Episodes

  • Manifest Destiny's Shadow: Bullets and Benevolence in the Philippines (1899-1902)

    Manifest Destiny's Shadow: Bullets and Benevolence in the Philippines (1899-1902)
    Sep 3 2025
    The U.S. seizes the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, promising liberation but delivering conquest. This episode uncovers the brutal conflict that follows, as American troops enforce "benevolent assimilation" through scorched-earth campaigns, concentration camps, and massacres. Through survivor accounts and suppressed documents, we expose the gap between imperial rhetoric and the reality of bloodshed. From Mark Twain's scathing condemnations to the war's half-million dead, this is the story America tries to forget—and why its ghosts still haunt U.S.-Philippine relations today.If you’re hooked on the untold stories behind history’s turning points, don’t stop here—step into the complete Strife! series, where the full, chronological journey unfolds with depth you won’t get on the podcast. I’ll be sharing a handful of stories here, but most of the powerful narratives—the ones that really pull back the curtain—are only in the books and audiobooks.Start with Strife! Asia’s Inevitable and Unavoidable Descent into World War II—a gripping account from the Opium Wars to Japan’s brutal expansion, brought to life through raw firsthand stories and the latest historical research.Then take on Strife! Europe’s (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War II—where the ghosts of Versailles, rising fascism, and one diplomatic failure after another lead to catastrophe. Each chapter begins with a cinematic moment before unraveling the deeper political chaos behind it.And for strategy buffs, The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II offers a bold, decision theory–infused retelling of the Battle of the Bulge. See how split-second choices shaped the course of the war—what looked like madness was often high-stakes calculation.All three books are available exclusively on Amazon in print and ebook. Want the full experience? The Strife! audiobooks—narrated by the outstanding Ty Lasky—and The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive, voiced by Anthony Proctor, are available now on Audible.And if you want to master decision-making yourself—whether for business, personal life, or any high-stakes moment—Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Cool is highly recommended. This practical guide blends real-world examples, proven tools, and a touch of humor to help you turn uncertainty into clarity and make the best choices with confidence.The stories you hear on this podcast are just the beginning. The ones you don’t hear? They’re waiting for you in Strife! and Think Fresh, Decide Best.Strife! Asia's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Asias-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0F2ZZ2BP1Strife!: Europe's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent Into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Europes-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0FJ83LL6WThe Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II https://www.amazon.com/Ardennes-Counter-Offensive-Decision-Analysis-ebook/dp/B0C659QKD9Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Coolhttps://www.amazon.com/Think-Fresh-Decide-Best-Mastering-ebook/dp/B0DJ8RY8V4
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    20 mins
  • Michigan vs. Ohio: Before the Helmet, There Was the Musket — The Toledo War (1835–1836)

