Episodes

  • The Death of Culture: Marxism, Economics, and the Looming Crisis in America - WhatIfAltHist X Tom Bileyu on Impact Theory
    Nov 4 2025
    In this illuminating first half of our deep-dive episode, Tom Bilyeu sits down with the brilliant and provocative historian and YouTube creator, WhatifAltHist. Known for his cutting insights into cyclical history and alternative perspectives on societal collapse, WhatifAltHist brings a wealth of knowledge on philosophy, politics, and anthropology to the discussion. The conversation kicks off with a dissection of Nietzsche’s “Age of the Last Man,” exploring how Western civilization is at a crossroads characterized by complacency, lack of cultural transmission, and a dangerous loss of ambition. Part one focuses on the unraveling of shared cultural myths, the impact of rapid societal change, and why every historic society similar to ours has met with revolution. The duo investigate the destructive influence of Marxism and modern ideologies on social cohesion, what happens when traditional cultural frameworks erode, and the economic crises intersecting with culture. If you’re curious about how historical patterns, economic choices, and ideological battles shape our present moment, this segment will ground you in the underlying forces of our age. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Defining society in crisis—Nietzsche’s Age of the Last Man 04:02 Jordan Peterson’s Maps of Meaning and the necessity of identity 05:32 Shifting American foundational myths 06:50 Narrative stability, identity, and societal danger 08:18 Marxist intent and the social disorientation project 11:12 The wisdom gap—ancient versus modern perspectives 14:25 Demographics—transition from growth to decline 16:54 Culture as the sum of society, and informal norms 18:48 Economics and culture: The twin pillars of collapse 23:22 Neurobiology—left brain, right brain, and ideology 24:55 Malice vs. mental illness: How ideology detaches from reality 26:00 The matrix of nihilism, hedonism, totalitarianism, heroism 28:41 Technology, AI, and another revolution—where we’re headed 29:32 Historical cycles and inevitability of crisis 30:37 International instability: Connecting global trends 31:30 Currency debasement, inflation, and economic collapse 36:09 Mouse utopia—prosperity and destruction of adversity 37:37 The necessity of adversity and breakdown of discipline FOLLOW WHATIFALTHIST YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@WhatifAltHist⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/whatifalthist⁠ ButcherBox: Your choice of holiday protein — ham or turkey in your first box, or ground beef for life — plus $20 off at ⁠https://butcherbox.com/impact⁠ Bevel Health: 1st month FREE at ⁠https://bevel.health/impact⁠ with code IMPACT Linkedin: Post your job free at ⁠https://linkedin.com/impacttheory⁠ HomeServe: Help protect your home systems – and your wallet – with HomeServe against covered repairs. Plans start at just $4.99 a month at ⁠https://homeserve.com⁠ Netsuite: Right now, get our free business guide, Demystifying AI, at ⁠https://NetSuite.com/Theory⁠ True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe at ⁠https://trueclassic.com/impact⁠ Cape: 33% off with code IMPACT33 at ⁠https://cape.co/impact⁠ Surfshark: Go to ⁠https://surfshark.com/bilyeu⁠ or use code BILYEU to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! AirDoctor: Up to $300 off with code IMPACT at ⁠https://airdoctorpro.com⁠ Raycon: Go to ⁠https://buyraycon.com/impact ⁠to get up to 30% off sitewide. Found Banking: Try Found for FREE at ⁠https://found.com/impact⁠ What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business:⁠ join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER⁠: ⁠https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show⁠ SCALING a business:⁠ see if you qualify here.⁠: ⁠https://tombilyeu.com/call⁠ Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox:⁠ sign up here.⁠: ⁠https://tombilyeu.com/⁠ FOLLOW TOM: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/⁠ Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/tombilyeu⁠ YouTube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Every Economic Collapse Starts EXACTLY Like This...
