you've always wanted to ask!Get tickets here, before they sell out: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/dan-snows-history-hit/.You can now find Dan Snow's History Hit on YouTube! Watch episodes every Friday (including this one) here.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on.You can also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

Meg Wolitzerpresents three stories featured in the  anthology A Century of Fiction in the New Yorker.The magazine celebrates its 100th birthday, and this is the second of two programs this season in which we join the party.  Robert Coover's “Going for a Beer” begins with a date and a drink, but you'll be surprised where it ends up.  The reader is SELECTED SHORTS' late founder and host, Isaiah Sheffer.  Cynthia Ozick's moving story “The Shawl” pulls grace from the worst of circumstances in a powerful reading by Lois Smith.  And V.S. Pritchett turns a ladder into a sly symbol of marital discord in our third tale.  “The Ladder” is performed by Cynthia Nixon.

This episode of History of the Second World War delves into the pivotal moments of the Battle of Britain, focusing on the Luftwaffe's final preparations and the critical operations of Adlertag (Eagle Day), the code name for the Luftwaffe's intensified campaign to neutralize RAF Fighter Command and secure Germany's invasion plans . As the conflict escalates, the podcast explores the high-stakes strategies, key decisions, and relentless aerial battles that defined this turning point in the war, offering listeners a gripping look at the chaos and courage of this historic clash. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carolyn Beatrice Parker came from a family of doctors and academics and worked during World War II as a physicist on the Dayton Project, a critical part of the Manhattan Project tasked with producing polonium. Polonium is a radioactive metal that was used in the production of early nuclear weapons. After the war, Parker continued her research and her studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but she died of leukemia at age 48, before she was able to defend her PhD thesis. Decades later, during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests, citizens in her hometown of Gainesville, Florida voted to rename an elementary school in her honor. This Best Of episode, which first aired in November 2024, is also available in a Spanish adaptation, narrated by Laura Gómez. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

What can the Roman legions of Constantine, the Ottoman forces of Mehmet the Conqueror, and the US Army of World War II teach us about modern military power?In this timely episode of the Explaining History Podcast, I speak with former senior British officer and acclaimed military historian Barney White-Spunner about his forthcoming book Nation In Arms (out 14 August). Drawing from five pivotal armies that helped shape the European continent—the Roman, Ottoman, New Model, Prussian, and American—White-Spunner explores what today's governments must relearn about the organisation, loyalty, and very soul of military power.We unpack why European governments have lost focus on defence since 1989, why the peace dividend is over, and what history urgently demands we remember in an era of renewed conflict. This is a deep and necessary conversation about the nature of armies, the responsibilities of the state, and the timeless lessons of military history.History of European Armies, Barney White-Spunner interview, Nation In Arms book, Military history podcast, Contemporary military threats, Lessons from Roman army, Cromwell's New Model Army, Ottoman Empire military, Prussian military reform, WWII US Army history, European defense policy, Future of armed forces, Explaining History podcast, Modern warfare and strategy, Decline of European militaries, History podcast, Military history, Geopolitics, European history, Modern warfare, Author interviews, Strategic studies, Defence and security, British military.Newsflash: You can find everything Explaining History on Substack, join free hereHelp the podcast to continue bringing you history each weekIf you enjoy the Explaining History podcast and its many years of content and would like to help the show continue, please consider supporting it in the following ways:If you want to go ad-free, you can take out a membership hereOrYou can support the podcast via Patreon hereOr you can just say some nice things about it here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textThis week, we kick off our 300th episode celebration with the return of the always insightful and thought-provoking Mike Pachan. Mike brings powerful perspectives, fearless opinions, and the kind of conversation that can make your family want to change the subject!What You'll Hear:Why Mike remains one of DCPC's most frequent guests with a sharp, unfiltered perspective.Thought-provoking insights on controversial societal topics, from economic history to modern medicine and climate change.Deep dives into themes like self-reliance, farming, trust in institutions, and owning your truth.Kev & Art's favorite Mike moments: UFO talk, charcuterie debates, mindset shifts, and more.Topics & Themes:Historical timelines: Federal Reserve inception, WWII insights, and modern-day implications.Underground conversation around controversial topics and ideological shifts.Conversations about health, social media disengagement, and personal growth.Real-talk on current events, personal responsibility, and staying grounded in a chaotic world.Tune in for:Real conversation, challenging ideas, and a perspective that keeps the show grounded. Mike brings energy, honesty, and intelligence every time he's on, don't miss this milestone moment.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Google podcast, TuneIn, Stitcher, Pandora, and anywhere podcasts are heard

Brother Robert Freeman shares powerful stories of Latter-day Saints during World War II who found faith, fellowship,and  holy places amid the chaos of combat, reminding us that discipleship endures even in times of war.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC232ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC232FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC232DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC232PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC232ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/yjOQcLrsMmgALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIMpodcast.comFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBookWEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletterSOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE00:00 Part 2 - Brother Robert Freeman02:42 Standing in holy places04:06 A sacrament meeting before military action07:10 Easter service in Saints at War11:40 Simultaneous missionary and military service12:38 Supersonic Saints16:31 A German Latter-day Saint at D-Day19:26 The righteous are not always spared22:38 Latter-day Saint military service outside the USA26:52 Hartman Rector, Jr.'s military service29:31 Horst Hilbert's story continues31:41 Benner Hall in Saints and Soldiers34:27 Elder Maxwell returns to Japan35:25 Testimony of Jesus amidst war38:45 End of Part 2 - Brother Robert FreemanThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorIride Gonzalez: Social Media, Graphic Design"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

Narrator: Thomas Jones

The Jack Carr Book Club July 2025 selection is STRANGERS IN TIME by #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.Set in London during the Second World War, STRANGERS IN TIME follows a grieving bookseller and two war-scarred teenagers as they navigate loss, danger, and unlikely kinship amid the chaos of war. What begins as a story of survival becomes a profound exploration of trust, found family, and the healing power of books.David Baldacci is one of the most prolific writers of our time.  His 52 novels have sold over 150 million copies worldwide.  A former trial lawyer and lifelong Virginian, Baldacci is also the founder of the Wish You Well Foundation, which supports literacy and educational programs across the U.S.This conversation explores the characters and inspirations behind STRANGERS IN TIME, and Baldacci's journey from practicing law to becoming a literary powerhouse.FOLLOW DAVIDInstagram - @davidbaldacciauthorFacebook - @David BaldacciX - @davidbaldacciWebsite - https://www.davidbaldacci.com/ FOLLOW JACKInstagram - @JackCarrUSA X - @JackCarrUSAFacebook - @JackCarr YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORSCRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/Bravo Company Manufacturing - BCM Stock MOD3:https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/  and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSATHE SIGs of Jack Carr:Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

Episode: 3243 Hollywood's Heroic Water FX. Today, water effects.

In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica discusses the potential for a medical draft of healthcare professionals in the event of a national emergency. Current global events create uncertainty in the healthcare landscape. She explores the historical context of nursing during wartime, particularly during World War II. The episode also touches on the Healthcare Personnel Delivery System (HCPDS) standby plan and exceptions, exemptions and postponements. The Enema Award highlights a recent case that raises concerns about accountability and the justice system. Sponsors: Thank you to Nurses Uncorked Sponsor, EKO HEALTH. You've haven't experienced a stethoscope until you've used an Eko stethoscope! Visit: ekohealth.com/uncorked for $50 off and a free chest piece cover!    Thank you to Nurses Uncorked Sponsor, Dr. Lorre Laws PhD, RN. Healers Heart Assessment and Healers Heart Academy:  https://drlorrelaws.com  Nursing our Healer's Heart: A Recovery Guide for Nurse Trauma & Burnout, by Dr. Lorre Laws PhD, RN:  Buy on Amazon   Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to: nursesuncorked@nursesuncorked.com Support the Show: Help keep Nurses Uncorked going and become an official Patron! Gain early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content, giveaways, Zoom parties, shout-outs, and much more. Become a Wine Cork, Wine Bottle, Decanter, Grand Preserve, or even a Vineyard Member: https://patron.podbean.com/nursesuncorkedpodcast   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Liquor versus Liqueur 03:35 Cocktail of the Week 05:20 Medical Draft 07:20 Who is Included 08:08 Historical Context of Nursing in Wartime 14:05 HCPDS Standby Plan 16:19 Exceptions, Exemptions and Postponement 19:20 The Enema of the Week Award: A Justice System Failure   Cocktail of the Week: Tequila Sunrise 1 part Tequila Splash of Lemon Juice 2 parts Orange Juice Add grenadine to filter down through juice (do not mix) Pour over ice in highball glass and garnish with Maraschino cherry or orange slice.   More Information available at: https://www.sss.gov/about/return-to-draft/   Help the podcast grow by giving episodes a like, download, follow and a 5 ⭐️ star rating! Please follow Nurses Uncorked at: tiktok.com/nurses-uncorked https://youtube.com/@NursesUncorkedL facebook.com/Nurses-Uncorked You can listen to the podcast at: podcasts.apple/nursesuncorked spotify.com/nursesuncorked podbean.com/nursesuncorked https://nursesuncorked.com DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content published or distributed by or on behalf of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked Podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as legal advice, or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. The views and opinions expressed on Nurses Uncorked do not reflect the views of our employers, professional organizations or affiliates. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Nurses Uncorked Podcast are their own; not those of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked LLC. Accordingly, Nurse Erica and Nurses Uncorked cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. All content is the sole property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC. All copyrights are reserved and the exclusive property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC.

