Episodios

  • Olympian Jamie Rauch on Sports Parenting: Unconditional Support, Pressure & Communication

    Olympian Jamie Rauch on Sports Parenting: Unconditional Support, Pressure & Communication
    Jan 9 2026
    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Ep. 18 - Olympian Jamie Rauch on Sports Parenting: Unconditional Support, Pressure & Communication In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone delves into the intricacies of parenting in the world of sports with guest Jamie Rauch. Jamie shares his journey from growing up as a competitive swimmer in Houston, Texas, to becoming an 18-time NCAA All-American and a silver medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The conversation covers Jamie's transition from a career in finance to coaching, his insights on parenting two young swimmers, and the importance of creating a supportive, balanced environment for young athletes. Key themes include avoiding the pitfalls of living vicariously through children's sports achievements, the value of unconditional support, and the challenges and rewards of coaching. Jamie emphasizes the importance of checking in with young athletes about their enjoyment and commitment levels and highlights the need for both parents and coaches to understand their roles in a child's sporting journey. · 02:41 Jamie's Early Life and Family Influence · 04:09 The Role of Sports in Jamie's Childhood · 06:20 Transition to Competitive Swimming · 11:19 Parental Support and Coaching Influence · 18:29 High School and College Swimming Journey · 24:19 The Texas Swimming Experience · 31:54 The Irony of 'Never Say Never' · 32:12 From Finance to Coaching: A Career Shift · 33:01 Diving into Triathlons and Coaching · 35:06 The Challenges and Rewards of Ironman Training · 37:44 Balancing Parenting and Coaching · 39:03 The Importance of Trust Between Parents and Coaches · 46:07 Encouraging Kids in Sports: A Parent's Perspective · 56:41 The Value of Delayed Gratification in Sports Quotes • "And for me, that's kind of been my goal as a father and husband also, is that the four people that I share this house with are by far the most important people in my life." [03:36] •  "I think parents need to do a little better job of making the assumption that the people that they are paying money to coach their kids care a lot about their kids." [39:19] •  "So it's really easy, I think, to fall into a trap of judging how you're doing as a parent by how successful your kids are in a classroom or in sports, when in fact there's so much more to that person than school. And in my case, swimming or water polo." [54:41] Social Media and Links · RTSP Instagram · samanthalivingstone.co · Instagram @Jamie.rauch · Jamie Rauch Wiki · Patrickbradycoaching.com Jamie's Bio Based in Chicago, Illinois, Coach Jamie brings a depth of knowledge to the table, specifically in the swimming area where he is a Silver Medalist in the 2000 Olympic Games, 18 time NCAA All-American, and a Team USA representative at other World stage swim events. Swimming isn't the only thing Jamie knows. He's also an Ironman Kona and 70.3 World Championship qualifier, Boston Marathon Qualifier, and Ultra-Marathon competitor. More important than Jamie's impressive athletic resume is his willingness to learn, communicate, and passion to teach. Since I started working with Jamie as an athlete he has always shown interest in understanding the process. His interest in coaching comes from a place of genuine excitement about helping athletes achieve and exceed their goals. To me, he has all the qualities necessary to cultivate successful relationships with any athlete he works with. With that approach and his "student of the sport" mentality, I knew adding Jamie to the coaching roster would be a winning move.
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Coaching the Human First: Youth Sports, Unstructured Play, and Athlete Mental Health with Eric Kussin

    Coaching the Human First: Youth Sports, Unstructured Play, and Athlete Mental Health with Eric Kussin
    Dec 26 2025

    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

    Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

    Ep. 17 - Coaching the Human First: Youth Sports, Unstructured Play, and Athlete Mental Health with Eric Kussin

    In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone introduces guest Eric Kussin, a seasoned professional sports executive and founder of the Same Here Global mental health movement. Eric shares his gripping life story, spanning from his childhood marked by his brother's severe health issues to his successful career in the sports industry, including roles with the NBA, Chicago Sky, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Devils, and Florida Panthers. Eric opens up about his two-and-a-half-year mental health crisis and the pivotal moment that led him to embrace holistic healing and mental health advocacy. Together, Samantha and Eric explore the profound impact of mental health on performance, the significance of human connection, and how sports parents can better support their children. The episode closes with encouragement to use practical tools like the Scale app to foster open mental health conversations and build stronger relationships.

    · 00:35 Meet Eric Kussin: A Journey Through Sports and Mental Health

    · 03:25 Eric's Early Life and Sports Involvement

    · 06:24 Navigating Challenges and Finding Purpose in Sports

    · 12:19 The Impact of Coaching Decisions

    · 30:12 Transition to College and the Reality of Walk-On Tryouts

    · 34:26 First JV Game Triumph

    · 38:14 Career Beginnings and NBA Experience

    · 41:16 Sales Challenges and Successes

    · 50:37 Struggles with Mental Health

    · 01:03:40 Understanding Chronic Stress and Trauma

    Quotes

    • "I loved coaches that were hard on me. I mean, so, so that's, I know that's not, you know, necessarily in fashion right now. Um, Yeah, it was, it was coaches who were as fiery and competitive as I was, right?" [12:20]

    •  "And then all of a sudden I start losing interest in things outside of sport, outside of my work. And I'm not wanting to see friends, I'm not wanting to go to the gym and I'm not wanting to, uh, go out for eats and not wanting to, to play in rec league games. And I, I justified that by saying, this is the world's way of telling me I need to focus on, you know, what's going on in the office. [50:46]

    •  "It's not just the events so that people don't think you have to have been through major events. It's the thoughts that we tell ourselves related to the events that dysregulate the nervous system as much as maybe sometimes even more than the events themselves." [01:07:00]

    Social Media and Links

    · RTSP Instagram

    · samanthalivingstone

    · Instagram: @samehere_global

    · samehereglobal.org
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    1 h y 15 m
  • Olympic Gold Medalist Anita Nall Richesson - The New Gold Standard: Holistic Athletic Development

    Olympic Gold Medalist Anita Nall Richesson - The New Gold Standard: Holistic Athletic Development
    Dec 12 2025
    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Ep. 16 - Olympic Gold Medalist Anita Nall Richesson - The New Gold Standard: Holistic Athletic Development In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone welcomes guest Anita Nall Richesson, an Olympian and holistic wellness coach. Anita shares her journey from an Olympic swimmer to a nutrition and wellness expert, discussing the importance of holistic approaches in nurturing young athletes. They discuss vital parenting aspects, including fostering intuition, emotional health, and the impact of diet on overall well-being. Anita also critiques outdated coaching methods and emphasizes the necessity for developmental processes and genuine connections between coaches and athletes. This conversation offers profound insights for parents, coaches, and athletes aiming to elevate sports experiences and personal growth. · 03:25 Anita's Early Life and Swimming Journey · 09:31 The Olympic Experience and Challenges · 24:17 Post-Olympic Struggles and New Beginnings · 31:40 Parenting and Coaching Philosophy · 44:28 The Impact of Coaching Styles on Athletes · 54:37 Navigating Late Entry into Sports · 57:40 The Role of Intuition and Flow · 01:00:16 Functional Nutrition and DNA Testing · 01:06:51 Empowering Parents and Coaches Quotes • "I was from the generation where parents went to work all day and you just like dealt with it and fed yourself and did the whole thing. So they would go to work all day and really the only thing that was close to us to be able to walk to was the pool."[06:18] •  " Look your kids in the eye. Get to know them. Yeah. Find out who they're guys. If you don't have an interest in that, I'm sorry. You should not be coaching." [48:54] •  "I have found so many kids that, because they started soccer at five and they got good at it, they stay in it, but they hate it. They really don't even like it, but no one's ever asked them, Hey, do you wanna keep doing this? [53:35] Social Media and Links · RTSP Instagram · samanthalivingstone · Instagram @5d_athlete · 5dathlete.com Bio: Anita swept the cycle (gold, silver, and bronze) at the 1992 Olympics, is an Elite member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and spent three NFL seasons as a Nutrition Consultant & Wellness Coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Challenged by a series of "mystery illnesses" following the 1992 Olympics, Anita rediscovered her health through food. After working with top-tier high-performers like athletes and corporate executives for the last 20+ years, Anita founded Champion Power Programs & 5D Athlete, where she teaches and coaches other high-performers on how to reach and stay at the top of their game using her signature Power Plate Formula and other wellness strategies for sustained health and success. 40+ years of experience in sports Certified Holistic Nutrition Specialist Certified Life Coach Certified Essential Oil Coach Corporate Speaker Corporate Wellness Program Creator Nutrition & Wellness Coach to Olympians, UFC Fighters, NFL Players, Grammy-Award Winning Musicians, Fit from Foodies, and Developing Athletes Empowering Youth Athletes: Beyond the Physical with Anita Nall
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    1 h y 22 m
  • Injury, Identity & Recovery in Youth Sports – Insights from Sports Medicine with Brian Petrone, PA

    Injury, Identity & Recovery in Youth Sports – Insights from Sports Medicine with Brian Petrone, PA
    Nov 28 2025

    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

    Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

    Ep. 15 - Brian Petrone, PA - Injury, Identity, and Recovery:

    Insights from Sports Medicine

    In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, Samantha Livingstone hosts Brian Petrone, a seasoned sports medicine clinician and parent. Brian shares his extensive experience in sports medicine, both as a physician's assistant with Boston Orthopedics and Wellness and as a parent of three daughters who are competitive athletes. The conversation dives into the impact of sports injuries, especially in youth athletes, and discusses preventive measures, the importance of recovery, and mental health aspects. Brian also introduces his new venture focusing on regenerative medicine and recovery techniques. This episode is a valuable resource for parents looking to support their young athletes through the physical and emotional challenges of sports injuries.

    · 04:06 Brian's Journey in Sports Medicine

    · 06:16 The Role of Sports Medicine in Youth Sports

    · 10:58 Challenges and Changes in Youth Sports

    · 17:57 Injury Prevention and Recovery

    · 39:59 Understanding Parents' Perspectives

    · 40:47 Communicating with Parents and Athletes

    · 43:18 Mental and Physical Challenges in Recovery

    · 51:06 The Role of Regenerative Medicine

    · 01:00:36 Balancing Sports and Recovery

    · 01:06:51 Advice for Parents and Athletes

    Quotes

    •  " Well, I can't tell you a hundred percent that the kid's not gonna get an injury. You know, it comes down to genetics. It comes down to body habitus. It comes down to the amount they're playing, what they're doing, um, what their strength and condition is." [25:08]

    •  "  Kids always come in. They wanna know two questions from me. Mm-hmm. When can I have surgery and when can I play again? That's it. That's all they wanna know. Everything in between is Yeah. Irrelevant. [42:28]

    • " So I'll give, I'll give you a quick example of, of stem cells. So at the age of 10, you have 4 million stem cells in your body. At the age of 30, you have 32,000 stem cells in your body. At the age of 50, you have 3,200 stem cells in your body." [58:12]

    Social Media and Links

    · RTSP Instagram

    · samanthalivingstone

    · bostonsportsmedicine.com
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    1 h y 15 m
  • Tony Hajjar - How to Support Your Child in Sports Without Adding Pressure

    Tony Hajjar - How to Support Your Child in Sports Without Adding Pressure
    Nov 14 2025
    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Ep. 14 - Tony Hajjar - How to Support Your Child in Sports Without Adding Pressure In this episode, host Samantha Livingstone sits down with Tony Hajjar, a coach, entrepreneur, and performance expert. Tony shares his journey from growing up in a coach's household to becoming a co-founder of Drive Custom Fitness and Hajjar Volleyball and Performance Center. He discusses his coaching philosophy of 'kids first, wins second,' emphasizing emotional intelligence, personal growth, and community building over perfection. The conversation delves into Tony's personal experiences as a sports dad, the importance of allowing children to play multiple sports, and providing a supportive environment for young athletes. Tony also shares insights on maintaining balance as a parent-coach and ensuring that the love for the game remains intact for children. The episode is filled with practical advice on how sports parents can foster a positive and empowering atmosphere for their young athletes. · 01:28 Tony's Coaching Philosophy and Background · 04:53 The Impact of Tony's Father on His Coaching · 08:57 Tony's Journey Through Coaching and Personal Growth · 27:05 Transition to Drive Custom Fitness and Community Building · 32:25 Founding Elite Seacoast Volleyball Academy · 37:26 Parental Pressure and Its Impact on Kids · 40:28 Onboarding Coaches with the Right Philosophy · 45:59 The Importance of Letting Kids Lead · 52:12 The Role of Parents in Athletic Development Quotes •  "I was born in really a, a coach's household. My dad, my dad came here and the early seventies from the Ivory Coast of Africa, um, as a soccer player in a volleyball player. And that journey really started. You know, his transition to America." [03:27] •  "I had a two year run where, yeah, I think I won a total of eight games. It was the worst two seasons of, of my life, but it brought so much light to how athletes are created." [16:25] •  "If we could project what everyone's outcome would be, everyone would be millionaires because we'd be at Vegas betting on everything." [58:21] Social Media and Links · RTSP Instagram · samanthalivingstone · drivecustomfit.com · Instagram: @tonyhajjarfit · Elitez Volleyball Academy Tony's Bio: As a Fitness Expert and Master Instructor, Tony Hajjar delivers a passionate level of energy and inspiration that is unrivaled. Driven to inspire, Tony delivers an unparalleled experience and motivates clients- of all fitness levels and ages- to push beyond perceived limitations and achieve their personal best. Hajjar's philosophy is to connect with clients and create an atmosphere where finding the true you is allowed, a customized approach to well-being. This allows members of all ages, fitness levels, and personal goals to push beyond their limits and see that real results have been met. Hajjar has trained professional boxers, professional volleyball players, snowboarders, and other high-level athletes, as well as numerous beginners to the world of exercise. His clients also include people with arthritis, rehabilitation patients, and people recovering from major surgeries such as liver transplants. Tony's certifications: · AFFA & NASM Certified Personal Trainer · Baptiste Power Yoga 200 RYT · Yoga Fit Training Systems Worldwide Inc · ASFA Sports Nutritionist · NESTA Sports Agility and Quickness · Bommarito University Level I · TRX Suspension Trainer · Safe Sport · IMPACT · Certified Life coach · Certified Nutrition Specialist NASM · Certified Nutrition Specialist ACE · CPR & AED Certified · Certified Coach through National Collegiate Athletic Association and Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Mike Murray - The Power of Connection

    Mike Murray - The Power of Connection
    Oct 31 2025

    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

    Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

    Ep. 13 - Mike Murray - The Power of Connection

    In this episode host Samantha Livingstone dives into the complexities of parenting in the world of sports, from youth to professional levels. The guest, Mike Murray, head coach and assistant athletic director at Albany Academy, shares his diverse experiences from being a swim coach, business owner, and sport parent. Their discussion explores the importance of centering human connections in athletics, reflecting on the pressures and ambitions that come with coaching and parenting. Strategies for managing athlete stress, maintaining family values, and the evolving dynamics of college sports recruitment are also discussed. Murray emphasizes the significance of fun and connection in sports and the importance of personal reflection and prioritizing family well-being.