    Nov 3 2025
    In today’s thought-provoking deep dive, Tom Bilyeu explores one of the most pressing questions of our time: Has America fallen behind, and should we take a page from China’s playbook to catch up? Drawing on history—from America’s industrial feat during World War II to the rise of China as a global manufacturing powerhouse—he examines the economic, political, and military collision course between these two nations. Tom Bilyeu breaks down the complexities and trade-offs of free market capitalism versus the efficiency (and risks) of a command economy, unpacking how government intervention shapes innovation, competition, and even your investment portfolio. He traces America’s journey from rapid-growth freedom to managing decline through increased regulation and central planning, warning of the pitfalls of excessive government control. Tune in as Tom Bilyeu shares his take on the best path forward: advocating for a return to first principles of economic freedom, entrepreneurship, and smart, limited government intervention. This episode challenges you to rethink what it means to compete—and succeed—on the world stage. Get ready for a no-nonsense, straight-shooting analysis that’s equal parts history lesson and wake-up call for America’s future. What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER: https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.: https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu ButcherBox: Your choice of holiday protein — ham or turkey in your first box, or ground beef for life — plus $20 off at https://butcherbox.com/impact Bevel Health: 1st month FREE at https://bevel.health/impact with code IMPACT Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory HomeServe: Help protect your home systems – and your wallet – with HomeServe against covered repairs. Plans start at just $4.99 a month at https://homeserve.com Netsuite: Right now, get our free business guide, Demystifying AI, at https://NetSuite.com/Theory True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe at https://trueclassic.com/impact Cape: 33% off with code IMPACT33 at https://cape.co/impact Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/bilyeu or use code BILYEU to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! AirDoctor: Up to $300 off with code IMPACT at https://airdoctorpro.com Raycon: Go to https://buyraycon.com/impact to get up to 30% off sitewide. Found Banking: Try Found for FREE at https://found.com/impact 00:00 Intro 03:54 Part 1: The Choice We Must Make 11:50 Part 2: Giving The Devil His Due: China’s Playbook and Their Incredible Rise 19:58 Part 3: America Has Some China in its Past 30:07 Part 4: The Dangerous Path Forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • This Is How New York Will Collapse | Tom Bilyeu Show LIVE Clips
    Nov 1 2025
    Tom Breaks Down Zohran Mamdani's economic policy. What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER: https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.: https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 mins
  • Scientist Donald Hoffman Says Everything You Know Is a Lie—And Reality Isn’t Real (Fan Fav)
    Nov 1 2025
    This is a fan fav episode. In this episode, Donald Hoffman returns and takes a deeper dive with Tom to discuss the complexities of consciousness perceived in and out of spacetime. Donald shares the possibilities of consciousness and the infinite nature of theories that exist outside of the virtual reality headset he uses to describe the version of reality you may still be experiencing. Take the plunge into this conversation and challenge the consciousness of what you call your true self. Order Donald’s latest book, ‘The Case Against Reality’: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Case-Against-Reality-Evolution-Truth/dp/0393254690⁠ Original air date: 4-1-21 SHOW NOTES: Consciousness | The theory of reality beyond the physical space and time [1:24] Spacetime | Donald relates Grand Theft Auto to understanding reality beyond space time [7:48] Testing Reality | Testable predictions of reality outside of space time and the fundamental nature of consciousness [10:40] Conscious Agents | Donald introduces conscious agents using the Twitter model [16:00] Conscious Illusion | How consciousness is not bound to the laws of physics and is created as needed in a simulation [22:00] Evolution | Why evolutionary theory only exists in space and time within the VR experience [26:34] The Unknown | The dark side of letting go to explore unknown concepts [33:40] Spacetime Simulator | Donald takes us through how consciousness is explored [37:33] Predicted Consciousness | Enjoying experience and predicting the realm of consciousness [49:57] Girdles Down | The Girdles theorem and why everything can not theoretically be known [54:46] A.I. Consciousness | How reductionism makes it possible to give rise to consciousness [1:03:54] Created Consciousness | Donald explains the creation of consciousness from portals [1:10:29] God Hypothesis | Donald’s hypothesis of science of God as agent of consciousness [1:15:05] Asymptotic behavior | Long term behaviors from far away that use spacetime theory [1:26:07] Alien Intelligence | Donald discusses alien intelligence and being in a simulator [1:31:22] Living vs NonLiving | Being unplugged from VR game and notion of self [1:33:53] Meditation | Donald shares how meditating to let go and have complete silence transforms his thoughts [1:46:20] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 59 mins
  • Is Socialism the Answer? Tom Bilyeu and Drew Debate Economic Policy and Free Buses | Tom Bilyeu Show Live
    Oct 31 2025
    n today's thought-provoking episode, Tom is joined by his ever-insightful co-host Drew for a dynamic, no-holds-barred conversation tackling the most pressing issues shaping our world right now. The crew dives headfirst into global politics—from the ongoing turmoil in Israel and Gaza, to the influence of leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump—analyzing whether the problems we face are rooted in individuals or systemic forces. The discussion takes an especially sharp turn when Tom and Drew debate the economic policies of populist leaders, with a special focus on Mamdani and the rise of socialist ideas. Tom is adamant about the dangers of deficit spending and the unintended consequences of well-intentioned but economically unsound policies, arguing that populism risks making life harder for the very people it claims to champion. Drew, meanwhile, pushes back, questioning whether reallocating government spending toward infrastructure and services—like free buses—could offer real solutions for the middle and lower classes. Listeners can expect rigorous analysis of America’s fractured economy, why wealth inequality is exploding, the pitfalls of government spending, and the urgent need for economic literacy. The team even explores how America’s mass under-education and lost competitive edge might threaten its place on the world stage, especially compared to China’s meteoric rise. Throughout, Tom anchors the conversation around the core values that he believes America needs to reclaim: self-improvement, ambition, and a relentless drive to win. Thought experiments, tough questions about the future of unproductive citizens, and even reflections on children’s entertainment and cultural mindsets round out this expansive, deeply relevant episode. If you’re ready for a blend of hard truths, big ideas, and a little levity, this is one Impact Theory episode you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in! Bevel Health: 1st month FREE at https://bevel.health/impact with code IMPACT Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe at https://trueclassic.com/impact Cape: 33% off with code IMPACT33 at https://cape.co/impact Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/bilyeu or use code BILYEU to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! AirDoctor: Up to $300 off with code IMPACT at https://airdoctorpro.com Raycon: Go to https://buyraycon.com/impact to get up to 30% off sitewide. Found Banking: Try Found for FREE at https://found.com/impact What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER: https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.: https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Gaza Ceasefire Lies, SNAP Benefits on the Brink, and Why It All Comes Down to Economics | The Tom Bilyeu Show
    Oct 30 2025
    What's up, guys? Today, we're diving deep into one of the wildest, most complex moments happening on the global stage right now—everything from the situation in Israel and Gaza, to government shutdowns, SNAP benefits, and even the future of AI, aliens, and societal upheaval. I'm joined by my co-host Drew, who brings the receipts every time and doesn't shy away from asking the tough, uncomfortable questions. Together, we're going to break down the collision of ideology and economics, why power drives decisions on the world stage, and what that means for you and your family. We get into why economic alliances are the only thing that can drive real change—in Israel, in Gaza, everywhere—and how policies and political theater in the U.S. are shaping the way we live. We're talking about everything from the Abraham Accords, to Biden's pardons, to what happens if SNAP benefits run out and the real threats facing American stability. On top of all that, we're tackling the existential question around AI and the future of work, and even asking, is that mysterious object in the sky really an alien ship—or just another shiny rock? By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away thinking differently about power, survival, and the future of technology and humanity—and you’ll know exactly what’s at stake, not just at the policy level, but for your everyday life. If you want to understand how these global and national issues will impact you, this is the episode you cannot afford to miss. If you get value out of this, please hit us with a review—it helps us reach more people like you who want to level up and reach their true potential. I'm Tom Bilyeu, and welcome to Impact Theory. What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER: https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.: https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Bevel Health: 1st month FREE at https://bevel.health/impact with code IMPACT Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe at https://trueclassic.com/impact Cape: 33% off with code IMPACT33 at https://cape.co/impact Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/bilyeu or use code BILYEU to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! AirDoctor: Up to $300 off with code IMPACT at https://airdoctorpro.com Raycon: Go to https://buyraycon.com/impact to get up to 30% off sitewide. Found Banking: Try Found for FREE at https://found.com/impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Inside America's Debt Crisis: How Politicians Are Sacrificing Your Future Peter Schiff Pt. 2 -