This week, the boys fire off about “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and “Happy Gilmore 2” before heading to 1941! The random year generator spoke, and we chose “The Maltese Falcon” for our featured conversation. This is our second John Huston/Humphrey Bogart collaboration after we discussed “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” a few weeks ago!  linktr.ee/theloveofcinema - Check out our YouTube page!  Our phone number is 646-484-9298. It accepts texts or voice messages.  0:00 Intro + News; 8:20 Dave's “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” mini-review; 15:42 Jeff & John's “Happy Gilmore 2” mini-review; 25:28 1941 Year in Review; 43:06 Films of 1941: “The Maltese Falcon”; 1:20:05 What You Been Watching?; 1:28:03 Next Week's Episode Teaser Additional Cast/Crew: Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre, Barton MacLane, Lee Patrick, Sydney Greenstreet, Ward Bond, Hal B. Wells, Henry Blanke, Matt Shakman, Josh Friedman, Ian Springer, Kat Wood, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bacharach, Joseph Quinn, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Post Malone, Margaret Qualley, Steve Buscemi, John Daly, Benny Safdie, Bad Bunny, Haley Joel Osment, Julie Bowen. Hosts: Dave Green, Jeff Ostermueller, John Say Edited & Produced by Dave Green. Beer Sponsor: Carlos Barrozo Music Sponsor: Dasein Dasein on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77H3GPgYigeKNlZKGx11KZ 
Dasein on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dasein/1637517407 Recommendations: The Bear season 4, The Sandman, Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway, KPOP: Demon Hunters, Picnic at Hanging Rock Additional Tags: Peter Weir, Paramount, Poop Cruise, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, Netflix, Apple Film, Times Square, Formula 1, British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Austrian Grand Prix, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, Shane, Stick, Peter Pan, Roman Holiday, Mission: Impossible, submarine, nuclear weapons, Top Gun: Maverick, Ben Mendelsohn, French Accents, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, The Stock Market Crash, Bear Market, Trains, Locomotions, Museums, Nazis, WWII movies, WWI Shows, Plastic ExplosivesThe Crusades, Swedish Art, Knights, Death, MGM, Amazon Prime, Marvel, Sony, Conclave, Here, Venom: The Last Dance, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Oscars, Academy Awards, BFI, BAFTA, BAFTAS, British Cinema. England, Vienna, Leopoldstadt, The Golden Globes, Past Lives, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, The Holiday, Sunset Boulevard, Napoleon, Ferrari, Beer, Scotch, Travis Scott, U2, Apple, Apple Podcasts, Switzerland, West Side Story, Wikipedia, Adelaide, Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Melbourne, Indonesia, Java, Jakarta, Bali, Guinea, The British, England, The SEC, Ronald Reagan, Stock Buybacks, Marvel, MCU, DCEU, Film, Movies, Southeast Asia, The Phillippines, Vietnam, America, The US, Academy Awards, WGA Strike, SAG-AFTRA, SAG Strike, Peter Weir, Jidaigeki, chambara movies, sword fight, samurai, ronin, Meiji Restoration, plague, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, casket maker, Seven Samurai, Roshomon, Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Stellen Skarsgard, the matt and mark movie show.The Southern District's Waratah Championship, Night of a Thousand Stars, The Pan Pacific Grand Prix (The Pan Pacifics), Montana.

In Episode 109 of Breaking History, Matt Ehret and Ghost unpack the global chessboard with a focus on Russia's tightening alliances and the crumbling credibility of the G7. The hosts examine how Western powers have tried, and failed, to isolate Russia economically and diplomatically, particularly through sanctions and attempts to cap oil revenues. Instead, they reveal how these moves have backfired, accelerating cooperation among BRICS nations and expanding Eurasian integration. Matt and Ghost also break down the flawed narratives surrounding Putin, the Western media's selective memory about WWII alliances, and the deep history of U.S. collusion with Nazi-aligned forces post-1945. They argue that the rules-based order is imploding under the weight of its own hypocrisy, and that Russia's current positioning is not only strategic, but part of a broader rebellion against a unipolar global regime. Packed with historical references and geopolitical insight, this episode delivers a sharp analysis of the shifting world order.

The term “Heimat,” referring to a local sense of home and belonging, has been the subject of much scholarly and popular debate following the fall of the Third Reich. Countering the persistent myth that Heimat was a taboo and unusable term immediately after 1945, Geographies of Renewal uncovers overlooked efforts in the aftermath of the Second World War to conceive of Heimat in more democratic, inclusive, and pro-European modes. It revises persistent misconceptions of Heimat as either tainted or as a largely reactionary idea, revealing some surprisingly early identifications between home and democracy. Jeremy DeWaal further traces the history of efforts to eliminate the concept, which first emerged during the Cold War crisis of the early 1960s, and reassesses why so many on the political left sought to re-engage with Heimat in the 1970s and 1980s. This revisionist history intervenes in larger contemporary debates, asking compelling questions surrounding the role of the local in democracy, the value of community, and the politics of place attachments. Guest: Jeremy DeWaal (he/him), is Lecturer in European History at the University of Exeter. His research focuses on German cultural history, spatial history, memory, and the history of emotions. DeWaal's work on Heimat and democracy has been supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, the Central European History Society, and the Berlin Programme at the Free University of Berlin. Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Scholars@Duke: https://scholars.duke.edu/pers... Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jennapittman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Summer invites a different kind of attention — the kind that lets you sit with something longer, look more closely, and linger on a page. In this special episode of Reading the Art World, art advisor Megan Fox Kelly shares seven books that offer exactly that opportunity.From the extraordinary untold story of Rose Valland's resistance during WWII to the vivid experimentation of David Hockney, these titles span photography, memoir, biography, painting, and art history. Several are also linked to museum exhibitions currently on view in New York, Paris, and San Sebastián — offering a chance to pair reading with looking if you're traveling this season.This isn't a list of books to toss in a beach bag — it's a selection for the quieter moments of summer, when you can spend time with ideas that stay with you.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:40 - My Must-Read List01:43 - “The Art Spy”02:24 - “David Hockney”03:02 - “Tina Barney: Family Ties”03:49 - “Vermeer's Love Letters” 04:31 - “Do Something: Coming of Age Amid the Glitter and Doom of '70s New York”05:05 - “The Slip”05:44 - “Irascible”PURCHASE THESE BOOKS“The Art Spy” by Michelle Young - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-art-spy-michelle-young?variant=43046200836130“David Hockney” by Norman Rosenthal - https://www.thamesandhudsonusa.com/books/david-hockney-hardcover“Tina Barney: Family Ties” by Quentin Bajac, James Welling, Sarah Meister - https://aperture.org/books/tina-barney-family-ties/ “Vermeer's Love Letters” by Robert Fucci - https://shop.frick.org/vermeers-love-letters “Do Something” by Guy Trebay - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550904/do-something-by-guy-trebay/ “The Slip” by Prudence Peiffer - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-slip-prudence-peiffer?variant=40991813337122 “Irascible” by Adrian Clark & Richard Calvocoressi - https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300282696/irascible/ SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW AND HEAR INTERVIEWSFor more information, visit meganfoxkelly.com, hear our past interviews, and subscribe at the bottom of our Of Interest page for new posts.Follow us on Instagram: @meganfoxkelly"Reading the Art World" is a live interview and podcast series with leading art world authors hosted by art advisor Megan Fox Kelly. The conversations explore timely subjects in the world of art, design, architecture, artists and the art market, and are an opportunity to engage further with the minds behind these insightful new publications. Megan Fox Kelly is an art advisor and past President of the Association of Professional Art Advisors who works with collectors, estates and foundations.Music composed by Bob Golden

The term “Heimat,” referring to a local sense of home and belonging, has been the subject of much scholarly and popular debate following the fall of the Third Reich. Countering the persistent myth that Heimat was a taboo and unusable term immediately after 1945, Geographies of Renewal uncovers overlooked efforts in the aftermath of the Second World War to conceive of Heimat in more democratic, inclusive, and pro-European modes. It revises persistent misconceptions of Heimat as either tainted or as a largely reactionary idea, revealing some surprisingly early identifications between home and democracy. Jeremy DeWaal further traces the history of efforts to eliminate the concept, which first emerged during the Cold War crisis of the early 1960s, and reassesses why so many on the political left sought to re-engage with Heimat in the 1970s and 1980s. This revisionist history intervenes in larger contemporary debates, asking compelling questions surrounding the role of the local in democracy, the value of community, and the politics of place attachments. Guest: Jeremy DeWaal (he/him), is Lecturer in European History at the University of Exeter. His research focuses on German cultural history, spatial history, memory, and the history of emotions. DeWaal's work on Heimat and democracy has been supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, the Central European History Society, and the Berlin Programme at the Free University of Berlin. Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Scholars@Duke: https://scholars.duke.edu/pers... Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jennapittman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/german-studies

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Roseanna M. White returns to the podcast, this time to talk about her recent release, The Collector of Banned Books. We discuss the real library in Paris that held many of the books that were banned in Germany during the time of the Nazis and the power of words and how we need to be responsible with our words. She also shares an update on her cancer journey. Patrons get to hear her call out for us to read dangerously.The Collector of Banned Books  by Roseanna M. WhiteIn this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she'd hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party―he is a professor, one who's done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France's libraries, he's forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn't want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.Stand-alone historical fiction from a bestselling, Christy Award-winning authorA thought-provoking novel perfect for book clubsIncludes discussion questionsGet The Collector of Banned Books by Roseanna M. White.Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

In Serendipity (Reaktion) Carol Mavor uses Anne Frank's journal, discovered in the Secret Annex after the Second World War, Emily Dickinson's poems, scribbled on salvaged envelopes hidden in a drawer, Lolita, rescued from incineration by Nabokov's wife Véra and her own memory of eating a frozen hot chocolate in New York's Serendipity 3, a dessert café favoured by Andy Warhol, to muse upon the serendipitous afterlives of objects. Mavor, Professor of Art History and Visual Culture at the University of Manchester and prolific author of books and articles about art and culture, was in conversation about fragments, remnants and what remains with novelist, essayist and translator Lauren Elkin.