    Michigan vs. Ohio: Before the Helmet, There Was the Musket — The Toledo War (1835–1836)
    Aug 27 2025
    Before Michigan and Ohio faced off on the gridiron, they clashed over a swamp. In this episode of Strife! History’s Conflicts, we dive into the Toledo War (1835–1836)—a territorial dispute that involved pride, politics, mismatched militias, and one unfortunate barroom stabbing.Through vivid narrative and sharp analysis, we explore how a butter knife becomes a war relic, how governors duel with legislation instead of swords, and how the Upper Peninsula ends up Michigan’s unlikely prize. It’s a story of theatrical defiance, federal compromise, and statehood shaped by surveyor errors and tavern bravado.No shots fired. No winners declared. Just the rivalry that echoes from swamp to stadium.If you’re hooked on the untold stories behind history’s turning points, don’t stop here—step into the complete Strife! series, where the full, chronological journey unfolds with depth you won’t get on the podcast. I’ll be sharing a handful of stories here, but most of the powerful narratives—the ones that really pull back the curtain—are only in the books and audiobooks.Start with Strife! Asia’s Inevitable and Unavoidable Descent into World War II—a gripping account from the Opium Wars to Japan’s brutal expansion, brought to life through raw firsthand stories and the latest historical research.Then take on Strife! Europe’s (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War II—where the ghosts of Versailles, rising fascism, and one diplomatic failure after another lead to catastrophe. Each chapter begins with a cinematic moment before unraveling the deeper political chaos behind it.And for strategy buffs, The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II offers a bold, decision theory–infused retelling of the Battle of the Bulge. See how split-second choices shaped the course of the war—what looked like madness was often high-stakes calculation.All three books are available exclusively on Amazon in print and ebook. Want the full experience? The Strife! audiobooks—narrated by the outstanding Ty Lasky—and The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive, voiced by Anthony Proctor, are available now on Audible.And if you want to master decision-making yourself—whether for business, personal life, or any high-stakes moment—Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Cool is highly recommended. This practical guide blends real-world examples, proven tools, and a touch of humor to help you turn uncertainty into clarity and make the best choices with confidence.The stories you hear on this podcast are just the beginning. The ones you don’t hear? They’re waiting for you in Strife! and Think Fresh, Decide Best.Strife! Asia's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Asias-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0F2ZZ2BP1Strife!: Europe's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent Into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Europes-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0FJ83LL6WThe Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II https://www.amazon.com/Ardennes-Counter-Offensive-Decision-Analysis-ebook/dp/B0C659QKD9Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Coolhttps://www.amazon.com/Think-Fresh-Decide-Best-Mastering-ebook/dp/B0DJ8RY8V4
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    36 mins
  • The Boys Who Cried For Their Mothers: Denmark's Mine-Clearance Tragedy (May to August 1945)

    The Boys Who Cried For Their Mothers: Denmark's Mine-Clearance Tragedy (May to August 1945)
    Aug 20 2025
    In the summer of 1945, as Europe celebrates peace, a different horror unfolds along Denmark’s western coast. Thousands of German boys—some as young as thirteen—are forced at gunpoint to clear over a million landmines with their bare hands. They are children who have been fed Nazi lies, now paying for a war they barely understand.This is the story of the mine rats: starving, terrified boys who weep for their mothers as they crawl through the dunes, disarming explosives with little more than a stick and a prayer. Nearly half will die or be maimed. Those who survive carry the scars forever.In this harrowing episode, we examine history’s most shameful postscript—where the victors become tormentors, and children become casualties of peace.If you’re hooked on the untold stories behind history’s turning points, don’t stop here—step into the complete Strife! series, where the full, chronological journey unfolds with depth you won’t get on the podcast. I’ll be sharing a handful of stories here, but most of the powerful narratives—the ones that really pull back the curtain—are only in the books and audiobooks.Start with Strife! Asia’s Inevitable and Unavoidable Descent into World War II—a gripping account from the Opium Wars to Japan’s brutal expansion, brought to life through raw firsthand stories and the latest historical research.Then take on Strife! Europe’s (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War II—where the ghosts of Versailles, rising fascism, and one diplomatic failure after another lead to catastrophe. Each chapter begins with a cinematic moment before unraveling the deeper political chaos behind it.And for strategy buffs, The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II offers a bold, decision theory–infused retelling of the Battle of the Bulge. See how split-second choices shaped the course of the war—what looked like madness was often high-stakes calculation.All three books are available exclusively on Amazon in print and ebook. Want the full experience? The Strife! audiobooks—narrated by the outstanding Ty Lasky—and The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive, voiced by Anthony Proctor, are available now on Audible.And if you want to master decision-making yourself—whether for business, personal life, or any high-stakes moment—Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Cool is highly recommended. This practical guide blends real-world examples, proven tools, and a touch of humor to help you turn uncertainty into clarity and make the best choices with confidence.The stories you hear on this podcast are just the beginning. The ones you don’t hear? They’re waiting for you in Strife! and Think Fresh, Decide Best.Strife! Asia's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Asias-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0F2ZZ2BP1Strife!: Europe's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent Into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Europes-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0FJ83LL6WThe Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II https://www.amazon.com/Ardennes-Counter-Offensive-Decision-Analysis-ebook/dp/B0C659QKD9Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Coolhttps://www.amazon.com/Think-Fresh-Decide-Best-Mastering-ebook/dp/B0DJ8RY8V4
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    27 mins
  • Barking Up the Wrong Border: The War of the Stray Dog (1925)

    Barking Up the Wrong Border: The War of the Stray Dog (1925)
    Aug 13 2025
    Uncover the surprisingly tense—and surprisingly canine—border clash known as the War of the Stray Dog. When a single dog crosses the border between Greece and Bulgaria in 1925, it triggers a deadly skirmish that spirals into a diplomatic crisis—testing the fragile peace between two nations still haunted by past conflicts. Join us as we explore the human stories behind the headlines, the political pressures that fueled the conflict, and the absurd yet profound lessons this unusual incident offers about nationalism, pride, and the unpredictable sparks of history. Whether you’re a history buff or just here for the bizarre, this episode will show you how sometimes, a simple bark can echo through the corridors of power.If you’re hooked on the untold stories behind history’s turning points, don’t stop here—step into the complete Strife! series, where the full, chronological journey unfolds with depth you won’t get on the podcast. I’ll be sharing a handful of stories here, but most of the powerful narratives—the ones that really pull back the curtain—are only in the books and audiobooks.Start with Strife! Asia’s Inevitable and Unavoidable Descent into World War II—a gripping account from the Opium Wars to Japan’s brutal expansion, brought to life through raw firsthand stories and the latest historical research.Then take on Strife! Europe’s (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War II—where the ghosts of Versailles, rising fascism, and one diplomatic failure after another lead to catastrophe. Each chapter begins with a cinematic moment before unraveling the deeper political chaos behind it.And for strategy buffs, The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II offers a bold, decision theory–infused retelling of the Battle of the Bulge. See how split-second choices shaped the course of the war—what looked like madness was often high-stakes calculation.All three books are available exclusively on Amazon in print and ebook. Want the full experience? The Strife! audiobooks—narrated by the outstanding Ty Lasky—and The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive, voiced by Anthony Proctor, are available now on Audible.And if you want to master decision-making yourself—whether for business, personal life, or any high-stakes moment—Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Cool is highly recommended. This practical guide blends real-world examples, proven tools, and a touch of humor to help you turn uncertainty into clarity and make the best choices with confidence.The stories you hear on this podcast are just the beginning. The ones you don’t hear? They’re waiting for you in Strife! and Think Fresh, Decide Best.Strife! Asia's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Asias-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0F2ZZ2BP1Strife!: Europe's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent Into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Europes-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0FJ83LL6WThe Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II https://www.amazon.com/Ardennes-Counter-Offensive-Decision-Analysis-ebook/dp/B0C659QKD9Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Coolhttps://www.amazon.com/Think-Fresh-Decide-Best-Mastering-ebook/dp/B0DJ8RY8V4
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    31 mins
  • The Bear Flag Revolt: From Flour Sack to State Emblem, an Unlikely Birth to a Republic (1846)

