Episodios

  • Beyond the Black Belt with Maeghen Cotterill

    Beyond the Black Belt with Maeghen Cotterill
    Jun 11 2025
    “Getting punched in the face? It’s the fastest way to learn what you’re made of.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Maeghen Cotterill, a professional martial artist, psychic channeler, and intuitive coach. Maeghen has been immersed in martial arts since she was eight years old and built one of Canada’s most successful dojos. She earned 11 world titles, founded Rising Phoenix Martial Arts, led Team Canada, and brought the world championships to Calgary—all while confronting abuse, disillusionment, and burnout. But after checking every box she’d ever set for herself, Maeghen did something unimaginable—she walked away from it all. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. What follows is a deeply honest conversation about identity, masks, and the courage it takes to burn everything down to rebuild a life with more joy, authenticity, and play. She reflects on blending the fierce discipline of martial arts with the gentler power of intuition, and how she finally found peace in the integration of both. We learn what it means to really get punched in the face—literally and metaphorically—and how those experiences can forge strength, humility, and insight. Maeghen shares stories of breaking barriers, surviving the underbelly of competitive sport, and discovering that softness can be as powerful as strength. Whether you’re a rebel in waiting or someone who’s already mid-pivot, Maeghen’s journey is a powerful reminder that you can do more than one thing—and you can always choose again. Quotable Quotes “I wanted to be the role model I didn’t have.” – Maeghen Cotterill “My masks have come off. My identity is becoming less and less important.” – Maeghen Cotterill “Getting punched in the face? It’s the fastest way to learn what you’re made of.” – Maeghen Cotterill “You don’t eat the elephant all at once—you take one bite at a time.” – Maeghen Cotterill “Sometimes we’re just doing stuff because we think we should. But we actually don’t want to.” – Michael Dargie Episode Highlights Life After Burnout | Maeghen shares how she blew up her life to follow her intuition Childhood Vision | She knew at 8 years old she wanted to teach martial arts Style Shifts | Transitioning through Gōjū-ryū, Kung Fu, and Shotokan Karate Martial Arts as Healing | Finding regulation through practice Starting Rising Phoenix | How she opened her first dojo at 23 Proving Herself | Winning 11 world titles across 8 divisions Hosting World Championships | Bringing 3,000 competitors to Calgary Getting Punched | Why everyone should feel it at least once Mentorship | Shoutout to Ed Straugh and Faisal Karmali New Joy | Lazy mornings, frequency music, and ugly-cry friendships Realization | Making decisions from fear vs. choosing peace Cobra Kai & Mortal Kombat | Why realistic representation matters Favourite Move | Lead leg sidekick to the face Disordered Eating | The darker side of competition Favourite Travel | Feeling at home in Germany and Austria Advice for Rebels | Start with unicorns and rainbows, then build LINKS FROM EPISODE Beyond the Black Belt (https://beyondtheblackbelts.com) Maeghen on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ninjagirlmma?igsh=MW8zcDlycTV1NHAxeg==) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    49 m
  • Universe, Show Me a Sign with Carmen Pineda-Selva

    Universe, Show Me a Sign with Carmen Pineda-Selva
    Jun 9 2025
    “I don’t know how the universe works, but I know how to move with it.”

    In this episode, Michael Dargie welcomes videographer, storyteller, and spontaneous cannonballer Carmen Pineda Selva. Known for her honest storytelling and contagious energy, Carmen shares the moment six months ago when she finally stopped resisting the universe and just started moving with it.

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    What started as an unexpected invitation to ride motorcycles for a travel video evolved into a transformative life reset—both creatively and personally. Carmen opens up about post-COVID burnout, a major life breakup, healing through Alberta’s landscapes, and finding joy (and love) on the back of a motorcycle.

    She talks about the creative spark behind her documentary project Alberta’s Healing Landscapes, which is now growing into a national series capturing stories of healing and connection across Canada—from the back of a bike. There’s heartbreak, humour, gravel roads, and a heavy dose of humble wisdom in this episode—and Carmen’s unapologetic authenticity shines the entire way.

    Cool stuff Carmen says

    “I don’t know how the universe works, but I know how to move with it.”

    “Life is supposed to be fun—I forgot that.”

    “Don’t think. Just jump.”

    “Pizza is like sex—even when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good.”

    “If you don’t obey your inner rumble, you’re gonna create crap.”

    Episode highlights

    Life After Burnout | Carmen shares how a post-COVID crash and a failed application changed everything

    Riding Toward Healing | Her first motorcycle ride becomes a spiritual wake-up call

    Alberta’s Healing Landscapes | Dreaming a full documentary project in her sleep

    From Film to Freedom | How videography and motorcycles collided into a whole new life

    Pizza, Poetry, and Potholes | The rebel wisdom of joy, connection, and jumping in

    Rebel with a Camera | Why she films from the back of a bike

    Cannonball Thinking | How doing things before overthinking fuels everything

    Healing Across Canada | A multi-part series capturing the soul of the country on two wheels

    Why JD Matters | The love story that began with a helmet and a promise

    Using Her Superpower | Being “incognito” to capture the realest moments

    Links from the episode

    Videography Incognito (https://facebook.com/videographyincognito)
    Freedom Biker Tours (https://freedombikertours.com)

    Hosted by: Michael Dargie
    THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
    "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    48 m
  • The Power of Story Structure with Deborah Ager

    The Power of Story Structure with Deborah Ager
    Jun 6 2025
    “That thing you feel awkward about? It might be your superpower.”

    In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with author, editor, and writing mentor Deborah Ager, founder of Radiant Media Labs. Based in Maryland, Deborah helps business leaders, professionals, and creatives translate their decades of knowledge into books that clarify, inspire, and connect.

    This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

    Deborah shares how her work evolved from marketing consultant to book coach—and how a single ghostwriting project opened a door she didn’t expect. Now, she guides clients through a process she calls “Clarify, Storify, Amplify,” giving them the structure and strategy they need to write books that build brands, careers, and legacy.

    She opens up about how poetry, language precision, and her own creative practice inform her work—and how joy, not perfectionism, is the secret ingredient to finishing. Whether you’re stuck at page one or polishing your manuscript, this episode is full of practical wisdom, thoughtful metaphors, and writer-to-writer solidarity.

    Quotable quotes

    “Editing is revision—but it’s also revisioning.”

    “That thing you feel awkward about? It might be your superpower.”

    “Just creating can feel very good—even if no one ever sees it.”

    “Words have nuance. Choosing the right ones can change everything.”

    “Discernment will help you move forward faster.”

    Episode highlights

    From Marketing to Memoirs | How Radiant Media Labs got its start

    Ghostwriting to Book Coaching | The power of clarifying other people’s ideas

    Editing as Joyful Revisioning | How to make peace with the hard parts

    Mindset Matters | Why joy and process go hand in hand

    Not Everyone Will Like It | And that’s okay

    Knowing Your Reader | Why audience clarity changes everything

    The Poetry Edge | Precision of language as a business advantage

    Clarify, Storify, Amplify | Deborah’s signature 3-part writing framework

    A Perfect Deborah Day | Creativity, conversation, and long walks

    What Deborah Reads | Essays, hybrid memoirs, and story-rich nonfiction

    Guilty Pleasures | Gardening, lake walks, and sharing food with wildlife

    Creating for Joy | Letting go of judgment and loving the process

    Rebels in Waiting | Discernment is the rebel’s best friend

    Black-Eyed Peas & Greens | Deborah’s go-to comfort food

    Dreambook Launcher | A free tool to help you start your book

    Links from the episode

    Radiant Media Labs Website (https://radiantmedialabs.com)

    Deborah Ager on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahager)

    BrandJitsu Book (https://brandjitsu.com)

    Hosted by: Michael Dargie
    THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM

    Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
    "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
    Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    33 m
  • Art, ADHD, and Undead IP with Ben Walker-Storey