The term “Heimat,” referring to a local sense of home and belonging, has been the subject of much scholarly and popular debate following the fall of the Third Reich. Countering the persistent myth that Heimat was a taboo and unusable term immediately after 1945, Geographies of Renewal uncovers overlooked efforts in the aftermath of the Second World War to conceive of Heimat in more democratic, inclusive, and pro-European modes. It revises persistent misconceptions of Heimat as either tainted or as a largely reactionary idea, revealing some surprisingly early identifications between home and democracy. Jeremy DeWaal further traces the history of efforts to eliminate the concept, which first emerged during the Cold War crisis of the early 1960s, and reassesses why so many on the political left sought to re-engage with Heimat in the 1970s and 1980s. This revisionist history intervenes in larger contemporary debates, asking compelling questions surrounding the role of the local in democracy, the value of community, and the politics of place attachments. Guest: Jeremy DeWaal (he/him), is Lecturer in European History at the University of Exeter. His research focuses on German cultural history, spatial history, memory, and the history of emotions. DeWaal's work on Heimat and democracy has been supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, the Central European History Society, and the Berlin Programme at the Free University of Berlin. Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Scholars@Duke: https://scholars.duke.edu/pers... Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jennapittman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

It's Tuesday, July 29th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Ugandan Muslim terrorists massacre 40 Catholics with machetes Members of the Islamic Allied Democratic Forces, based in Western Uganda, struck the Congo town of Komanda on Sunday, killing almost 40 Catholic worshipers with machetes. This follows a similar massacre of 70 Protestant Christians in February in the city of Mayba, Congo.  522,000 Sudanese babies died of malnutrition Famine is on the rise across the world today, according to the World Food Program.  A total of 600,000 Sudanese face catastrophic hunger, and 8 million face emergency levels of hunger. The problem is four times worse in Sudan than it was last year. Since the outbreak of the Sudanese civil war in 2023, over 522,000 babies have died of malnutrition, as well as thousands of older children. That's according to the Committee of Sudanese Doctors.  This represents a sharp increase of deaths by famine — a metric that has averaged around 100,000 per year since the 1970s. Other nations facing emergency levels of hunger include Myanmar, South Sudan, Mali, and Haiti.   127 people starved to death in Gaza The World Food Program revealed about half a million people face catastrophic hunger in Gaza. Specifically, the AP reports that 127 people have starved to death in Gaza this year. From Psalm 146:5-9, we read, “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made Heaven and Earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.” Cambodian/Thai ceasefire It all started when Cambodian tourists visiting Thailand began singing the Cambodian national anthem back in February. Then, on May 28th of this year, Cambodian and Thai soldiers took a few pot shots at each other across the border.   One Cambodian soldier died. Tensions increased over the next month. During early July, several Thai soldiers were severely injured when stepping on Cambodian-placed landmines at the border.  That's what it took to ignite all-out war between the two countries, beginning on July 24th. At least 33 citizens and soldiers were killed in the conflict. This conflict, which became deadly, illustrates the biblical principle from 1 Corinthians 3:3. It says, “For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” Thankfully, as of yesterday, the two nations have reached an agreement to an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” reports The Khmer Times. Japan's conservative political party rising in stature An anti-immigrant, anti-foreigner party called Sanseito has gained ascendance in Japan for the first time since World War II — moving from 1 to 15 seats in the nation's governing body. Other conservative type parties gained another 15 seats in the 248 seat upper house, for a total of a 12% gain. Trump to Russia: 12 days to reach ceasefire President Donald Trump is upping the ante with Russia. He gave Russian President Valdimir Putin 12 days to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine, or he will impose 100% tariffs on countries which purchase Russian exports. That would include China, India, Turkey, Brazil, South Korea, and Taiwan. Democrats viewed extremely unfavorably The Democrats are now viewed extremely unfavorably here in America by the public.  A new Wall Street Journal poll revealed that 63% of voters look upon the party unfavorably. Only 33% view it favorably.  The American public appreciates the Republican views over the Democratic views on issues like immigration, inflation, and foreign policy. Americans are also most upset with the Trump administration over tariffs, healthcare, and the Ukraine war. 63% of Americans want abortion legal in most cases The latest Associated Press/National Opinion Research Center polling indicates that 63% of Americans want abortion legal in most cases, and 52% support abortion for any reason whatsoever. Hulk Hogan rededicated faith in Christ at baptism 18 months before death And finally, a pastor with Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida has publicly announced baptizing Hulk Hogan, whose given name was Terry Bollea, prior to the pro-wrestler's recent passing.  According to the New York Post, Hogan was baptized 18 months before his death on July 24, 2025. Hogan was asked about it on the Christian Broadcasting Network. REPORTER: “Public baptism. You have said: the greatest moment of your life.” HOGAN: “Yes, without a doubt.” REPORTER: “Terry, what did that mean for you?” HOGAN: “It broke down that fourth or fifth wall to tell people the truth about my Lord and Savior, and it set me free. I wasn't that perfect vessel that I should have been. Once I was baptized, I felt I was all new. It really was a major pivot in my life.” In December 2023, Hogan wrote that his baptism marked “Total surrender and dedication to Jesus.” Pastor Aaron Filippone included an extended eulogy for Hogan on an X post over the weekend. The pastor noted that Hogan had worshiped faithfully with his wife at the church over the past two years.. He said, “He didn't just talk about his faith—he lived it. He walked in grace, and he made sure everyone around him knew that grace was available for them too.” The pastor added: “Jesus offers hope, forgiveness, and eternal life to anyone who believes. We invite you to visit a local, Bible-believing church—just like Terry did.”   Hogan, referencing his actual first name of “Terry” in this portion of the CBN interview, talked about his desire to live a faithful life as a Christian. HOGAN:  “What Terry brings to the table is a meat suit, a meat suit, filled with the Spirit of Christ, and it's a testing ground for me. I accepted Christ as my Savior. I was 14, but I derailed. It wasn't my life. He has given me the opportunity to prove that I'm faithful and I'll never make those same mistakes again.” Indeed, Hogan had led a rocky life, marked by two unhappy divorces.   Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, July 29th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Today's guest is Aaron Gatti, founder of Brami, the fastest growing pasta brand in the U.S. Aaron's story begins on a small farm in southern Italy, where he spent childhood summers with his grandparents. Not by choice, but because his parents couldn't afford childcare back in the States. It was there he discovered the lupini bean, a Mediterranean superfood once used to fuel Roman warriors and the same ingredient his grandmother credits for helping her survive World War II. Years later, that inspiration became Brami, a pasta made in the mountains of Molise, Italy, using just two ingredients: durum wheat semolina and lupini bean flour. No shortcuts, no over-processing — just premium Italian tradition with modern nutritional benefits. While most alternative pastas in the U.S. are ultra-processed and nutritionally empty, Brami stands out by going back to the source. With a vertically integrated supply chain, they control everything from milling to storage, delivering quality you can taste and trust. The result? Brami has grown 1,404 percent year over year and is now sold in over 5,000 stores nationwide, outpacing legacy brands like Goodles, Rummo, and Rao's. On this week's episode you'll learn: • Why better for you pasta doesn't mean sacrificing flavor, and how Brami lets you taste Italy every day • The secret to a healthy, one pot Italian meal that's as easy as it is nutritious • What makes Italian food feel so satisfying, and how Brami captures that with a twist • How the lupini bean went from family secret to venture backed superfood • How Brami scaled in retail and increased sales by 40 percent at Whole Foods

One of America's largest military installations lies a chilling pattern of violence, silence, and systemic failure. In this gripping episode, The Boys unearth the dark legacy of Fort Hood—now Fort Cavazos—a place known less for its military prowess and more for the trail of tragedy left in its wake.From unexplained deaths and brutal murders to mass shootings and vanishing soldiers, Fort Hood's history reads more like a crime dossier than a training ground. The story begins in World War II with a rushed construction on displaced grave sites and a namesake rooted in the Confederacy, but the real descent into darkness unfolds over the next 80 years. Listeners are taken inside the base's most infamous events, including the 2009 shooting rampage by Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan and the 2014 mass shooting by a fellow soldier battling mental illness.At the center of this episode is the haunting case of Vanessa Guillén, a 20-year-old soldier whose 2020 disappearance and horrific murder exposed widespread corruption, a toxic culture of silence, and systemic abuse. Her story sparked national outrage and led to major military reform—but her death was far from an isolated tragedy. The episode also dives into the forgotten: soldiers like Gregory Wedel-Morales, labeled AWOL before his body was found months later; Elder Fernandes, who reported sexual abuse before being discovered hanging from a tree; and Anthony Lovell, found with injuries inconsistent with the “motorcycle accident” story the Army provided.The episode explores the base's shocking 2020 death toll, where more soldiers died stateside than in active combat zones, and delves into the theories that haunt Fort Hood's reputation—claims of serial killers, trafficking networks, and internal cover-ups that, while unproven, are fueled by disturbing patterns and unanswered questions.With little-known anecdotes, firsthand accounts, and a narrative style that blends true crime with investigative storytelling, Fort Hood: Deadly Secrets peels back the layers of an American institution cloaked in honor but plagued by horror. This isn't just a story about a base—it's a reckoning with the cost of silence, the failures of command, and the lives lost in the shadows of power.www.patreon.com/theconspiracypodcast

On this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Hendrika, author of Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Australian, to explore her extraordinary life journey. Having grown up in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Hendrika shares powerful memories of her childhood during WWII—including her mother's courageous role in the Dutch resistance and the sheltering of a Jewish girl.We follow her story as her family emigrates to Australia, and later, as Hendrika builds a life in America over four decades. In this intimate conversation, she reflects on how echoes of her past resonate in today's world, and how she continues her path of self-discovery and healing.Join us for a moving conversation about survival, resilience, immigration, and the human spirit—an episode that feels especially relevant in today's climateCheck out Hendrika's work:Website https://www.agirlfromamsterdam.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HendrikadeVriesAuthor/Amazon preorder: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1647429501?tag=simonsayscomBookshop preorder: https://bookshop.org/p/books/open-turns-from-dutch-girl-to-new-australian-a-memoir-hendrika-de-vries/22342139?ean=9781647429508&next=t&B&N preorder: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/open-turns-hendrika-de-vries/1146889410?ean=9781647429508Books A Million preorder: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781647429508?__cf_chl_tk=6t5kBzdWgf4tkRFdxFiQTyqQ5OhR8edcknnSM.xgUpc-1753301905-1.0.1.1-mEodAfhrDoN4na8Va_cJKtA8j79x2KwL9iSm1eegV9Y Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcastLearn more about Kevin's Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.comCheck out Kevin's substack: https://allconviction.substack.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests' stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Seth Paridon and co-host Jon Parshall welcome their good buddy Rich Frank back to the show to continue last week's conversation on the diplomatic road to Pearl Harbor. The guys pick up where they left off and begin with Rich's key steps to the oil embargo of July 1941. The discussion is fascinating as the trio waxes poetic on the world view situation as looked at by the Roosevelt administration, speaking on topics ranging from the Eastern Front and Operation TYPHOON, to the Japanese quest for oil and the American's action to shut off the spigots--all which lead to the inevitable in December. Then the guys get into the weeds regarding Japanese diplomats Nomura and Kurusu and their last-minute "attempts" to ward off the war that everyone knew was coming. A truly fascinating discussion that is worth your time as we continue our build-up to the Japanese attack and US involvement in World War II in this, our second episode, of the Pearl Harbor series.  #wwiihistory #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #essex #halsey #taskforce38 #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #mastersoftheair #8thairforce #mightyeighth #100thbombgroup #bloodyhundredth #b17 #boeing #airforce wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #oldbreed #1stMarineDivision #thepacific #Peleliu #army #marines #marinecorps #worldwar2 #worldwar #worldwarii #leytegulf #battleofleytegulf #rodserling #twilightzone #liberation #blacksheep #power #prisoner #prisonerofwar #typhoon #hurricane #weather #iwojima#bullhalsey #ace #p47 #p38 #fighter #fighterpilot #b29 #strategicstudying #tokyo #boeing #incendiary #usa #franklin #okinawa #yamato #kamikaze #Q&A #questions #questionsandanswers #history #jaws #atomicbomb #nuclear #nationalarchives #nara #johnford #hollywood #fdr #president #roosevelt #doolittle #doolittleraid #pearlharbor

Robert Paden-Powell took twenty boys to Brownsea Island, Poole on 29th July, 1907, to embark on a ten-day camp. The trip was, essentially, a laboratory for his subsequent books - and, therefore, the global Boy Scout movement.  Each day started with cocoa and exercises, and ended with campfire yarns. In between, there was a lot of knot-tying, parading and praying. By the time of the Second World War, 3.3 million British children were enrolled as Boy Scouts. In this episode, Olly, Rebecca and Arion explore the link between the Boer war and B-P's ‘Scouting Book for Boys'; unearth the racist and homophobic elements of the global Scout movement; and explain why Indonesia has more Scouts than anywhere else... Further Reading: • ‘Brownsea Island: The First Camp', from The Scouting Pages: https://thescoutingpages.org.uk/the-first-camp/ • ‘Boy Scouts of America reaches $850BILLION settlement with 60,000 child sex abuse victims' (Mail Online, 2021): https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9748029/Boy-Scouts-America-reaches-pivotal-agreement-victims.html • ‘Who Was Baden-Powell? & How B-P Changed the World!' (Scouter Stan, YouTube 2020): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY9pv8iF4wg This episode first aired in 2021 Love the show? Support us!  Join 

Episode DescriptionThe Great Depression sucked, the Dust Bowl made it even worse. We discuss how American greed destroyed both the economy and the land. Buckle up.-Support the Showhttps://buymeacoffee.com/amhistoryremix-Find the full transcript of this episode including citations at our website:https://www.americanhistoryremix.com/episodeguide/depression-dust -In this episode we cover….Introduction [00:00-03:50]World War One & Wheat [03:50-07:06]1920s Economy [07:06-09:29]Overproduction of Wheat [09:29-11:09]Consumption & Progress [11:09-12:49]Economic Downturn [12:49-14:03]Market Crash [14:03-16:04]Causes of Depression [16:04-19:45]The Great Depression–General [19:45-20:57]Life During the Depression [20:57-25:34]Bonus Army [25:34-27:39]Legacy of the Depression [27:39-28:23]Dust Storms [28:23-33:40]Okies [33:40-35:47]Roosevelt Elected [35:47-37:29]The New Deal [37:29-41:19]Rural Reform [41:19-46:11]Evaluation of the New Deal [46:11-49:35]World War II [49:35-52:44]Dust Bowl Ends [52:44-54:51]Conclusion [54:51-56:40]-To dive deeper into these topics (affiliate links):James N. Gregory, American Exodus: The Dust Bowl Migration and Okie Culture in California. https://tinyurl.com/Gregory-American-ExodusDavid M. Kennedy, Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945. https://tinyurl.com/Kennedy-FreedomMaury Klein, Rainbow's End: The Crash of 1929.https://tinyurl.com/Klein-Rainbows-EndDon Nardo, ed. The Great Depression.  https://tinyurl.com/Nardo-The-Great-DepressionEric Rauchway, The Great Depression and the New Deal: A Very Short Introduction. https://tinyurl.com/Rauchway-The-Great-DepressionDonald Worster, Dust Bowl: The Southern Plains in the 1930s.  https://tinyurl.com/Worster-Dust-Bowl-Support the showSupport the Show https://buymeacoffee.com/amhistoryremix

PART 1 Join me in this 3-part series as LaNora Parker, great-granddaughter of legendary Comanche leader Quanah Parker, shares her story of leadership, survival, and healing. LaNora was one of the first women to serve as Vice Chairman and Interim Chairwoman of the Comanche Nation. She reflects on her family's powerful legacy—her father, Simmons Parker, was a Comanche Code Talker and WWII hero—and how that shaped her path. She opens up about the painful realities of Native boarding schools, the loneliness, and cultural erasure she experienced, and how Comanche language and hymns remained a source of strength. Now, as a voice for Native recovery, LaNora shares her personal healing journey and her mission to support sobriety through culture and purpose! Along with her niece, she co-founded Warchief Collection, a non-alcoholic beverage line rooted in Native wellness and resilience. Learn more at warchiefcollection.com Her words of encouragement for all who are in recovery? “Pray about it. Cry about it. Read about it. Write about it. Talk about it. Be about it.” Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast  All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Join me in this 3-part series as LaNora Parker, great-granddaughter of legendary Comanche leader Quanah Parker, shares her story of leadership, survival, and healing. LaNora was one of the first women to serve as Vice Chairman and Interim Chairwoman of the Comanche Nation. She reflects on her family's powerful legacy—her father, Simmons Parker, was a Comanche Code Talker and WWII hero—and how that shaped her path. She opens up about the painful realities of Native boarding schools, the loneliness, and cultural erasure she experienced, and how Comanche language and hymns remained a source of strength. Now, as a voice for Native recovery, LaNora shares her personal healing journey and her mission to support sobriety through culture and purpose! Along with her niece, she co-founded Warchief Collection, a non-alcoholic beverage line rooted in Native wellness and resilience. Learn more at warchiefcollection.com Her words of encouragement for all who are in recovery? “Pray about it. Cry about it. Read about it. Write about it. Talk about it. Be about it.” Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

PART 3 Join me in this 3-part series as LaNora Parker, great-granddaughter of legendary Comanche leader Quanah Parker, shares her story of leadership, survival, and healing. LaNora was one of the first women to serve as Vice Chairman and Interim Chairwoman of the Comanche Nation. She reflects on her family's powerful legacy—her father, Simmons Parker, was a Comanche Code Talker and WWII hero—and how that shaped her path. She opens up about the painful realities of Native boarding schools, the loneliness, and cultural erasure she experienced, and how Comanche language and hymns remained a source of strength. Now, as a voice for Native recovery, LaNora shares her personal healing journey and her mission to support sobriety through culture and purpose! Along with her niece, she co-founded Warchief Collection, a non-alcoholic beverage line rooted in Native wellness and resilience. Learn more at warchiefcollection.com Her words of encouragement for all who are in recovery? “Pray about it. Cry about it. Read about it. Write about it. Talk about it. Be about it.” Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

In Chapter 25 of The Book of Trump, Ghost welcomes Chris Paul for a high-octane, history-shattering exploration of the UniParty and the “party of false decorum.” They trace the neoconservative movement from its Trotskyite roots to its post-WWII infiltration of American political and academic institutions. Chris unpacks his theory of reputational control, a social currency that binds elites across ideologies, and explains how this dynamic fuels both woke culture and controlled opposition on the right. From the Bauhaus and Frankfurt schools to the CIA's Ukraine exploits, Zionist negotiations with Nazis, and Oppenheimer's role in the nuclear psyop, no narrative is safe. The episode ends with a powerful indictment of identity politics and virtue-signaling within the truth community, urging listeners to ditch reputation games and reclaim principled resistance. A cerebral takedown of elite theater that calls the audience to see beyond the stage, and the actors.

In this lesson, students learn vocabulary to describe different stages of life, from infancy to old age. They explore terms like toddler, teenager, middle-aged, and generation gap, using simple definitions and example sentences. A multiple choice quiz helps students review what they've learned and practice using the words correctly.✅ I can be your speaking partner https://brentspeak.as.me/

Last time we spoke about Operation Downfall. The Allies, under General Krueger, initiated a decisive campaign to clear the Japanese from Luzon. As they faced the entrenched Shobu Group, challenges included treacherous terrain and a resilient enemy. Simultaneously, Japan braced for an invasion, mobilizing reinforcements and devising defensive strategies to ward off the impending Allied assault. As July approached, General Yamashita's forces prepared to execute a final breakout, but progress was hampered by relentless guerrilla attacks and adverse weather conditions. With Operation Downfall looming, Allied troops focused on strategic landings in Kyushu and Honshu, driven by a relentless determination to defeat the Japanese militarily. The intense battles of Luzon became a precursor to this monumental operation, marking a turning point in the Pacific War.  This episode is The Siege of Japan Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  Boy I have been waiting a long time to come to this point. One of the most significant events in human history that deeply affects us to this very day. Nuclear war is as much a threat today as it was during the cold war. The dropping of the Atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were deeply complicated events fraught with issues of morality. It goes without saying whether or not the bombs needed to be dropped, their actual impact on the surrender of Japan and so forth are still issues hotly debated to this very day. I have spoken on the issue countless times on my personal channel and podcast, but I figure to do this subject justice I will create a full episode for it. Thus in this episode we are going to just cover what happened, but rest assured I will come back to this later on. As we last explored, following the successful invasion of Luzon in the Philippines, along with the fall of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, American forces began preparing for the final invasion of the Japanese Home Islands. This operation was codenamed Operation Downfall. One key initiative leading up to this invasion was a comprehensive air-sea blockade and bombardment campaign against Japan itself. Previously, we detailed the extensive firebombing and precision bombing efforts executed by General LeMay's 21st Bomber Command. However, during this crucial period, the B-29 Superfortress bombers undertook a distinct operation under the codename Starvation. This single operation would be one of the largest factors that contributed to the surrender of Japan and its one most people have never heard of. In July 1944, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz proposed a bold plan to use B-29 Superfortress bombers to mine the waterways surrounding the Japanese Home Islands. Although Generals Henry H. Arnold and Walter Hansell expressed concerns that this mining campaign could distract from the B-29's primary role as a strategic bombardment aircraft, they eventually agreed to assign one bomber group to focus on aerial mining when conditions permitted. On December 22, Hansell's 21st Bomber Command was directed to formulate a naval mining program aimed at executing between 150 to 200 sorties each month, which was set to begin in April 1945. However, by this time, General Curtis LeMay had taken command of the 21st Bomber Command. LeMay was notably enthusiastic about the idea and successfully recommended to Washington an upgraded mining program that aimed to deploy up to 1,500 mines each month using a full B-29 wing. LeMay viewed aerial mining in a different light than Arnold or Hansell, seeing it as a vital extension of strategic bombing. He recognized that most of Japan's war production materials, as well as a significant portion of its food supplies, were imported from regions such as China, Southeast Asia, and the Dutch East Indies. Japan's industrial heartland is primarily found on Honshu, its largest and most industrialized island, while Shikoku, another island, also lacks essential resources such as iron ore and high-quality coal. These crucial materials were sourced from Kyushu and Hokkaido, both of which are other Japanese islands. All these resources were transported by sea, so without easy access to raw materials, Japan's industrial output would come to a grinding halt. The only aircraft capable of deploying mines effectively where they were needed were the B-29s. Areas such as the Inland Sea, the Sea of Japan, and the Korean Peninsula were out of reach for other Allied aircraft. Additionally, Allied submarines could only venture into these perilous waters with great risk. Notably, about 80% of Japan's merchant fleet utilized the Shimonoseki Strait, a critical waterway that separates Kyushu from Honshu. Understanding the strategic advantage of closing this strait, LeMay decided to allocate an entire wing of B-29s specifically to mine this vital route. Brigadier General John Davies commanded the 313th Bombardment Wing, tasked with deploying approximately 2,000 naval mines each month into Japanese waters. The primary goals of this operation were to prevent essential raw materials and food supplies from reaching the Home Islands, hinder the supply and mobilization of Japanese military forces, and disrupt transportation routes in the Inland Sea of Japan. Between March 27 and April 12, Davies' bombers targeted key enemy shipping bases located in Kure, Sasebo, and Hiroshima. They also focused on the Shimonoseki Strait, a narrow and strategically important waterway that links the Inland Sea with the Tsushima Strait. Notably, after these attacks, this strait was successfully closed for two weeks. On May 3 and 5, the 313th Bombardment Wing laid down a total of 1,422 mines in the waters surrounding the Shimonoseki Strait, as well as near major urban centers like Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, and Osaka. These efforts aimed to severely disrupt maritime commerce between Japan's major industrial areas. Just a week later, the minefields expanded from the Shimonoseki Strait to include Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, and northwest Honshu, the largest island containing Tokyo. By the end of that month, these mines were proving remarkably effective, accounting for the sinking of more ships than Japanese submarines. In fact, within the Shimonoseki Strait alone, 113 ships had been sunk. Between June 7 and July 8, American forces expanded and fortified minefields along the western coast of Japan while also replenishing the existing minefields in the Shimonoseki Strait and the Inland Sea. During this effort, they successfully laid a total of 3,542 mines across 14 missions. The "total blockade" officially commenced on July 9 and continued until the end of the war. Throughout this period, American forces executed 474 sorties, dropping another 3,746 mines that replenished existing minefields and extended coverage to harbors in Korea. In total, Brigadier General Davies conducted 46 missions that laid down 26 minefields containing 12,135 mines. Remarkably, only 15 B-29s were lost during these operations. In turn, the mines accounted for the sinking or damaging of 670 Japanese ships, with a total loss of 1.25 million tons. This mining campaign effectively strangled Japanese industry, as the denial of essential raw materials to factories proved more disruptive than the direct bombing of the plants themselves.  Despite the clear vulnerability of Japan's economy to disruptions in coastal shipping, Japanese authorities were alarmingly unprepared to address the threat posed by air-dropped mines. By August 1945, Japan had committed 349 ships and 20,000 personnel to counter the Starvation campaign, but these efforts were overwhelmingly ineffective. The shipping crisis escalated to such a degree that searchlights and anti-aircraft batteries were redeployed from urban centers to defend expected mining targets. Additionally, suicide boats were employed in desperate attempts to clear the minefields. Royal Navy historian S.W. Roskill commented on the situation, stating, “The blockade had, in fact, been far more successful than we realized at the time. Although submarines initially played a critical role in enforcing the blockade, it was the air-laid mines that ultimately strangled Japan.” Japanese officials shared this assessment. A director from a Tokyo steel company reflected on the situation, noting that the denial of essential raw materials to factories caused far greater disruption than the direct bombing of the plants themselves. This contradicted the views of US Army Air Forces experts back in Washington. In a striking remark after the war, a Japanese minesweeping officer told American forces, “The result of B-29 mining was so effective against shipping that it eventually starved the country. You could have likely shortened the war by starting this campaign earlier.” Meanwhile, General LeMay continued his firebombing campaign against Japan. By the end of May, urban areas around Tokyo Bay had been devastated, prompting the 21st Bomber Command to shift focus westward toward the densely populated industrial complexes lining Osaka Bay. On June 1, 521 B-29s were dispatched to bomb industrial targets situated along the Yodo River, with an escort of 148 P-51 fighters. Unfortunately, an undetected thunderstorm struck en route, which meant only 27 P-51s reached Osaka, while another 27 crashed, and the remaining fighters had to return to Iwo Jima. Despite these complications, the B-29s bombed from altitudes ranging between 18,000 and 28,500 feet, successfully dropping 2,788 tons of incendiary bombs on Osaka. The attack resulted in the burning of 3.15 square miles, destroying 136,107 houses and 4,222 factories. Four days later, on June 3, 530 unescorted B-29 Superfortresses launched a bombing raid on the city of Kobe. Of those, 473 aircraft targeted the city, resulting in the destruction of 4.35 square miles. This devastating strike led to the demolition of 51,399 buildings, while another 928 suffered significant damage. The raid, however, came with losses, as 11 bombers were downed, and 176 were damaged in the operation. On June 7, 449 B-29s returned to Osaka. Despite facing heavy cloud cover that restricted visibility, they managed to burn an additional 2.21 square miles of the city, destroying another 55,333 buildings.  By the conclusion of General Curtis LeMay's maximum-effort area bombing campaign, the six most significant industrial cities in Japan, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, Yokohama, and Kawasaki, had been left in ruins. Major factories were either destroyed or severely damaged, while thousands of smaller household and feeder industrial units were consumed by flames. Casualty figures surged into six figures, leaving millions of people homeless. The evacuation of survivors further complicated efforts to secure labor for the factories that remained operational. Japan's air-raid protection system proved woefully inadequate to withstand a protracted siege by very heavy bombers. The system lacked sufficient organization, trained personnel, shelters, fire-fighting equipment, and facilities for relief and evacuation. Additionally, there was a significant deficiency in civilian indoctrination regarding emergency procedures. Under the relentless pressure of repeated major attacks, local Air Raid Precaution organizations collapsed, adding strain to an already overburdened imperial government. Japanese civilians, who had been conditioned by victory propaganda, displayed little of the discipline that helped German citizens endure years of aerial bombardment. As news of military defeats and the impact of B-29 precision strikes filtered into the great cities, residents began to lose confidence in their leaders' ability to protect them or care for the victims of the attacks. Abe Motoki, the Minister of Home Affairs at the time, later remarked, “I believe that after the raids on Tokyo on May 23-24, 1945, civilian defense measures in that city, as well as in other parts of Japan, were considered a futile effort.” Regarding the operational cost of this campaign for the 21st Bomber Command, it was not considered excessively burdensome. Over the course of 17 maximum-effort incendiary attacks, LeMay dispatched a total of 6,960 B-29s, which dropped 41,592 tons of bombs. The losses amounted to 136 B-29s, averaging