    The Bear Flag Revolt: From Flour Sack to State Emblem, an Unlikely Birth to a Republic (1846)
    Aug 6 2025
    Explore the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, a pivotal and often overlooked event in California's history. Through a blend of narrative and historical analysis, it delves into the chaotic and humorous origins of the revolt, the political and cultural forces at play, and its lasting impact on California's identity and development. The chapter examines how the revolt accelerated American control of California, set the stage for the Mexican-American War, and paved the way for the California Gold Rush, ultimately transforming the region into an economic and political powerhouse. By exploring the motivations, fears, and strategies of key players, the chapter offers a fresh perspective on this foundational moment in American expansion and its enduring legacy on California's culture and politics.If you’re hooked on the untold stories behind history’s turning points, don’t stop here—step into the complete Strife! series, where the full, chronological journey unfolds with depth you won’t get on the podcast. I’ll be sharing a handful of stories here, but most of the powerful narratives—the ones that really pull back the curtain—are only in the books and audiobooks.Start with Strife! Asia’s Inevitable and Unavoidable Descent into World War II—a gripping account from the Opium Wars to Japan’s brutal expansion, brought to life through raw firsthand stories and the latest historical research.Then take on Strife! Europe’s (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War II—where the ghosts of Versailles, rising fascism, and one diplomatic failure after another lead to catastrophe. Each chapter begins with a cinematic moment before unraveling the deeper political chaos behind it.And for strategy buffs, The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II offers a bold, decision theory–infused retelling of the Battle of the Bulge. See how split-second choices shaped the course of the war—what looked like madness was often high-stakes calculation.All three books are available exclusively on Amazon in print and ebook. Want the full experience? The Strife! audiobooks—narrated by the outstanding Ty Lasky—and The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive, voiced by Anthony Proctor, are available now on Audible.And if you want to master decision-making yourself—whether for business, personal life, or any high-stakes moment—Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Cool is highly recommended. This practical guide blends real-world examples, proven tools, and a touch of humor to help you turn uncertainty into clarity and make the best choices with confidence.The stories you hear on this podcast are just the beginning. The ones you don’t hear? They’re waiting for you in Strife! and Think Fresh, Decide Best.Strife! Asia's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Asias-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0F2ZZ2BP1Strife!: Europe's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent Into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Europes-Inevitbale-Avoidable-Descent-ebook/dp/B0F8NZPGBVThe Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II https://www.amazon.com/Ardennes-Counter-Offensive-Decision-Analysis-ebook/dp/B0C659QKD9Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Coolhttps://www.amazon.com/Think-Fresh-Decide-Best-Mastering-ebook/dp/B0DJ8RY8V4
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    44 mins
  • Citizens Behind Wire: The Truth of America’s Internment Camps (1942–1945)

    Citizens Behind Wire: The Truth of America’s Internment Camps (1942–1945)
    Jul 30 2025
    In February 1942, three sharp knocks interrupted a quiet morning in coastal California. A Japanese American family—a fisherman, his wife, and their two children—were given forty-eight hours to abandon their home. Their crime? Looking like the enemy.This episode traces their journey from the horse stalls of Santa Anita to the dust-choked barracks of Manzanar, where privacy vanished and dignity became a relic of the past. Through a daughter’s hidden diary, a son’s silent rage, and a mother’s quiet defiance, their story exposes the human cost of America’s wartime hysteria.Decades later, their testimony before Congress would force a reckoning. But the questions linger: How does a nation repair what it tried to erase? And when fear strikes again, who will pay the price?
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    32 mins
  • The War That Oinked: Diplomacy, Ego, and the Pig That Changed a Border (1859–1872)

    The War That Oinked: Diplomacy, Ego, and the Pig That Changed a Border (1859–1872)
    Jul 23 2025
    In the summer of 1859, a pig crosses an invisible line on San Juan Island—and gets shot. What follows isn’t just a neighborly dispute gone wrong; it’s a full-blown international standoff between the United States and Britain. Troops land. Warships arrive. Flags are raised. And yet, for twelve years, no one fires another shot. If you’re hooked on the untold stories behind history’s turning points, don’t stop here—step into the complete Strife! series, where the full, chronological journey unfolds with depth you won’t get on the podcast. I’ll be sharing a handful of stories here, but most of the powerful narratives—the ones that really pull back the curtain—are only in the books and audiobooks.Start with Strife! Asia’s Inevitable and Unavoidable Descent into World War II—a gripping account from the Opium Wars to Japan’s brutal expansion, brought to life through raw firsthand stories and the latest historical research.Then take on Strife! Europe’s (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War II—where the ghosts of Versailles, rising fascism, and one diplomatic failure after another lead to catastrophe. Each chapter begins with a cinematic moment before unraveling the deeper political chaos behind it.And for strategy buffs, The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II offers a bold, decision theory–infused retelling of the Battle of the Bulge. See how split-second choices shaped the course of the war—what looked like madness was often high-stakes calculation.All three books are available exclusively on Amazon in print and ebook. Want the full experience? The Strife! audiobooks—narrated by the outstanding Ty Lasky—and The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive, voiced by Anthony Proctor, are available now on Audible.And if you want to master decision-making yourself—whether for business, personal life, or any high-stakes moment—Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Cool is highly recommended. This practical guide blends real-world examples, proven tools, and a touch of humor to help you turn uncertainty into clarity and make the best choices with confidence.The stories you hear on this podcast are just the beginning. The ones you don’t hear? They’re waiting for you in Strife! and Think Fresh, Decide Best.Strife! Asia's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Asias-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0F2ZZ2BP1Strife!: Europe's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent Into World War IIhttps://www.amazon.com/Strife-Europes-Inevitbale-Avoidable-Descent-ebook/dp/B0F8NZPGBVThe Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II https://www.amazon.com/Ardennes-Counter-Offensive-Decision-Analysis-ebook/dp/B0C659QKD9Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Coolhttps://www.amazon.com/Think-Fresh-Decide-Best-Mastering-ebook/dp/B0DJ8RY8V4
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    37 mins
  • Collateral Souls: The Zoo at the End of the World (1940-1945)

