S8 Ep197: David Daoud reports on Hezbollah's regeneration in Lebanon, aided by Iranian funding and weapons. He criticizes the Lebanese government's inaction and the international community's appeasement strategy. Daoud argues that failing to disarm Hezbollah to avo
David Daoud reports on Hezbollah's regeneration in Lebanon, aided by Iranian funding and weapons. He criticizes the Lebanese government's inaction and the international community's appeasement strategy. Daoud argues that failing to disarm Hezbollah to avoid civil war only guarantees Lebanon's slow deterioration into a failed state. 1950
10m Dec 16, 2025
10m
S8 Ep197: John Hardie discusses US pressure on Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk and drop NATO bids for peace. He details Russian advances near Pokrovsk but doubts their ability to capture remaining fortress cities. Hardie notes Ukrainian resistance to territorial c
John Hardie discusses US pressure on Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk and drop NATO bids for peace. He details Russian advances near Pokrovsk but doubts their ability to capture remaining fortress cities. Hardie notes Ukrainian resistance to territorial concessions despite Russian battlefield initiative and Western diplomatic maneuvering. 1859 Odessa
10m Dec 16, 2025
10m
S8 Ep197: Bill Roggio analyzes the ISIS allegiance of Australian shooters, distinguishing ISIS's immediate caliphate goals from Al-Qaeda's patient state-building. He warns that while Al-Qaeda focuses on consolidating control in places like Somalia (Al-Shabaab), the
Bill Roggio analyzes the ISIS allegiance of Australian shooters, distinguishing ISIS's immediate caliphate goals from Al-Qaeda's patient state-building. He warns that while Al-Qaeda focuses on consolidating control in places like Somalia(Al-Shabaab), they remain a potent global threat capable of launching external attacks when strategically advantageous. 1842 Afghanistan
8m Dec 16, 2025
8m
S8 Ep197: Ambassador Hussein Haqqani and Bill Roggio discuss global terror outbreaks, including ISIS-linked attacks in Australia and Afghanistan. Haqqani argues the West prematurely declared victory, ignoring radical ideologies. He notes Pakistan's internal power s
Ambassador Hussein Haqqani and Bill Roggio discuss global terror outbreaks, including ISIS-linked attacks in Australia and Afghanistan. Haqqani argues the West prematurely declared victory, ignoring radical ideologies. He notes Pakistan's internal power struggles and failure to track jihadists, warning the region remains a launchpad for international terrorism. 1867
10m Dec 16, 2025
10m
S8 Ep196: PREVIEW: Chile's Political Shift Toward Capitalism and Democracy: Colleague Ernesto Araujo discusses Chile's recent political shift, where voters rejected a far-left constitution in favor of capitalism and democracy, arguing that unlike in Brazil, Chile's
PREVIEW: Chile's Political Shift Toward Capitalism and Democracy: Colleague Ernesto Araujo discusses Chile's recent political shift, where voters rejected a far-left constitution in favor of capitalism and democracy, arguing that unlike in Brazil, Chile's institutions remained healthy enough to resist the "destabilization" of socialism because the left lacked sufficient time to destroy the coun...
3m Dec 15, 2025
3m
S8 Ep196: PREVIEW: Lebanon's Slow Deterioration Amid International Inaction: Colleague David Daoud analyzes the crisis in Lebanon, contrasting France's lenient approach to Hezbollah with the United States' more aggressive stance, arguing that the international comm
PREVIEW: Lebanon's Slow Deterioration Amid International Inaction: Colleague David Daoud analyzes the crisis in Lebanon, contrasting France's lenient approach to Hezbollah with the United States' more aggressive stance, arguing that the international community's fear of causing a civil war by pressing for disarmament is inadvertently allowing Lebanon to slowly deteriorate into a failed state. 1...
4m Dec 15, 2025
4m
S8 Ep195: PREVIEW: Russia Retains Initiative but Exaggerates Gains in Ukraine: Colleague John Hardie evaluates the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, noting that while Russia retains the initiative, it consistently exaggerates its territorial gains, explaining that despit
PREVIEW: Russia Retains Initiative but Exaggerates Gains in Ukraine: Colleague John Hardie evaluates the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, noting that while Russia retains the initiative, it consistently exaggerates its territorial gains, explaining that despite Ukrainian infantry shortages, their use of drones and counterattacks has prevented Russia from achieving a major operational breakthrough or...
4m Dec 15, 2025
4m
S8 Ep195: PREVIEW: Western Leadership Fails to Address Radical Ideology: Colleague Bill Roggio criticizes Western leadership for failing to address the foundational radical ideology spawning groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, contending that politicians avoid this core
PREVIEW: Western Leadership Fails to Address Radical Ideology: Colleague Bill Roggio criticizes Western leadership for failing to address the foundational radical ideology spawning groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, contending that politicians avoid this core issue by focusing on political finger-pointing and side topics, ignoring the networks that continue to promote extremist violence globally. 1...
3m Dec 15, 2025
3m
S8 Ep194: Ceremony: The Emperor as Collective Focal Point and Sacred Kingship — Gaius & Germanicus — In the "freezing darkness of Londinium," Gaius and Germanicus reflect philosophically on the spectacle of the new American "Emperor" (Donald Trump) attending the Ar
Ceremony: The Emperor as Collective Focal Point and Sacred Kingship — Gaius & Germanicus — In the "freezing darkness of Londinium," Gaius and Germanicus reflect philosophically on the spectacle of the new American"Emperor" (Donald Trump) attending the Army-Navy football game, with Gaius describing the theatrical pageantry of Trump's entrance flanked by enormous military officers and the overwhe...
11m Dec 15, 2025
11m
S8 Ep194: Migration: Assimilation Crisis and the Collapse of Western Civilization — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius and Germanicus analyze the destabilizing strain generated by mass migration flows from the economically depressed Global South to the wealthy industrializ
Migration: Assimilation Crisis and the Collapse of Western Civilization — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius and Germanicus analyze the destabilizing strain generated by mass migration flows from the economically depressed Global South to the wealthy industrialized North, documenting escalating violence in Australia, social unrest throughout Europe, and institutional strain within the United States. Ga...
18m Dec 15, 2025
18m
S8 Ep194: War-War: NATO Provocations and American Detachment from Europe — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius reports on escalating aggressive rhetoric from NATO and fortification initiatives throughout the Baltic region, questioning whether these military deployments cons
War-War: NATO Provocations and American Detachment from Europe — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius reports on escalating aggressive rhetoric from NATO and fortification initiatives throughout the Baltic region, questioning whether these military deployments constitute "false flag" provocations deliberately designed to entrap the United Statesin direct warfare with Russia. Germanicus contends that Euro...
1hr 2m Dec 15, 2025
1hr 2m
S8 Ep193: Ceasefire and Post-War Legacy — James Holland — Holland describes the final ceasefire order received at a German farmyard, evoking the profound mixture of "immense relief and overwhelming grief" experienced by surviving regiment members who had endured ye
Ceasefire and Post-War Legacy — James Holland — Holland describes the final ceasefire order received at a German farmyard, evoking the profound mixture of "immense relief and overwhelming grief" experienced by surviving regiment members who had endured years of combat and witnessed countless comrades' deaths. Hollandtraces the post-war lives of veterans including Arthur Reddish and John Semken,...
7m Dec 14, 2025
7m
S8 Ep193: Relentless Drive into Germany: Personal Loss Amid Victory — James Holland — Holland details the regiment's relentless mechanized push into Germany, from the destructive Operation Veritable through the dramatic Rhine River crossing, chronicling the escalat
Relentless Drive into Germany: Personal Loss Amid Victory — James Holland — Holland details the regiment's relentless mechanized push into Germany, from the destructive Operation Veritable through the dramatic Rhine Rivercrossing, chronicling the escalating tempo of combat operations. Holland illustrates the war's profound personal costs through the tragedy of Stuart Hills, who experienced over...
14m Dec 14, 2025
14m
S8 Ep193: Winter Combat at Geilenkirchen: Mud, Mines, and Psychological Toll — James Holland — Following the failed Market Garden airborne operation, Holland describes the Sherwood Rangers' grueling winter battle at Geilenkirchen supporting the inexperienced U.S. 8
Winter Combat at Geilenkirchen: Mud, Mines, and Psychological Toll — James Holland — Following the failed Market Garden airborne operation, Holland describes the Sherwood Rangers' grueling winter battle at Geilenkirchensupporting the inexperienced U.S. 84th Division in harsh operational conditions. Holland emphasizes the brutal physical environment wherein mud and saturated terrain severely lim...
8m Dec 14, 2025
8m
S8 Ep193: The "Long Tail" Logistical Supply and Heroic Resupply Missions — James Holland — Holland explains the critical "Long Tail" logistical support infrastructure that sustained the regiment's operational capability despite mounting casualties during rapid mech
The "Long Tail" Logistical Supply and Heroic Resupply Missions — James Holland — Holland explains the critical "Long Tail" logistical support infrastructure that sustained the regiment's operational capability despite mounting casualties during rapid mechanized advance into Belgium. Holland describes the eccentric personality of Baron Lord Leigh, a regimental officer whose unconventional behavi...
10m Dec 14, 2025
10m
S8 Ep193: Normandy's Closing Stages: Brutal Ambush and Tank Warfare — James Holland — Holland details the Normandy campaign's final phases, specifically a devastating ambush near the Noireau River where C Squadron suffered catastrophic losses resulting from separat
 Normandy's Closing Stages: Brutal Ambush and Tank Warfare — James Holland — Holland details the Normandy campaign's final phases, specifically a devastating ambush near the Noireau River where C Squadronsuffered catastrophic losses resulting from separated infantry support and uncoordinated tank-infantry operations. Holland explains British tank force composition, specifically the lethal Firef...
8m Dec 14, 2025
8m
S8 Ep192: Adverse Weather and the "Immense Humanity" of Chaplain Skinner — James Holland — Holland recounts the invasion operations wherein deteriorating weather conditions necessitated tactical modifications to landing procedures for DD (Duplex Drive) amphibious s
Adverse Weather and the "Immense Humanity" of Chaplain Skinner — James Holland — Holland recounts the invasion operations wherein deteriorating weather conditions necessitated tactical modifications to landing procedures for DD (Duplex Drive) amphibious swimming tanks, forcing commanders to adapt operational plans under combat conditions. Holland emphasizes Reverend Leslie Skinner's "immense hu...
10m Dec 14, 2025
10m
S8 Ep192: The Chaotic D-Day Landing on Gold Beach — James Holland — Holland recounts the chaotic D-Day landing operations on Gold Beach, wherein the Sherwood Rangers' amphibious swimming tanks confronted severe sea conditions and rapidly shifting naval operational
The Chaotic D-Day Landing on Gold Beach — James Holland — Holland recounts the chaotic D-Day landing operations on Gold Beach, wherein the Sherwood Rangers' amphibious swimming tanks confronted severe sea conditions and rapidly shifting naval operational plans that compromised coordination between maritime and ground forces. Holland details the compassionate humanitarian work of Chaplain Leslie...
10m Dec 14, 2025
10m
S8 Ep192: The Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry: From Weekend Soldiers to Tank Veterans — James Holland — Holland introduces the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, a British "National Guard"-equivalent cavalry regiment that underwent radical organizational transformation during Wo
The Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry: From Weekend Soldiers to Tank Veterans — James Holland — Hollandintroduces the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, a British "National Guard"-equivalent cavalry regiment that underwent radical organizational transformation during World War II, transitioning from horse-mounted cavalry operations to mechanized armored tank warfare. Holland highlights officer Stanley Christop...
9m Dec 14, 2025
9m
S8 Ep191: LeMay's Post-War Legacy — James M. Scott — Following World War II, LeMay ascends to command the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and eventually assumes the position of Air Force Chief of Staff, though he struggles to navigate the complex political environment
LeMay's Post-War Legacy — James M. Scott — Following World War II, LeMay ascends to command the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and eventually assumes the position of Air Force Chief of Staff, though he struggles to navigate the complex political environment and institutional constraints characterizing Washingtonbureaucracy and civilian oversight. Scott documents that LeMay never publicly expressed...
5m Dec 14, 2025
5m
S8 Ep191: Aftermath and the Atomic Context — James M. Scott — LeMay expresses relief upon receiving operational reports confirming the firebombing raid's success with surprisingly low American aircrew casualties relative to predictions. Scott documents that the sin
1930
16m Dec 14, 2025
16m
S8 Ep191: The Firestorm and Civilian Horror — James M. Scott — The March 9th raid generates a catastrophic "tidal wave of fire" that overwhelms Tokyo's primitive air defense infrastructure and emergency response systems. Scott recounts the horror through survivor t
The Firestorm and Civilian Horror — James M. Scott — The March 9th raid generates a catastrophic "tidal wave of fire" that overwhelms Tokyo's primitive air defense infrastructure and emergency response systems. Scott recounts the horror through survivor testimony, including Shizuko Nishio, whose family flees to a school only to discover absence of protective shelter from the advancing firestorm...
9m Dec 14, 2025
9m
S8 Ep191: The Suicide Mission Briefing — James M. Scott — Scott recounts the psychological tension characterizing LeMay's briefing of aircrew personnel for the March 9th firebombing raid, wherein LeMay orders crews to systematically strip defensive armaments from B
The Suicide Mission Briefing — James M. Scott — Scott recounts the psychological tension characterizing LeMay'sbriefing of aircrew personnel for the March 9th firebombing raid, wherein LeMay orders crews to systematically strip defensive armaments from B-29 bombers to maximize incendiary weapon payload capacity, thereby eliminating defensive capabilities against anticipated Japanese fighter air...
10m Dec 14, 2025
10m
S8 Ep191: A Radical Change in Tactics — James M. Scott — LeMay devises a clandestine, revolutionary operational plan to fundamentally reverse bombing doctrine from high-altitude daylight precision raids to low-altitude nocturnal firebombing operations, ordering B-2
A Radical Change in Tactics — James M. Scott — LeMay devises a clandestine, revolutionary operational plan to fundamentally reverse bombing doctrine from high-altitude daylight precision raids to low-altitude nocturnal firebombing operations, ordering B-29 aircraft to execute bombing runs at merely 5,000 feet altitude to evade the destructive jet stream phenomenon while simultaneously transport...
7m Dec 14, 2025
7m
S8 Ep191: LeMay Takes Command and the Napalm Tests — James M. Scott — Scott profiles Curtis LeMay as a "hardscrabble" problem solver and pragmatist who financed his university education through brutal labor in steel mills, contrasting sharply with the aristocratic
LeMay Takes Command and the Napalm Tests — James M. Scott — Scott profiles Curtis LeMay as a "hardscrabble" problem solver and pragmatist who financed his university education through brutal labor in steel mills, contrasting sharply with the aristocratic intellectual background of Hansell. Scott characterizes LeMay as a pragmatist willing to circumvent bureaucratic procedures and institutional ...
13m Dec 14, 2025
13m
S8 Ep191: The Failure of Precision Bombing — James M. Scott — Scott explains the systematic failure of Hansell's precision bombing doctrine: Japan's notoriously unpredictable weather patterns and the unexpected discovery of violent jet streams traversing the Pacifi
    The Failure of Precision Bombing — James M. Scott — Scott explains the systematic failure of Hansell's precision bombing doctrine: Japan's notoriously unpredictable weather patterns and the unexpected discovery of violent jet streams traversing the Pacific islands rendered high-altitude precision bombing operationally nearly impossible. Scottdocuments that the B-29, which cost approximately...
8m Dec 14, 2025
8m
S8 Ep191: The Intellectual Commander and the B-29 — James M. Scott — Scott introduces Brigadier General Haywood Hansell, an air force pioneer and military intellectual who arrives in the Pacific theater in November 1944 as a committed advocate of "high altitude day
The Intellectual Commander and the B-29 — James M. Scott — Scott introduces Brigadier General Haywood Hansell, an air force pioneer and military intellectual who arrives in the Pacific theater in November 1944 as a committed advocate of "high altitude daylight strategic bombing," a military doctrine positing that modern industrial economies resemble "houses of cards" susceptible to catastrophic...
11m Dec 14, 2025
11m
S8 Ep190: Targeting Adversary Vulnerabilities and Future Fleet Architecture: Colleague Jerry Hendrix highlights the economic vulnerability of adversaries like China, who rely heavily on sea lanes for energy and resources, outlining a future fleet architecture targe
Targeting Adversary Vulnerabilities and Future Fleet Architecture: Colleague Jerry Hendrix highlights the economic vulnerability of adversaries like China, who rely heavily on sea lanes for energy and resources, outlining a future fleet architecture targeting over 450 ships and emphasizing the critical role of unmanned surface vessels and an expanded logistics force to sustain global naval oper...
8m Dec 14, 2025
8m
S8 Ep190: A "Moneyball" Approach to Fleet Composition: Colleague Jerry Hendrix argues for a balanced fleet mix, using a "Moneyball" analogy to distinguish between high-end warfighting assets and smaller ships for persistent presence, advocating for new Constellatio
A "Moneyball" Approach to Fleet Composition: Colleague Jerry Hendrix argues for a balanced fleet mix, using a "Moneyball" analogy to distinguish between high-end warfighting assets and smaller ships for persistent presence, advocating for new Constellation-class frigates as utility vessels and upgrading existing Arleigh Burke destroyers to rapidly address near-term threats. 1936
13m Dec 14, 2025
13m
S8 Ep190: Freedom of Navigation and Challenging Excessive Maritime Claims: Colleague Jerry Hendrix explains the historical "cannonball rule" for defining territorial waters and how modern nations like China and Russia are challenging these norms with excessive mari
Freedom of Navigation and Challenging Excessive Maritime Claims: Colleague Jerry Hendrix explains the historical "cannonball rule" for defining territorial waters and how modern nations like China and Russia are challenging these norms with excessive maritime claims, detailing how US Navy Freedom of Navigation operations serve to physically contest these claims and maintain the "free sea" doctr...
9m Dec 14, 2025
9m
S8 Ep190: The Western Pacific as the Modern Strategic Frontier: Colleague Jerry Hendrix discusses his book To Provide and Maintain a Navy, identifying the Western Pacific as the modern strategic equivalent of the Cold War's Inner German Border, exploring the histor
The Western Pacific as the Modern Strategic Frontier: Colleague Jerry Hendrix discusses his book To Provide and Maintain a Navy, identifying the Western Pacific as the modern strategic equivalent of the Cold War's Inner German Border, exploring the historical development of "free sea" legal concepts by Hugo Grotius and their necessity for global economic prosperity. 1925
12m Dec 14, 2025
12m
S8 Ep190: Addressing the Crew in Guam and Leadership Lessons: Colleague Thomas Modly describes his trip to Guam to address the USS Theodore Roosevelt crew over the ship's loudspeaker amid high tensions, reflecting on the fallout and sharing leadership lessons about
Addressing the Crew in Guam and Leadership Lessons: Colleague Thomas Modly describes his trip to Guam to address the USS Theodore Roosevelt crew over the ship's loudspeaker amid high tensions, reflecting on the fallout and sharing leadership lessons about empathy and communication, emphasizing that acting officials must exercise full authority rather than just "keeping the seat warm". 1905
10m Dec 14, 2025
10m
S8 Ep189: The "355 Plus" Fleet Initiative and the Ford-Class "Edsel": Colleague Thomas Modly outlines his "355 Plus" fleet initiative and efforts to modernize naval education for a cognitive age as Acting Secretary, explaining his "Gray Zone" management priorities
The "355 Plus" Fleet Initiative and the Ford-Class "Edsel": Colleague Thomas Modly outlines his "355 Plus" fleet initiative and efforts to modernize naval education for a cognitive age as Acting Secretary, explaining his "Gray Zone" management priorities and addressing the technical challenges and cost overruns plaguing the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which he nicknamed the "Edsel". 1904
8m Dec 14, 2025
8m
S8 Ep189: From Naval Academy to Acting Secretary: Colleague Thomas Modly discusses his memoir Vectors, detailing his journey from the Naval Academy class of 1983 to becoming an aviator and Pentagon official, reflecting on his family's immigrant history, working und
From Naval Academy to Acting Secretary: Colleague Thomas Modly discusses his memoir Vectors, detailing his journey from the Naval Academy class of 1983 to becoming an aviator and Pentagon official, reflecting on his family's immigrant history, working under Donald Rumsfeld on defense reform, and accepting the role of Under Secretary of the Navy. 1888
10m Dec 14, 2025
10m
S8 Ep188: England's Ashes Disaster and Dallas the Dog's Joyful Example: Colleague Jeremy Zakis discusses the English cricket team's disastrous performance in the Ashes, trailing Australia 2-0 while facing backlash for aggressive behavior toward reporters, contrasti
England's Ashes Disaster and Dallas the Dog's Joyful Example: Colleague Jeremy Zakis discusses the English cricket team's disastrous performance in the Ashes, trailing Australia 2-0 while facing backlash for aggressive behavior toward reporters, contrasting this negativity with a story about Dallas, a dog who befriends wild birds, suggesting the English team could learn from such joy. 1940
11m Dec 14, 2025
11m
S8 Ep188: Queensland Girl Bitten by Snake Now Fundraising for Rescue Helicopter: Colleague Jeremy Zakis recounts the survival of Joanna Lamb, a ten-year-old Queensland girl bitten by a deadly Eastern Brown snake, noting that after being saved by an air ambulance, s
Queensland Girl Bitten by Snake Now Fundraising for Rescue Helicopter: Colleague Jeremy Zakis recounts the survival of Joanna Lamb, a ten-year-old Queensland girl bitten by a deadly Eastern Brown snake, noting that after being saved by an air ambulance, she is now selling cows to fund a permanent rescue helicopter for her remote community to ensure others have access to life-saving care.
5m Dec 14, 2025
5m
S8 Ep188: Surprising Koala Population Explosion in New South Wales: Colleague Jeremy Zakis reports a surprising population explosion of koalas in New South Wales, rising to 274,000 due to lush vegetation and fewer fires, explaining that advanced surveys using drone
Surprising Koala Population Explosion in New South Wales: Colleague Jeremy Zakis reports a surprising population explosion of koalas in New South Wales, rising to 274,000 due to lush vegetation and fewer fires, explaining that advanced surveys using drones and acoustics confirmed these numbers and describing the surprisingly loud, guttural growls these animals make during mating season.
9m Dec 14, 2025
9m
S8 Ep188: Thunderstorms Extinguish Fires but Spark New Wildfire Risks: Colleague Jeremy Zakis describes spectacular thunderstorms moving from the Blue Mountains to the coast, characterized by intense lightning and heavy rain, noting that while recent downpours exti
Thunderstorms Extinguish Fires but Spark New Wildfire Risks: Colleague Jeremy Zakis describes spectacular thunderstorms moving from the Blue Mountains to the coast, characterized by intense lightning and heavy rain, noting that while recent downpours extinguished previous fires, fresh lightning strikes combined with forecast heat and wind create a renewed risk for dangerous wildfires in the com...
7m Dec 14, 2025
7m
S8 Ep186: HEADLINE: Post-War Guilt and the Legacy of Stimson, Spaatz, and Togo GUEST AUTHOR: Evan Thomas SUMMARY: After the war, Henry Stimson and General Spaatz were haunted by guilt, fearing science had outpaced human morality. Foreign Minister Togo died in priso
 HEADLINE: Post-War Guilt and the Legacy of Stimson, Spaatz, and Togo GUEST AUTHOR: Evan Thomas SUMMARY: After the war, Henry Stimson and General Spaatz were haunted by guilt, fearing science had outpaced human morality. Foreign Minister Togo died in prison serving a sentence for war crimes, believing he did his best for peace, though he remains largely uncelebrated in modern ambivalent Japan.
8m Dec 13, 2025
8m
S8 Ep186: HEADLINE: The Planned Third Bomb and the Failed Palace Coup GUEST AUTHOR: Evan Thomas SUMMARY: As the U.S. prepared a third atomic bomb for Tokyo, a military coup attempted to seize the Imperial Palace to prevent surrender. Loyal chamberlains hid the Empe
HEADLINE: The Planned Third Bomb and the Failed Palace Coup GUEST AUTHOR: Evan Thomas SUMMARY: As the U.S. prepared a third atomic bomb for Tokyo, a military coup attempted to seize the Imperial Palace to prevent surrender. Loyal chamberlains hid the Emperor’s surrender recording from the plotters, eventually broadcasting the message to a populace that was psychologically prepared to fight to t...
12m Dec 13, 2025
12m
S8 Ep186: The Emperor's Intervention and the Deadlock over Unconditional Surrender: Colleague Evan Thomas recounts that despite two atomic bombings, War Minister Anami proposed national suicide rather than surrender, deadlocking the Supreme Council, with Emperor Hi
The Emperor's Intervention and the Deadlock over Unconditional Surrender: Colleague Evan Thomas recounts that despite two atomic bombings, War Minister Anami proposed national suicide rather than surrender, deadlocking the Supreme Council, with Emperor Hirohito finally intervening to accept the Potsdam Declaration, though negotiations stalled over the status of the Emperor as the leadership fea...
8m Dec 13, 2025
8m
S8 Ep187: HEADLINE: The Potsdam Conference and the Exclusion of Stimson GUEST AUTHOR: Evan Thomas SUMMARY: At the Potsdam Conference, Truman excluded Stimson, favoring Secretary of State Byrnes's desire to use the bomb to intimidate the Soviets. While Stimson brief
HEADLINE: The Potsdam Conference and the Exclusion of Stimson GUEST AUTHOR: Evan Thomas SUMMARY: At the Potsdam Conference, Truman excluded Stimson, favoring Secretary of State Byrnes's desire to use the bomb to intimidate the Soviets. While Stimson briefly advocated for sharing nuclear secrets to build trust, Truman issued the bomb order, recording in his diary the false belief that the target...
10m Dec 13, 2025
10m
S8 Ep185: General Spaatz's Hesitation and the Missions of Enola Gay and Bockscar: Colleague Evan Thomas explains that General "Tooey" Spaatz, troubled by civilian deaths in Europe, demanded written orders before commanding the atomic attacks on Japan, contrasting t
General Spaatz's Hesitation and the Missions of Enola Gay and Bockscar: Colleague Evan Thomas explains that General "Tooey" Spaatz, troubled by civilian deaths in Europe, demanded written orders before commanding the atomic attacks on Japan, contrasting the execution of the Hiroshima mission with the "snake bit" Nagasaki raid, where pilot errors and cloud cover caused the bomb to miss its targe...
8m Dec 13, 2025
8m
S8 Ep185: Foreign Minister Togo and the Japanese Supreme War Council: Colleague Evan Thomas highlights Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo as the sole civilian in Japan's "Big Six" council advocating surrender against military leaders demanding a "final battle," noting
Foreign Minister Togo and the Japanese Supreme War Council: Colleague Evan Thomas highlights Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo as the sole civilian in Japan's "Big Six" council advocating surrender against military leaders demanding a "final battle," noting that facing assassination risks, Togo maneuvered the complex "stomach game" of Japanese politics, hoping unsuccessfully that the Soviet Union...
11m Dec 13, 2025
11m
S8 Ep185: Selecting the Target and Stimson's Intervention to Save Kyoto: Colleague Evan Thomas explains that the Target Committee sought to destroy a city to demonstrate the bomb's power, initially selecting Kyoto until Stimson overruled General Groves to save the
Selecting the Target and Stimson's Intervention to Save Kyoto: Colleague Evan Thomas explains that the Target Committee sought to destroy a city to demonstrate the bomb's power, initially selecting Kyoto until Stimson overruled General Groves to save the cultural capital, with the Interim Committee dismissing a demonstration strike and deciding to bomb war plants surrounded by worker housing de...
9m Dec 13, 2025
9m
S8 Ep185: Henry Stimson's Moral Struggle with Firebombing and the Atomic Bomb: Colleague Evan Thomas introduces Secretary of War Henry Stimson, a "Christian gentleman" and realist who agonized over the morality of war, noting that while overseeing the firebombing o
Henry Stimson's Moral Struggle with Firebombing and the Atomic Bomb: Colleague Evan Thomas introduces Secretary of War Henry Stimson, a "Christian gentleman" and realist who agonized over the morality of war, noting that while overseeing the firebombing of Tokyo and the "Frankenstein monster" of the atomic bomb, Stimson struggled with the conflict between his moral vision and the necessity of u...
8m Dec 13, 2025
8m
S8 Ep184: The Role of NATO and Nuclear Proliferation: Colleague Elbridge Colby asserts the US must prioritize Asia, urging European allies to assume responsibility for NATO's defense, noting that while friendly nuclear proliferation is not a panacea, integrated all
The Role of NATO and Nuclear Proliferation: Colleague Elbridge Colby asserts the US must prioritize Asia, urging European allies to assume responsibility for NATO's defense, noting that while friendly nuclear proliferation is not a panacea, integrated allied nuclear forces in Australia or Japan could bolster deterrence if the conventional military balance becomes unfavorable. 1900 BOXER REBELLION
8m Dec 13, 2025
8m
S8 Ep184: The Binding Strategy and Harnessing Resolve: Colleague Elbridge Colby describes the binding strategy that leverages thumos (spiritedness) to force China into a dilemma: accept the status quo or trigger a war that unifies the coalition's resolve, ensuring
The Binding Strategy and Harnessing Resolve: Colleague Elbridge Colby describes the binding strategy that leverages thumos (spiritedness) to force China into a dilemma: accept the status quo or trigger a war that unifies the coalition's resolve, ensuring aggression sparks moral outrage—similar to Pearl Harbor—to catalyze the willpower necessary to defeat a limited attack. 1906 ROAD TO INDIA
12m Dec 13, 2025
12m
S8 Ep184: The Burden of Escalation After Invasion: Colleague Elbridge Colby argues that if denial defense succeeds, the burden of escalation shifts to China, forcing it to choose between retreating or risking nuclear war; however, if defense fails, the coalition fa
The Burden of Escalation After Invasion: Colleague Elbridge Colby argues that if denial defense succeeds, the burden of escalation shifts to China, forcing it to choose between retreating or risking nuclear war; however, if defense fails, the coalition faces the daunting challenge of generating the political resolve necessary to counterattack and reverse a Chinese occupation. 1903 QING DYNASTY
8m Dec 13, 2025
8m
S8 Ep184: Implementing a Strategy of Denial Defense: Colleague Elbridge Colby explains that a denial defense seeks to prevent China from seizing and holding key territory, specifically Taiwan, noting the coalition need not achieve total dominance but must destroy t
Implementing a Strategy of Denial Defense: Colleague Elbridge Colby explains that a denial defense seeks to prevent China from seizing and holding key territory, specifically Taiwan, noting the coalition need not achieve total dominance but must destroy the invasion force in transit or deny it the ability to sustain control, effectively blocking China's political objectives. 1900 GERMANS ARRIVE...
11m Dec 13, 2025
11m