Podcasts about World War II

1939–1945 global conflict between the Axis and the Allies

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    Pod Save the World
    Why Trump Might Send Ground Troops to Iran

    Pod Save the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 109:19


    Tommy and Ben unpack the latest twists in Donald Trump's chaotic regime-change war with Iran, which eleven days in is still plagued by shifting goals, contradictory messaging, and rising regional consequences. They break down the White House's confusing claims of victory despite unresolved threats—from the hundreds of pounds of highly enriched uranium still loose inside Iran to signs that Tehran may be mining the Strait of Hormuz. The guys discuss the war's mounting casualties, environmental devastation from Israeli strikes on Iranian fuel depots, and the dangerous escalation of attacks on desalination plants across the Gulf. They also dig into what we know about Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, explain why sending troops into Iran to secure its nuclear materials—or seize the oil hub of Kharg Island—would be a massive and risky military mission, and why Democrats in Congress must refuse to authorize more funding for the war. Plus: Israel's widening war in Lebanon, the U.S. military's new role in Ecuador's fight against drug cartels, and the election of a GenZ rapper-turned-politician in Nepal. Then Tommy speaks to Michael C. Horowitz, Senior Fellow for Tech & Innovation at the Council on Foreign Relations, about the Pentagon's fight with Anthropic and how AI is being used by the military.For Friends of the Pod the guys answer questions about whether assassination-as-foreign-policy is making a comeback, which US military interventions were actually successful in the post-WWII era, and, like…dude, what the fuck.Preorder Ben's book All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches and subscribe to his Substack here.

    Mark Levin Podcast
    3/10/26 - America's Role in Reshaping Iran's Future

    Mark Levin Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 111:53


    On Tuesday's Mark Levin Show, for the media, and now for most politicians, what's most important is not winning this war against Iran AND ensuring it's not replaced by another monstrous regime, but the price of gasoline on a daily basis. If this military campaign is ended prematurely, and the second phase of ensuring the institution of a civil government is not accomplished, chances are this entire effort will be for naught.  The economic, geo-political, and national security gains, which have been immense, and the stated goal of liberating the Iranian people, which initiated this process, could become a disaster in every respect -- including political. After we destroyed the Japanese regime in WWII, the U.S. wrote their constitution and installed a government that would be aligned with us.  We must give very focused thought to what comes after the Iranian regime's navy, air force, missiles, and top leadership are destroyed.  It still has a standing army, secret police, and an entire Islamist-supporting infrastructure.  There are many approaches to dealing with this short of a democracy project or sending hundreds of thousands of soldiers.  But to be clear, if a void is created and left there, and we do not fill it (perhaps with our allies) or significantly influence how it is tilled, it most definitely will be filled by the forces in Iran that remain from the old regime with the support of their allies, including China and Russia. Also, polls show that 91% approve of President Trump's handling of the Iran situation among MAGA supporters and 83% among Republicans. Since Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Steve Bannon, and Candace Owens opposed this military campaign, their audience must largely consist of leftists, anti-Semites, foreigners, Islamists, Marxists, and Democrats. Later, Democrats fiercely oppose voter ID requirements, particularly photo IDs, despite broad public support across all races.  Photo IDs are routinely required for everyday activities, yet Democrats claim they are too difficult to obtain, especially for Black people and married women, which is inherently racist and condescending. Without photo ID verification, there is no reliable way to confirm a voter's identity, prevent double voting, or stop impersonation, particularly in the 11 states (mostly Democratic) that do not require any ID.  Finally, Dr James Lindsay calls in and argues that efforts to drive a wedge between Jews and Christians, and to redefine Americanism, stem from multiple interconnected motives. Primarily, opponents of President Trump are now attempting to weaken him and his agenda from within by fracturing his coalition. This includes pushing the Republican Party toward a more radical, identity-based politics inspired by failed European conservatism, moving away from the traditional American ideal of equal citizenship regardless of background. Influencers driving these narratives are motivated by a mix of genuine ideological commitment to paleoconservative or Buchanan-style views, financial incentives like chasing clicks, payments, bot amplification, and foreign boosting, all converging to reorganize the Republican Party and sever U.S.-Israel ties to diminish America's global defensive posture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    New Discourses
    The Israel Question as the Modern Jewish Question

    New Discourses

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 86:24


    The New Discourses Podcast with James Lindsay, Ep. 197 The Jewish Question, which is "what do we do with the Jews?" rests on the presumption that they aren't wanted here, or maybe anywhere. It is therefore intrinsically antisemitic. Since the catastrophe of World War II, all civilized societies have come to recognize this fact and refuse the Jewish Question except in the dark margins of society (at least, until recently). With the state of Israel on the world stage again, though, the question hasn't gone away but has changed shape. Now, instead of asking about what we do with the Jews, presuming they aren't wanted, it is a sign of nationalist erudition to ask what we should do with Israel, still on the presumption that it isn't wanted. This is called "the Israel Question," and it is merely a proxy for the Jewish Question in our post-WWII world. In this episode of the New Discourses Podcast, host James Lindsay explains in thorough detail how the Israel Question is just a modern reinvention of the Jewish Question that hides the same darkness. Join him to learn why almost all anti-Zionism is just the same old antisemitism pretending to be high-minded global politics and foreign affairs. Latest from New Discourses Press! The Queering of the American Child: https://queeringbook.com/ Support New Discourses: https://newdiscourses.com/support Follow New Discourses on other platforms: https://newdiscourses.com/subscribe Follow James Lindsay: https://linktr.ee/conceptualjames © 2026 New Discourses. All rights reserved. #NewDiscourses #JamesLindsay #Israel

    The John Batchelor Show
    S8 Ep565: ### STREAM-TUESDAY-3-10.mp3(4) * 50-Word Summary: John Batchelor assesses the "fog of war" in the Middle East, highlighting Iran's use of asymmetrical warfare. He then transitions to his personal bookshelf, reviewing several historic

    The John Batchelor Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 37:27


    ### STREAM-TUESDAY-3-10.mp3(4)*  50-Word Summary: John Batchelor assesses the "fog of war" in the Middle East, highlighting Iran's use of asymmetrical warfare. He then transitions to his personal bookshelf, reviewing several historical works that explore revolutionary figures, the Americanstruggle for independence, and the transformation of global empires throughout the 17th and 20th centuries. * Guests: None. *  Author Names and Book Titles: *  Josh Ireland: *The Death of Trotsky*. *  Edward J. Larson:*Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters*. *  Dennis Sewell: *Cromwell's Spy: From the American Colonies to the English Civil War, the Life of George Downing*. *  Leenda De Lisle: *Henrietta Maria*. *  Paul Thomas Chamberlain:*Scorched Earth: A Global History of World War II*. *  Thomas Payne:*Crisis* documents (referenced as a historical author). *  Thomas Jefferson:*Declaration of Independence* (referenced as a historical author). *  Marc Campion: Bloomberg columnist (referenced for his writing on Iran's asymmetry war-fighting). (5)1890 ROYAL NAVAL COLLEAGE ON THE THAMES, ALSO GREEWICH NAVAL HOSPITAL

    Consider This from NPR
    Four years in, war in Ukraine grinds on. Is that what Russians want?

    Consider This from NPR

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 11:12


    Russian planners and Western intelligence predicted the invasion of Ukraine would be quick and decisive. Of course, Kyiv did not fall quickly - and still hasn't.In the four years since Russia first invaded, the Kremlin's so-called “special military operation” has evolved into the deadliest conflict on the European continent since World War II. According to Western governments and think tanks, more than 1.5 million people are dead.And throughout the war, one of the biggest questions has been, is this what Russian people want?For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.  Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Christine Arrasmith, Mia Venkat and Connor Donevan, with audio engineering by Stacey Abbott. It was edited by Nick Spicer and Sarah Handel. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Empire
    340. Chairman Mao: World War II, Japanese Invasion, & Massacre in Nanjing (Ep 3)

    Empire

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 56:36


    How did World War II break out in Asia in 1937? Why did Mao Zedong and his fellow communists live in caves after the Long March? How did the notorious Nanjing Massacre occur? ** Binge all six episodes of the series on Chairman Mao by joining the Empire Club today at ⁠empirepoduk.com⁠. ** Anita and William are joined once again by Rana Mitter, author of China's War with Japan 1937-1945, The Struggle for Survival (or Forgotten Ally, China's World War II), and Modern China: A Very Short Introduction. Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com  For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Editor: Adam Thornton Researcher: Imogen Marriott Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Producer: Anouska Lewis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    TDC Podcast
    TDC Podcast – #2079

    TDC Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 93:16


    TDC Podcast topics - Mike and 3G here today, Michigan with a win over MSU, Lions start free agency by grabbing some O line help, Mike fights with AI over details in the Rhianna house shooting, Eddie Van Halen took no money to record Michael Jackson's hit Beat It, mailbox money days still a thing?  Gas prices are up but will the war with Iran last much longer?  3G thinks Trump will wrap up in a couple of weeks, Iran names the Ayatollah's son as successor, how long before he's dead?  Grandpa Wolters and 3G's family's role in WWII, email and much more.

    AMERICA OUT LOUD PODCAST NETWORK
    The cruel revenge of the cult of World War II is now on stage

    AMERICA OUT LOUD PODCAST NETWORK

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 57:44 Transcription Available


    The National Security Hour with Col. Mike and Dr. Mike – Indeed, the close relationship between American leaders and Israel contributes nothing to American security. That relationship does nothing but undermine U.S. security at every turn, from Israel publicly paying all but one member of the U.S. Congress to do its bidding, thereby controlling it, to conducting espionage against the American military...

    The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly
    From Hot Houses to High Tech: The Rise of the Greenhouse - The History of Fresh Produce

    The Produce Industry Podcast w/ Patrick Kelly

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 69:49


    What does a Roman emperor's craving for cucumbers have to do with feeding eight billion people? How did a 15th-century Korean cookbook quietly invent heated agriculture centuries before Europe's glass palaces? And how did Victorian spectacle, world wars, hydroponic ambition, and Dutch engineering transform the greenhouse from aristocratic indulgence into global infrastructure?Join John and Patrick as they trace the extraordinary history of climate control in the service of fresh produce - from Tiberius's selenite-covered cucumber beds, to the heated ondol systems of the Joseon Dynasty, the imperial glasshouses of Palace of Versailles and Royal Botanic Gardens, and the hydroponic battlefields of the Second World War.Because this is not just a story about architecture. It is a story about anxiety, empire, science, and survival. About humanity's refusal to let winter - or war, or geography - dictate what ends up on our plates.From Roman villas to vertical farms... this is the history of the greenhouse, and the quiet revolution that changed how the world grows its food.----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

    Rolling Dice & Taking Names Gaming Podcast
    Episode 372: Angel's Share, Soothsayers, One Hour World War II

    Rolling Dice & Taking Names Gaming Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 78:01


    00:01:30 Intro00:04:30 What is old is new again00:12:00 One Hour World War II00:20:45 America 250 NC00:26:00 Miniature Market00:27:30 Angel's Share00:54:30 Portal Games00:56:00 Soothsayers01:05:00 Pokemon Remake Interest01:07:00 Final Fantasy VII01:11:30 Outro Every now and then, three games land on the table that have nothing in common thematically yet feel spiritually linked by the way they create tension and leave players talking long after the last turn. Angel's Share, Soothsayers, and One Hour World War II each approach strategy from a different angle—one slow and atmospheric, one mystical and tactical, and one brisk and historical—but all three deliver that satisfying “let's run it back” energy we love to highlight. Angel's Share wraps its theme around you like koozie around a can your favorite beverage. It's a game about aging spirits, but more importantly, it's a game about timing—when to wait, when to bottle, and when to accept that the angels are going to take their cut whether you like it or not. The tension builds slowly as barrels mature and opportunities evaporate, and the emotional arc is surprisingly rich for such a streamlined design. Every choice feels like a negotiation with time itself, and the payoff—good or bad—lands with a satisfying thud. Soothsayers is a sharp, thematic card game where players become mystics interpreting omens to shape the future in their favor. At its heart, it's a tableau‑building and card‑manipulation puzzle: each turn you're choosing which actions to take, trying not to hand your opponents an advantage, and racing to assemble a tableau that makes everyone else wonder where things went sideways. The tension comes from reading both the shifting cards on the table and the intentions of the players around you—every decision feels like a moment of doubt, a quiet question of whether you made the right call or just sealed your fate among the stars. One Hour World War II does exactly what its title promises: it delivers a full, satisfying wargame experience in the time it takes to watch a TV episode. Despite its brevity, it captures the sweep of WWII with asymmetric powers, meaningful tactical choices, and a tempo that never drags. The design rewards bold plays and clever positioning, offering just enough historical flavor without bogging down in simulation. It's an ideal entry point for players curious about wargames and a refreshing palate cleanser for veterans who want strategy without the marathon. Thanks for listening and appreciate all the support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    American Countryside
    The Fagan Family’s Connection to World War II

    American Countryside

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 3:00


    The Fagan family had an important link to the events of World War II.  One of their family members had stormed the beaches of Normandy...

    Free Range American Podcast
    Henry Sledge Reveals The Full "Old Breed" Story | BRCC #368

    Free Range American Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 64:34


    Join us for a compelling episode with Henry Sledge, author and son of Eugene Sledge, to discuss his book The Old Breed. Henry shares intimate insights into his father's experiences as a Marine in World War II, immortalized in Eugene's iconic memoir With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa. Through heartfelt storytelling, Henry explores the enduring impact of his father's legacy, the challenges of documenting a deeply personal history, and the timeless lessons of courage, sacrifice, and resilience that continue to resonate today. Tune in for a poignant conversation that bridges generations and honors the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation.    

    Dan Snow's History Hit
    The Commanders: Montgomery

    Dan Snow's History Hit

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 79:27


    Celebrated for his victories in North Africa and Europe, Bernard Montgomery built a reputation for meticulous planning and caution that many soldiers admired. But his record was not without controversy, from tense rivalries with his allies to the failed gamble of Operation Market Garden. Was 'Monty' truly one of the war's great commanders, or has his reputation been shaped by myth and wartime propaganda?This is the second episode of our "Commanders" series, where we dig into the lives and decisions of five legendary WWII commanders. To guide us through the story of Monty, we're joined by Peter Caddick-Adams, a military historian and author specialising in the Second World War.Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcastSign 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 also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Weird Darkness: Stories of the Paranormal, Supernatural, Legends, Lore, Mysterious, Macabre, Unsolved
    Japan's Last WWII Soldier, a Cannibal's Waiting List, and Barbie's Dirty Secret

    Weird Darkness: Stories of the Paranormal, Supernatural, Legends, Lore, Mysterious, Macabre, Unsolved

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 36:12 Transcription Available


    On March 9, a soldier in the Philippine jungle kept a thirty-year war going on sheer loyalty alone, a cannibal in Germany discovered his hobby wasn't technically illegal, and someone in Baltimore set out punch and balloons for time travelers who never showed up. | The Morning Weird Darkness*No AI Voices Are Used In The Narration Of This Podcast*WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.EPISODE PAGE: https://WeirdDarkness.com/MWD20260309NOTE: Some of this content may have been created with assistance from AI tools, but it has been reviewed, edited, narrated, produced, and approved by Darren Marlar, creator and host of #WeirdDarkness — who, despite popular conspiracy theories, is NOT an AI voice.

    The Grave Talks | Haunted, Paranormal & Supernatural
    The Presence Beneath the Barracks | Real Ghost Stories

    The Grave Talks | Haunted, Paranormal & Supernatural

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 26:51


    In 2007, while serving with the British Army in Germany, one soldier was assigned a routine task in the cellar of an aging barracks — a former Luftwaffe station dating back to the Second World War.The underground layout was identical in every building: a long concrete corridor, heavy metal doors, fluorescent lights buzzing against thick, shadowed walls. It was old, but it was familiar. Until it wasn't.Alone at the far end of the corridor, the atmosphere shifted without warning. The air grew heavy. Silence pressed in. And he was struck with the unmistakable certainty that he was no longer by himself.What happened next sent him running for the stairs — something no training had ever prepared him for.Years later, one question still lingers: Was that cellar empty at all?#RealGhostStories #HauntedBarracks #Hauntings #ParanormalEncounter #HauntedGermany #MilitaryGhostStory #TrueParanormal #UnexplainedCold #Paranormal #UnexplainedPhenomenaLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

    The Dark Paranormal
    Dark Realms: Britain's Last Witch

    The Dark Paranormal

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 20:43 Transcription Available


    Welcome back, to Dark Realms.In today's show, we explore the eerie and deeply unsettling case of Helen Duncan, the Scottish medium often remembered as Britain's “last witch,” whose séances, spirit claims, and wartime notoriety drew the attention of the British state at the height of World War II. Moving through a world of darkened séance rooms, grief-stricken families, government secrecy, and ancient law, this episode examines how a woman associated with ectoplasm, spiritualism, and contact with the dead became entangled in one of the most infamous legal cases in British paranormal history. As the story unfolds, questions of belief, fraud, fear, and control begin to blur, revealing a haunting collision between wartime paranoia, the supernatural, and the law. For anyone fascinated by Helen Duncan, this is a chilling look at the moment when what was said in the dark became far too dangerous to ignore.Stay safe,Kevin.We're giving a full weeks trial of our Patreon away! Just head over on the link below and away you go!www.patreon.com/thedarkparanormalIf it's not for you? Simply cancel before your trial expires, meanwhile enjoy FULL access to our highest tier, and thank you for being the best listeners by miles.By making the choice of joining our Patreon team now, not only gives you early Ad-Free access to all our episodes, including video releases of Dark Realms, it can also give you access to the Patreon only podcast, Dark Bites. Dark Bites releases each and every week, even on the down time between seasons. There are already well over 190+ hours of unheard true paranormal experiences for you to binge at your leisure. Simply head over to:www.patreon.com/thedarkparanormalTo send us YOUR experience, please either click on the below link:The Dark Paranormal - We Need Your True Ghost StoryOr head to our website: www.thedarkparanormal.comYou can also follow us on the below Social Media links:www.twitter.com/darkparanormalxwww.facebook.com/thedarkparanormalwww.youtube.com/thedarkparanormalwww.instagram.com/thedarkparanormalOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Witness History
    Triumph of the Will: A Nazi propaganda film

    Witness History

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 10:38


    In 1934, one of the most controversial propaganda movies ever made - Triumph of the Will – was filmed at the Nazis' Nuremberg rally. The two-hour picture was directed by Leni Riefenstahl, once described as Adolf Hitler's favourite filmmaker. Over four days, scenes of military marches, speeches, and parades were shot from dramatic angles. Long-focus lenses recorded close-ups of the crowds, and cameras filmed from moving cars. But, while to some Riefenstahl was an artistic genius, to many others, she glorified a regime that would go on to be responsible for the death of millions. And for portraying a genocidal dictator as a god-like saviour. Jane Wilkinson has been through the BBC archives to find out more.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about 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 how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines' life and Omar Sharif's legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives' ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.(Photo: Leni Riefenstahl filming in Nuremberg, 1934. Credit: Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

    Kings and Generals: History for our Future
    3.192 Fall and Rise of China: Soviet–Japanese Neutrality Pact

    Kings and Generals: History for our Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 35:06


    Last time we spoke about the end of the battle of khalkin gol. In the summer of 1939, the Nomonhan Incident escalated into a major border conflict between Soviet-Mongolian forces and Japan's Kwantung Army along the Halha River. Despite Japanese successes in July, Zhukov launched a decisive offensive on August 20. Under cover of darkness, Soviet troops crossed the river, unleashing over 200 bombers and intense artillery barrages that devastated Japanese positions. Zhukov's northern, central, and southern forces encircled General Komatsubara's 23rd Division, supported by Manchukuoan units. Fierce fighting ensued: the southern flank collapsed under Colonel Potapov's armor, while the northern Fui Heights held briefly before falling to relentless assaults, including flame-throwing tanks. Failed Japanese counterattacks on August 24 resulted in heavy losses, with regiments shattered by superior Soviet firepower and tactics. By August 25, encircled pockets were systematically eliminated, leading to the annihilation of the Japanese 6th Army. The defeat, coinciding with the Hitler-Stalin Pact, forced Japan to negotiate a ceasefire on September 15-16, redrawing borders. Zhukov's victory exposed Japanese weaknesses in mechanized warfare, influencing future strategies and deterring further northern expansion.   #192 The Soviet–Japanese Neutrality Pact Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Despite the fact this technically will go into future events, I thought it was important we talk about a key moment in Sino history. Even though the battle of changkufeng and khalkin gol were not part of the second sino-Japanese war, their outcomes certainly would affect it.  Policymaking by the Soviet Union alone was not the primary factor in ending Moscow's diplomatic isolation in the late 1930s. After the Munich Conference signaled the failure of the popular front/united front approach, Neville Chamberlain, Adolf Hitler, and Poland's Józef Beck unintentionally strengthened Joseph Stalin's position in early 1939. Once the strategic cards were in his hands, Stalin capitalized on them. His handling of negotiations with Britain and France, as well as with Germany, from April to August was deft and effective. The spring and summer negotiations among the European powers are well documented and have been examined from many angles. In May 1939, while Stalin seemed to have the upper hand in Europe, yet before Hitler had signaled that a German–Soviet agreement might be possible, the Nomonhan incident erupted, a conflict initiated and escalated by the Kwantung Army. For a few months, the prospect of a Soviet–Japanese war revived concerns in Moscow about a two-front conflict. Reviewing Soviet talks with Britain, France, and Germany in the spring and summer of 1939 from an East Asian perspective sheds fresh light on the events that led to the German–Soviet Nonaggression Pact and, more broadly, to the outbreak of World War II. The second week of May marked the start of fighting at Nomonhan, during which negotiations between Germany and the USSR barely advanced beyond mutual scrutiny. Moscow signaled that an understanding with Nazi Germany might be possible. Notably, on May 4, the removal of Maksim Litvinov as foreign commissar and his replacement by Vyacheslav Molotov suggested a shift in approach. Litvinov, an urbane diplomat of Jewish origin and married to an Englishwoman, had been the leading Soviet proponent of the united-front policy and a steadfast critic of Nazi Germany. If a settlement with Hitler was sought, Litvinov was an unsuitable figure to lead the effort. Molotov, though with limited international experience, carried weight as chairman of the Council of Ministers and, more importantly, as one of Stalin's closest lieutenants. This personnel change seemed to accomplish its aim in Berlin, where the press was instructed on May 5 to halt polemical attacks on the Soviet Union and Bolshevism. On the same day, Karl Schnurre, head of the German Foreign Ministry's East European trade section, told Soviet chargé d'affaires Georgi Astakhov that Skoda, the German-controlled Czech arms manufacturer, would honor existing arms contracts with Russia. Astakhov asked whether, with Litvinov's departure, Germany might resume negotiations for a trade treaty Berlin had halted months earlier. By May 17, during discussions with Schnurre, Astakhov asserted that "there were no conflicts in foreign policy between Germany and the Soviet Union and that there was no reason for enmity between the two countries," and that Britain and France's negotiations appeared unpromising. The next day, Ribbentrop personally instructed Schulenburg to green-light trade talks. Molotov, however, insisted that a "political basis" for economic negotiations had to be established first. Suspicion remained high on both sides. Stalin feared Berlin might use reports of German–Soviet talks to destabilize a potential triple alliance with Britain and France; Hitler feared Stalin might use such reports to entice Tokyo away from an anti-German pact. The attempt to form a tripartite military alliance among Germany, Italy, and Japan foundered over divergent aims: Berlin targeted Britain and France; Tokyo aimed at the Soviet Union. Yet talks persisted through August 1939, with Japanese efforts to draw Germany into an anti-Soviet alignment continually reported to Moscow by Richard Sorge. Hitler and Mussolini, frustrated by Japanese objections, first concluded the bilateral Pact of Steel on May 22. The next day, Hitler, addressing his generals, stressed the inevitability of war with Poland and warned that opposition from Britain would be crushed militarily. He then hinted that Russia might "prove disinterested in the destruction of Poland," suggesting closer ties with Japan if Moscow opposed Germany. The exchange was quickly leaked to the press. Five days later, the first pitched battle of the Nomonhan campaign began. Although Hitler's timing with the Yamagata detachment's foray was coincidental, Moscow may have found the coincidence ominous. Despite the inducement of Molotov's call for a political basis before economic talks, Hitler and Ribbentrop did not immediately respond. On June 14, Astakhov signaled to Parvan Draganov, Bulgaria's ambassador in Berlin, that the USSR faced three options: ally with Britain and France, continue inconclusive talks with them, or align with Germany, the latter being closest to Soviet desires. Draganov relayed to the German Foreign Ministry that Moscow preferred a non-aggression agreement if Germany would pledge not to attack the Soviet Union. Two days later, Schulenburg told Astakhov that Germany recognized the link between economic and political relations and was prepared for far-reaching talks, a view echoed by Ribbentrop. The situation remained tangled: the Soviets pursued overt talks with Britain and France, while Stalin sought to maximize Soviet leverage. Chamberlain's stance toward Moscow remained wary but recognized a "psychological value" to an Anglo–Soviet rapprochement, tempered by his insistence on a hard bargain. American ambassador William C. Bullitt urged London to avoid the appearance of pursuing the Soviets, a view that resonated with Chamberlain's own distrust. Public confidence in a real Anglo–Soviet alliance remained low. By July 19, cabinet minutes show Chamberlain could not quite believe a genuine Russia–Germany alliance was possible, though he recognized the necessity of negotiations with Moscow to deter Hitler and to mollify an increasingly skeptical British public. Despite reservations, both sides kept the talks alive. Stalin's own bargaining style, with swift Soviet replies but frequent questions and demands, often produced delays. Molotov pressed on questions such as whether Britain and France would pledge to defend the Baltic states, intervene if Japan attacked the USSR, or join in opposing Germany if Hitler pressured Poland or Romania. These considerations were not trivial; they produced extended deliberations. On July 23, Molotov demanded that plans for coordinated military action among the three powers be fleshed out before a political pact. Britain and France accepted most political terms, and an Anglo-French military mission arrived in Moscow on August 11. The British commander, Admiral Sir Reginald Plunket-Ernle-Erle-Drax, conducted staff talks but could not conclude a military agreement. The French counterpart, General Joseph Doumenc, could sign but not bind his government. By then, Hitler had set August 26 as the date for war with Poland. With that looming, Hitler pressed for Soviet neutrality, or closer cooperation. In July and August, secret German–Soviet negotiations favored the Germans, who pressed for a rapid settlement and made most concessions. Yet Stalin benefited from keeping the British and French engaged, creating leverage against Hitler and safeguarding a potential Anglo–Soviet option as a fallback. To lengthen the talks and avoid immediate resolution, Moscow emphasized the Polish issue. Voroshilov demanded the Red Army be allowed to operate through Polish territory to defend Poland, a demand Warsaw would never accept. Moscow even floated a provocative plan: if Britain and France could compel Poland to permit Baltic State naval operations, the Western fleets would occupy Baltic ports, an idea that would have been militarily perilous and diplomatically explosive. Despite this, Stalin sought an agreement with Germany. Through Richard Sorge's intelligence, Moscow knew Tokyo aimed to avoid large-scale war with the USSR, and Moscow pressed for a German–Soviet settlement, including a nonaggression pact and measures to influence Japan to ease Sino–Japanese tensions. On August 16, Ribbentrop instructed Schulenburg to urge Molotov and Stalin toward a nonaggression pact and to coordinate with Japan. Stalin signaled willingness, and August 23–24 saw the drafting of the pact and the collapse of the Soviet and Japanese resistance elsewhere. That night, in a memorandum of Ribbentrop's staff, seven topics were summarized, with Soviet–Japanese relations and Molotov's insistence that Berlin demonstrate good faith standing out. Ribbentrop reiterated his willingness to influence Japan for a more favorable Soviet–Japanese relationship, and Stalin's reply indicated a path toward a détente in the East alongside the European agreement: "M. Stalin replied that the Soviet Union indeed desired an improvement in its relations with Japan, but that there were limits to its patience with regard to Japanese provocations. If Japan desired war she could have it. The Soviet Union was not afraid of it and was prepared for it. If Japan desired peace—so much the better! M. Stalin considered the assistance of Germany in bringing about an improvement in Soviet-Japanese relations as useful, but he did not want the Japanese to get the impression that the initiative in this direction had been taken by the Soviet Union."  Second, the assertion that the Soviet Union was prepared for and unafraid of war with Japan is an overstatement, though Stalin certainly had grounds for optimism regarding the battlefield situation and the broader East Asian strategic balance. It is notable that, despite the USSR's immediate diplomatic and military gains against Japan, Stalin remained anxious to conceal from Tokyo any peace initiative that originated in Moscow. That stance suggests that Tokyo or Hsinking might read such openness as a sign of Soviet weakness or confidence overextended. The Japanese danger, it would seem, did not disappear from Stalin's mind. Even at the height of his diplomatic coup, Stalin was determined not to burn bridges prematurely. On August 21, while he urged Hitler to send Ribbentrop to Moscow, he did not sever talks with Britain and France. Voroshilov requested a temporary postponement on the grounds that Soviet delegation officers were needed for autumn maneuvers. It was not until August 25, after Britain reiterated its resolve to stand by Poland despite the German–Soviet pact, that Stalin sent the Anglo–French military mission home. Fortified by the nonaggression pact, which he hoped would deter Britain and France from action, Hitler unleashed his army on Poland on September 1. Two days later, as Zhukov's First Army Group was completing its operations at Nomonhan, Hitler faced a setback when Britain and France declared war. Hitler had hoped to finish Poland quickly in 1939 and avoid fighting Britain and France until 1940. World War II in Europe had begun. The Soviet–Japanese conflict at Nomonhan was not the sole, nor even the principal, factor prompting Stalin to conclude an alliance with Hitler. Standing aside from a European war that could fracture the major capitalist powers might have been reason enough. Yet the conflict with Japan in the East was also a factor in Stalin's calculations, a dimension that has received relatively little attention in standard accounts of the outbreak of the war. This East Asian focus seeks to clarify the record without proposing a revolutionary reinterpretation of Soviet foreign policy; rather, it adds an important piece often overlooked in the "origins of the Second World War" puzzle, helping to reduce the overall confusion. The German–Soviet agreement provided for the Soviet occupation of the eastern half of Poland soon after Germany's invasion. On September 3, just forty-eight hours after the invasion and on the day Britain and France declared war, Ribbentrop urged Moscow to invade Poland from the east. Yet, for two more weeks, Poland's eastern frontier remained inviolate; Soviet divisions waited at the border, as most Polish forces were engaged against Germany. The German inquiries about the timing of the Soviet invasion continued, but the Red Army did not move. This inactivity is often attributed to Stalin's caution and suspicion, but that caution extended beyond Europe. Throughout early September, sporadic ground and air combat continued at Nomonhan, including significant activity by Kwantung Army forces on September 8–9, and large-scale air engagements on September 1–2, 4–5, and 14–15. Not until September 15 was the Molotov–Togo cease-fire arrangement finalized, to take effect on September 16. The very next morning, September 17, the Red Army crossed the Polish frontier into a country collapsed at its feet. It appears that Stalin wanted to ensure that fighting on his eastern flank had concluded before engaging in Western battles, avoiding a two-front war. Through such policies, Stalin avoided the disaster of a two-front war. Each principal in the 1939 diplomatic maneuvering pursued distinct objectives. The British sought an arrangement with the USSR that would deter Hitler from attacking Poland and, if deterred, bind Moscow to the Anglo–French alliance. Hitler sought an alliance with the USSR to deter Britain and France from aiding Poland and, if they did aid Poland, to secure Soviet neutrality. Japan sought a military alliance with Germany against the USSR, or failing that, stronger Anti-Comintern ties. Stalin aimed for an outcome in which Germany would fight the Western democracies, leaving him freedom to operate in both the West and East; failing that, he sought military reassurance from Britain and France in case he had to confront Germany. Of the four, only Stalin achieved his primary objective. Hitler secured his secondary objective; the British and Japanese failed to realize theirs. Stalin won the diplomatic contest in 1939. Yet, as diplomats gave way to generals, the display of German military power in Poland and in Western Europe soon eclipsed Stalin's diplomatic triumph. By playing Germany against Britain and France, Stalin gained leverage and a potential fallback, but at the cost of unleashing a devastating European war. As with the aftermath of the Portsmouth Treaty in 1905, Russo-Japanese relations improved rapidly after hostilities ceased at Nomonhan. The Molotov–Togo agreement of September 15 and the local truces arranged around Nomonhan on September 19 were observed scrupulously by both sides. On October 27, the two nations settled another long-standing dispute by agreeing to mutual release of fishing boats detained on charges of illegal fishing in each other's territorial waters. On November 6, the USSR appointed Konstantin Smetanin as ambassador to Tokyo, replacing the previous fourteen-month tenure of a chargé d'affaires. Smetanin's first meeting with the new Japanese foreign minister, Nomura Kichisaburö, in November 1939 attracted broad, favorable coverage in the Japanese press. In a break with routine diplomatic practice, Nomura delivered a draft proposal for a new fisheries agreement and a memo outlining the functioning of the joint border commission to be established in the Nomonhan area before Smetanin presented his credentials. On December 31, an agreement finalizing Manchukuo's payment to the USSR for the sale of the Chinese Eastern Railway was reached, and the Soviet–Japanese Fisheries Convention was renewed for 1940. In due course, the boundary near Nomonhan was formally redefined. A November 1939 agreement between Molotov and Togo established a mixed border commission representing the four parties to the dispute. After protracted negotiations, the border commission completed its redemarcation on June 14, 1941, with new border markers erected in August 1941. The resulting boundary largely followed the Soviet–MPR position, lying ten to twelve miles east of the Halha River. With that, the Nomonhan incident was officially closed.  Kwantung Army and Red Army leaders alike sought to "teach a lesson" to their foe at Nomonhan. The refrain recurs in documents and memoirs from both sides, "we must teach them a lesson." The incident provided lessons for both sides, but not all were well learned. For the Red Army, the lessons of Nomonhan intertwined with the laurels of victory, gratifying but sometimes distracting. Georgy Zhukov grasped the experience of modern warfare that summer, gaining more than a raised profile: command experience, confidence, and a set of hallmarks he would employ later. He demonstrated the ability to grasp complex strategic problems quickly, decisive crisis leadership, meticulous attention to logistics and deception, patience in building superior strength before striking at the enemy's weakest point, and the coordination of massed artillery, tanks, mechanized infantry, and tactical air power in large-scale double envelopment. These capabilities informed his actions at Moscow, Stalingrad, Kursk, and ultimately Berlin. It is tempting to wonder how Zhukov might have fared in the crucial autumn and winter of 1941 without Nomonhan, or whether he would have been entrusted with the Moscow front in 1941 had he not distinguished himself at Nomonhan. Yet the Soviet High Command overlooked an important lesson. Despite Zhukov's successes with independent tank formations and mechanized infantry, the command misapplied Spanish Civil War-era experience by disbanding armored divisions and redistributing tanks to infantry units to serve as support. It was not until after Germany demonstrated tank warfare in 1940 that the Soviets began reconstituting armored divisions and corps, a process still incomplete when the 1941 invasion began. The Red Army's performance at Nomonhan went largely unseen in the West. Western intelligence and military establishments largely believed the Red Army was fundamentally rotten, a view reinforced by the battlefield's remoteness and by both sides' reluctance to publicize the defeat. The Polish crisis and the outbreak of war in Europe drew attention away from Nomonhan, and the later Finnish Winter War reinforced negative Western judgments of Soviet military capability. U.S. military attaché Raymond Faymonville observed that the Soviets, anticipating a quick victory over Finland, relied on hastily summoned reserves ill-suited for winter fighting—an assessment that led some to judge the Red Army by its performance at Nomonhan. Even in Washington, this view persisted; Hitler reportedly called the Red Army "a paralytic on crutches" after Finland and then ordered invasion planning in 1941. Defeat can be a stronger teacher than victory. Because Nomonhan was a limited war, Japan's defeat was likewise limited, and its impact on Tokyo did not immediately recalibrate Japanese assessments. Yet Nomonhan did force Japan to revise its estimation of Soviet strength: the Imperial Army abandoned its strategic Plan Eight-B and adopted a more defensive posture toward the Soviet Union. An official inquiry into the debacle, submitted November 29, 1939, recognized Soviet superiority in materiel and firepower and urged Japan to bolster its own capabilities. The Kwantung Army's leadership, chastened, returned to the frontier with a more realistic sense of capability, even as the Army Ministry and AGS failed to translate lessons into policy. The enduring tendency toward gekokujo, the dominance of local and mid-level officers over central authority, remained persistent, and Tokyo did not fully purge it after Nomonhan. The Kwantung Army's operatives who helped drive the Nomonhan episode resurfaced in key posts at Imperial General Headquarters, contributing to Japan's 1941 decision to go to war. The defeat of the Kwantung Army at Nomonhan, together with the Stalin–Hitler pact and the outbreak of war in Europe, triggered a reorientation of Japanese strategy and foreign policy. The new government, led by the politically inexperienced and cautious General Abe Nobuyuki, pursued a conservative foreign policy. Chiang Kai-shek's retreat to Chongqing left the Chinese war at a stalemate: the Japanese Expeditionary Army could still inflict defeats on Chinese nationalist forces, but it had no viable path to a decisive victory. China remained Japan's principal focus. Still, the option of cutting Soviet aid to China and of moving north into Outer Mongolia and Siberia was discredited in Tokyo by the August 1939 double defeat. Northward expansion never again regained its ascendancy, though it briefly resurfaced in mid-1941 after Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union. Germany's alliance with the USSR during Nomonhan was viewed by Tokyo as a betrayal, cooling German–Japanese relations. Japan also stepped back from its confrontation with Britain over Tientsin. Tokyo recognized that the European war represented a momentous development that could reshape East Asia, as World War I had reshaped it before. The short-lived Abe government (September–December 1939) and its successor under Admiral Yonai Mitsumasa (December 1939–July 1940) adopted a cautious wait-and-see attitude toward the European war. That stance shifted in the summer of 1940, however, after Germany's successes in the West. With Germany's conquest of France and the Low Countries and Britain's fight for survival, Tokyo reassessed the global balance of power. Less than a year after Zhukov had effectively blocked further Japanese expansion northward, Hitler's victories seemed to open a southern expansion path. The prospect of seizing the resource-rich colonies in Southeast Asia, Dutch, French, and British and, more importantly, resolving the China problem in Japan's favor, tempted many in Tokyo. If Western aid to Chiang Kai-shek, channeled through Hong Kong, French Indochina, and Burma could be cut off, some in Tokyo believed Chiang might abandon resistance. If not, Japan could launch new operations against Chiang from Indochina and Burma, effectively turning China's southern flank. To facilitate a southward advance, Japan sought closer alignment with Germany and the USSR. Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka brought Japan into the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy, in the hope of neutralizing the United States, and concluded a neutrality pact with the Soviet Union to secure calm in the north. Because of the European military situation, only the United States could check Japan's southward expansion. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appeared determined to do so and confident that he could. If the Manchurian incident and the Stimson Doctrine strained U.S.–Japanese relations, and the China War and U.S. aid to Chiang Kai-shek deepened mutual resentment, it was Japan's decision to press south against French, British, and Dutch colonies, and Roosevelt's resolve to prevent such a move, that put the two nations on a collision course. The dust had barely settled on the Mongolian plains following the Nomonhan ceasefire when the ripples of that distant conflict began to reshape the broader theater of the Second Sino-Japanese War. The defeat at Nomonhan in August 1939, coupled with the shocking revelation of the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact, delivered a profound strategic blow to Japan's imperial ambitions. No longer could Tokyo entertain serious notions of a "northern advance" into Soviet territory, a strategy that had long tantalized military planners as a means to secure resources and buffer against communism. Instead, the Kwantung Army's humiliation exposed glaring deficiencies in Japanese mechanized warfare, logistics, and intelligence, forcing a pivot southward. This reorientation not only cooled tensions with the Soviet Union but also allowed Japan to redirect its military focus toward the protracted stalemate in China. As we transition from the border clashes of the north to the heartland tensions in central China, it's essential to trace how these events propelled Japan toward the brink of a major offensive in Hunan Province, setting the stage for what would become a critical confrontation. In the immediate aftermath of Nomonhan, Japan's military high command grappled with the implications of their setback. The Kwantung Army, once a symbol of unchecked aggression, was compelled to adopt a defensive posture along the Manchurian-Soviet border. The ceasefire agreement, formalized on September 15-16, 1939, effectively neutralized the northern front, freeing up significant resources and manpower that had been tied down in the escalating border skirmishes. This was no small relief; the Nomonhan campaign had drained Japanese forces, with estimates of over 18,000 casualties and the near-total annihilation of the 23rd Division. The psychological impact was equally severe, shattering the myth of Japanese invincibility against a modern, mechanized opponent. Georgy Zhukov's masterful use of combined arms—tanks, artillery, and air power—highlighted Japan's vulnerabilities, prompting internal reviews that urged reforms in tank production, artillery doctrine, and supply chains. Yet, these lessons were slow to implement, and in the short term, the primary benefit was the opportunity to consolidate efforts elsewhere. For Japan, "elsewhere" meant China, where the war had devolved into a grinding attrition since the fall of Wuhan in October 1938. The capture of Wuhan, a major transportation hub and temporary capital of the Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek, had been hailed as a turning point. Japanese forces, under the command of General Shunroku Hata, had pushed deep into central China, aiming to decapitate Chinese resistance. However, Chiang's strategic retreat to Chongqing transformed the conflict into a war of endurance. Nationalist forces, bolstered by guerrilla tactics and international aid, harassed Japanese supply lines and prevented a decisive knockout blow. By mid-1939, Japan controlled vast swaths of eastern and northern China, including key cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing, but the cost was immense: stretched logistics, mounting casualties, and an inability to fully pacify occupied territories. The Nomonhan defeat exacerbated these issues by underscoring the limits of Japan's military overextension. With the northern threat abated, Tokyo's Army General Staff saw an opening to intensify operations in China, hoping to force Chiang to the negotiating table before global events further complicated the picture. The diplomatic fallout from Nomonhan and the Hitler-Stalin Pact further influenced this shift. Japan's betrayal by Germany, its nominal ally under the Anti-Comintern Pact—fostered distrust and isolation. Tokyo's flirtations with a full Axis alliance stalled, as the pact with Moscow revealed Hitler's willingness to prioritize European gains over Asian solidarity. This isolation prompted Japan to reassess its priorities, emphasizing self-reliance in China while eyeing opportunistic expansions elsewhere. Domestically, the Hiranuma cabinet collapsed in August 1939 amid the diplomatic shock, paving the way for the more cautious Abe Nobuyuki government. Abe's administration, though short-lived, signaled a temporary de-escalation in aggressive posturing, but the underlying imperative to resolve the "China Incident" persisted. Japanese strategists believed that capturing additional strategic points in central China could sever Chiang's lifelines, particularly the routes funneling aid from the Soviet Union and the West via Burma and Indochina. The seismic shifts triggered by Nomonhan compelled Japan to fundamentally readjust its China policy and war plans, marking a pivotal transition from overambitious northern dreams to a more focused, albeit desperate, campaign in the south. With the Kwantung Army's defeat fresh in mind, Tokyo's Imperial General Headquarters initiated a comprehensive strategic review in late August 1939. The once-dominant "Northern Advance" doctrine, which envisioned rapid conquests into Siberia for resources like oil and minerals, was officially shelved. In its place emerged a "Southern Advance" framework, prioritizing the consolidation of gains in China and potential expansions into Southeast Asia. This pivot was not merely tactical; it reflected a profound policy recalibration aimed at ending the quagmire in China, where two years of war had yielded territorial control but no decisive victory over Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists. Central to this readjustment was a renewed emphasis on economic and military self-sufficiency. The Nomonhan debacle had exposed Japan's vulnerabilities in mechanized warfare, leading to urgent reforms in industrial production. Tank manufacturing was ramped up, with designs influenced by observed Soviet models, and artillery stockpiles were bolstered to match the firepower discrepancies seen on the Mongolian steppes. Logistically, the Army General Staff prioritized streamlining supply lines in China, recognizing that prolonged engagements demanded better resource allocation. Politically, the Abe Nobuyuki cabinet, installed in September 1939, adopted a "wait-and-see" approach toward Europe but aggressively pursued diplomatic maneuvers to isolate China. Efforts to negotiate with Wang Jingwei's puppet regime in Nanjing intensified, aiming to undermine Chiang's legitimacy and splinter Chinese resistance. Japan also pressured Vichy France for concessions in Indochina, seeking to choke off aid routes to Chongqing. War plans evolved accordingly, shifting from broad-front offensives to targeted strikes designed to disrupt Chinese command and supply networks. The China Expeditionary Army, under General Yasuji Okamura, was restructured to emphasize mobility and combined arms operations, drawing partial lessons from Zhukov's tactics. Intelligence operations were enhanced, with greater focus on infiltrating Nationalist strongholds in central provinces. By early September, plans coalesced around a major push into Hunan Province, a vital crossroads linking northern and southern China. Hunan's river systems and rail lines made it a linchpin for Chinese logistics, funneling men and materiel to the front lines. Japanese strategists identified key urban centers in the region as critical objectives, believing their capture could sever Chiang's western supply corridors and force a strategic retreat. This readjustment was not without internal friction. Hardliners in the military lamented the abandonment of northern ambitions, but the reality of Soviet strength—and the neutrality pacts that followed—left little room for debate. Economically, Japan ramped up exploitation of occupied Chinese territories, extracting coal, iron, and rice to fuel the war machine. Diplomatically, Tokyo sought to mend fences with the Soviets through the 1941 Neutrality Pact, ensuring northern security while eyes turned south. Yet, these changes brewed tension with the United States, whose embargoes on scrap metal and oil threatened to cripple Japan's ambitions. As autumn approached, the stage was set for a bold gambit in central China. Japanese divisions massed along the Yangtze River, poised to strike at the heart of Hunan's defenses. Intelligence reports hinted at Chinese preparations, with Xue Yue's forces fortifying positions around a major provincial hub. The air thickened with anticipation of a clash that could tip the balance in the interminable war—a test of Japan's revamped strategies against a resilient foe determined to hold the line. What unfolded would reveal whether Tokyo's post-Nomonhan pivot could deliver the breakthrough so desperately needed, or if it would merely prolong the bloody stalemate. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. In 1939, the Nomonhan Incident saw Soviet forces under Georgy Zhukov decisively defeat Japan's Kwantung Army at Khalkin Gol, exposing Japanese weaknesses in mechanized warfare. This setback, coupled with the Hitler-Stalin Nonaggression Pact, shattered Japan's northern expansion plans and prompted a strategic pivot southward. Diplomatic maneuvers involving Stalin, Hitler, Britain, France, and Japan reshaped alliances, leading to the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact in 1941. Japan refocused on China, intensifying operations in Hunan Province to isolate Chiang Kai-shek.   

    KQED’s Forum
    Bay Area Legends: Celebrating the Trailblazing Life of the Nation's Oldest Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin

    KQED’s Forum

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 54:49


    Betty Reid Soskin was a civil rights pioneer, musician, and the nation's oldest park ranger when, at the age of 100, she retired from Richmond's Rosie the Riveter museum where she was dedicated to keeping experiences of Black Americans and women in the forefront of the historical narrative. She worked in the segregated homefront during World War II, was among the first Black families to integrate Walnut Creek, and she ran one of the first Black-owned record stores in the Bay Area. She died in December at 104 years old and as part of our Bay Area Legends series, we'll listen back to Forum's interviews with Soskin over the years and talk with those who loved her and worked with her. Guests: Bob Reid, musician activist and Betty Reid Soskin's son Kelli English, program manager, National Park Service, was Betty Reid Soskin's supervisor at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Soundtracking with Edith Bowman
    588: Tom Harper On The Music Of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man

    Soundtracking with Edith Bowman

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 29:26


    Our latest guest on Soundtracking is Tom Harper, director of Netflix's Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Set amid the chaos and turmoil of World War II, it sees Tommy Shelby return from self-imposed exile to do some seriously anti-heroic work to foil a Nazi plot, among many other things. As you'd expect from a Peaky project, the music is sensational, and we take a deep dive with Tom.

    Urban Valor: the podcast
    WWII Soldier Tells the Story of the Deadliest Night of His Life!

    Urban Valor: the podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 63:21


    In this episode of the Urban Valor Podcast, we sit down with a World War II Army veteran who survived one of the deadliest moments of the European campaign...the Rhine River crossing! And later walked through a liberated Nazi death camp! At just 19 years old, Paul A. Groves was drafted into the U.S. Army and assigned as an infantry messenger with E Company, 89th Infantry Division under General Patton. In January 1945, he landed in France before pushing toward the Rhine River — one of the final and most dangerous barriers into Nazi Germany.At 2:00 AM, his unit loaded into boats under darkness.Halfway across, German machine guns opened fire.His company commander was killed.His first sergeant was killed.Then the boat exploded.Thrown into the freezing river under direct fire, Paul became the only Soldier from his boat to survive.As American forces advanced into Germany, he helped liberate a Nazi concentration camp — describing the smell of death before they ever saw it.After surviving the Rhine and witnessing the camps, Paul was told he would likely be sent to invade Japan. Then the atomic bomb was dropped.Now over 100 years old, he reflects on combat, fear, survival, and what General Patton meant when he said a Soldier must learn to hate the enemy.This is a firsthand WWII testimony from one of the last living soldiers of that generation.

    Fishing the DMV
    Buggs Island Bass Fishing Secrets with the Army Core of Engineers

    Fishing the DMV

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 52:46


    Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcastOn this episode of Fishing the DMV, we explore the incredible history and fisheries of John H. Kerr Reservoir—better known to anglers as Buggs Island Lake. Joined by Michael Womack and Billy Hoffer, we take a deep dive into how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built and manages one of the most important reservoirs in the Mid-Atlantic. From its origins during World War II to the thriving largemouth and striped bass fishery anglers enjoy today, this episode breaks down the construction of Kerr Dam, modern reservoir operations, and the conservation work that keeps Buggs Island one of the premier bass fishing destinations in Virginia and North Carolina.John H. Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JohnHKerrReservoirBuggsIslandLake  If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fishtagged?igsh=YTJiYXNhOHo5dmNkJake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech  Phone Number: (757) 566-1278Email: lin@fishingprotech.usFishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! Click the link below right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5 #bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtipsSupport the show

    77 WABC MiniCasts
    Col. Jack Jacobs: The Trump Administration Has No Clear Objective for the Iran War | 03-08-26

    77 WABC MiniCasts

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 12:03


    Colonel Jack Jacobs provides a critical analysis of American military strategy regarding Iran, highlighting a perceived lack of clear objectives. He argues that effective operations must begin with a defined end goal, contrasting current ambiguities with the unconditional surrender framework used in World War II. The discussion further explores the geopolitical importance of the Strait of Hormuz, where the vulnerability of oil tankers to low-cost attacks creates a significant economic risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Weird Darkness: Stories of the Paranormal, Supernatural, Legends, Lore, Mysterious, Macabre, Unsolved
    He Killed His Wife With a Handsaw. Now He Haunts the Hall Where It Happened! | The Rollesby Haunting

    Weird Darkness: Stories of the Paranormal, Supernatural, Legends, Lore, Mysterious, Macabre, Unsolved

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 71:05


    Every second Monday at midnight, a blood-faced ghost walks the ruins of Rollesby Hall — but whose blood stains his face, and whose death keeps him there, depends on who you ask.*No AI Voices Are Used In The Narration Of This Podcast*IN THIS EPISODE: One of the most intriguing Hopi legends involves the ant people, who were crucial to the Hopi's survival, not just once, but twice. We know this from the cave drawings they left behind. But who or what exactly were the ant people? (The Ant People and the Anunnaki) *** The red-faced ghost of Rollesby comes with an an identity crisis. People aren't sure if the bloody face they see is the ghost of a murderer - or a victim of murder. (The Red-Faced Ghost of Rollesby) *** A woman is scared senseless when someone visits her home during a rainstorm… but it's not just any passerby. (The Faceless Girl In The Striped Dress) *** One thing people just cannot seem to resist is a challenge – doubly so if you happen to be of the criminal persuasion. If they're told a place is impregnable, it makes it an almost irresistible challenge. (Never Say Your Place Is Impregnable) *** Joachim Kroll, the "Ruhr Cannibal," terrorized West Germany for over 20 years, eating the flesh of his victims because "meat was expensive." (The Duisburg Man Eater) *** It is said that the Vatican is holding manuscripts that hold details about ancient races of man that used to populate the Americas – powerful rulers from the south, described as having white beards, and red eyes. Who could these people have been – and where have they gone? (The Mystery of the Ancient White-Bearded Red-Eyed Rulers) *** We all know the Nazis inflicted terror and death upon innocent people during WWII – but many don't know just how horrifying the treatment was, particular the experiments they conducted on living prisoners. (Horrifying Nazi Experiments)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Show Open00:02:29.754 = The Red-Faced Ghost of Rollesby00:06:06.399 = The Faceless Girl in the Striped Dress00:09:32.305 = Never Say Your Place Is Impregnable ***00:21:21.822 = The Duisburg Man-Eater00:30:52.180 = The Ant People And The Anunnaki ***00:39:45.907 = The Mystery of the Ancient White Bearded, Red-Eyed Rulers00:56:56.705 = Horrifying Nazi Experiments ***01:09:13.448 = Show Close*** = Begins immediately after inserted ad breakHELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES…https://WeirdDarkness.com/MUSIC = Songs and Videos by our Weird Darkness punk band, #DarkWeirdnesshttps://WeirdDarkness.com/STORE = Tees, Mugs, Socks, Hoodies, Totes, Hats, Kidswear & Morehttps://WeirdDarkness.com/HOPE = Hope For Depression or Thoughts of Self-Harmhttps://WeirdDarkness.com/NEWSLETTER = In-Depth Articles, Memes, Weird DarkNEWS, Videos & Morehttps://WeirdDarkness.com/AUDIOBOOKS = FREE Audiobooks Narrated By Darren Marlar SOURCES and RESOURCES:“The Red-Faced Ghost of Rollesby” by Stacia Briggs and Sofia Connor for Weird Norfolk:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2djct9nz“The Faceless Girl In The Striped Dress” posted at YourGhostStories.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ezbspc57“Horrifying Nazi Experiments” by Jacob Shelton for Ranker: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/m5ddb6pk“Never Say Your Place Is Impregnable” by Megan Summers for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4rmjf6n3“The Duisburg Man Eater” by Emily Stringer for All That's Interesting: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/jj6wx74“The Ant People and the Anunnaki” posted at Alien-UFO-Sightings: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/rpfncw“The Mystery of the Ancient White Bearded, Red-Eyed Rulers” by Ellen Lloyd for Ancient Pages:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ukvebb2t, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2ax8cmfm, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/nz8de5dt,https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2szdtzxk=====(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above 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® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: August 11, 2021EPISODE PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/RollesbyHauntingABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: #WeirdDarkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all things strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold cases, conspiracy theories, and more. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “20 Best Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a blend of “Coast to Coast AM”, “The Twilight Zone”, “Unsolved Mysteries”, and “In Search Of”.DISCLAIMER: Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.

    The John Batchelor Show
    S8 Ep549: In these interview segments, James M. Scott discusses his book *Black Snow*, which chronicles the American air campaign against Japan during World War II. (9)

    The John Batchelor Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 10:37


    In these interview segments, James M. Scott discusses his book *Black Snow*, which chronicles the American air campaign against Japan during World War II. (9)In these interview segments, James M. Scott discusses his book *Black Snow*, which chronicles the American air campaign against Japan during World War II. (9)1923 TOKYO AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

    The FOX News Rundown
    From Washington: The Debate Over Militarizing Artificial Intelligence and the Future of War

    The FOX News Rundown

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 31:09


    The Pentagon is phasing out Anthropic's AI after the company refused to remove safety "red lines" regarding autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. This move comes as the Trump administration pushes to have the most powerful military technology and outpace China. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Bob Maginnis joins the show to discuss the necessity of keeping a human in the decision-making loop, the rapidly growing use of AI on modern battlefields, and the challenges of replenishing American munitions stockpiles.Later, Tevi Troy, Senior Fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute, joins to discuss America's complicated relationship with Iran since World War II and how the two nations became enemies nearly 50 years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Stories Fables Ghostly Tales Podcast
    Shadows of the Departed: The Airport Runner & The Faceless Spy

    Stories Fables Ghostly Tales Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 55:25


    The Redcoat History Podcast
    The Greatest Combined Arms Manoeuvre Battle of WW2? Meiktila 1945 w/ Jack Bowsher

    The Redcoat History Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 77:40


    In this episode, we speak with historian Jack Bowsher about his remarkable new book Thunder Run: Meiktila 1945, which tells the extraordinary story of the final battles of the Burma Campaign in the Second World War. While most histories end with the famous victories at Imphal and Kohima, the dramatic reconquest of Burma in 1945 is often dismissed as little more than “mopping up.” In reality, it was the culmination of years of hard-earned experience by the British and Indian armies, fighting in one of the most challenging environments of the war and without the lavish resources seen in other theatres. At the heart of the story is the stunning armoured thrust on the Japanese supply hub at Meiktila—an all-arms blitz of tanks, motorised infantry, artillery, and air power that shattered the Japanese Burma Area Army. It is one of the most remarkable victories of the war, and yet remains one of its least-known battles.   Jack'sBook can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/4u8xSNs 

    The Kubik Report
    Daria Jmill: War in Ukraine, St. Paul, MN, Childhood Memories

    The Kubik Report

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 24:12


    Daria Jmill is an acquaintance of mine going back 70 years in St. Paul, MN.  Both our parents were WWII refugees who fortunately, found their way to the United States in 1949 with us as children who were born in the camp.  We talk about Ukraine, St. Paul, MN, Somalis, and other things that you may find interesting.

    From Washington – FOX News Radio
    From Washington: The Debate Over Militarizing Artificial Intelligence and the Future of War

    From Washington – FOX News Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 31:09


    The Pentagon is phasing out Anthropic's AI after the company refused to remove safety "red lines" regarding autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. This move comes as the Trump administration pushes to have the most powerful military technology and outpace China. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Bob Maginnis joins the show to discuss the necessity of keeping a human in the decision-making loop, the rapidly growing use of AI on modern battlefields, and the challenges of replenishing American munitions stockpiles.Later, Tevi Troy, Senior Fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute, joins to discuss America's complicated relationship with Iran since World War II and how the two nations became enemies nearly 50 years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trumpet Dynamics
    Interview Archive: Bernard Adelstein

    Trumpet Dynamics

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 51:53


    In this archived interview, recorded in 2016, James Newcomb speaks with Bernard Adelstein, former principal trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra, for a wide-ranging conversation on musicianship, discipline, and life inside one of the world's most exacting orchestras.Mr. Adelstein reflects on his early start as a teenage professional during World War II, the harsh realities of auditions and daily life in American orchestras during the 1950's and 60's, and what it was like to perform under legendary conductors such as Fritz Reiner and George Szell.Along the way, he offers candid insights on leadership, precision, humility, and why music critics so often miss the point of that which they're critiquing entirely.Topics Discussed* Entering the Pittsburgh Symphony at age sixteen* Learning musicianship during World War II* Performing under Fritz Reiner and George Szell* Life inside the Cleveland Orchestra during its golden era* Touring, recording, and winning major awards* The realities and absurdities of orchestral auditions* Why critics matter less than musicians think* Playing The Rite of Spring then and nowKeywords: Bernard Adelstein, Cleveland Orchestra, principal trumpet, orchestral trumpet, George Szell, Fritz Reiner, classical music history, professional musicianship, orchestral lifeHashtags:#ThatsWhatIMeantToSay#BernardAdelstein#ClevelandOrchestra#PrincipalTrumpet#ClassicalMusic#OrchestralLife#MusicHistory#Trumpethttps://jamesdnewcomb.com

    Crime Time Inc
    Why Drug Laws Aren't Working — A Former Detective's Take

    Crime Time Inc

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 52:10


    Knife Crime Rumours, Sub Judice Rules, and Scotland's Violence Reduction SuccessSimon and Tom discuss a daylight knife incident in Edinburgh's Calders that sparked widespread online misinformation, prompting Police Scotland to issue rare clarifications while constrained by sub judice rules; Tom explains how the Contempt of Court Act and Lord Advocate's guidelines limit pretrial commentary to protect fair trials. They compare “perp walk” publicity with Scottish practice, including WWII-era German spy arrests in Scotland where press photos prevented the suspects being turned into double agents and led to executions. The conversation turns to emergency-service responses to knife incidents and the balance between waiting for specialist support and the duty to protect life. They cover Ian Huntley's prison assault and how the Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman murders exposed failures in intelligence-sharing about dangerous offenders. Tom highlights the Violence Reduction Unit's 20-year impact, noting murders fell from 137 in 2005 to 47, and argues its public-health approach could inform drug policy amid rising lethal synthetics. They also touch on citizen's arrest/self-defence, skepticism about “international law,” and football-related disorder.00:00 Cold Open Banter00:16 Edinburgh Knife Incident01:36 Misinformation And Police Response02:58 Sub Judice Explained05:14 Perp Walk And Spy Photos09:07 Emergency Services And Risk14:53 Ian Huntley Case Lessons18:42 Violence Reduction Unit Success23:22 Drug Laws And Public Health26:26 Root Causes Not Choices26:42 Football As Diversion29:03 Community Clubs Origins30:14 Boxing And Discipline33:37 PR Spin And Distractions35:39 VRU Principles And Praise37:44 Vigilantes And Self Defence40:20 International Law Skepticism46:19 Peaky Blinders And Gang Lore49:00 Old Firm Songs And Policing51:48 Wrap Up And Next TopicsEpisodes referred to in this show.Sheila Anderson Season 1 Episodes 27/28https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/sheila-anderson-unsolved-leith-s-heroin-turning-point-part-1https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/sheila-anderson-unsolved-leith-s-heroin-turning-pointThe Expendables (The Beautiful Spy) Season 1 Episodes 25/26https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/the-expendables-1https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/the-expendables-2About Crime Time Inc.Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.Two crime worlds. One podcast.New episodes released regularly throughout the season.Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us.Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey.http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fox News Rundown Evening Edition
    From Washington: The Debate Over Militarizing Artificial Intelligence and the Future of War

    Fox News Rundown Evening Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 31:09


    The Pentagon is phasing out Anthropic's AI after the company refused to remove safety "red lines" regarding autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. This move comes as the Trump administration pushes to have the most powerful military technology and outpace China. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Bob Maginnis joins the show to discuss the necessity of keeping a human in the decision-making loop, the rapidly growing use of AI on modern battlefields, and the challenges of replenishing American munitions stockpiles.Later, Tevi Troy, Senior Fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute, joins to discuss America's complicated relationship with Iran since World War II and how the two nations became enemies nearly 50 years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Shrine of Remembrance
    Live at the Shrine: His Majesty's Most Loyal Internees

    Shrine of Remembrance

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 60:24


    In this episode, we take to you to September 2025 for a panel discussion tracing the experiences of the internees transported to Australia aboard the Dunera and Queen Mary during the Second World War, 85 years on from their arrival. Chairing the conversation is Seamus Spark, who is joined by panellists Professor Joy Damousi, Eva de Jong Duldig, Professor Tonia Eckfeld and Kate Garrett. This program was presented in partnership with the Duldig Studio and Dunera and Queen Mary Association.

    The Astrology Podcast
    The War Begins

    The Astrology Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 43:19


    In this episode I provide an astrological analysis of the war that began between the US, Israel, and Iran on February 28, 2026, and discuss how these current alignments may be signaling the beginning of a much larger conflict. I look at the striking historical recurrences that culminated in this week's events, including the recent Saturn-Neptune conjunction, which perfectly echoes the 1953 US-backed coup and the 1989 death of Iran's Supreme Leader, and the exact Mars-Uranus square that triggered the initial strikes. I also explore the extraordinary fact that all three of three major leaders involved were all born on the exact day of an eclipse. From there, I trace the precise six-month escalation of this conflict through the eclipse seasons dating back to October 2023, demonstrating how eclipses have mirrored the buildup to this war almost every step of the way. Finally, we look ahead to the looming ingress of Uranus into Gemini in late April, a transit historically correlated with the United States entering its most defining wars (the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and WWII), and discuss why the pieces are now in place for this to escalate into a larger global conflict. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:00:48 Long-Term Historical Recurrences00:06:41 The Eclipse Factor: The Leaders00:10:48 The 6-Month Eclipse Escalation Timeline00:23:02 Eclipses & The Fall of Leaders00:27:05 Looking Ahead00:36:34 Conclusion00:40:20 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZl7KdUbC9M - Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

    The Jason Rantz Show
    Rantz Rewind: March 7, 2024

    The Jason Rantz Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 46:21


    What’s Trending: A new bill passed that allows responding officers to be ticketed. An 8 time convict is chased by Thurston county police through Chehalis western trail. An investigation is underway for Seattle police for deflating tires at a vigil for Gaza victims. GUEST: Gail Flatt is a mom who lost her 14-year-old daughter to suicide – driven to it by social media. She’s Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s guest at tonight’s State of the Union, hoping to bring attention to the Kids Online Safety Act. // Big Local: Pierce County man lost his eye after a teenage suspect shot him the eye after an attempted carjacking. A delivery driver in fife was hit in the side of the truck by someone who was fleeing from police. // WWII kissing photo is under threat of ban by a Virgina official trying to cite it as rape. 

    Spectator Radio
    Book Club: Paris in the Shadow of War

    Spectator Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 44:59


    Sam Leith's guest on this week's Book Club podcast is the historian Jane Rogoyska, whose new book Hotel Exile: Paris in the Shadow of War tells the bloody story of the Second World War through the lens of Paris's Hotel Lutetia – following a cast of exiled intellectuals through the febrile 1930s, the increasing horrors of the war and occupation, through to the devastating aftermath as waves of prisoners returned from the camps. She tells Sam how she came to this unusual approach, how the connections between her cast of characters proliferated, how close Samuel Beckett came to a concentration camp – and about falling a little bit in love with Walter Benjamin.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Frenchie Podcast
    Episode 23: Les Femmes Frenchie

    Frenchie Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 36:07


    In this special episode of Frenchie, host Jason Theriot is joined by his daughter and guest co-host, Mae Theriot, to spotlight the stories of two Cajun women who served their country during World War II. The episode features the voice of Army Nurse Lt. Effie Tanner Logan of Lafayette, who spent eighteen months overseas caring for wounded soldiers in North Africa and Italy during some of the most difficult campaigns of the war. Listeners also meet Beulah Dugas of St. Martinville, a Cajun “Rosie the Riveter” who left home to weld Liberty ships at the Delta Shipbuilding yards in New Orleans. Together, their stories highlight the vital role Louisiana women played both on the front lines and on the home front—reminding us that the French-speaking Cajun generation contributed to victory in many ways. Team Theriot is also joined by Monica Ordonez, award-winning director of "Love Letter of WWII" that features a Frenchie love story: www.melangedanceofnola.com/love-letters-of-wwii  

    The Box of Oddities
    The Great LEGO Spill, Killer Waves & Weird Wedding Rituals

    The Box of Oddities

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 37:02


    In this Box of Oddities bonus episode, “Freak Family Favorites,” Kat and Jethro dive into a wildly entertaining mix of listener mail, strange history, and bizarre real-world oddities that prove the world is far stranger than fiction. From mysterious rogue waves that can tower over ships to the bizarre story of the Great LEGO Spill of 1997, this episode explores the unpredictable forces of nature and the unexpected ways their effects ripple across the planet. You'll hear how a massive rogue wave struck the cargo ship Tokyo Express, sending millions of LEGO pieces into the ocean, where they've been washing up on beaches around the world for decades—turning into an accidental global science experiment tracking ocean currents and plastic pollution. But that's just the beginning. Kat and Jethro also explore the strange corners of history, including a jaw-dropping act of subtle protest during the World War II tribunal of Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo, when a Navy dental technician secretly engraved the phrase “Remember Pearl Harbor” in Morse code inside the dictator's dentures. Along the way, the Freak Family joins the conversation with unforgettable listener stories—like the uncanny moment when a podcast fact about the largest living organism on Earth (a massive mushroom) suddenly appeared on the side of a passing truck, or the tale of a rescued goat that accidentally ended up named after Kat. And because no Box of Oddities episode would be complete without a dive into humanity's wonderfully strange customs, Kat shares some of the most unusual wedding traditions from around the world—from couples being covered in spoiled food in Scotland to ceremonial arrow-shooting in China and even brides marrying trees to break ancient astrological curses. This bonus episode is packed with weird history, strange science, global traditions, and the delightfully bizarre stories that make the Freak Family one of the most unique podcast communities on Earth. If you love mysteries, curiosities, paranormal-adjacent history, and the wonderfully weird, this episode is your backstage pass to the strange world inside The Box of Oddities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The John Batchelor Show
    S8 Ep547: HEADLINE: The Rise of Private Space Telescopes GUEST: Bob Zimmerman A startup called Blue Sky Space is launching nano-satellite telescopes into orbit to provide research data to universities. Using SpaceX rockets, the company deploys modest te

    The John Batchelor Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 2:12


    HEADLINE: The Rise of Private Space Telescopes GUEST: Bob Zimmerman A startup called Blue Sky Space is launching nano-satellite telescopes into orbit to provide research data to universities. Using SpaceX rockets, the company deploys modest telescopes—some with mirrors as small as five inches—that allow institutions to purchase observation time for teaching and spectroscopy. This model represents a return to pre-World War II practices where private investors, rather than government agencies, funded major astronomical research. (12)1958

    Highside / Lowside: Motorcycle Podcast
    S11E09: What If Motorcycles Were Banned? A trip back in time to explore the future

    Highside / Lowside: Motorcycle Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 125:36


    In honor of "Back to the Future" turning 40, industry experts like Ryan Fortnine, Matt Oxley, and Ari Henning take a trip back in time with Zack & Spurg to explore five massive motorcycle "What if" scenarios: What if Boeing built motorcycles? What if Harley-Davidson abandoned "heritage" for "cutting-edge"? How would a different World War II outcome have changed German and Japanese engineering? What does a truly safe motorcycle look like? If gas motorcycles were banned tomorrow, would the community survive on electric and hydrogen alone? Plus, Zack analyzes his actual Alpinestars airbag crash data, comparing his 65-mph highside to Marc Marquez's infamous tumbles. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

    Witness History
    The invention of the mobility scooter

    Witness History

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 10:15


    In 1967, American plumber Al Thieme promised his wife with multiple sclerosis that he would find her an alternative to a wheelchair. He came up with a battery-powered seat on wheels. He called it an ‘amigo' and soon other people wanted one too. In 1968, he founded Amigo Mobility International and started selling his vehicles around the world. He speaks to Rachel Naylor. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about 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 how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines' life and Omar Sharif's legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives' ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.(Photo: Al Thieme with an early model. Credit: Amigo Mobility International)

    The Dana Show with Dana Loesch
    US submarine torpedoes warship for first time since WWII

    The Dana Show with Dana Loesch

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 110:52 Transcription Available


    US submarine torpedoes warship for first time since WWII. Vice President JD Vance discusses affordability & midterms in trip to Wisconsin. Why Texans don't like John Cornyn. Pokémon Company objects to White House's political memes. Trump says no deal with Iran until ‘unconditional surrender'. Candace Owens spreads 'false flag' conspiracy targeting Israel.Thank you for supporting our sponsors that make The Dana Show possible…American Financinghttps://www.AmericanFinancing.net/Dana or call 866-885-1332See how much you could be saving now with American Financing and get out from under that high-interest debt today. DisclaimerNMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well-qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1332 for details about credit costs and terms, or visit https://AmericanFinancing.net/Dana Ask Chapter #250 Chapter can help you take control of your Medicare. Dial #250 and say “Medicare Plan” to get your options reviewed. Jones Roadhttps://www.JonesRoadBeauty.comJones Road Beauty—bring out your natural glow with a free Shimmer Face Oil on your first purchase using code DANA.Fast Growing Treeshttps://FastGrowingTrees.com/DanaGet huge spring deals with Fast Growing Trees, save up to 50% off select plants, plus an extra 20% off your first order. Use code DANA at checkout!Relief Factorhttps://ReliefFactor.com OR CALL 1-800-4-RELIEFTry Relief Factor's 3-week Quickstart for just $19.95—tell them Dana sent you and see if you can be next to control your pain!Patriot Mobilehttps://PatriotMobile.com/DANA or call 972-PATRIOTSwitch to Patriot Mobile in minutes—keep your number and phone or upgrade and take a stand today with promo code DANA for a free month of service!Humannhttps://HumanN.comGet simple, delicious wellness support when you pick up Humann's Turmeric Chews at Sam's Club next time you're there and see why they're such a fan favorite!Subscribe today and stay in the loop on all things news with The Dana Show. Follow us here for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:YoutubeFacebookInstagramXMore InfoWebsite

    Archive Atlanta
    Atlanta Botanical Garden

    Archive Atlanta

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 13:31


    This week, we explore the long and winding history behind the creation of a Botanical Garden in Atlanta - a dream that took more than 50 years to become reality. The story begins with Eugene Schofield Heath, who first pushed for a garden in the city in 1918. From ambitious Works Progress Administration projects along the Chattahoochee River to stalled plans caused by World War II, Atlanta repeatedly tried, and failed, to establish a permanent botanical garden. It wasn't until the 1970s, when civic leaders and garden advocates rallied around a new site in Piedmont Park, that the idea finally took root. Want to support this podcast? Visit here Email: thevictorialemos@gmail.com Facebook | Instagram 

    world war ii botanical gardens works progress administration piedmont park chattahoochee river atlanta botanical garden
    Palisade Radio
    Col. Douglas Macgregor: War Spiralling ‘Out of Control’ in Iran, Gold & Critical Minerals

    Palisade Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 44:21


    Stijn Schmitz welcomes Douglas MacGregor to the show. Douglas is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Decorated Combat Veteran. In this in-depth discussion, MacGregor provides a critical analysis of the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. MacGregor argues that the current military strategy against Iran is fundamentally flawed, with no clear purpose or achievable end state. He suggests that the United States and Israel are attempting to destabilize Iran, but this approach is unlikely to succeed. The colonel emphasizes that Iran’s primary goal is simply to survive, while the U.S. would need to completely conquer the nation – an impossible task given Iran’s size and resilience. The conversation delves into the broader economic implications of the conflict, particularly its impact on global oil markets and supply chains. MacGregor predicts significant economic disruption, with oil prices potentially exceeding $100 per barrel and widespread increases in commodity prices. He highlights the critical importance of resource sovereignty, emphasizing the need for nations to control their fuel, food, fertilizer, and defense supply chains. A key theme of the discussion is the potential acceleration of de-dollarization and the emergence of a new global financial system. MacGregor suggests that the United States and Israel are essentially “fighting against the future” by resisting these inevitable economic shifts. He points to the growing influence of BRICS nations and the increasing interest in alternative currency systems, potentially backed by gold or a basket of precious metals. MacGregor concludes with a stark warning about the destructive nature of current geopolitical strategies, arguing that these “pointless wars” are counterproductive and potentially catastrophic. He calls for more measured, strategic approaches to international relations and economic development, emphasizing the need for stability, long-term planning, and cooperation between governments and private sectors. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:56 – Middle East Assessment 00:01:32 – Strategic Goals Discussion 00:02:55 – Oil Dependency Impacts 00:04:52 – Global Economic Shutdown 00:07:28 – Logistics and Escalation 00:09:01 – Lack of Planning 00:11:32 – Israel’s Internal Problems 00:13:00 – Oil Markets Analysis 00:16:16 – Conflict Motivations Explored 00:20:05 – Emerging Alliances Support 00:26:27 – Reshoring Supply Chains 00:39:12 – Gold Currency Future 00:42:04 – Concluding Thoughts Guest Links: Website: https://douglasmacgregor.com X: https://x.com/DougAMacgregor YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@douglasmacgregorTV Articles: https://breakingdefense.com/author/doug-macgregor/ Substack: https://substack.com/@coloneldoug Douglas Macgregor is a decorated combat veteran, an author of five books, a PhD, and a defense and foreign policy consultant. Macgregor was commissioned in the Regular Army in 1976 after 1 year at VMI and 4 years at West Point. In 2004, Macgregor retired with the rank of Colonel. In 2020, the President appointed Macgregor to serve as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, a post he held until President Trump left office. He holds an MA in comparative politics and a PhD in international relations from the University of Virginia. Macgregor is widely known inside the U.S., Europe, Israel, Russia, China and Korea for both his leadership in the Battle of 73 Easting, the U.S. Army's largest tank battle since World War II, and for his ground breaking books on military transformation: Breaking the Phalanx (Praeger, 1997) and Transformation under Fire (Praeger, 2003). Macgregor's recommendations for change in Force Design and “integrated all arms-all effects” operations have profoundly influenced force development in Israel, Russia and China. In 2010, Macgregor traveled to Seoul, Korea to advise the ROK Ministry of Defense on force design. In 2019, Transformation under Fire was selected by Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi, Chief of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), as the intellectual basis for IDF transformation. His fifth book, Margin of Victory: Five Battles that Changed the Face of Modern War from Naval Institute Press is available in Chinese, as well as, English and will soon appear in Hebrew. In 28 years of service Macgregor taught in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, commanded the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, and served as the Director of the Joint Operations Center at SHAPE during the 1999 Kosovo Air Campaign for which he was awarded the Defense Superior Service medal. In January 2002, at Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's insistence the USCENTCOM Commander listened to Colonel Macgregor's concept for the offensive to seize Baghdad. The plan was largely adopted, but assumed no occupation of Iraq by U.S. Forces. Macgregor has also testified as an expert witness before the Senate and House Armed Services Committees and appeared as a defense analyst on Fox News, CNN, BBC, Sky News and public radio. He is fluent in German.

    Today's Catholic Mass Readings
    Today's Catholic Mass Readings Saturday, March 07, 2026

    Today's Catholic Mass Readings

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 Transcription Available


    Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Second Week of Lent Lectionary: 235 The Saint of the day is Saints Perpetua and Felicity Saints Perpetua and Felicity's Story “When my father in his affection for me was trying to turn me from my purpose by arguments and thus weaken my faith, I said to him, ‘Do you see this vessel—water pot or whatever it may be? Can it be called by any other name than what it is?' ‘No,' he replied. ‘So also I cannot call myself by any other name than what I am—a Christian.'” So writes Perpetua: young, beautiful, well-educated, a noblewoman of Carthage in North Africa, mother of an infant son and chronicler of the persecution of the Christians by Emperor Septimius Severus. Perpetua's mother was a Christian and her father a pagan. He continually pleaded with her to deny her faith. She refused and was imprisoned at 22. In her diary, Perpetua describes her period of captivity: “What a day of horror! Terrible heat, owing to the crowds! Rough treatment by the soldiers! To crown all, I was tormented with anxiety for my baby…. Such anxieties I suffered for many days, but I obtained leave for my baby to remain in the prison with me, and being relieved of my trouble and anxiety for him, I at once recovered my health, and my prison became a palace to me and I would rather have been there than anywhere else.” Despite threats of persecution and death, Perpetua, Felicity–a slavewoman and expectant mother–and three companions, Revocatus, Secundulus and Saturninus, refused to renounce their Christian faith. For their unwillingness, all were sent to the public games in the amphitheater. There Saints Perpetua and Felicity were beheaded, and the others killed by beasts. Felicity gave birth to a daughter a few days before the games commenced. Perpetua's record of her trial and imprisonment ends the day before the games. “Of what was done in the games themselves, let him write who will.” The diary was finished by an eyewitness. Reflection Persecution for religious beliefs is not confined to Christians in ancient times. Consider Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who with her family, was forced into hiding and later died in Bergen-Belsen, one of Hitler's death camps during World War II. Anne, like Saints Perpetua and Felicity, endured hardship and suffering and finally death because she committed herself to God. In her diary, Anne writes, “It's twice as hard for us young ones to hold our ground, and maintain our opinions, in a time when all ideals are being shattered and destroyed, when people are showing their worst side, and do not know whether to believe in truth and right and God.”Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

    Start Here
    Torpedo Away: Historic US Strike on Iran

    Start Here

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 28:44


    For the first time since World War Two, a U.S. submarine destroys a foreign warship. Kurdish fighting forces say they're ready for a ground invasion of Iran. And the Texas Senate primary set a record for Democratic turnout, underlining the stakes of midterm elections.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Deadline: White House
    "A warning that everyone should hear"

    Deadline: White House

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 42:08


    Nicolle Wallace on the United States using a submarine-launched torpedo to sink an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka -- the first time an American submarine has been used to fire a torpedo against an enemy ship in combat since World War II. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh   For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Free Man Beyond the Wall
    The World War Two Series: Episode 17-Q&A w/ Thomas777 - 4/4

    Free Man Beyond the Wall

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 479:18


    7 Hours and 59 MinutesPG-13Thomas777 is a revisionist historian and a fiction writer.Here are episodes 17 throught the Livestream Q&A of the World War 2 series with Thomas777 in one audio file.Episode 17: The Nuremberg Proceedings Part 1 w/ Thomas777Episode 18: The Nuremberg Proceedings Part 2 w/ Thomas777Episode 19: The Nuremberg Proceedings Part 3 - The Defendants w/ Thomas777Episode 20: The Trial of Hermann Göring Part 1 w/ Thomas777Episode 21: The Trial of Hermann Göring Part 2 - The Cross-Examination w/ Thomas777Episode 22: The Final Episode in the WW2 Series - The Verdicts at Nuremberg w/ Thomas777Livestream Q&AThomas' SubstackThomas777 MerchandiseThomas' Book "Steelstorm Pt. 1"Thomas' Book "Steelstorm Pt. 2"Thomas on TwitterThomas' CashApp - $7homas777Pete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's SubstackPete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on TwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-quinones-show--6071361/support.