    · 02:03 Mike's Coaching Philosophy and Career Evolution

    · 03:55 Balancing Roles: Coach, Parent, and Administrator

    · 07:17 The Importance of Connection and Humanizing Sports

    · 09:01 Challenges and Reflections in Youth Sports

    · 13:58 The Impact of Over commitment on Coaches and Families

    · 20:51 Creating Balance and Prioritizing Well-being

    · 31:38 Building Relationships and Learning from Mistakes

    · 37:31 Supporting Different Interests and Personalities

    · 43:07 Reflecting on Coaching and Parenting Mistakes

    · 53:07 Finding Joy in Sports Again

    Quotes

    • " Whether it's swimming or whether it's pickleball. We're, doing it for fun. For socialization, for creating platforms for our kids to explore discipline and commitment and enjoyment and lifelong health and fitness." [12:32]

    •  "I've always thought that it, it's the greatest honor in the world to have the ability to work with a team, to coach athletes, and to make a difference." [13:58]

    •  " The reason that you play lacrosse, that you play football, that you play softball, that you play squash or swimming or whatever it is, is because when you were little, it was really, really fun." [53:14]

    Social Media and Links

    · RTSP Instagram

    · samanthalivingstone

    · Instagram: @coachmurray3m

    · Mike Murray's Website

    · Albany Academy Athletics

    Bio:

    Mike Murray is dedicated to shaping the next generation of coaches & athletes by instilling values of balance, purpose, and success. With years of experience in coaching, he is committed to empowering coaches, athletes, and parents to reach their full potential.
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    57 m
  • World Champion Cara Stawicki - The Power of Expanders + Creating Space for Dreams

    World Champion Cara Stawicki - The Power of Expanders + Creating Space for Dreams
    Oct 17 2025
    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Ep. 12 - World Champion Cara Stawicki - The Power of Expanders + Creating Space for Dreams In this episode, Samantha Livingstone interviews world champion athlete and performance coach Cara Stawicki. Cara shares her journey from suburban New Jersey to becoming a world champion rower and mental performance coach. They discuss the importance of self-trust, the impact of cultural upbringing on sports, and the value of pursuing dreams despite the odds. Cara also talks about her transition to coastal rowing, the ethos of teamwork in rowing, and her new role as a boat handler. The conversation touches on the necessity of individualized support for young athletes, the role of parents in nurturing athletic dreams, and the common debate between single-sport specialization and multi-sport participation. Cara offers insights into balancing realistic expectations with fostering hope and ambition in young athletes. · 02:41 Cara's Cultural Upbringing and Family Influence · 04:13 The Role of Sports in Cara's Life · 08:23 Transition from Swimming to Rowing · 12:02 College Rowing Experience · 28:33 Pursuing the National Team Dream · 33:00 Balancing Goals and Flexibility · 38:28 Navigating Parental Permissions and Disappointments · 40:29 The Journey to Becoming a World Champion · 41:06 Reflecting on the Emotional Impact of Achievements · 44:05 The Importance of Vulnerability and Risk in Sports · 51:28 Transitioning from Athlete to Mentor · 54:08 Exploring Coastal Rowing and New Ventures · 58:34 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching Quotes •  "It was kind of just like woven into, you know, into my family. And it wasn't something that was. You know, preached or put upon us. It was, it was just there, it was just a parent and kind of like what was modeled for me." [03:47] •  "My dream was it was never about the gold medal that always felt like it was gonna be the cherry on top. I, there was something in me from when I was a child that I wanted to stand with the American flag and hear, hear the national anthem." [42:27] • "  I also feel very strongly that like we gain strength in sharing our experiences, right? And learning from each other." [01:00:00 Social Media and Links · RTSP Instagram · samanthalivingstone · Performance Coaching with Cara · Athlete Mentoring Program · Instagram: @carastawicki · LinkedIn: Cara Stawicki Cara's Bio: Cara Stawicki is a World Champion, High-Performance and Leadership Coach, and visionary dedicated to helping you unlock the freedom to dream big and perform. When I read back the account of my podium moment in 2019, I am filled with deep gratitude. I remember my teammate trying to embrace me in the boat at the finish line and how my eyes instantaneously searched for my husband and parents in the grandstands. I remember how the entire experience was a fusion of intensity and overwhelm and joy. When I look back at photos… on the blocks at swim meets in high school or in the boat as part of Lehigh University's Club Crew Team… I see a girl then young woman full of hope and desire. I am reminded of the joy and commitment that goes into being part of a team and am taken to a place a pure longing… longing to be a part of something bigger than my singular dream, and longing to "reach my potential" and become the world class competitor that I craved to become inside. An important throughline of my athlete story involves a struggle with confidence and sense of belonging. I knew that I "had what it takes," yet fell short, again and again. After years of disciplined striving, I started working with my own high-performance coach who helped me home my ability to focus, trust in myself and let my skills shine. The best part of all those years striving? To taking the long, long, long road to reaching my number one rowing goal? They've enabled me to sit here today full of empathy, understanding and wholehearted belief in you…
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    1 h y 13 m
  • From Blue-Collar Roots to Buckeye Leadership: Bill Dorenkott on Resilience, Family, and the Power of Sport

    From Blue-Collar Roots to Buckeye Leadership: Bill Dorenkott on Resilience, Family, and the Power of Sport
    Oct 3 2025
    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Ep. 11 - From Blue-Collar Roots to Buckeye Leadership: Bill Dorenkott on Resilience, Family, and the Power of Sport In this episode, Samantha sits down with Bill Dorenkott, the Director of Swimming and Diving at Ohio State University, to discuss the complexities of parenting athletes within the world of sports. Bill shares his extensive coaching experience, his personal athletic journey, and insights from being both a coach and a sports parent. The conversation delves into the importance of balancing process over outcomes, understanding developmental stages of young athletes, and maintaining open communication between parents, coaches, and athletes. The episode concludes with advice for parents on navigating the secret 'menu' of sports and giving themselves grace and space in their parenting journey. · 02:07 Personal Connection and Reconnecting with Bill · 05:03 Bill's Background and Upbringing · 07:30 Discovering Swimming and Athletic Journey · 15:49 Transition to Coaching and Early Career · 22:44 Balancing Coaching and Family Life · 30:52 Learning from Michael Dravet · 32:10 Parenting and Coaching Insights · 33:18 Navigating Learning Disabilities · 35:34 Parenting Differences: Boys vs. Girls · 37:24 Parental Role in College Athletics · 40:02 Developing Independence in Kids · 44:35 The Secret Menu of Sports Parenting · 53:35 The Journey is the Reward Quotes • " And so I went down and met with him and he said, look, he goes, you'll probably never graduate from college and you'll probably never swim for us. But I'll, I'll give you a shot. And he didn't know it at the time. That was the greatest thing anybody could ever say,.." [12:49] • " First week that I started coaching, I knew I'd do that the rest of my life.." [17:21 • " Improvement happens at the edge of your ability. Mm-hmm. And, and that feeling at the edge of your ability is productive discomfort." [53:55] Social Media and Links · RTSP Instagram · samanthalivingstone · Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Swimming & Diving · Dr. Michael Gervais website: findingmastery.com Bill Dorenkott's Bio: Bill Dorenkott, who has 35 years of experience coaching at the collegiate level, enters his 18th overall season at Ohio State in 2025-26; he enters his ninth season as the Director of Swimming & Diving after spending nine seasons working with the women's team exclusively. His programs are among the best, if not the best, in the Big Ten Conference. Consider: Dorenkott has also guided the women's team to 10 Top 20 finishes at the NCAA championships, including a program-best sixth in 2023, and he has coached the men's program to a Top 10 finish four times. Dorenkott has guided eight teams to Big Ten championships, including the Penn State women three times – in 2002, 2005 and 2006 – in addition to the Ohio State women in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025. Dorenkott has coached 87 individual Big Ten Conference champions, including 47 Buckeye champions, in addition to 30 relay championship teams. He has coached 449 total NCAA qualifiers. Dorenkott took over as the head coach of Ohio State's women's swimming program in 2008, and in March 2017 he was announced as the director of swimming and diving for OSU's new combined men's and women's program.
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    1 h
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