Episodios

  • Ep. 600 – How Compassion Works with John Makransky and Paul Condon
    Jun 27 2025
    In a conversation on cultivating compassion, authors and professors John Maransky and Paul Condon explore how to activate our natural capacity to care for all beings.This time on Mindrolling, John, Paul, and Raghu discuss:Paul and John’s spiritual and personal journeys, and how they came together to write How Compassion WorksSeeing the humanity in all beings and opening our hearts even to our perceived enemiesLooking to the fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism in order to cultivate compassionDropping into the grounded depth of our awareness so that we can meet that same quality in othersBecoming aware of our reactive minds as the first step on the path of compassionAdding in psychological and scientific perspectives to the practice of compassionOur natural capacity to care and how it takes less effort than hate/conflictEmbodying ideals of kindness and seeing others in a less superficial wayPracticing honest self-reflection to assess and grow our capacity for compassionThe domino effect of love and kindness– how seeing compassion in action inspires othersReunifying with our inner beings and loving nature through mindfulness The symbiotic relationship of love and wisdomRecommendations From This Episode: Learn more about Sustainable Compassion via audio guided meditations, videos, retreats, writings, and more!Order your copy of John and Paul’s newly released book, How Compassion Works, HEREAbout John Makransky, Ph.D.John Makransky, PhD, is Associate Professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology at Boston College, senior advisor for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s Centre of Buddhist Studies in Nepal and developer of the Sustainable Compassion Training model for accessing innate capacities of compassion and awareness. John's academic writings have focused on connections between practices of wisdom, compassion and devotion in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, on adapting Buddhist practices for contemporary minds, and on interfaith learning. In 2000, John was ordained as a Lama, a meditation teacher of innate compassion and wisdom, within the Nyingma Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. As a meditation teacher, John is known for guiding participants in their discovery of underlying powers of love and wisdom. Since 2000, John has taught meditations of innate compassion and wisdom, adapted from Tibetan Buddhism, for modern Buddhists, those in other spiritual traditions, and for people in caring roles and professions.“In order to really be the kind of person that can make a beneficial difference in our world, we have to learn how to drop down below the superficial reactive level of consciousness we all tend to live on together into more of the depth of our being, the ground of our experience.” – John MaranskyAbout Paul Condon, Ph.D.Paul Condon is an associate professor of psychology at Southern Oregon University, a visiting lecturer for the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, and a fellow of the Mind & Life Institute. His research examines the ways that psychological science can inform the adaptation of meditation practices in dialogue with contemplative traditions, with an emphasis on compassion training. His research and writing also examine the constructed nature of emotion and concepts, attachment theory, and the impact of meditation on compassion and prosocial behavior. Paul also teaches meditation practices adapted from the Tibetan Nyingma tradition. He has studied and collaborated with John Makransky to develop and teach Sustainable Compassion Training. His practice and teaching have also been informed by study with Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Lama Willa Baker, and the Courage of Care Coalition. "Care is a natural capacity and being in a caring relationship with another being is more natural and less effortful than being in an antagonist or conflict-based connection.” – Paul CondonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    59 m
  • Ep. 599 – The Divine Flow of Satsang & Surrender with Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
    Jun 20 2025

    Inviting us into the heart of India, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati and Raghu dive into divine flow, navigating karmic life, and the value of spiritual community.

    Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.org

    In this week’s episode, Sadhvi and Raghu reflect on:

    • Discovering divine presence and deep gratitude in the holy land of India
    • The Westerner’s experience in India and how acceptance and joy are contagious
    • From PhD student to spiritual seeker: Sadhvi’s awakening to the divine energy in Rishikesh
    • Becoming a channel for universal energy and aligning with divine flow
    • The power of satsang: gathering in truth, stillness, and spiritual presence
    • Balancing daily life with surrender to divine perfection and karmic unfolding
    • Learning to work with the mind through spiritual practices like mantra, prayer, and mindfulness
    • The importance of spiritual community and real-world human connection
    • Neuroplasticity and the spiritual path: transforming our thoughts, habits, and inner reality
    • Seva (service to others) as the most potent way to purify the mind

    Recommendations From This Episode:

    Check out another Mindrolling with Sadhvi and Raghu from 2021, where they explore Sadhvi’s journey from Hollywood to the Himalayas

    Pick up Sadhvi’s book, Come Home to Yourself, to learn more about navigating this karmic journey while knowing we are divinity

    About Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

    Sadhvi is a renowned spiritual leader and motivational speaker, based in Rishikesh, India. She’s the author of #1 bestselling memoir, Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation. Originally from Los Angeles, a graduate of Stanford University, and a PhD in psychology, Sadhviji has lived on the banks of the sacred Ganga river, in the lap of the Himalayas for more than 25 years engaged in spiritual service, wisdom teaching, sacred action, and deep spiritual practice. Roll on over to Sadhvi’s website to learn more.

    “The slightest bit of working with the mind, mantra, chanting, japa, kirtan, prayer, anything, it shows us that we actually do have the power to put our mind where we want it to be." – Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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    58 m
  • Ep. 598 – Emotional Intelligence Explained: Stories, Science, and Strategies with Daniel Goleman
    Jun 13 2025
    Offering practical insights for developing emotional intelligence, Psychologist Daniel Goleman and Raghu unpack skills like mindful self-awareness, self-management, and empathy.Learn more about Emotional Intelligence with Daniel Goleman’s self-paced course.In this episode, Daniel and Raghu reflect on:Daniel's first introduction to the concept of emotional intelligence and its lifelong impact4 core elements of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, emotional management, empathy/social awareness, using empathy to have effective relationships The ability to learn emotional intelligence and improve throughout lifeInvestigating whether artificial intelligence (AI) can feel emotions & empathy or if it merely replicates humans Why reading social cues is essential for emotional effectiveness and healthy interpersonal relationshipsReflecting on the teachings and stories of K.K. Sah as practical examples of emotional intelligence in actionHighlighting the Dalai Lama's role as a global symbol of compassion, empathy, and altruismBringing in mindfulness to change our emotional patterns The importance of developing an inner-awareness of our emotions How self-awareness and emotional intelligence can positively impact a workplaceMaintaining a positive outlook despite life’s numerous challenges Take the opportunity to support Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation and step into another dimension with a one-of-a-kind pair of custom Midnight Gospel sneakers. Hand-crafted by The Shoe Surgeon to replicate the iconic shoes worn by Clancy himself in the groundbreaking animated series by Duncan Trussell and Pendleton Ward.All proceeds benefit the Love Serve Remember Foundation and their work to preserve and continue the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. CLICK HERE to bid on the shoes and find more exciting one-of-a-kind collector’s items at the LSRF Auction HERE.Recommendations from this Episode:Grab yourself a copy of Daniel Goleman and Tsoknyi Rinpoche’s book, Why We Meditate.Learn how the mind can heal the heart with the book Emotional Alchemy by Tara Bennett-Goleman.Consider creating an emotionally intelligent team with this book by Vanessa Urch Druskat.About Daniel Goleman: Daniel is an internationally known psychologist and author. His New York Times bestselling book, Emotional Intelligence, was named one of the 25 “Most Influential Business Management Books” by TIME Magazine. Daniel is also a board member of the Mind & Life Institute, an organization that fosters dialogues and research collaborations among contemplative practitioners and scientists. Daniel has organized a series of intensive conversations between the Dalai Lama and scientists, and further merged Dharma and science, coauthoring Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body. Learn more about Daniel’s work at danielgoleman.infoMindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.org“The good news about emotional intelligence, unlike IQ, is that you can learn it. It's learnable at any point in life. You can always improve. Your IQ pretty much stays the same throughout life, emotional intelligence can get better and better, if you care, if you want.” – Daniel GolemanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    55 m
