Gino Cordone

E7 Getting Curious With Alyssa Rae

Community, Mental Health /

Stream on: Apple Spotify Getting Curious Alyssa Rae is a therapist, podcast host, and yoga teacher.  In this episode of Working Towards Our Purpose we delve into a rich tapestry of topics, ranging from somatic practices and alternative healing methods to the transformative potential of psychedelics. Alyssa’s profound insights as a therapist and co-host of “The Moon and Your Mind” podcast shed light on her personal healing journey and the meaningful work she does with clients. Alyssa Rae opens up about her experience with healing through yoga teacher training, emphasizing the importance of somatic awareness and attachment therapy training in her practice. She highlights the power of incorporating body scans and breath work to foster the healing of the nervous system in her clients. Alyssa’s journey from becoming a virtual assistant for therapists while in grad school displays her resilience and adaptability in carving out a fulfilling career path. The episode’s exploration of alternative healing methods such as astrology and microdosing mushrooms underscores the significance of embracing curiosity to navigate personal and professional growth.  In this episode I get candid with reflections on my therapeutic experience and the positive effects of microdosing mushrooms on my social anxiety enrich the dialogue, showcasing the multifaceted nature my own personal healing journey.  We talk about the psychedelic renaissance speaking to the potential of psychedelics in transforming mental health and spiritual well-being. As the episode unfolds, the conversation shifts towards the concept of personal fulfillment and the urgency in living life to the fullest, serving as an inspirational call to action for listeners to pursue their happiness and holistic well-being. Listeners are invited to embark on an enchanting journey as they immerse themselves in rich discussions on somatic practices, alternative healing methods, and the profound impact of psychedelics within the therapeutic space. The episodes main theme is curiosity which only advocates the pursuit of personal growth, healing, and the discovery of one’s true purpose.   To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform. “I think being able to be curious every day helps me not feel so in my head and so stuck and so just on the same path.” Alyssa Rae Topics in this episode: Healing through yoga teacher training Importance of somatic practices and attachment therapy training in working with clients The importance of community and support in human interaction The importance of curiosity in personal and professional growth Getting trained in psychedelic assisted therapy Exploring psychedelics in therapy professionally and personally Blending therapy and astrology  Co-hosting a podcast with someone The importance of mental health Bio: Alyssa Rae Alyssa Rae is a multi-talented professional with a diverse background in mental health and wellness. With a master’s in marriage and family therapy, she also has experience in recovery coaching and yoga teaching. She recently joined Aspen Growth Coaching, providing remote clinical support to individuals and families transitioning out of wilderness therapy and residential treatment. Alyssa also co-hosts The Moon in Your Mind podcast, challenging people to stay curious in their everyday lives. With her hands in various projects, Alyssa continues to evolve and grow in her field. Connect with Alyssa: Listen to Alyssa’s podcast The Moon and Your Mind Alyssa’s Consulting Offerings Follow Alyssa on Instagram

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E6 Clothing That Inspires with Tea Montgomery

Art, Entrepreneur /

Stream on: Apple Spotify Clothing That Inspires Tea Montgomery is a multi-talented artist, entrepreneur, and fashion designer. As the owner of Threads by Tea, Tea’s journey is both inspirational and empowering, encapsulating the essence of pursuing one’s dreams and making a positive impact on the community. Tea’s story hails from New Haven, a place that breathes art and entrepreneurship. He embodies the vibrant culture of his surroundings, where he found his passion and purpose through creativity and vision. Like many of us, Tea recognized a gap in the market when he struggled to find clothing that reflected his style and size. Fueled by her frustration, he taught herself how to make his own clothes and transformed his new skills into a successful business venture. What is truly remarkable about Tea’s journey is his unwavering commitment to continuous growth and evolution. He speaks candidly about the shift from creating clothing to envisioning his brand as a lifestyle powerhouse, exploring products beyond apparel, such as soaps. His aspirations extend to hiring a team to handle the tasks she no longer wants to do, demonstrating a clear vision for scaling his business and expanding his positive influence. As Tea delved into his “why,” it was evident that his purpose goes far beyond entrepreneurship. His ambitions are steeped in inspiring and empowering dreamers, leaving a timeless legacy, providing for his son, relishing the freedom of entrepreneurship, and uplifting his community. This profound dedication to making a meaningful impact serves as a guiding light for all aspiring entrepreneurs and purpose-seekers. In our enlightening conversation, Tea shared invaluable insights on the significance of self-care in the pursuit of our purpose. Emphasizing the essential need to make time for ourselves.  He outlined his daily goals for mental and physical well-being. From waking up early to engaging in exercise, nourishing the body with breakfast, and indulging in reading, Tea’s emphasis on incorporating self-nurturing activities resonated deeply with our listeners. Furthermore, Tea touched upon the essential significance of valuing oneself, making sacrifices to prioritize self-care, and finding activities that bring peace to our minds, whether through meditation or other pleasurable hobbies. His guidance serves as a gentle reminder for all of us to reevaluate our accomplishments, appreciate our progress, and continue propelling ourselves forward. Tea’s perspective on being a student of all the games he plays is an inspiring reminder of the necessity to constantly seek knowledge, grow, and share wisdom with others. His steadfast commitment to learning and evolving as an individual and entrepreneur epitomizes the spirit of “Working Towards Our Purpose.” Additionally, our conversation illuminated the importance of surrounding ourselves with valuable and trustworthy individuals, as well as finding spaces and networks where entrepreneurs and creatives can converge to learn and flourish.  In embracing our vulnerabilities and speaking about our visions and dreams, Tea and I both emphasized, the significance of speaking about our dreams to others and the potency of manifesting our goals through vulnerability and accountability resounds as a call to action for all our listeners. As we navigated through Tea Montgomery’s compelling narrative, his tenacity and passion left an indelible impression on our hearts. His dedication to infusing creativity, empowerment, and purpose into his business serves as a beacon of inspiration and guidance for those striving to carve their own path to success.   To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform. “Success is being in complete control of my schedule and controlling who I work with and, you know, what situations I put myself in. And so if I can, obviously, I have bills, I have kids. So if I can pay my bills, and keep control of my schedule, I feel like I’m successful.” Tea Montgomery Topics in this episode: Importance of self-care and setting goals for mental and physical health Clothing as an art form Problem-Solving and Creativity Transferability of skills to different areas and professions Finding spaces and networks where entrepreneurs and creatives can come together to learn and grow Emphasis on being true to oneself in business and constantly rediscovering higher levels of oneself Speaking visions and dreams to others to help clarify and make them more real Using clothing as a way to express art Bio: Tea Montgomery Tea Montgomery, born and raised in New Haven, is a true embodiment of the city’s culture of art and entrepreneurship. Growing up in a city that is both a startup hub and a thriving art community, Tea found his passion creating a business that combined both worlds.  Threads by tea is a venture that was born out of his frustration with the lack of options for clothing needs.  So he made his own.  And then people starting coming to him to make custom wearable art pieces. Through this business, Tea has found a way to blend her love for art with her entrepreneurial spirit, creating a unique and inspiring brand for others like her. Connect with Tea: Threads by Tea Tea’s IG to see some of his work

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E5 Turning Art Into A Full Time Business with Elizabeth Taylor

Art, Entrepreneur /

Stream on: Apple Spotify Turning Art Into A Full Time Business In this episode I sat down with Elizabeth Taylor of LaCroix Artistry, as she shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a job that left her unfulfilled to becoming a full-time artist. Elizabeth’s story begins with a familiar struggle—a demanding job and the desire for greater work-life balance. She found herself working in logistics, juggling a demanding schedule while caring for her two young children. The experience of missing out on precious time with her children due to work left her feeling unfulfilled and led her to prioritize finding a more meaningful path. After leaving her job in logistics, Elizabeth explored volunteer work and various part-time positions until she found her way to art. Describing herself as a creative child who had set aside her artistic pursuits, Elizabeth rediscovered her passion for art through personal therapeutic painting sessions. As she poured herself into her art, sharing her work with others and receiving positive feedback fueled her growing passion.  While building her business, Elizabeth found herself grappling with the balance between creating art for herself and catering to the market’s demands. She realized that aligning her art with the needs of businesses, such as custom chalkboards and window paintings, was a more practical approach to sustaining her passion as a full-time career. For Elizabeth, success goes beyond financial gain. She views being in control of her schedule, choosing her clients, and living authentically as paramount measures of success. With a business management background, she brings a unique blend of creative and analytical thinking to her approach, setting goals and continuing to learn from her experiences and failures. Elizabeth highlights the importance of ongoing learning, vulnerability, and perseverance in pursuing one’s passion. She emphasizes the value of continuous personal and professional growth, stressing the significance of making a concerted effort to connect with others authentically, both in business and in her personal life. Elizabeth’s message to individuals feeling stuck in unfulfilling jobs is simple yet powerful: fail forward and be willing to pivot when necessary. She urges others to embrace the unknown, take calculated risks, and cultivate a mindset where learning from every experience is the ultimate goal.   To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform.   “Success is being in complete control of my schedule and controlling who I work with and, you know, what situations I put myself in. And so if I can, obviously, I have bills, I have kids. So if I can pay my bills, and keep control of my schedule, I feel like I’m successful.” Elizabeth Taylor Topics in this episode: A unique art business, including custom chalkboards, window paintings, canvases, and apparel Breaking Away from Unfulfilling Work Wanting to spend more time with children  The importance of failure and humility in the pursuit of one’s goals Effective self-promotion and networking as vital tools for success Discussion on valuing setting your own schedule  Defining Success on Her Own Terms Discussion on the value of ongoing learning and self-improvement Embracing Vulnerability and Growth Bio: Elizabeth Taylor Elizabeth Taylor is a former logistics professional who made the decision to leave her demanding and unfulfilling job in order to spend more time with her two young children. After realizing that she wanted to pursue something more meaningful, she took the courageous step of quitting her job without a clear plan in mind. LaCroix Artistry is now her full time art business where she specializes in window paintings and outdoor murals for businesses.   Connect with Elizabeth: LaCroix ArtistryElizabeth’s IGShop Taylor’s Art

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E4 Standing up for What You Believe in with Ramona Macintyre

Mental Health /

Stream on: Apple Spotify Standing up for What You Believe in I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ramona MacIntyre, the Development Manager at Love146, to delve into her inspirational journey towards finding her purpose and making a meaningful impact at a non-profit. Ramona’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of aligning one’s work with their values. As she shared her experiences, it became evident that her path was not a linear one, but rather a series of unexpected turns and challenges that ultimately led me to a role where I feel fulfilled and truly make a difference. Throughout our conversation, Ramona recounted her transition from serving as the CEO of a chamber of commerce to her current role at the non-profit Love146. Her departure from her previous position was marked by a pivotal moment that pushed her beyond her breaking point – a situation that led her to reevaluate my priorities and seek a career that aligned with her values. One of the key themes that emerged from our discussion was the importance of work-life balance and mental well-being. Ramona candidly shared the mental toll that her previous role had taken on her, recounting frequent panic attacks and even moments of crying under her desk. This highlights a prevalent issue in today’s society – the need for workplaces that prioritize employees’ mental health and well-being. When she found the opportunity at Love146, she was drawn to the organization’s unwavering commitment to ending child trafficking and exploitation. Despite initial reservations about working on such a heavy topic, she was captivated by the organization’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as their core values of defiant hope and steady perseverance. As she settled into her role at Love146, she found a sense of balance and fulfillment that had been missing in my previous endeavors. She emphasized the importance of finding an alignment between personal values and professional pursuits, a sentiment that resonates deeply with those seeking purpose in their careers. This episode further delved into the work of Love146, shedding light on the organization’s multifaceted approach to combating child trafficking. From survivor care programs in the United States and the Philippines to prevention education initiatives, Love146’s reach extends across borders, working tirelessly to protect and empower vulnerable children. In summary, her narrative serves as a testament to the resilience and tenacity required to forge a meaningful career path. Ramona’s journey underscores the significance of finding work that not only provides financial stability but also fulfills one’s innate desire to contribute to a greater good. As we navigate our own purpose journeys, let’s draw inspiration from her story. A reminder that no matter the challenges we face, it is possible to find purpose and create a positive impact in the world.   To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform. “Why am I spending 12 hours a day working at something that doesn’t make me happy? Like, what’s gonna make me the happiest? And it’s helping other people and empowering other people.” Ramona MacIntyre Topics in this episode: From crying under a desk to choosing yourself Decision to leave her CEO role due to a conflict of values Initial doubts about working in a nonprofit focused on child trafficking Going from corporate to non-profit Discussion on finding balance and purpose in the new job Love146 mission to end human trafficking  Impact of mental health in the workplace Discussion on the value of ongoing learning and self-improvement What it’s like working from a non-profit @workingtowardsourpurpose E3 Ramona MacIntyre: Achieving Work-Life Balance . . . #purpose #worklifebalance #workingtowardsourpurpose ♬ original sound – Working Towards Our Purpose Bio: Ramona MacIntyre Ramona MacIntyre worked as the CEO of a chamber of commerce in Pleasant Hill, California. Despite loving her job and the people she worked with, the long hours and stressful environment took a toll on her work-life balance. The board chair of the chamber of commerce added to her stress by expressing outright dislike for her. This experience pushed her to reconsider her career path and prioritize her personal life. Connect with Ramona: Learn more about Love146 Donate to Love146

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E3 Calming Your Nervous System with Erica Cuni

Entrepreneur, Mental Health /

Stream on: Spotify Apple Calming Your Nervous System In episode 3 of Working Towards Our Purpose, I talked to Eric Cuni, a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified integrative mental health professional, keynote speaker, and trauma survivor. Known as “The Burnout Professor,” she is on a mission to empower people worldwide with the skills to take control of their nervous system and thrive consciously. The conversation begins with Erica recounting a traumatic event that shifted the course of her life. In 2014, she was involved in a serious accident with a Mack truck that left her with life-threatening injuries and in a long recovery process. The aftermath of the accident leads to a series of challenges, including job loss, the end of a long-term relationship, financial struggles, and searching for a sense of direction. Erica’s resilience and determination in navigating through these difficult times are a testament to her strength and unwavering spirit. Following her journey of recovery, Erica delves into the importance of mental and emotional wellness, particularly in dealing with burnout and overwhelm. She emphasizes the significance of calming the mind and regulating the nervous system when making decisions, shedding light on the impact of stress on rational thinking and the value of incorporating holistic practices such as exercise, healthy eating, and paying attention to your gut health in order to achieve mental clarity. Erica addresses the concept of “hustle” and provides a nuanced perspective on her interpretation. While acknowledging the positive aspect of hard work and perseverance, she cautions against the detrimental effects of ignoring personal well-being in the pursuit of success. Her insights on the need for balance and sustainable practices resonate with individuals navigating the complexities of professional advancement and personal fulfillment. A pivotal part of our discussion centers around Erica’s entrepreneurial journey and her definition of success. She redefines success as finding fulfillment and making a positive impact, steering away from conventional metrics such as financial gain or fame. Her authentic approach to success embodies a profound commitment to creating meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impression on others. The conversation also touches on the significance of community and the role it plays in fostering personal and professional growth. Erica emphasizes the value of networking, building relationships, and seeking support from like-minded individuals. Her perspective highlights the power of community in providing inspiration, encouragement, and opportunities for collaboration. To further complement her holistic approach to mental health and wellness, Erica shares her personal growth through spirituality. Reflecting on her transformation, she expresses the profound impact of meditation and connection with nature in enhancing her well-being and nurturing a deeper sense of self-awareness. Her journey exemplifies the empowering potential of spiritual exploration in shaping one’s path towards purpose and fulfillment. The episode with Erica Cuni serves as an embodiment of resilience, growth, and finding purpose amidst adversity. Her remarkable journey and valuable insights offer inspiration and guidance to those seeking to navigate their own paths towards purpose, resilience, and fulfillment.   To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform. “That little voice you hear inside your head, that negative Nelly is not your voice. It’s somebody that was pretty influential in your growing up years talking, and it just sounds like you now. It’s not really you.” Erica Cuni Topics in this episode: Erica’s serious accident involving a Mack dump truck The importance of calming the mind and regulating the nervous system when making decisions Pursuing Passion and Entrepreneurship The significance of aligning oneself with their true purpose and not compromising for external factors The importance of community and networking Understanding spirituality as an art of connection with oneself, nature, and others Erica’s personal journey into spirituality, meditation, and yoga Bio: Erica Cuni Erica Cuni is a survivor who has faced numerous challenges in her life. After undergoing emergency surgery and a long recovery process, she faced further difficulties as her life fell apart. Losing her job and experiencing the end of a toxic relationship, Erica was forced to reevaluate her priorities and goals. As a former therapist, she also struggled with financial stability. Despite these hardships, Erica remains grateful for her second chance at life and continues to find strength in the face of adversity.  Now she is known as “The Burnout Professor,” is a Leading Integrative Mental Health & Trauma Specialist, Keynote Speaker, and trauma survivor. Connect with Erica: Erica’s free meditation resource   Connect with Erica on IG Erica’s Website

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E2 Steve Roberts on Creating Community

Art, Community /

Stream on: Apple Spotify Creating Community Through Skateboarding Steve’s passion for skateboarding and art dates back to his teenage years when he discovered skateboarding and was drawn to the culture surrounding it. His involvement with the Channel 1 skate shop, a black-owned skate shop, marked a pivotal moment in his life. The shop becomes a haven for skateboarding, hip hop, and art, instilling a sense of belonging and purpose in Steve’s life. Through this experience, he realized the power of representation and community, especially when someone from a similar background leads the way. We also discuss how Steve’s career path diverged from the traditional corporate trajectory after college. Despite obtaining a degree in advertising and public relations, he chose a different route, venturing into community organizing and later working in the culinary industry. This career journey underscores the importance of following one’s intuition and passion, even when it deviates from societal expectations. Steve’s approach to success doesn’t just think about financial stability but also derive fulfillment from work, and the ability to indulge in leisurely pursuits. This lead to the formation of Push to Start, a program that teaches skateboarding to the youth of New Haven and promotes civic engagement. What begins as a chance encounter with a library director, blossoms into weekly skateboarding lessons for the local children. Steve’s dedication, coupled with the support of allies from the Yale community results in providing a safe space for kids to engage in skateboarding activities. In our conversation, Steve emphasized the significance of building and nurturing a community. For him, community is about people bringing their unique gifts together to serve others, fostering a sense of togetherness and support. Through his work, Steve has been instrumental in creating a space where young individuals can find belonging, develop their skills, and experience the joy of skateboarding. Throughout the conversation, Steve highlights the role of mentors and a strong support system. He credits his mentors, friends, and colleagues for offering guidance, inspiration, and constructive feedback, helping him navigate challenges and stay true to his vision. His advice for those feeling stuck in unfulfilling jobs resonates with the wisdom of saving money, being willing to work for free to pursue passion, and surrounding oneself with a supportive network of individuals. My conversation with Steve Roberts sheds light on the transformative power of skateboarding, art, and community engagement. His story serves as a testament to the profound impact individuals can have when driven by passion, guided by mentors, and supported by a nurturing community. As we strive towards our own purpose, Steve’s journey inspires us to seek authenticity, community, and the courage to carve our own paths.   To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform. “Community means everyone bringing their unique gifts together and using them in the service of other people. Success for me is just to be able to indulge a few more of your leisurely pursuits and not be so tied down to what supports you.” Steve Roberts Topics in this episode: Steve’s introduction to skateboarding at age 13 Building and nurturing a sense of community through skate Transition from pursuing a corporate career to working in community organizing and dishwashing Importance of having a supportive network and receiving constructive feedback Balancing financial stability with the ability to pursue leisurely pursuits Finding fulfillment in your work Teaching kids to skateboard   Creating your own path  Bio: Steve Roberts Steve Roberts discovered his love for skateboarding at the age of 13, inspired by pop culture icons like Tony Hawk’s pro skater and the X games. After his bike was stolen, he decided to give skateboarding a try, and quickly found a passion for it. For two years, he honed his skills before discovering a skate shop in downtown New Haven. This discovery led to him becoming even more dedicated to the sport, and a place of community where he continued to pursue his love for skateboarding.  He went to college, and after graduating, didn’t feel pressured to get right into a job, but instead did the things that excited him.  After doing many different jobs, he found himself as the arts program coordinator at Artspace New Haven, and founded his own non-profit Push to Start.  A program that teaches kids to skateboard.  Connect with Steve : Push to Start Connect with Steve on IG