    Art, ADHD, and Undead IP with Ben Walker-Storey
    Jun 4 2025
    “That thing that made you weird? It’s your superpower now.” In this episode, Michael Dargie chats with illustrator, animator, and all-around macabre misfit Ben Walker-Storey. From his spooky spot in Grass Valley, California—known for gold rushes and now monster sketches—Ben opens up about his life as a creator navigating ADHD, artistic reinvention, and DIY horror storytelling. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Ben is the creative force behind Cheap Chills Fan Club, an online brand that’s part creepy, part kitsch, and fully him. He draws, designs, animates, curates, and riffs on everything from vintage goths to B-movie monsters, often through alter ego “Roman Candelabra”—a persona born out of pandemic-era content making and camera anxiety. Together, they explore Ben’s childhood obsession with He-Man and horror flicks, the joyful weirdness of mid-century design, and how his awkward 14-year-old self inspired his favourite character, Grigor. From live-streamed sketch sessions to animated shorts and a newly rebooted podcast, Ben’s doing it all on his own freaky, funny terms. Whether it’s making weird T-shirts, studying bad transfers of Day of the Triffids, or drawing 80s goths from yearbook photos, Ben is a creative rebel worth watching (and listening to). You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, you’ll probably want to draw something after. Quotable quotes “The world doesn’t care about you—and that’s a good thing.” “I can’t do things another way. I literally can’t.” “Roman Candelabra just popped into my head. It was perfect.” “Grigor is me at my most awkward—he’s my most honest character.” “That thing that made you weird? It’s your superpower now.” Episode highlights Gold Country Life | Ben lives where the gold rush began—jeans might be the new treasure What’s Ben Up To? | Goths, monsters, T-shirts, and animated dreams Clip Studio Love | Why Ben left Procreate for a better creative workflow ADHD & Art | Why rebellion and creative obsession go hand-in-hand He-Man Changed Everything | Where Ben’s character obsession began Enter Grigor | The awkward devil-boy mascot of Ben’s empire Under the Skin | The horror movie that broke Ben (in a good way) Seagull Baby | Imagining how parenthood affects horror response What the World Should Know | No one’s watching you—do your weird thing Advice for Rebels | Patience, authenticity, and leaning into the awkward Roman Candelabra | The goth alter ego that gave Ben creative freedom Where to Find Ben | Cheap Chills Fan Club, Instagram, YouTube, and more Links from the episode Ben Walker-Storey on Instagram (https://instagram.com/cheapchillsfanclub) Cheap Chills Fanclub Website (https://cheapchillsfanclub.com) Cheap Chills Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/cheap-chills-on-art-and-monsters/id1322125727) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    44 m
  • Tech, Tactics, and Takeovers with Claire Milligan

    Tech, Tactics, and Takeovers with Claire Milligan
    Jun 2 2025
    “Don’t stop being that person who steps off the ledge.” In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with Claire Milligan, founder of Aimably, whose career has evolved from a designer obsessed with user experience to an entrepreneur helping businesses navigate private equity transformations—without losing their soul (or their engineers). This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Claire shares her journey from building products inside a small startup to leading business lines within private equity–owned companies. When rising AWS cloud costs became immovable obstacles, Claire and her colleague Mark founded Aimably to solve one very expensive problem: making cloud hosting costs understandable—and manageable. She breaks down how cost and engineering decisions in tech are often misaligned, how the traditional gross margin model fails modern SaaS, and why firing developers to improve numbers is not the solution. There’s also time for farting Santas, sourdough alternatives, and Claire’s favourite ski patrol memories in Lake Tahoe. This conversation dives deep into systems thinking, entrepreneurial grit, and why people—and their quirky personalities—are what drive the best businesses forward. It’s candid, funny, and packed with aha moments about building better companies and better lives. Quotable quotes “We do margins wrong in software.” —Claire Milligan “People are just the beginning and the end of the conversation.” —Claire Milligan “Don’t stop being that person who steps off the ledge.” —Claire Milligan “We get stuck in decisions that have cascading consequences.” —Claire Milligan “You had me at farting Santa.” —Michael Dargie Episode highlights Aimably’s Mission | Helping businesses navigate private equity with cloud cost clarity Cloud Reality Check | Why AWS bills forced Claire into entrepreneurship From Logo Design to UX | Claire’s design roots lead her into tech Obsessed with Cars | User experience goes beyond screens Grandpa’s Farting Santa | Corporate leadership meets absurd desk décor Needlepoint Sass | Claire’s unexpected creative outlet Software ≠ Car Manufacturing | Why tech doesn’t track costs like physical goods Redefining Margins | Putting engineering up top changes the math Broccoli, Reimagined | Life (and vegetables) after the 80s On Chairlifts and Wisdom | Claire’s ski patrol reflections Baking Through Burnout | Croissants, millionaires shortbread, and pandemic therapy Leisure Isn’t Just for the Rich | Why Great British Bake Off matters Around the World in Two Weeks | A father-daughter adventure Rebel Advice | When you step off the ledge, stay authentic Links from episode Aimably Website (https://www.aimably.com) Claire Milligan on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairemilligan) BrandJitsu Book (https://brandjitsu.com) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    43 m
  • Life After the Great Resignation with Laura Darrell

    Life After the Great Resignation with Laura Darrell
    May 30 2025
    “Leadership is my jam.” In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with leadership coach, author, and former VP of Boston Pizza, Laura Darrell. From her new home in Mexico City, Laura shares the story of how she and her husband upended their successful corporate careers in Canada, packed up their lives—and their pets—and moved south to rediscover joy, purpose, and a better way of living. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. What began as a break from the grind turned into a lifestyle. Along the way, Laura wrote a book titled The Great Resignation: How a Culture of Coaching and Appreciation Can Help You Win the War for Talent. Originally self-published, it caught the attention of Morgan James Publishing in New York and is now set for official release across North America. Laura dives into her views on leadership, the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic on work culture, and the values that guided her and her husband’s radical life shift. She offers insight into how Mexico has transformed their lives—from affordable, high-quality healthcare and vibrant community life to language immersion and daily trips to the tianguis (local market). She’s not just adapting—she’s thriving, and she’s bringing a fresh, human-centred approach to leadership into the spotlight. Whether you’re stuck in a career that doesn’t align with your values or just fantasizing about a slower, richer life, Laura’s story is a testament to the power of saying yes to what truly matters. Quotable Quotes “You just have to believe it’s possible.” – Laura Darrell “Leadership is my jam.” – Laura Darrell “The job of the leader is to bring people together.” – Laura Darrell “You never know until you put it out there.” – Michael Dargie “We all went through this bizarro time… did that really happen?” – Laura Darrell Episode highlights Leaving Corporate Life | Laura and her husband retire early and move to Mexico City Book Deal Surprise | Self-published book gets picked up by a New York publisher COVID Reflection | Rediscovering each other and rethinking priorities during lockdown The Big Move | Selling everything, flying to Mexico with pets and suitcases Publisher Says “As Is” | Laura’s book required almost no edits Living Like Locals | Immersing in Mexican culture and working toward citizenship Learning Spanish | Committing daily to language learning Tianguis Life | Buying fresh produce in street markets every week Healthcare Wins | Private healthcare with door-to-door service for under $2,000/year Medical Miracles | Laura’s mom gets an accurate diagnosis in under 5 hours for $800 Culture Shock | “People are friends here”—on community, connection, and joy Eastern Europe Vibes | Laura shares her family roots and love for Eastern Europe Leadership Advice | Get clear on your values to lead with integrity Rebels in Waiting | Shift your mindset—don’t let the old tapes stop you Links from episode The Great Resignation on Amazon (https://www.amazon.ca/Great-Resignation-Coaching-Appreciative-Leadership/dp/1636983618) Laura's Website (https://lauradarrellleadership.com) Laura on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauradarrellleadership?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    42 m
  • Entrepreneurial Grit and Grace with special guests Tomer and Anastasia Arwas

    Entrepreneurial Grit and Grace with special guests Tomer and Anastasia Arwas
    May 20 2025
    “When you lose everything, you realise what you actually need to live a good life.” In this episode, Michael Dargie welcomes husband and wife duo Tomer and Anastasia, Ukrainian immigrants who rebuilt their lives and careers from scratch after arriving in Canada. As war displaced their lives, their response was bold: uproot, relocate, and start anew in a country where they knew no one. The conversation follows their incredible journey from fleeing conflict to becoming proud business owners in Calgary, Alberta. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Tomer, a former industrial designer and seasoned entrepreneur, shares his struggles adjusting to a new economic and cultural landscape. He unpacks the grit it takes to pivot from success in one country to taking odd jobs in another, all while learning the language and regaining his confidence. Anastasia opens up about the personal toll of war, the strength required to adapt, and how she eventually found her voice through photography and design. Together, they launched Honest Agency—a branding and design firm dedicated to authentic storytelling and helping other businesses stand out. Their journey isn’t just about survival. It’s about choosing to thrive. From community support to inner resilience, this conversation is a lesson in what it means to live courageously and authentically. Their story is one of hope, not in spite of adversity, but because of how they chose to meet it. Quotable quotes “We had to start from zero. No money, no clients, no English. Just our skills and each other.” —Tomer “When you lose everything, you realise what you actually need to live a good life.” —Anastasia “Calgary embraced us before we even knew how to ask for help.” —Tomer “Being a creative is not a job—it’s how we survive.” —Michael Dargie Episode highlights [00:03,000] The Beginning | Tomer and Anastasia introduce themselves and their journey from Ukraine to Canada.[00:08,500] Conflict and Decision | The couple shares what it was like living through the early days of the war.[00:15,300] Starting Over | Tomer talks about taking on any job he could find to get by.[00:21,100] Learning English | They explain their challenges in adapting to a new language and culture.[00:29,000] Finding Community | A breakthrough moment as they are embraced by local Calgary networks.[00:35,400] Honest Agency | The founding of their new design business in Canada.[00:43,000] Life Philosophy | Anastasia reflects on how war changed their values and goals.[00:51,200] Design Ethos | Tomer explains their approach to branding: “authenticity first.”[00:58,500] Advice for Creatives | The couple offers heartfelt advice to anyone starting from scratch.[01:05,000] Looking Forward | They share their dreams for the future in their new home. Links from the episode Generation Nomads IG (https://www.instagram.com/generationnomads/)Generation Nomads LI (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomerarwas/)Generation Nomads (https://generationnomads.com)Ukraine Crisis Relief (https://www.redcross.ca)Calgary Immigrant Services (https://www.cisoc.net) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    47 m
  • Rebel in the Writer’s Room with Joel Novoa

    Rebel in the Writer’s Room with Joel Novoa
    Mar 31 2025
    “I couldn’t afford a Plan B. It was all or nothing.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Venezuelan-American filmmaker Joel Novoa, a passionate storyteller whose journey winds through political unrest, deep personal reflection, and a relentless pursuit of creative expression. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Joel shares how his early life in Venezuela shaped his worldview, teaching him to move forward even when everything around him felt stuck. With both a legal background and a master’s in screenwriting, Joel brings a unique lens to storytelling, one that honours the personal as much as the political. His work in film and television, including titles like Arrow, The Long Road Home, and the indie gem Day of Reckoning, speaks to his ability to navigate big industry machines while staying connected to the heart of a story. The conversation gets real about what it means to be a “creative rebel”—especially when your identity doesn’t neatly fit into Hollywood’s boxes. Joel talks about the fear that comes with creating, the drive to prove your worth, and the decision to fully commit to storytelling as his only path forward—no backup plan, no safety net. From the emotional cost of writing from your core to navigating stereotypes in the industry, Joel’s candid honesty pulls no punches. He encourages emerging creatives to embrace the discomfort and keep pushing, because resistance, as he puts it, is a sign you’re on the right track. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the weight of expectation, battling imposter syndrome, or trying to break through the noise while staying true to themselves. It’s not just about writing scripts—it’s about writing your own narrative. Cool Things Joel Says “Sometimes the resistance is just telling you this is the place you have to go.” — Joel Novoa “I couldn’t afford a Plan B. It was all or nothing.” — Joel Novoa “The stories I tell are the stories I’ve lived, or fought to understand.” — Joel Novoa “You can be terrified and still do the thing.” — Michael Dargie “If I don’t put my full identity on the page, who will?” — Joel Novoa Episode Highlights [2:15] Origins in Venezuela | Joel reflects on his upbringing and how political instability shaped his desire to tell meaningful stories. [5:42] From Law to Film | He talks about his academic background and how a shift to storytelling was a calling, not a decision. [10:30] No Plan B | Joel opens up about committing fully to film and screenwriting without a backup plan. [15:08] Fear as a Creative Compass | The idea that fear and resistance can point you toward the most important creative breakthroughs. [20:45] Identity and Representation | Joel discusses the complexity of Latinx identity in Hollywood and the responsibility of authentic representation. [27:12] Breaking Stereotypes | How Joel challenges expectations both in front of and behind the camera. [33:50] Writing from the Core | The emotional cost and reward of writing stories that come from lived experience. [38:17] Final Advice | Joel leaves listeners with powerful thoughts on what it means to live and create without compromise. Links from the Episode Joel Novoa’s Website (https://www.joelnovoa.com) IMDb: Joel Novoa (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4307324/) Joel on Instrgram (https://www.instagram.com/joelnovoa/) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
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    47 m
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