  • Ep. 597 – Breaking the Boundaries of Compassion with Duncan Trussell
    Jun 6 2025
    From psychedelic breakthroughs to breaking the boundaries of compassion, Duncan Trussell and Raghu Markus offer unfiltered wisdom on the messy magic of waking up.Take the opportunity to support Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation and step into another dimension with a one-of-a-kind pair of custom Midnight Gospel sneakers. Hand-crafted by The Shoe Surgeon to replicate the iconic shoes worn by Clancy himself in the groundbreaking animated series by Duncan Trussell and Pendleton Ward. All proceeds benefit the Love Serve Remember Foundation and their work to preserve and continue the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. CLICK HERE to bid on the shoes and find more exciting one-of-a-kind collector’s items at the LSRF Auction HERE.This time on Mindrolling, Duncan and Raghu connect over: The Good Friday psychedelic experiment New MDMA research with octopuses and insights into social neuroscienceBrain scans of Tibetan monks practicing loving-kindness (Metta) meditation‘Making the most’ of the neuroplasticity that can occur during a psychedelic experience The most powerful issue we have to deal with: identity Transactional compassion versus offering genuine love and care to all Reversing our own neurosis and breaking through the self-created boundaries of compassionEmbracing spiritual discipline through the daily grind of practiceMoving through what the Buddhists call ‘the original heart of sadness’ Maladaptive behaviors that we develop to mask the pain of humanity Alcohol as the west’s faulty ‘ayahuasca’ and initiation practice Self-compassion and allowing ourselves to be humanToday's episode is sponsored by Psychedelic Science 2025 & Reunion:Join the most important psychedelic gathering of the year......bridging science, spirit & society at Psychedelic Science 2025: THE INTEGRATION, hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Be part of the movement that will shape the next era of mental health, medicine, and consciousness.Featuring speakers like Paul Stamets, United States Representative Tim Ryan, Rick Doblin, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Richard Schwartz, Pilar Guzman, CEO/Medical Director of the APA Marketa M. Wills, Raghu Markus, comedian Reggie Watts, musicians TYCHO & Jim James, and many more!Listeners get 15% off tickets to the 5-day event with our promo code LSRF15 at PsychedelicScience.orgMindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.orgAbout Duncan Trussell:Duncan Trussell is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His popular podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour, has been downloaded over 25 million times and is known for its blend of humor, fringe ideas, eclectic guests, and great interviews. The DTFH is the foundation for Duncan’s Netflix animated series, The Midnight Gospel, which he co-created with Pendleton Ward in 2020. To learn more about Duncan’s work, visit his website at duncantrussell.com.“What do you do when you're passing strangers in the street and you love them completely? It's not bullshit. You feel about them the way you feel about someone you love, like your mother. What happens when the boundary of compassion breaks through and there is no longer this person deserves compassion, this person doesn't. It's like a dam broke." – Duncan TrussellSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 h y 6 m
  • Ep. 596 – Psychedelics: A Master Key to Rewiring the Brain with Gül Dölen
    May 30 2025

    Neuroscientist Gül Dölen explores how psychedelics paired with mindful integration can reopen the brain’s sensitive learning windows to rewire habits, heal trauma, and expand consciousness.

    Join the 2025 MAPS conference this June in Denver, Colorado and be a part of the movement that will shape the next era of mental health, medicine, and consciousness. MAPS, The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, is a nonprofit organization that provides public resources and leadership as we work together to create legal, responsible, evidence-based pathways to psychedelics. Learn more about the conference and use the coupon code LSRF15 for a special promotion at https://www.psychedelicscience.org

    In this episode of Mindrolling, Gül and Raghu chat about:

    • Gül’s research on psychedelics and how we can translate animal studies into human neuroscience
    • Looking to Octopuses for sociological answers using MDMA
    • Critical periods—windows when the brain is most open to learning and environmental influence.
    • Psychedelics as the master key to reopening critical periods, especially when paired with therapy
    • Inducing metaplasticity with psychedelics, reshaping harmful patterns, and promoting transformation.
    • Non-substance methods to reopen critical periods, like sensory and social deprivation
    • How mystical practices such as meditation and silent retreats can trigger a “beginner’s mind” state for deep insights
    • How psychedelics propose a learning model rather than a biochemical imbalance model towards approaching depression, addiction, or PTSD
    • Focusing on post-trip integration to harness long-term benefits from the psychedelic experience
    • Maximize the integration period to cement insights gained during psychedelic journeys
    • The social and psychological changes we go through as we age and adapt to new environments/situations
    • The importance of “set and setting” and how it can influence psychedelic experiences and the formation of helpful or harmful habits

    Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.org

    About Gül Dölen:

    Dr. Gül Dölen is a Professor and the Bob & Renee Parsons Endowed Chair in the Department of Neuroscience, and Department of Psychology, the Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr Dölen also maintains an Adjunct Professorship in Neuroscience and Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine. Dr. Dölen researches the role psychedelics may have in unlocking critical periods in Dölen Lab. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards.

    “It turns out that our results really suggest that psychedelics are those master keys that we have been looking for all this time.” – Gül Dölen

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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    1 h
  • Ep. 595 – Igniting the Heart of Compassion: In Remembrance of Ralph De La Rosa
    May 23 2025
    Honoring the life of a longtime friend of the Be Here Network, Ralph De La Rosa, this special episode explores Ralph’s wisdom on moving through trauma via the heart of compassion. If you’d like to honor Ralph De La Rosa’s legacy by supporting his family, a GoFundMe has been created to help with the significant and unexpected expenses following his passing - Honoring Ralph's Life: Support their familyIn this conversation with Jackie Dobrinska from June 2024, Ralph shares his wisdom on the topics of:The nourishment that daily spiritual practice brought to Ralph's healing journeyRalph’s difficulties with mental health, bullying, neurodivergence, and gender non-conformityHow spiritual bypassing can distract from real healing and disconnect us from realityThe myth of constant happiness and why true bliss involves emotional depthCultivating self-compassion to transform trauma, fear, and emotional heartbreakHealing from the inside out by embracing pain as a teacher and guideA 20-minute guided meditation/compassion practice led by RalphRalph’s transformative rehab experience and introduction to Buddhist teachingsDeveloping an embodied sense of self-love, safety, and inner affectionExploring subjective perception and rewriting our personal and collective narrativesUsing curiosity as a stepping stone when we are struggling to get to compassionHealing trauma by reconnecting with the inner child (with therapeutic support)Acknowledging our defense mechanisms and communicating with the parts of ourselves that are stuck in survival modeLetting go of past emotional residue and rebuilding trust in the heart’s wisdomUnderstanding the difference between real love/compassion and codependent patterns/poor boundariesToday's episode is sponsored by Reunion & Dharma Seed:Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.orgJoin Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das’ band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTIAbout Ralph De La Rosa:Ralph De La Rosa (he/they) was a teacher of human spirituality, an internationally published author and a trauma-focused psychotherapist. Ralph worked in private practice and was a seasoned meditation teacher known for his radically open and humorous teaching style. He was personally mentored by Richard Schwartz, founder and developer of Internal Family Systems. Check out Ralph’s book, Outshining Trauma, which focuses on trauma and radical self-compassion. Learn more about Ralph on his website.“We're all holding traumas. We've all been bruised by life in large or small ways. What that is, is an invitation to find and open the heart of compassion, the heart of loving kindness that already exists within you. It's right there.” – Ralph De La RosaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 h y 13 m
  • Ep. 594 – Embodied Awareness & Somatic Healing with Jill Satterfield
    May 16 2025

    Embodied awareness practitioner Jill Satterfield joins Raghu to unpack how meditative poses, creativity, and slowing down can help us release pain, move energy, and heal somatically.

    In this delightful episode of the Mindrolling Podcast, Raghu and Jill Satterfield converse about:

    • Out-of-body experiences through immersive art and altered states of consciousness
    • Jill’s college days and spiritual insights from taking peyote in the desert
    • Finding a spiritual path through chronic pain and emotional suffering
    • How trauma and pain disconnect us from bodily awareness
    • The physiological impact of imagination on the body and nervous system
    • How meditative and yogic poses can open areas of our body & psyche for exploration
    • Witnessing processes within the body via ‘slowing down, staying in something, and moving energy’
    • Somatic healing during retreat and bringing concentration into the body
    • Adaptive postures for meditation and yoga, and allowing flexibility within our practice
    • The benefit of curiosity for altering our perspectives and opening the heart
    • Noticing that pain is an umbrella for many feelings, including some that are pleasant or interesting

    Today's episode is sponsored by Reunion & Dharma Seed:

    Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.org

    Join Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das’ band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTI

    About Jill Satterfield:

    Jill Satterfield has been a quiet pioneer in the integration of embodied awareness practices and Buddhist teachings for over 30 years. Her heart/mind and body approach developed from somatic and contemplative psychology, 35 years of Buddhist study, extensive meditation retreat time and decades of living with chronic pain. At the invitation of her primary teacher, Ajahn Amaro, Jill was the first to offer mindful movement and somatic practices on silent retreats at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and then the Insight Meditation Society 30 years ago. She has developed teacher trainings and mentoring programs that integrate embodied awareness with Dharma ever since. Learn more about Jill’s numerous offerings on her website.

    "Imagination creates a physiological response. What you imagine changes your body—it changes your mind. If you're thinking about your guru, your teacher, someone you love, it changes your body." – Jill Satterfield

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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    1 h y 8 m
  • Ep. 593 – A Journey Through Psyche & Spirit with Melinda Edwards, MD
    May 9 2025
    Dr. Melinda Edwards sits down with Raghu for a journey through psyche and spirit, revealing the doorways that led her out of trauma, into healing, and ultimately home to her heart. This time on Mindrolling, Raghu and Dr. Melinda Edwards discuss:How Dr. Melinda Edwards grew up as a child of medical missionaries in Guatemala The build-up of trauma in Dr. Edwards’ life and how it manifested as an eating disorderHow meeting Ram Dass transformed Melinda’s life and guided her to Neem Karoli BabaRam Dass’ example of holding unconditional love and compassionate presence for othersUsing our issues and contractions as an individualized path forward for spiritual growth Considering the value of psychedelics for accelerating a spiritual journey The powerful impact of full commitment and surrender during meditation retreatsAddressing common misconceptions about autism and how autistic individuals process emotionsDr. Melinda’s experience teaching her daughter “how to be human” and to navigate this chaotic worldLiving Darshan, Dr. Edwards’ non-profit, aimed at increasing the understanding of neurodiversity The challenge and importance of keeping our hearts open, even in moments of resistanceFinding shared humanity in the people and traits we fear, reject, or dislike in othersFacing our inner rage, grief, and pain in response to the global political and emotional climateThis episode is sponsored by Reunion & Dharma Seed:Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.orgJoin Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das’ band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTIAbout Dr. Melinda Edwards:Melinda Edwards, MD is a mother, writer and physician in Charleston, SC. Her medical training and her life’s journey home to her own heart inform her work as a psychiatrist. Supporting others in their discovery of the love that we all are is one of her greatest joys. She is the founder of the 501c3 nonprofit organization Living Darshan and is the author of Psyche & Spirit: How a Psychiatrist Found Divinity Through Her Lifelong Quest for Truth and Her Daughter’s Autism. Keep up with Dr. Edwards on her website or on her Instagram."Our psychology, our contractions, our issues, whatever comes up is itself the doorway back home to our hearts. Isn't that a miracle? Each of us has a perfectly individualized path laid out right in front of our noses each moment." – Melinda Edwards, MDSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 h y 2 m