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E1 My Story of Leaving Mechanical Engineering Behind

Leaving Corporate, Solo /

Stream on: Apple Spotify Welcome to the Working Towards Our Purpose. A podcast where I explore what it means to work in alignment with your purpose, or at least working towards it. In this first episode I talk about my background, and how I got here. I went to college to become an mechanical engineer, graduated, and worked in the military defense industry for 7 years before finally deciding to leave. In this first episode, I’ll walk you through my experience of transitioning from a career in mechanical engineering to founding my own podcast production company, and eventually leaving engineering for good. I’ll candidly share the challenges, doubts, and pivotal moments that led me to make life-altering decisions, ultimately aligning my work with my passion and purpose. I think my story echoes the experiences of many who find themselves in careers that lack fulfillment and purpose, questioning traditional beliefs about work and seeking to align one’s passion with a meaningful career.  Considering what it means to work for more than just a paycheck.  After leaving my engineering job, I transitioned to pursuing my side business in audio production for podcasts full time. I talk about my leap of faith but also the reality of the challenges that come with such a shift. From the initial struggle to build his business, to the eventual breakthroughs and moments of affirmation, my journey is a testament to the resilience and determination needed when following a passion. I believe that work can be more than a means of survival. Hopefully this will resonate with those who have ever felt trapped in a job that didn’t align with their true calling or values. This podcast’s core message, “work can be more than just a job” challenges the commonly accepted notion that work is separate from personal fulfillment.  Are you content in your career, or is there an unfulfilled passion waiting to be unearthed? If not, maybe this podcast will resonate with you.  I believe that working with purpose can be an everchanging pursuit, and doesn’t need to be a destination.  Your purpose can change as you become more aligned with your own values.  After spending years not thinking about purpose, it makes sense that it will be a gradual change.  And that’s okay.  As long as I’m working towards it.     I look forward to the future of this podcast where I will interview others who I believe are working in their own purpose, and together we will learn from them and be inspired by their stories.     You can listen and subscribe to Working Towards Our Purpose anywhere you listen to podcasts. Topics in this episode: Frustrations and disillusionment with office culture Balancing engineering job with entrepreneurial aspirations Launching my side business Pleasant Podcasts Decision to leave the corporate job and pursuit of new career directions Transition to full-time entrepreneurship Discovery of supportive entrepreneurial environments Desire to inspire others to pursue jobs aligned with their passions Mission of the podcast “Just to know that there’s people out there that are doing things because they care about other people is hugely inspirational to me and makes me strive to be better at what I do and to get more refined in what it is that I’m finding is my purpose.” Gino Cordone Bio: Gino Cordone Gino Cordone is the host of the podcast Working Towards Our Purpose, where he interviews people who have found their purpose. He encourages and inspires his listeners to listen to the voice in the back of their heads asking for something more in their lives. In addition to hosting the podcast, Gino also runs Pleasant Podcasts where he helps others launch their own podcasts. Through his work, Gino aims to help others find their own path towards working in their own purpose. Join him on this journey of self-discovery and inspiration. Connect with Gino:  Follow my SubStack Follow me on IG pleasantpodcasts.com   

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