    Collateral Souls: The Zoo at the End of the World (1940-1945)
    Jul 16 2025

    Summer 1940. As the Battle of Britain rages, the war takes an unexpected turn when bombs begin falling on an unlikely target – the Berlin Zoo. This is the story of how Europe's greatest menagerie became both witness and casualty to total war.


    Amid the ruins, an elephant named Siam stands motionless as the world burns around him. A nameless elephant perishes in the first air raid. A newborn hippo named Knautschke takes his first breath in a shattered enclosure. As the zoo's population plummets from 4,000 animals to just 91, their keepers wage a desperate battle to preserve life while civilization crumbles.


    From the eight million horses slaughtered in the trenches of WWI to Sarajevo's starving bears in the 1990s siege, this episode examines war's forgotten victims. It asks why history remembers some animals as heroes while millions vanish without record – and what survival truly costs when innocence becomes collateral damage.


    A haunting meditation on the uncomfortable truths of war, told through the lens of those who had no voice in the conflict but paid its price in full.


    If you’re hooked on the untold stories behind history’s turning points, don’t stop here—step into the complete Strife! series, where the full, chronological journey unfolds with depth you won’t get on the podcast. I’ll be sharing a handful of stories here, but most of the powerful narratives—the ones that really pull back the curtain—are only in the books and audiobooks.


    Start with Strife!: Asia’s Inevitable and Unavoidable Descent into World War II—a gripping account from the Opium Wars to Japan’s brutal expansion, brought to life through raw firsthand stories and the latest historical research.


    Then take on Strife!: Europe’s (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War II—where the ghosts of Versailles, rising fascism, and one diplomatic failure after another lead to catastrophe. Each chapter begins with a cinematic moment before unraveling the deeper political chaos behind it.


    And for strategy buffs, The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II offers a bold, decision theory–infused retelling of the Battle of the Bulge. See how split-second choices shaped the course of the war—what looked like madness was often high-stakes calculation.


    All three books are available exclusively on Amazon in print and ebook. Want the full experience? The Strife! audiobooks—narrated by the outstanding Ty Lasky—and The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive, voiced by Anthony Proctor, are available now on Audible.


    And if you want to master decision-making yourself—whether for business, personal life, or any high-stakes moment—Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Cool is highly recommended. This practical guide blends real-world examples, proven tools, and a touch of humor to help you turn uncertainty into clarity and make the best choices with confidence.


    The stories you hear on this podcast are just the beginning. The ones you don’t hear? They’re waiting for you in Strife! and Think Fresh, Decide Best.


    Strife! Asia's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent into World War II

    https://www.amazon.com/Strife-Asias-Inevitable-Avoidable-Descent/dp/B0F2ZZ2BP1


    Strife!: Europe's Inevitable and (Un)Avoidable Descent Into World War II

    https://www.amazon.com/Strife-Europes-Inevitbale-Avoidable-Descent-ebook/dp/B0F8NZPGBV


    The Ardennes (Counter) Offensive: A Decision Analysis of Allied and German Strategy Leading Up to the Greatest Battle of World War II

    https://www.amazon.com/Ardennes-Counter-Offensive-Decision-Analysis-ebook/dp/B0C659QKD9


    Think Fresh, Decide Best: Mastering Decisions Without Losing Your Cool

    https://www.amazon.com/Think-Fresh-Decide-Best-Mastering-ebook/dp/B0DJ8RY8V4
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    35 mins