only 1.9% of the sorties, a rate significantly lower than what had been endured in earlier months, and quite acceptable by the standards of conventional strategic bombing. Meteorologists predicted that the summer monsoon would keep Japan's skies covered with clouds for most of the upcoming months, from June to August. As a result, LeMay shifted strategies under what became known as the Empire Plan. This approach prioritized targeting industrial and military sites during daylight hours when the weather permitted, while secondary cities that had sufficient industrial capability became targets for nighttime area attacks. This change meant that since no single target warranted a full four-wing maximum effort, multiple missions could be scheduled in a single day. Accordingly, on June 9, 110 B-29s attacked three aircraft factories located in Narao, Atsuta, and Akashi. The strikes successfully destroyed the factories in Narao and Atsuta, but an unfortunate miscalculation led to the bombing of the town near Akashi. The following day, June 10, a force of 280 B-29s, escorted by 107 P-51 Mustang fighters, targeted six distinct sites in the Tokyo Bay area. The mission yielded significant results, with all targets sustaining heavy damage. Finally, on June 15, 516 B-29s were dispatched for one last firebombing raid against Osaka and the neighboring city of Amagasaki. In this combined assault, 444 bombers dropped over 1,350 tons of incendiary bombs, incinerating an additional 1.9 square miles in Osaka and more than half a square mile in Amagasaki. Starting on June 17, General Curtis LeMay's firebombing campaigns began to focus on medium-sized secondary cities across Japan. On that day, 477 B-29 Superfortresses targeted the cities of Omuta, Hamamatsu, Yokkaichi, and Kagoshima, burning a combined total of six square miles in these urban areas. The success of this initial multi-target mission ensured the continuation of the program, establishing an operational pattern that would remain standard during the final weeks of the war. In total, multiple incendiary attacks were conducted on sixteen occasions, averaging about two missions per week. Between June 17 and August 14, American forces carried out 8,014 sorties, dropping a staggering 54,184 tons of incendiaries across 58 secondary cities. On June 22, 446 B-29s were dispatched to strike six targets located in southern Honshu, including the crucial Kure Naval Arsenal. In this mission, 382 bombers released 2,103 tons of bombs, inflicting heavy damage to these essential manufacturing facilities. Just four days later, on June 26, a force of 510 B-29s, accompanied by 148 P-51 Mustang escorts, targeted locations in southern Honshu and the nearby island of Shikoku. However, dense clouds over much of the area complicated assembly and forced many aircraft to attack targets of opportunity individually or in small groups. As a result, adverse weather conditions would delay subsequent daytime raids until July 24.  In the coordinated strike program that commenced in June, the decision to focus on either the Empire Plan or urban industrial targets was largely influenced by weather conditions. As the program took shape, the 315th Bombardment Wing (VH) became available for combat operations. This wing operated somewhat independently from the other bomber units, with its activities significantly guided by the specialized equipment of its aircraft. Authorized for deployment in the Pacific in December 1944, the 315th settled at Northwest Field, Guam, during May and June. Its commander, Brigadier General Frank A. Armstrong, Jr., was a seasoned veteran of the strategic air offensive against Germany. The B-29s of the 315th Wing differed in two key respects from those of other units. They were equipped with the AN/APQ-7 (Eagle) radar, a sophisticated radar system designed for bombing, instead of the conventional AN/APQ-13 radar. The latter had primarily served as a navigational aid. While crews had become adept at using the AN/APQ-13 for night or poor-weather bombing, it lacked the precision necessary for accurate strikes. The Eagle radar, however, offered significantly greater definition and, although it required a long bomb run averaging seventy miles, this was not considered a serious hindrance in the tactical context of Japan. To further enhance its night-bombing capabilities, the Superfortresses had been stripped of all armament except for the tail gun. This modification, along with the Eagle radar, clearly marked the 315th as a dedicated night-bombing unit. There were various proposals for the use of these specially equipped B-29s, including high-altitude bombing, area bombing, and aerial mining. However, by the time the 315th Wing was ready for combat, the 313th Bombardment Wing had already gained proficiency in aerial mining, while all wings had become adept at area bombing using the AN/APQ-13. Training for the 315th had focused heavily on night radar tactics, with less emphasis on visual bombing and daytime formation flights. It was evident that if the Eagle radar was to undergo a thorough scientific evaluation, it should be tested against a specific set of targets that were preferably large in size and located along the coastline. In the view of the 21st Bomber Command, the oil industry met these requirements perfectly. The 315th Bombardment Wing initiated its specialized campaign on June 26 with a targeted strike against the Utsube Oil Refinery in Yokkaichi, the top-priority target. By August 14, the wing had conducted 15 additional missions against a total of 10 targets, which included various petroleum refineries and synthetic plants, such as the Maruzen Oil Company in Wakayama, Mitsubishi Oil Company in Kawasaki, and Nippon Oil Company plants spread across Akita, Kansai, Kudamatsu, and Amagasaki, as well as the Imperial Fuel Industry Company in Ube and Toa Fuel Industry in Wakayama. During the campaign, the 315th Wing dispatched a total of 1,200 B-29s, 1,095 of which successfully bombed their primary targets, dropping 9,084 tons of 500-pound general-purpose bombs deemed particularly effective against the scattered installations. The increase in bomb load capacity was made possible by stripping the planes of unnecessary equipment and conducting bombing missions individually at night. As the crews gained experience, they were able to increase the average weight carried from 14,631 pounds during the first mission to 20,684 pounds by August 9. Despite concerns about safety from removing most of the aircraft's armaments, only four planes were lost and 66 sustained damage throughout the campaign. The 20th Air Force estimated that the B-29 attacks led to the destruction of approximately 6 million barrels of tank storage capacity, and the United States Strategic Bombing Survey (USSBS) reported that refining capacity had been reduced from 90,000 barrels a day in December 1941 to around 17,000 barrels. However, the strategic impact was more apparent than real, as many storage tanks were empty and refinery production had fallen to just 4% of capacity before the very heavy bomber campaign began. The lack of precise intelligence regarding the state of Japan's economy had justified the emphasis on the oil program as a form of reinsurance. Nevertheless, the blockade had effectively severed the nation's oil resources, resulting in tankers remaining idle at the docks. On July 1, Admiral Halsey's 3rd Fleet departed San Pedro Bay to initiate the first preliminary strikes in preparation for Operation Olympic. This operation involved battleships and heavy cruisers conducting surface bombardments of industrial targets in eastern Japan, while lighter forces performed anti-shipping sweeps along the coast. Additionally, a fleet of submarines advanced ahead of Admiral McCain's Task Force 38 to eliminate picket boats and establish lifeguard positions. At 18:15 on July 9, the force began its 25-knot approach toward the Home Islands, launching its first strikes against the Tokyo area at 04:00 on July 10. A total of 1,732 sorties were executed, targeting locations from Koriyama to Hamamatsu, dropping 454 tons of bombs and 1,648 rockets over Honshu with negligible opposition. American airmen reported the destruction of 109 enemy aircraft and damage to 231 during these strikes.   Following this, Halsey's fleet moved north to bombard Hokkaido and northern Honshu, which were beyond the effective range of the B-29s and had previously evaded attack. At 05:59 on July 14, Rear-Admiral John Shafroth's Bombardment Group Able, consisting primarily of three battleships and two heavy cruisers, was tasked with attacking the Kamaishi Works of the Japan Iron Company. By midday, Shafroth's forces had opened fire on Kamaishi, marking the first surface bombardment of Japan by a hostile fleet in over 80 years. Between 12:10 and 14:19, a total of 802 16-inch shells, 728 8-inch shells, and 825 5-inch shells were expended, setting the town ablaze as key industrial and residential targets were hit and resulting in the sinking of one oil tanker, two barges, and one small ship in the harbor. Simultaneously, McCain's carriers closed to within 80 nautical miles of Japan, launching 1,391 sorties against Hokkaido and northern Honshu to target railways, shipping, and airfields, again facing only light resistance. In the ensuing strikes, American planes sank over 50,000 tons of shipping and naval craft, including the destroyer Tachibana, four minesweepers, eight naval auxiliaries, and around 20 merchant vessels, with significant losses occurring at Muroran and Hakodate. In addition, 25 enemy planes were destroyed, while American losses totaled 24 aircraft and 17 airmen, about half of whom were lost in combat. Task Force 38 launched another assault on July 15, executing 966 combat sorties that dropped 355 tons of bombs and expended 2,093 rockets. This operation resulted in the sinking of 65 vessels and damaging 128 others, as well as the destruction of 48 locomotives and damage to 28. Widespread destruction was inflicted on several facilities, particularly the Aomori–Hakodate railcar ferry system, which transported 30% of the coal between Hokkaido and Honshu. The strikes devastated the ferry system, sinking eight ferries, beaching eight more, and damaging two. In total, 70 auxiliary sailing colliers were sunk, and 11 were damaged, along with 10 steel freighters lost and 7 damaged. The ferry strikes were the brainchild of Halsey's operations officer, Captain Ralph “Rollo” Wilson. “When the first action reports began to sift in,” Halsey related: He snatched them up and pored over them; the ferries were not mentioned. Later reports also ignored them. Rollo was sulking and cursing when the final reports arrived. I heard him whistle and saw him beam. “Six ferries sunk!” he said. “Pretty soon we'll have ‘em moving their stuff by oxcarts and skiffs!”  Additionally, 20 city blocks in Kushiro were razed. The most significant outcome of these operations was the virtual severance of Hokkaido from Honshu. By the end of the raids, Halsey's 3rd Fleet had achieved the sinking of 140 ships and small craft, damaging 235 others, and destroying 38 planes while damaging 46. Meanwhile, Rear-Admiral Oscar Badger's Bombardment Group Baker, composed of three battleships, two light cruisers, and eight destroyers, was assigned to bombard Muroran. Between 09:36 and 10:25, this group fired 860 16-inch shells at the Nihon Steel Company and the Wanishi Ironworks, targeting both the coal liquefaction plant and coke ovens. This bombardment inflicted severe damage on those facilities and resulted in the destruction or damage of 2,541 houses in Muroran. As Hasley recalled “These sweeps and bombardments accomplished more than destruction. they showed the enemy that we made no bones about playing in his front yard. From now on, we patrolled his channels and shelled his coast almost every night that the weather permitted.” Additionally, Rear-Admiral James Cary Jones' four light cruisers conducted a sweep along the east coast of Honshu to hunt for Japanese shipping; however, they reported no contacts during their mission. Early on July 16, Task Force 38 retired east of Honshu to begin refueling and rendezvoused with Admiral Rawlings' Task Force 37, which agreed to operate closely as an additional task group for Admiral Halsey. At 03:50 on July 17, the two task forces began launching strikes against central Honshu despite adverse weather conditions. The American forces executed 205 sorties targeting the Mito area, while British aircraft flew 87 sorties against airfields and railyards along the northwest coast of Honshu. Despite the bad weather, several small craft and locomotives were destroyed, though the operation resulted in the loss of nine aircraft and four airmen. Later that afternoon, Halsey detached Badger's augmented Bombardment Group to attack Hitachi, a significant industrial and electronics-producing city. The 53-minute bombardment commenced in fog and rain at 23:14, during which 1,207 16-inch shells, 267 14-inch shells, and 292 6-inch rounds were expended against the Tago and Mito Works of the Hitachi Manufacturing Company, as well as the Yamate Plant and copper refining facilities of Hitachi Mine, resulting in severe devastation. On July 18, McCain's two leading carriers launched a total of 592 sorties against Yokosuka, specifically targeting the heavily camouflaged battleship Nagato at the naval base. The attacks resulted in the sinking of one old cruiser, one minesweeper, one submarine, one incomplete destroyer, and three patrol vessels, in addition to damaging one subchaser, one old destroyer, and one old battleship. Although Nagato was hit multiple times and suffered heavy damage, it managed to stay afloat. Meanwhile, three carriers also targeted airfields and other opportunities in Tokyo, while Task Force 37 attacked a seaplane base at Kitaura and airfields at Nobara, Naruto, Chosi, Kanoike, Natori, and Kitakawa. The recent raids resulted in the destruction of 43 enemy planes and damage to 77 others on the ground, along with the destruction of three locomotives and the derailing of four electrified train cars by rockets. However, the American forces incurred losses of 14 aircraft and 18 aircrew, as the 3rd Fleet flyers reported encountering the fiercest anti-aircraft fire they had yet experienced. Additionally, Rear-Admiral Carl Holden's four light cruisers were detached during the night to sweep shipping off Sagami Bay and to target the radar site at Cape Nojima. On July 21, Captain Thomas Hederman's Destroyer Squadron 61, consisting of nine destroyers, was assigned to conduct another anti-shipping sweep off Sagami Bay. Pursuing four radar contacts, the destroyers engaged targets at midnight on July 22, firing guns and torpedoes from 7,000 yards. This action resulted in the sinking of the 800-ton freighter No.5 Hakutetsu Maru and damaging the 6,919-ton Enbun Maru. In response, Japanese coastal artillery, the minesweeper W-1, and subchaser Ch-42 returned fire, but Hederman's squadron successfully retired without damage. Although minor in scale, the Battle of Sagami Bay would ultimately be the last surface action of the war. Meanwhile, as part of Operation Barney, a planned submarine penetration of the Sea of Japan, nine submarines succeeded in sinking 27 Japanese merchant vessels and one submarine, totaling 54,786 tons.  On June 8, the submarine Barb commenced her twelfth patrol, tasked with terrorizing the Sea of Okhotsk using her newly installed 5-inch rocket launchers. Over the following weeks, Skipper Commander Eugene “Luckey” Fluckey executed successful rocket bombardments on Shari, Hokkaido, and targets in Shikuka, Kashiho, and Shiritoru on Karafuto (southern Sakhalin), also employing the submarine's deck guns to destroy 35 sampans in the town of Kaihyo To. Observing Karafuto trains transporting military supplies to ports, Fluckey devised a plan to intercept these trains. Engineman Third Class Billy Hatfield recalled how, as a child, he had placed nuts on railroad ties and watched as the weight of passing trains cracked them between rail and tie. Realizing this principle could be adapted, he suggested rigging an automatic detonator. Fluckey had many volunteers for the mission, including a Japanese POW, and carefully selected Hatfield and seven others, deciding against leading the shore party himself. Just after midnight on July 23, 1945, Fluckey maneuvered Barb to within 950 yards of the Karafuto coast. Led by Lieutenant William Walker, the team launched two rubber rafts at 00:30. Before they left, Fluckey instructed them, “Boys, if you get stuck, head for Siberia, 130 miles north, following the mountain ranges. Good luck.” Upon reaching the shore, the Americans located the tracks and buried a 55-pound scuttling charge and battery beneath the rails, positioning it under a water tower they planned to use as a lookout. As Motor Machinist's Mate First Class John Markuson climbed up, he unexpectedly found he was scaling a sentry tower, causing him to retreat without alerting the sleeping guard. When a train passed, the team dove for cover before resuming their work after it had gone by. Shortly after 01:30, Walker's team signaled their return to Barb, which was now just 600 yards offshore. Fifteen minutes later, while the boats were halfway back, Fluckey heard the rumble of an approaching train. He hoisted a megaphone and urged the crew to “Paddle like the devil, boys!” At 01:47, a 16-car Japanese train struck Hatfield's detonator, resulting in a massive explosion that sent debris soaring 200 feet into the air and reportedly killed 150 Japanese. Minutes later, all eight Americans were safely aboard Barb, which then slipped back into the night, having successfully executed the only amphibious invasion of Japan during World War II. Returning to the main action, Halsey aimed to eliminate the remnants of the Combined Fleet at the heavily fortified Kure Naval Base. Consequently, Task Force 38 began launching the first of 1,363 sorties against ships and airfields in Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu, ringing the Inland Sea at 04:40 on July 24. A total of 599 tons of bombs and 1,615 rockets were unleashed over Kure, resulting in the sinking or damaging of 22 warships, which totaled 258,000 tons. Among the affected vessels were the battleships Hyuga, Ise, and Haruna; fleet carriers Amagi and Katsuragi; the escort carrier Kaiyo; heavy cruisers Tone and Aoba; as well as light cruisers Oyodo and Kitakami. In addition, another 53 vessels amounting to 17,000 tons were sunk at various locations, including Hiroshima Bay, Niihama, Bungo Channel, and Kii Channel. At Kobe, the incomplete fleet carrier Aso was also attacked and damaged. American Hellcats and Corsairs effectively swept aside Japanese aerial opposition, shooting down 18 enemy planes while destroying 40 aircraft and damaging another 80 on the ground. Furthermore, around the Inland Sea, 16 locomotives were destroyed and five were damaged, while 20 hangars sustained damage. Three oil tanks were set ablaze at Kure and one at Tano. Additionally, four electric trains and a roundhouse were strafed at Hamamatsu, and various military installations, including barracks, warehouses, power plants, and factories around the airfields, received significant damage. Simultaneously, Rear-Admiral Rawlings' Task Force 37 conducted 257 sorties against targets in Japan and the surrounding offshore areas, sinking the escort carrier Shimane Maru in Shido Bay, along with a number of destroyers, small escorts, and coasters. Meanwhile, Jones' light cruisers swept through the Kii Channel before bombarding the Kushimoto seaplane base and airfields at Cape Shionomisaki during the night. Supporting these efforts, General LeMay dispatched 625 B-29s against seven targets in the Nagoya and Osaka areas, successfully inflicting heavy damage on all of them despite the spotty weather, marking this as the last major attack on the Japanese mainland during the war, as two weeks of cloudy weather ensued. In the early hours of July 25, McCain's aircraft carriers resumed launching strikes against airfields and shipping in the Inland Sea and the Nagoya-Osaka areas. During this operation, they executed a total of 655 sorties, expending 185 tons of bombs and 1,162 rockets, successfully sinking nine ships totaling 8,000 tons and damaging another 35 vessels. The strikes also resulted in the downing of 21 Japanese planes, with an additional 61 aircraft destroyed on the ground and 68 damaged. After refueling on July 27, Halsey's carrier forces moved to launch points located 96 nautical miles off Shikoku. At 04:43 on July 28, they resumed strikes over the Inland Sea, focusing on targets from northern Kyushu to Nagoya, as well as airfields across Honshu along the Sea of Japan. This resulted in McCain flying a total of 1,602 sorties, dropping 605 tons of bombs and expending 2,050 rockets. These attacks sank 27 ships, amounting to 43,000 tons, including the battleships Ise and Haruna, the fleet carrier Amagi, and the Combined Fleet flagship Oyodo. Additionally, 78 vessels totaling 216,000 tons were reported damaged, among them the fleet carrier Katsuragi, heavy cruiser Tone, and light cruiser Kitakami. American pilots reported the destruction of 21 Japanese aircraft in the air and claimed 115 destroyed on the ground across 30 area airfields. They also successfully destroyed 14 locomotives, four oil cars, two roundhouses, three oil tanks, three warehouses, one hangar, and a transformer station. In support of these efforts, Task Force 37 conducted 260 sorties against the eastern Inland Sea, targeting the dockyard at Harima and sinking or severely damaging four corvettes at Maizuru. Meanwhile, the 7th Air Force's 11th and 494th Bombardment Groups carried out a day-long raid on Kure, successfully sinking the heavy cruiser Aoba. By sunset that evening, the Imperial Japanese Navy had effectively ceased to exist, though the cost for the Americans was steep, with losses amounting to 101 planes and 88 men since July 24. As Halsey moved east to target the Osaka-Nagoya area, Shafroth's reinforced Bombardment Group was detached on July 29 to bombard Hamamatsu. During the night, they successfully unloaded 810 16-inch shells, 265 14-inch shells, and 1,035 8-inch shells, damaging the Imperial Government Railway locomotive works, igniting a blaze at the Japanese Musical Instrument Company, and wreaking havoc on infrastructure along the critical Tokaido main line. The following day, McCain's carriers conducted 1,224 sorties against airfields in Osaka, Kobe, Maizuru, and Nagoya, expending 397 tons of bombs and 2,532 rockets. These strikes resulted in the sinking of 20 vessels totaling 6,000 tons and damaging another 56 ships. The pilots also claimed destruction of 115 enemy aircraft on the ground, while inflicting severe damage on numerous industrial targets, including aircraft factories and naval docks in Maizuru. In Miyazu Bay, the destroyer Hatsushino struck an air-dropped naval mine, marking the final loss of 129 Japanese destroyers sunk during the war. That night, seven destroyers advanced deep into Suruga Bay, unleashing 1,100 5-inch shells on Shimizu within seven minutes, successfully destroying or damaging 118 industrial buildings. Typhoon weather would impede the operations of the 3rd Fleet for the next two weeks, as Admiral Nimitz ordered Halsey to steer clear of southern Japan, which was set to become the target of a new and deadly weapon: the atomic bomb. The U.S. Army had begun its project to develop an atomic bomb on August 16, 1942, under the auspices of the Manhattan Project. The project was directed by Major-General Leslie Groves and involved renowned scientists such as Robert Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi, Niels Bohr, Richard Feynman, and Albert Einstein. Over time, it expanded to include a design center at Los Alamos and two production facilities at Hanford and Clinton. By August 1945, the teams at Los Alamos had successfully designed, developed, and built a gun-type atomic bomb capable of forcing five pounds of uranium-235 against another 17 pounds at high speed, thereby achieving critical mass and releasing immense heat, light, blast, and radiation. The team was also experimenting with an even more powerful device: the plutonium bomb, which utilized an implosion method whereby a sphere of plutonium was compressed by conventional explosives to reach criticality. By early August, scientists had managed to produce enough nuclear material to create only one uranium device, known as Little Boy, and one plutonium bomb, referred to as Fat Man. Each weapon had the potential to annihilate an entire city, and American leaders were prepared to use them if it could compel the Japanese Empire to surrender without necessitating an invasion of Japan. A Targeting Committee led by Groves, consisting of Manhattan Project and Air Force personnel, recommended Hiroshima, Niigata, Kokura, and Nagasaki as primary targets.  Groves' Targeting Committee employed several criteria to select sites for atomic bomb targets. The chosen targets had to possess strategic value to the Japanese and be situated between Tokyo and Nagasaki. Additionally, the target needed to feature a large urban area with a minimum diameter of three miles and must be relatively untouched by previous bombings, ironically spared for potential atomic destruction at a later stage. A crucial condition was that, to the best of their knowledge, these areas should harbor no concentrations of Allied prisoners of war. However, this requirement was challenging to ascertain accurately due to a lack of reliable information about the locations of prisoners. Initially, the committee considered 17 candidates and selected five primary targets: Hiroshima, Yokohama, Kokura, Niigata, and Kyoto. On May 28, they narrowed the list to three: Kyoto, Niigata, and Hiroshima. Hiroshima was significant as it housed Hata's 2nd General Army headquarters and featured a large shipyard, while Niigata was a major industrial city with an important port. Moreover, Kyoto held considerable cultural and religious significance for the Japanese. Secretary of War Stimson, having previously cautioned General Arnold about the humanitarian consequences of targeting cities with incendiary bombings, insisted on removing Kyoto from the list after intense discussions with Groves. On July 21, President Truman concurred with Stimson during their meetings in Potsdam, deciding that Kyoto should be spared. Subsequently, Kokura, known for its large arsenal and ordnance works, replaced Kyoto. Additionally, LeMay's staff reportedly included Nagasaki as an alternate target due to potential weather issues, as it was home to Mitsubishi's arms factories, electric production facilities, ordnance works, and extensive dockyards, making it a valuable target. Meanwhile, a high-level civilian Interim Committee, under Secretary of War Henry Stimson, ultimately advised President Truman on the use of nuclear weapons, reasoning that their deployment would be no worse than the current incendiary bombing campaigns against Japan. The committee also recommended that an atomic bomb be deployed as soon as possible, without warning, to maximize shock value and target a "war plant… surrounded by workers' houses." Following a successful operational test of the experimental plutonium bomb conducted at Trinity on July 16, President Truman authorized General Spaatz to prepare for the bomb drops before August 3. Colonel Paul Tibbets' 509th Composite Group had been specially organized in secret since September 1944 to deliver nuclear weapons, and by June, it had arrived at Tinian under the command of LeMay's 21st Bomber Command. General Twinning replaced LeMay as commander of the 21st on August 1, and he would ultimately issue the direct orders for Tibbets to drop the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb mission had a convoluted command structure. The Joint Chiefs of Staff were largely left out of the chain of command. LeMay was Tibbet's nominal commander; however, Groves still had extensive control over the operation through his deputy Brigadier General Thomas Farrell on Tinian. The 21st Bomber Command would determine when the atomic bomb mission was launched, based on suitable weather conditions. Even at this stage, General of the Air Force Henry "Hap" Arnold and LeMay were still skeptical about the Manhattan Project; they thought B-29 incendiary and high-explosive bombing operations would suffice to end the war soon. LeMay even questioned the 509th CG pilots' ability to conduct the mission; he wanted seasoned Pacific B-29 veteran crews to drop the nuclear cargo. While the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) and Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) prepared for an impending invasion, the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) continued its bombing campaign against Japan. The crews of the 509th Composite Group needed to acclimate to the navigational challenges, varied weather conditions, extensive distances, and the geography of the region, all while becoming accustomed to combat situations. Training commenced at Tinian on June 30, with conventional operational missions over Japan beginning on July 20. To prepare for their atomic missions, the crews trained with "pumpkins," which were specially constructed bombs designed to mimic the appearance and weight of nuclear weapons. This allowed them to practice handling and releasing the bombs. They also rehearsed navigational procedures, visual bomb release techniques, and dropping the weapon at an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet. Following the drop, the crew conducted high-speed, radical turns to evade the nuclear effects after detonation. During their first mission, a B-29 from the 509th sought an alternative target in Tokyo. The crew aimed to drop their 10,000-pound "pumpkin" on the Imperial Palace, but unfortunately, they missed their target. Had they succeeded in killing the emperor, it could have significantly impacted Japan's decision-making process, potentially fortifying the Japanese people's resolve to continue the war. Military leaders might have seized control in the aftermath, pushing their forces to keep fighting. Throughout their training, the units of the 21st Bomber Command intentionally avoided targeting Hiroshima, Niigata, Kokura, and Nagasaki during these practice runs. In total, Tibbets directed his crews on numerous combat missions that targeted 28 cities and involved the dropping of 49 "pumpkins." Remarkably, the 509th lost no aircraft during these operations. While Tibbets focused on perfecting the delivery method, the weapons Little Boy and Fat Man were being transported to Tinian. Some weapon assemblies were delivered by C-54 and B-29 aircraft from Kirtland Field near Albuquerque, while the cruiser Indianapolis delivered the fissionable material for Little Boy from San Francisco on July 26. Four days later, the submarine I-58 unexpectedly attacked the Indianapolis with six torpedoes while the cruiser was en route to Guam, successfully sinking it. Of the crew, 850 Americans survived the sinking, and another 316 were belatedly rescued by August 8. By July 31, most of the assembly of Little Boy had been completed. However, a detonation expert would need to emplace the cordite charges to fire the uranium "bullet" through the gun device to the uranium core after take-off, minimizing the risk of an inadvertent nuclear explosion in the event of a B-29 crash. Additionally, the crew carrying the atomic bomb had to exercise caution when descending once Little Boy was armed because the primary radar or a backup barometric fuse could potentially trigger an explosion if the aircraft descended too rapidly with the fuses in place. On August 2, B-29 crews arrived at Tinian with the assemblies for Fat Man. On that same day, General Twinning and President Truman approved the plan to bomb Hiroshima. Two days later, Colonel Tibbets briefed the crews about the mission, confirming that he would pilot the aircraft carrying the atomic bomb. Tibbets' B-29 No. 82, later named Enola Gay, was supported by three weather reconnaissance aircraft that reported conditions at Hiroshima, Kokura, and Nagasaki, as well as two additional B-29s assigned to conduct scientific and photographic missions. At 02:45 on August 6, Enola Gay took off from Tinian, with diversionary attacks by 604 B-29s throughout Japan also scheduled for that day, as coordinated by Twinning. After passing through Iwo Jima at approximately 05:55, Captain William Parsons and Second-Lieutenant Morris Jeppson armed the bomb at 07:30. Throughout the journey, the B-29s ascended slowly, reaching an altitude of over 30,000 feet as they crossed Shikoku and Honshu, finally reaching Hiroshima at 31,060 feet. At 09:12, Tibbets executed his final approach from the 'initial point', flying east-west over the city towards the intersection of the Ota and Motoyasu Rivers. Approximately at 09:15, Little Boy was released, and Enola Gay immediately began its turn away to escape the impending explosion. However, the bomb mistakenly descended towards the Shima Surgical Hospital rather than the intended target, the Aioi Bridge. At 09:16, Little Boy detonated at an altitude of 1,890 feet, just as Tibbets was about six miles away from the blast point. As a result of the atomic blast, the immediate area around the epicenter was heated to an astonishing 1 million degrees Celsius, instantly incinerating or vaporizing all people, animals, buildings, and other items within that zone. Hiroshima police officials estimated that immediate casualties amounted to 71,379 individuals who were either killed or reported missing. In the surrounding areas, the blast effects crushed unreinforced structures before igniting them, resulting in an additional 68,023 wounded, with 19,691 of those injuries classified as serious. Subsequent assessments, potentially incorporating the impacts of radiation sickness or more precise accounting, recorded 30,524 individuals as seriously wounded and 48,606 as slightly wounded. Just two minutes after detonation, a growing mushroom cloud of highly radioactive dust and debris soared to a height of 20,000 feet. Within eight minutes, Tibbets' crew could observe the mushroom cloud from 390 miles away. Ultimately, the dust cloud peaked at approximately 60,000 feet in altitude. Soon after, a thick, black, radioactive rain fell upon the areas beneath the cloud. The center of the city was utterly devastated; over four square miles of the urban center, which encompassed seven square miles in total, were completely flattened, resulting in about 60% of the city's area being destroyed. An additional 0.6 square miles suffered damage, while more than 75% of the city's 90,000 buildings were obliterated. The ensuing fires compounded the devastation, contributing to countless deaths and injuries. Tragically, some American prisoners of war were present in Hiroshima and lost their lives in the explosion. Meanwhile, Enola Gay safely returned to Tinian at 14:58, where Tibbets was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, while the rest of the crew received Distinguished Flying Crosses for their participation in the mission. 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. Japan was broken. To be perfectly honest she had been broken long ago. Her leadership had been spending months trying to figure out the best possible way to surrender, while the civilians and troops were suffering horribly. Aerial mining strangled her of food, high explosive and incendiary bombs, killed untold scores of people, and then the Atomic weapons were let loose upon her. It was over.

The twilight zone of the ocean is a mysterious place. At 200-1000 meters below the surface, it's a tough place to study. That's why, during World War II, people reading sonograms from this zone were perplexed when it looked as if the ocean floor was moving up. Every day. And then back down again before dawn. In this latest installment of Sea Camp, we explore what this historical mystery has to do with the Earth's ability to cycle and store carbon in the ocean's watery depths.SIGN UP FOR OUR SEA CAMP NEWSLETTER! WE WORKED SO HARD ON IT!Interested in more ocean mysteries? Let us know at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In the early 1930s, eight people settled on an uninhabited island in the Galapagos. Within five years, two were missing and two were dead. Abbott Kahler's book is Eden Undone: A True Story of Sex, Murder, and Utopia at the Dawn of World War II. Say hello on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for our occasional newsletter. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Sign up for Criminal Plus to get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal, ad-free listening of all of our shows, special merch deals, and more. We also make This is Love and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices