Best Tea Time With Jenn Podcasts (2026)

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#315 - Qing 46: Tripping Toward Taiping - Tribes, Triads, & Theology 40:47

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5d ago40:47

40:47

Great Qing begins to buckle under early 19th c. internal pressures. Unrest first erupts not at the imperial core but along its social and geographic margins. This time, we look at three of the early warning shocks: the Miao frontier rebellions, the rise of Triad networks across the southern coastal cities, & the formation of the apocalyptic White L…

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EP#109: Why I'm Closing Girls Twiddling Knobs: Isobel spills the tea with special guest Rosie Bans 1:48:14

4d ago1:48:14

1:48:14

Send us a text In this deeply honest and reflective conversation, Isobel Anderson is joined by musician, educator and Radical Songwriting founder Rosie Bans to talk openly about the full journey of Girls Twiddling Knobs, from its beginnings as The Female DIY Musician to the decision to close the project after five years. This episode exists because…

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EP#108: 'Ask Me Anything': Isobel answers ALL your questions live on the podcast 1:04:20

8d ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Send us a text n this Ask Me Anything episode of the Girls Twiddling Knobs podcast, Isobel Anderson answers listener questions spanning music careers, collaboration, production, business sustainability, sound art, and gender equity in the music industry. Recorded as one of the final episodes before Girls Twiddling Knobs comes to a close, this conve…

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#314 - Qing 45: The Big Squeeze 37:23

19d ago37:23

37:23

The Qing Empire did not collapse because it stopped working. It collapsed because it kept working — just barely — under pressures that compounded faster than reform could relieve them... Time Period Covered: ~1790s-1840s CE Major Works Cited: Jones, Susan Mann and Philip A. Kuhn. “Dynastic Decline and the Roots of Rebellion.” The Cambridge History …

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#313 - Qing 44: Frontiers, Pt. 2: The Vastness Devours Us - Mountain Monasteries & Money Pits 57:42

29d ago57:42

57:42

From the koan chants of monasteries tucked between Himalayan peaks, to wending caravan paths stretching endlessly across the arid expanses of the Taklamakan & trackless steppes of Dzungaria, we finish out our look at the four primary frontier regions of the Qing Empire as of 1800, where they'd come from, how they were operated, & the imperial tonna…

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#312 - Qing 42: Frontiers, Pt. 1: The Vastness Devours Us - Of Willow Palisades & Reincarnation Permits 51:26

1M ago51:26

51:26

The world is coming to Qing's doorstep, but it has a whole other set of problems along its own frontiers... Less chronologically tied-down than most of our episodes, today we look at two of the Qing Empire's four major "inner frontier zones" and how they - in spite of often getting upstaged by the "flashier" elements of the 1800s & Qings clashes wi…

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EP#107: Music Tech & Gender Today: Live from Strongroom Studios 1:23:04

1M ago1:23:04

1:23:04

Send us a text The room glowed with warm orange light, a full house gathered to celebrate five years of Girls Twiddling Knobs and to witness a bold closing chapter. We brought a live panel to the stage to ask a deceptively simple question: are music technology skills truly crucial for women and gender-diverse artists? What followed was honest, funn…

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#311 - Qing 42: Charting the Collision Course 35:31

1M ago35:31

35:31

The 19th Century is going to be exceedingly rough on Qing China. So, before we venture down into the chasm that is the "Chinese Century of Humuliation's" opening salvos, let's assess where we - and the Empire - sit as of 1810... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris Stewart

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#310 - Strange Tales X.2: An Unseen Balance 44:34

2M ago44:34

44:34

Back with pt. 2 of autumnal fictions of the spine-tingling variety. This time largely from (where else) Pu Songling, as well as several shorter entries from the Zibuyu. 00:01:15 - Friendship Beyond the Grave 00:10:25 - Karmic Debts 00:12:30 - Spiritual Man Luo Catches the Wrong Demon 00:16:39 - The Human Prawn 00:18:37 - The Hairy People of Qin 00:…

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309 - Strange Tales X.1: Fateful Encounters 34:12

2M ago34:12

34:12

00:02:09 - "The Scholar & the Headless Ghost" True music fans come in all types. 00:05:37 - "Magical Arts" Let the buyer beware... but sometimes the non-buyer, too! 00:12:37 - "Ruby Jade" Nobody knows you when you're down & out... 00:27:00 - "Examination for the Post of Guardian Angel" The job offer of a lifetime! Learn more about your ad choices. …

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#308 - Zheng Yi Sao, Pt. 2: Into the Tiger's Mouth 46:06

3M ago46:06

46:06

The Pirate Queen’s Red Flag Fleet reigns supreme, but a three-way battle at Tiger’s Mouth tests even her grip on the seas. Time Period Covered: 1807-1844 CE Major Historical Figures: Red Flag Fleet: Zheng Yi Sao (AKA Ching Shih, née Shi Yang), Co-Commander of the Red Flag Confederation [1775-1844] Zhang Baozai, Co-Commander of the Red Flag Fleet, l…

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Special - Mid-Autumn: Fly Me to the Moon 13:37

3M ago13:37

13:37

By Chris Stewart

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Bonus: R. Glasspoole & the Pirates 51:42

3M ago51:42

51:42

Richard Glasspoole thought he was going to have enough of an adventure sailing to the South Pacific. He didn't expect quite so much excitement as spending 3 months of 1809 as the compulsory "guest" of the Red Flag Fleet until the Company coughed up his ransom... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#307 - Zheng Yi Sao, Pt. 1: Murders & Acquisitions, Mostly 52:33

3M ago52:33

52:33

天高皇帝远 "Heaven Is Vast & the Emperor is Far Away" On the far side of the realm from th celestial halls of shining Beijing, an outcast girl born on the fringes of society will scrabble to survive amidt the coastal chaos of the end of the 18th Century. With little more than her looks and wits, she'll have to outwit & outplay freebooter, bandit, and of…

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#306 - Qing 41: Dead Men Tell No Tales 1:01:54

4M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

Piracy in Great Qing surges to a "golden age" during the Qianlong & Jiaqing eras. Corsair Confederations like Zheng Yi Sao’s vast-beyond-reckoning Red Flag Fleet, backed by the likes of Vietnam’s Tay Son rebels, dominating the South China Sea through organized plunder and shadow economies. Jiaqing’s shift to accomodation, while necessary, may expos…

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#305- Qing 40: Heshen Must Die! 34:55

4M ago34:55

34:55

For nearly a quarter century, Heshen served the Qing Empire - and in the process managed to amass a fortune that nearly rivaled the throne itself. Yet with the death of his patron Qianlong, the once-favored Grand Councilor would find his remaining state tenure as short as the length of silk ultimately left in his cell. Time Period Covered: 1799-180…

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#304 - Qing 39: Twilight of the Dragon 41:15

4M ago41:15

41:15

As both the Qianlong Emperor's extensive reign and the Eighteenth Century itself comes to a close, the Qing Empire faces - in spite of its outward posturing of timeless grandeur and invulnerability - an ever more uncertain future. By this time his successor, the Jiaqing Emperor, assumes power in fact, the winds of historic change have already begun…

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#303 - Qing 38: The Macartney Expedition 45:10

4M ago45:10

45:10

From London’s harbors to Canton’s bustling hongs and the Qianlong Emperor’s Dragon Throne, Lord George Macartney’s 1792-94 mission to Great Qing unveils profound cultural divides, shaping centuries of Sino-Western relations. This series explores a pivotal diplomatic clash that redefined global history. Time Period Covered: 1792-1794 CE Major Histor…

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#302 - Qing 37: Palace of Mirrors 41:43

5M ago41:43

41:43

Qianlong's empire shines as a beacon of both martial might and cultural splendor, yet its mirrored glory hides truths too fragile for celestial ambitions. Time Period Covered: ~1770-1799CE Major Historical Figures: Qing Empire: The Qianlong Emperor (Aisin-Gioro Hongli) [r. 1735–1796, d. 1799] Grand Councillor Heshen [1750-1799] Great Britain: Lord …

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Special 2: To George, From Qianlong... 19:30

5M ago19:30

19:30

"O King of Wherever, New Throne Who Dis?" 0:00:00 - Edict of Emperor Qianlong to King George III, 1793 0:06:34 - The Second Edict to George III (in reply to Macartney's note) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris Stewart

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Special 1: To Qianlong, From George... 13:54

5M ago13:54

13:54

"Dear Emperor of China, will you be my friend? Check Yes or No..." 0:00:00 - Letter of Credence from King George III to Emperor Qianlong, 1793 CE 0:10:20 - Author's note 0:11:44 - Lord Macartney's Sixfold Proposals for the Improvement of Trade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#301 - Qing 36: And I Think It's Gonna Be a Qianlong Time 33:43

5M ago33:43

33:43

In the wake of military victory, Qianlong turns inward—launching literary purges, rewriting history, and curating an image of himself as the enlightened ruler of a Confucian empire. Through censorship, spectacle, and the manipulation of memory, the Qing court fights a new kind of war: one for cultural supremacy and imperial legitimacy. Time Period …

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#300 - Qing 35: Empire of Images 38:49

5M ago38:49

38:49

What does it take to hold an empire together when conquest alone isn’t enough? In this sweeping episode, we explore how the Qianlong Emperor fused culture, coercion, and Confucian performance to stabilize a multiethnic empire—crafting an imperial image as powerful as his armies. Time Period Covered: ~ 1735–1760 CE Major Historical Figures: The Qian…

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#299 - Qing 34: Remember to Remember to Forget You Forgot Me 41:30

6M ago41:30

41:30

This was no peace borne of reconciliation; this was silence, enforced by amnesia. Time Period Covered: ~ 1739-1759 CE Major Historical Figures: Qing Empire: The Qianlong Emperor (Aisin Gioro Hongli) [r. 1735–1796] Minister Fuheng General Bandi [d. 1755] General Yongchang Khalka Mongols: Prince Erinchindorj [d. 1756] Prince Chingünjav [d. 1757] Dzun…

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#298 - Qing 33: Echoes of the Erased 43:08

6M ago43:08

43:08

The story of the last great nomadic empire’s fall - and the Qing’s ruthless imperial vision for a New Frontier. Time Period Covered: 1739-1759 CE Major Historical Figures: The Great Qing Empire: The Qianlong Emperor (Aisin-Gioro Hongli) [r. 1735–1796] General Bandi [d. 1755] Hojs, Hakim Beg of Ush Dzungar Khanate: Galdan Tseren [r. 1727–1745] Tsewa…

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Supplemental: Qianlong's 1758 Dzungar Victory Stele 9:41

6M ago9:41

9:41

The "Old Man of 10 Victories" crows to the Heavens in words of stone of his crushing of the once-mighty Khanate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris Stewart

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#297 - Qing 32: Tea, Trade, & Thunder 40:00

6M ago40:00

40:00

The Qing conquest of Dzungaria did not begin with any kind ofcannon-fire or musketry. Instead, it began like many wars end: with afuneral. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris Stewart

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#296 - Qing 31: The Architect of Capacity 43:41

6M ago43:41

43:41

As his era of rule over Great Qing drows to a close, the Yongzheng Emperor spares neither expense nor detail to reform the empire he inherited and modernize it for the one who will inherit it from him. But this is no idle fancy - he has a definite purpose. Though no great warrior himself, he is nevertheless fully in-line with the century-long grand…

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#295 - Qing 30: Building Better Worlds 36:58

7M ago36:58

36:58

The Yongzheng Emperor seeks to capitalize on his father's greatness abroad - but cautiously. He wants to exterminate the barbarians... but delicately. He wants to build better worlds... no matter how many he has to destroy in the process. He's riding for a fall. Time Period Covered: ~1725-1731 CE Major Historical Figures: Qing Empire: Kangxi Empero…

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Rebroadcast 2025: Special - Tiananmen Square: The Declassified History - 06/01/1999 w/ postscript 2024 23:13

7M ago23:13

23:13

Doc 1: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, A Student Demonstration of Sorts in Tiananmen Square (11/21/85) Doc 2: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, Government Arrests Student Demonstrators (11/25/85) Doc 3: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, More S…

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#294 - Qing 29: The Conquest of Qinghai 43:00

7M ago43:00

43:00

While the Yongzheng Emperor attempts to get his domestic policy ducks in a row from the Forbidden City, out on the Western Frontiers, change is the only constant. Between squabbling Tibetan lamas, restless Kokonor Khans, and the ever-dangerous Dzungar Empire still on the loose out there, the new successor of the late, great Kangxi Emperor has some …

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#293 - Qing 28: Three Treks Across Eurasia 37:47

7M ago37:47

37:47

Leaving behind the imperial court of Beijing, we return to the far frontiers of the northwest, where China, Tibet, Mongolia, and Russia all converge and vie for power. Glory and riches to the victors, subjugation or death for those destined to lose. Into this mix, we follow the travels of three emissaries as they cross deserts, mountains, words, an…

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#292 - Qing 27: The Wonder Years 27:24

8M ago27:24

27:24

The Yongzheng Emperor brings Peace, Justice, & Security to his new Empire. Time Period Covered: 1723-1728 CE Major Works Cited: Perdue, Peter C. China marches west: the Qing conquest of Central Eurasia. Qin, Han Tang (秦漢唐). 不同於戲裡說的雍正皇帝 [A different Yongzheng from the work of fiction] Rowe, William T. China's last empire: the great Qing. Learn more …

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#291 - Qing 26: The Cosplayer of Heaven 36:06

8M ago36:06

36:06

The Yongzheng Emperor's stylings: https://bsky.app/profile/thoc.bsky.social/post/3lnvmogqntk2g Please sign up to support the show at: Patreon.com/thehistoryofchina With the passing of his titan of a father, the Kangxi Emperor's 4th curviving son Prince Yinzheng, will assume the Dragon Throne amidst a tumultuous succession. Amid betrayals and backst…

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The History Of China Podcast/POA Crossover!| Puttin on Airs w/ Trae Crowder & Corey Ryan Forrester 1:32:12

8M ago1:32:12

1:32:12

I'm on with Trae Crowder & Cory Ryan Forrester to talk wild & crazy stories about China. Please forgive the tech difficulties! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKVpUmzGr8o Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris Stewart

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#290 - Qing 25: The End of a (Kangxi) Era 46:02

9M ago46:02

46:02

Beginning in Beijing, and then expanding out all the way to the "New Frontier" of Dzungaria, we take a survey-altitude view of the final decade-ish of the Kangxi Emperor's life & reign over the Qing Empire Time Period Covered: ~1700-1722 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Special: Barbarians At the Gates - A Conversation with Jeremiah Jenne 35:53

9M ago35:53

35:53

Original publication: 03/21/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris Stewart

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Ep#106: Documenting Time Loops with Shiva Feshareki & Sarah Angliss {S06 Finale Special} 1:03:04

9M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Send us a text 🎧 Listen on headphones 🎧 Some of this episode is recording in binaural audio. What does it really take to compose a work for a 12-piece post-minimalist ensemble—using vintage synths, robotic bells, and tape echoes? In this immersive episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we go behind the scenes of Time Loops, a bold and experimental proje…

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#289 - Qing 24: Kangxi's Five Stelae of Victory 33:57

9M ago33:57

33:57

In the wake of the Kangxi Emperor's flawless victory + fatality of Galdan Khan, he erects his own definitive version of "The Way Things Happened" - five stone stelae monuments as an everlasting tribute to his greatness, and his side of the story literally written in stone. But even one so mighty as the Lord of Great Qing is not above the twist of f…

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Ep#105: Looping, Improv & Breaking The Classical Rulebook with Rebekah Reid 1:16:08

9M ago1:16:08

1:16:08

Send us a text 🎙️ What if classical music wasn’t meant to stay in its box? In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we meet violinist, composer and loop pedal artist Rebekah Reid, who’s pushing the boundaries of what classical performance can be. Blending classical, jazz and electronic music, Rebekah uses live looping and improvisation to create l…

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HANZ X-Over: The Sino-Burmese War (1755-1759) 42:50

10M ago42:50

42:50

The History of Aotearoa/New Zealand asked for a little boost in the "what going on elsewhere in the world?" category ca. 1759. Well, we were inclined to be accommodating... It also just so happened that the Qing Empire under the Qianlong Emperor happened to be engaged in a tremendous border clash far to its south... Presenting: The Sino-Burmese War…

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Ep#104: Music PR Made Simple: DIY Strategies for Independent Artists with Rachel White 1:07:25

10M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

Send us a text If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by music PR, you’re not alone! In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, Isobel chats with Rachel White, music PR expert and founder of BRIC and House of DIY, to break down the real, actionable steps independent artists can take to promote their music effectively—without the stress. 🌟 Inside You’ll Lea…

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#288 - Special: Hail The The King, Baby 31:12

10M ago31:12

31:12

We end our trio of insider views into the Forbidden City by looking at the life - and strictures - of the Big Man himself: the emperor. Turn out it's not all banquets and parades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris Stewart

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#287 - Special: Caged Birds Sing 39:16

10M ago39:16

39:16

A look into the inner heart of the mysterious Forbidden City of Beijing, and at its most protected - and confined - denizens: the women of the Imperial palace. From Empress, to concubine, to lowly maid - women hold up half of Heaven. Please support the show!: patreon.com/thehistoryofchina Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic…

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Ep#103: What Makes Something Jungle? With Jungalist Historian, Julia Toppin 1:14:32

10M ago1:14:32

1:14:32

Send us a text What happened to jungle music? How did a genre born from Black British culture, reggae sound systems, and 90s rave scenes become dominated by white, male audiences—and where are the women who helped shape it? In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, Isobel explores these questions with Julia Toppin, a lecturer, music entrepreneur, a…

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#286 - Special: Everything Eunuchs All At Once 36:53

11M ago36:53

36:53

Everything you ever wanted to know (and probably some you didn't) about Court Eunuchs in Imperial China (warning: contains description of castration & its effects) Mary M. Anderson, Hidden Power: The Palace Eunuchs of Imperial China. Duhalde, Marcelo. "How an army of eunuchs ran the Forbidden City" in The South China Morning Post. Learn more about …

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Ep#102: Co-Producing An Album With Fran & Flora 1:10:01

11M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Send us a text What does it really mean to be a producer, and why do so many women hesitate to claim the title? In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, we sit down with Fran & Flora—an innovative violin and cello duo blending Yiddish, Romanian, and Transylvanian folk music with improvisation, electronics, and sound experimentation. We dive into t…

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#285 - Mongol 11: The Khan Is Dead; Long Live The Khan! (Ögedei Full) 1:12:50

11M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Genghis Khan is dead, and his 3rd son Ögedei has ben selected to lead the Mongol Empire into an uncertain future. Once he is confirmed on the throne, he'll strike on in every direction against every foe at once. On the way, there will be virgin sacrifices, talking wolves, free money, mass enslavement, Persian princes, Assassins, poison, angry water…

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#284 - Qing 23: Frozen Ashes 33:17

12M ago33:17

33:17

Galdan is dead. Kangxi's victory is total. It's all over but the crying. ... and the executions via slow-slicing... and the crushing of his bones... and the punishment of his family... and the writing him out of history... Please support the show!: patreon.com/thehistoryofchina Time Period Covered: 1697-8 CE Major Historical Figures: Qing Dynasty: …

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EP#101: How to Press Your Music on Vinyl: Expert Tips from Women in Vinyl’s Jenn D'Eugenio 1:09:26

12M ago1:09:26

1:09:26

Send us a text Are you an artist or music producer dreaming of releasing your music on vinyl? In this episode of Girls Twiddling Knobs, Isobel Anderson sits down with Jenn D'Eugenio, founder of Women in Vinyl, to uncover the fascinating process behind pressing music onto records. Jenn shares expert insights on preparing your audio and artwork for v…