    Oct 29 2025
    In Part 2 of this gripping discussion, Tom Bilyeu and Peter Schiff turn their attention to the impending consequences of America’s unsustainable economic trajectory. Schiff predicts the collapse of the dollar’s reserve status, explains how a global shift toward gold is already underway, and lays out the likely social, political, and financial fallout—both for the U.S. and the world. The conversation ventures into practical advice on how individuals can protect their wealth in the face of inflation and waning trust in traditional financial assets. Tom challenges Peter on bitcoin’s role as “digital gold,” spurring a spirited debate on the future of money, generational attitudes about value, and the risks of speculative assets. Schiff also addresses the dangers of expanding government, the illusion of democracy, the social risks embedded in economic collapse, and the myths and realities of corporate greed. Rounding out the episode are controversial takes on minimum wage laws, socialism’s rise, China’s ascent, and what Americans can do to weather the coming economic storm. What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER: https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.: https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Bevel Health: 1st month FREE at https://bevel.health/impact with code IMPACT Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe at https://trueclassic.com/impact Cape: 33% off with code IMPACT33 at https://cape.co/impact Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/bilyeu or use code BILYEU to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! AirDoctor: Up to $300 off with code IMPACT at https://airdoctorpro.com Raycon: Go to https://buyraycon.com/impact to get up to 30% off sitewide. Found Banking: Try Found for FREE at https://found.com/impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Gold Hits Historic Highs: Is America's Economy About to Implode? | Impact Theory Tom Bilyeu
    Oct 28 2025
    In this powerhouse episode of "Impact Theory," Tom Bilyeu sits down with renowned economist, author, and outspoken financial commentator Peter Schiff. Best known for his unflinching critiques of U.S. monetary policy, Schiff unpacks the real meaning behind gold’s all-time highs and what it signals for the American and global economy. In Part 1, Tom and Peter go deep into the historical context that shapes today’s economic challenges, including how the gold standard's collapse, fiscal irresponsibility, and the rise of global debt have set the stage for a looming monetary crisis. Peter shares insights on the mechanisms behind inflation, explains how American prosperity has become dangerously dependent on the dollar’s reserve status, and traces the evolution of our monetary system from the Founding Fathers to Nixon’s closing of the gold window. This is an eye-opening journey through economic history and policy that challenges mainstream narratives about the value of gold, the state of global trade, and America’s financial future. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Gold’s All-Time Highs: What Does It Mean? 08:22 How the Dollar Was Tied to Gold: The Early U.S. Republic 15:37 The Shrinking Real Wage & Rise of the Dual-Income Family 23:18 The Gradual Move Away from the Dollar Standard 32:59 The Stagflation Trap: Economic Policy Gone Wrong 52:24 The Social Fallout: Populism, Socialism, and the Erosion of Democracy 69:43 U.S. Industrial Policy—Why Government Investment Fails FOLLOW PETER SCHIFF: X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeterSchiffYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SchiffReportPodcast: https://schiffradio.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterschiff/Website: https://www.europac.com/Gold/Silver Info: https://www.schiffgold.com/ What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER: https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.: https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Bevel Health: 1st month FREE at https://bevel.health/impact with code IMPACT Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe at https://trueclassic.com/impact Cape: 33% off with code IMPACT33 at https://cape.co/impact Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/bilyeu or use code BILYEU to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! AirDoctor: Up to $300 off with code IMPACT at https://airdoctorpro.com Raycon: Go to https://buyraycon.com/impact to get up to 30% off sitewide. Found Banking: Try Found for FREE at https://found.com/impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins