Episodios

  • 061: Learning, Leading, and Healing Through Physiotherapy with Tyson Plesuk

    061: Learning, Leading, and Healing Through Physiotherapy with Tyson Plesuk
    Jun 10 2025
    What happens when physiotherapy care goes beyond treating just the injury?In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with someone I’ve known my entire life - my younger brother, Tyson Plesuk. Tyson is a sports and manual physiotherapist, a three-time Olympic medical team member, and co-owner of Movement Sports Clinic. Our conversation was an exploration into what it means to lead, teach, and grow through movement, injury, and recovery.Tyson’s journey into physiotherapy began with an injury at age 15 and the care of an athletic therapist who not only treated his body, but inspired his future. Since then, Tyson’s career has spanned amateur and professional sport, international competition, and community health. He has worked with everyone from Olympic athletes to grandparents chasing their grandkids, always bringing the same level of care, curiosity, and connection.What sets Tyson apart is his deep commitment to lifelong learning and his belief that healing is a team effort. In our conversation, he shares how his competitive drive and love of sport translate into a constant pursuit of excellence - not just for himself, but for his patients, his team, and his own children, whom he now coaches.We talk about the evolution of physiotherapy, what it means to teach and empower patients, and how mentorship plays a key role in his clinic’s culture. Tyson also opens up about pinch-me moments in his career - from walking in the Olympic opening ceremonies to helping athletes achieve gold - and the many mentors who shaped him along the way.Whether you’re dreaming of a career in physiotherapy, navigating your own recovery, or just love a good story of perseverance, leadership, and growth, this episode will leave you inspired.Tyson’s journey reminds us that education isn’t just found in classrooms. It’s lived on ice rinks, in treatment rooms, through coaching, and in every small act of care that helps someone move forward. Listen in as we talk about:04:55 Tyson's journey into physiotherapy07:43 Commitment to continuous learning10:19 From challenges to pinch-me moments12:42 Learning together, healing together20:12 The heart of leadership23:09 Advice for aspiring physiotherapists25:10 Life lessons through sport26:30 Continuing to grow in physio28:08 Coaching, learning, and growth30:40 Lessons from mentors35:06 Proud moments through partnership37:24 A growing curiosity for pickleball38:39 Learning from a legend39:37 Creating your own luck Connect with Tyson:Websites: Tyson Physiotherapy: https://tysonphysiotherapy.com/Movement Sports Clinic: https://movementsportsclinic.ca/LinkedIn: Tyson PlesukInstagram: @tyson_physio@movesportclinicFacebook: @movementsportclinic Connect with Tiana:Website: https://tianafech.comLinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech Facebook: @tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course TYSON’S JOURNEY INTO PHYSIOTHERAPYWhen Tyson was just 15, a hip flexor injury at a hockey camp started his pathway towards a career in physiotherapy. A caring and skilled athletic therapist named Rick Chamney helped him recover so effectively that Tyson skated off the ice inspired, wondering if a role like Rick’s could be his career in the future. From there, Tyson explored related paths like sports medicine and chiropractic, but volunteering under physiotherapist Kathryn Jeans cemented his decision. Watching her guide people from injury to full recovery showed him the powerful and personal role physiotherapists can play in someone’s journey. COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNINGTyson’s dedication to continual learning stems from two big parts of his story. First, he started hockey later than most kids, which lit a fire in him to catch up - putting in extra time at the rink and practicing endlessly, even using his younger sister as a stand-in goalie. That early lesson stuck: if you want to grow, you’ve got to go the extra mile.
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    43 m
  • 060: You’ve Got This with Tiana Fech

    060: You’ve Got This with Tiana Fech
    May 27 2025
    Have you ever noticed how often we move from one thing to the next… without pausing to take in how far we’ve come? The moments that shaped us? The quiet strength it took to juggle so much, and still show up with heart?Over the years - as a mother, an educator, and someone committed to learning out loud - I’ve realized that our journeys are rarely linear. They’re layered, imperfect, and full of growth we don’t always see until we slow down.In this episode, I reflect on the messy, beautiful juggle of motherhood and meaningful work. I share the chapter I wrote five years ago for a collaborative book project, and how revisiting it today offered fresh perspective and renewed appreciation. We’ll explore what it means to find your own way, to ask for help, and to build a version of life that works for you. Whether you’re in the thick of it or coming up for air, this one’s a gentle reminder: You’ve got this.Listen in as we talk about:01:00 Celebrating the journey05:49 Your path, your way08:15 Redefining the work-life juggle13:05 Windows of your own17:40 Saying it out loud20:04 Creating a flexible path22:26 Leaning on community support24:47 Embracing new beginnings27:04 Navigating change and finding purpose29:18 Moving forward with intention31:46 Finding your own flowConnect with Tiana:Website: https://tianafech.comLinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech Facebook: @tianafech Book: You've Got This, Boss Mama: A Mother's Guide to Embracing Growth and Living an Aligned LifeBook: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY“These connections led to my connections, more learning, and more growth”When was the last time you truly paused to appreciate how far you’ve come? In this episode, I’m inviting you to do just that - to take a moment to reflect, to look back, and to celebrate the journey. That’s exactly what happened when I picked up a book that’s been with me for five years: You’ve Got This, Boss Mama, a collaborative project I’m proud to have co-authored. Holding it in my hands brought back so many memories - not just of the chapter I wrote, but of the incredible women I connected with through that experience. This includes Dina Ottoni-Battistessa, Gillian Sawyer, Shannon Christensen, Monica Hui, and Sabrina Greer - each of them has played a meaningful role in my journey, and many have joined me here on the podcast. That book sparked friendships, collaborations, and learning that helped shape who I am today. It also reminded me of the many others who supported me along the way. As I’ve moved forward from the Part-Time Jungle chapter of my work, I’m grateful for what it taught me and how it helped me grow into what I am doing and who I am today. Sometimes, the most powerful way to move forward is to pause, reflect, and honour all the steps - and people - that got you here.YOUR PATH, YOUR WAY“Life is too short and time is too precious to be living the life that others think we should lead.”Especially when it comes to motherhood and work, there’s no one-size-fits-all path - and that’s a good thing. Maybe you’re home full-time, working full-time, or juggling something in between. However it looks for you, it’s valid. And yet, the judgment still shows up - those passing comments or sideways glances that suggest there’s a “right” way to do things. But the truth is, every family is different. Every woman’s story is layered and unique. What works for one person won’t work for another, and that’s okay. There’s room for all of it - for all of us. Let’s stop measuring our choices against someone else’s expectations. Your way is the right way for you.REDEFINING THE WORK-LIFE JUGGLEMotherhood doesn’t come with a roadmap, and neither does figuring out how work fits into it. For years, I’ve been navigating the in-between - working part-time while raising three kids and trying to find roles that not only fit our family life but also feel meaningful. The truth?
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    37 m
  • 059: The Power of Poetry with Wakefield Brewster

    059: The Power of Poetry with Wakefield Brewster
    May 6 2025
    What is the power of poetry? In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Wakefield Brewster. Our conversation was a deep dive into the power of poetry, the importance of literacy, and how one can find and embrace their voice through poetry. Wakefield Brewster is not just a professional poet and spoken word artist with over two decades of experience. He is an educator and a passionate advocate for literacy. Known for his powerful words and captivating performances, Wakefield's work spans schools, festivals, corporate functions, and more. As Calgary's sixth Poet Laureate from 2022 to 2024, he has dedicated his career to inspiring others to find their voice. Through our conversation, Wakefield shared his philosophy on the transformative power of language, emphasizing that "we lead with language." By helping others find their voice, he strives to create a world where everyone's story can be told and appreciated. Moreover, his work demonstrates how poetry and spoken word are dynamic tools for learning, inspiring people of all ages to connect with language deeply. Wakefield Brewster's journey is a testament to the intersection of words and wellness and the importance of sharing one's story. His work encourages us to consider how language can enrich our lives and communities, inspire change, and cultivate understanding. Listen in as we talk about: 03:12 Finding purpose through challenges 11:16 When poetry found Wakefield 22:08 The power of sharing your voice 26:00 Fostering a love for language 31:04 Finding connection through storytelling 33:48 Creating community as Calgary’s Poet Laureate 40:45 Being brave and sharing with the world 43:33 Writing WakeWORD - a book of poetry 53:05 Poetry and the art of listening 01:03:30 A moment of recognition and pride 01:05:39 Being seen as a poet 01:08:21 Words and wellness Connect with Wakefield: Website: https://www.wakefieldbrewster.com/ LinkedIn: Wakefield Brewster Instagram: @wakefield_brewster Facebook: @wakefield.brewster TEDxCalgary - Wakefield Brewster - The power of “I can” Book: WAKEWord Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech Facebook: @tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course FINDING PURPOSE THROUGH CHALLENGES Growing up isn’t easy, especially when life throws incredibly difficult experiences your way. Wakefield talks about how his early years were shaped by personal traumas and an educational system that didn’t truly see or support the different needs of its students. School was a tough place for him, but those struggles helped shape the teacher and mentor he is today. Instead of focusing only on information, he believes in bringing energy, compassion, and connection into every classroom. His approach is all about entertaining, engaging, making it easy, educating, and enlightening. If students can feel even a small spark, it can open the door to bigger growth over time. Wakefield reminds us that we don’t always get to see the results of the seeds we plant, but that doesn’t make the planting any less important. Even when you can’t see the impact right away, showing up with heart, energy, and care has the power to change someone’s world. WHEN POETRY FOUND WAKEFIELD Wakefield’s connection to poetry wasn’t something he pursued. It was something that found him. At 16, after years of studying music, including the organ, piano, and percussion, he felt a powerful creative spark (from something that he saw on TV) and wrote his first (admittedly terrible) two poems, marking the first time he truly created something of his own. Even though he kept his writing hidden for years, worried about how it would be perceived, the need to express himself through poetry never went away. His first public reading turned out to be an accidental entry into a poetry slam and was a tough experience.
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    37 m
  • 058: Be Curious with Tiana Fech

    058: Be Curious with Tiana Fech
    Apr 22 2025
    Have you ever noticed how often we talk about curiosity… but rarely stop to explore what it really means? What it looks like in our everyday lives? Or how it quietly shapes the way we connect, learn, and grow? Over the years, as a student, a teacher, and now a parent, I’ve come to see curiosity as more than just a trait. It’s a mindset. A way of being. A quiet, steady force that keeps us open to ideas, to people, to possibility. In this episode, I dive into what it means to be curious. I share stories from my own learning journey - moments when curiosity helped me shift my perspective, deepen a connection, or simply slow down and notice something I might’ve missed. We’ll explore why curiosity matters more than ever in the way we teach, parent, and show up in the world. Make sure you get your FREE Guide: Be Curious Listen in as we talk about: 02:25 The heart of curiosity 08:36 Building connections through curiosity 10:48 The courage to be curious 14:05 Embracing the learner mindset 15:58 Everyday curiosity 19:41 Childlike curiosity 21:10 The power of curiosity Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech Facebook: @tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course THE HEART OF CURIOSITY Curiosity is more than a fleeting thought. It’s a mindset, a spark that invites us to learn, explore, and connect. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about asking the questions and being willing to follow where they lead. At a neurological level, curiosity literally rewires our brains to learn more deeply and remember more clearly. And while curiosity often lives alongside awe and wonder, they’re not the same. Awe is what we feel in the presence of something vast and humbling - like standing at the edge of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Wonder is that wide-eyed delight in the everyday - the kind kids seem to find effortlessly in puddles, bugs, and cracks in the sidewalk. Curiosity, though, is what happens when we notice a gap in our knowledge and feel drawn to close it. It’s what turns a beautiful glass heart on a desk into a doorway to an artist’s story, a deeper connection, and a new way of seeing. Curiosity opens the door to meaning. It helps us notice more, learn more, and connect more deeply with the world around us. BUILDING CONNECTIONS THROUGH CURIOSITY Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions. It’s how we grow, connect, and make sense of the world around us. It helps us challenge our assumptions, see beyond our own perspectives, and build empathy. I’m often reminded of Adam Grant’s idea that lifelong learners believe they can learn something from everyone they meet. That mindset came to life for me at Pearson College, where I studied alongside students from nearly 90 countries. It showed me how curiosity can unite people across cultures and create space for deeper understanding. Over the years, this podcast has also become a powerful source of curiosity for me - fueling meaningful conversations and inspiring new ways of thinking. Curiosity opens the door to empathy, growth, and connection and when we stay open to learning from others, we all move forward together. THE COURAGE TO BE CURIOUS Even though curiosity is a powerful force, it doesn’t always come easily. Sometimes we assume we already know enough, worry about looking silly, or simply don’t slow down long enough to wonder. One of the biggest barriers? The instinct to be critical before we’re curious - to judge before we ask. But when we start with questions instead of conclusions, we open the door to deeper learning and connection. Misinformation and echo chambers, especially online, can make this even harder by narrowing our view of the world. It takes intentional effort to step outside our comfort zones, to listen to different perspectives, and to stay curious even when it’s uncomfortable. But that’s where the growth lives - in the messy middle,
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    23 m
  • 057: Small Bits of Happiness with Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut

    057: Small Bits of Happiness with Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut
    Apr 8 2025
    What inspires two teenagers to create a business dedicated to spreading joy and building connections in a world that often feels overwhelming? 17 year old Mercedes and 14 year old Anastasia are sisters and co-founders of the company, Small Bits of Happiness. Their mission is to help individuals of all ages find more happiness in daily life as well as build happy habits and connections. As two teens, Mercedes and Anastasia understand firsthand the difficulties of teenage-hood, including not only the hormonal changes that tweens and teens undergo, but the added stressors of war, post-pandemic life, and beyond. Small Bits of Happiness has reached over 4 million teens and adults. Mercedes and Anastasia have been featured on national news and media, spoken at schools and conventions across North America, and host the podcast - Hack Your Happiness. They have also designed a series of happiness-wellness products for tweens, teens, adults and schools. Listen in as we talk about: 01:00 Meet Mercedes and Anastasia 03:06 Finding happiness in the little things 06:50 The power of connection 08:15 Happiness in everyday moments 10:15 The importance of small bits of happiness 12:26 Balancing school, business, and life 15:29 Learning in the business world 19:08 Building stronger parent-teen connections 23:59 Supporting teens through life’s struggles 27:21 Hack Your Happiness podcast 30:30 Happiness tools and resources 32:26 Looking ahead with Small Bits of Happiness 33:15 Their mom = their most impactful teacher 35:15 Celebrating growth and achievements 37:26 Embracing growth and believing in yourself Connect with Mercedes and Anastasia: Website: https://smallbitsofhappiness.com/ LinkedIn: Small Bits of Happiness Instagram: @small.bits.of.happiness TikTok: @smallbitsofhappiness YouTube: Small Bits of Happiness Podcast: Hack Your Happiness Retail Collection: ShopBits Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech Facebook: @tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course FINDING HAPPINESS IN THE LITTLE THINGS When the pandemic hit, Mercedes and Anastasia found themselves struggling with the weight of the world - teenage challenges, global uncertainty, and everyday stress. But instead of letting it consume them, they decided to focus on the small, good things like enjoying a treat, going for a walk, or sharing a laugh. Realizing they weren’t the only teens feeling overwhelmed, they launched Small Bits of Happiness, a social media project to spread positivity. What started as a simple family practice turned into a growing movement, reaching peers through quotes, funny videos, and uplifting messages. It all began with brainstorming in their dad’s office, jotting down ideas on a chalkboard, and taking small steps forward. Happiness doesn’t have to come from big, life-changing moments. Sometimes, it’s found in the little things we choose to notice every day. THE POWER OF CONNECTION Through their work with Small Bits of Happiness, Mercedes and Anastasia have discovered that one of the biggest challenges people face isn’t just finding happiness. It’s finding connection. Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky shared on their podcast that connection is one of the most powerful ways to boost happiness, yet a growing gap exists between parents and their teens. With screens, friends, and busy schedules in the mix, meaningful moments can slip away. That’s why they focus on offering simple, tangible ways for families to connect, knowing that even small efforts can make a big difference in how we feel every day. Happiness and connection go hand in hand. When we take the time to truly connect with others, we all feel a little brighter. HAPPINESS IN EVERYDAY MOMENTS With life’s busy pace, it’s easy to overlook the little things that bring us joy. Mercedes and Anastasia remind us that happiness doesn’t have to come from big,
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    20 m
  • 056: Rethinking Education with Tiana Fech

    056: Rethinking Education with Tiana Fech
    Mar 25 2025
    Have you ever stopped to question the way we think about education? The way we define success? The way learning should look and feel? For a long time, I didn’t. I followed the path, checked the boxes, and did what I was supposed to do. But over the years, as a student, teacher, and now a parent, I’ve come to realize that learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. And the way we measure success? That might need rethinking too. In this solo episode, I dive into the idea of ‘rethinking’ education - questioning the traditional learning journey and exploring what teaching, learning, and success really mean. I share personal experiences as a student, teacher, and parent, revealing the challenges of an achievement-driven mindset and how my perspectives have shifted over time. From struggling behind the scenes as a high-achieving student to navigating the education system as a mom, I explore the realities of school, the importance of feeling seen, and the need to rethink success beyond the traditional path. Make sure you get your FREE Guide: Reflection Questions - Rethinking Education Listen in as we talk about: 3:00 Success vs. struggle 7:32 The ups and downs of school 8:52 The invisible struggle of students 9:47 The magic of unicorn teachers 11:07 Redefining the “right” path 12:09 Seeing the whole story 14:11 Rethinking learning and success Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech Facebook: @tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course SUCCESS VS. STRUGGLE On the surface, I was the picture of academic success - high marks, awards, scholarships - but beneath it all, I was struggling. I spent hours trying to keep up, carrying a constant weight of anxiety. School felt like a never-ending cycle of proving myself, and while I found strategies to "succeed," I never truly felt at ease. When I left home for an international school, the anxiety hit even harder, amplified by the loss of familiar support systems. It wasn’t until I started finding new ways to manage the overwhelm that things slowly shifted. Even as I moved through university, teaching, and eventually motherhood, those feelings of pressure and self-doubt followed me. But becoming a mom to kids in school? That changed everything. It made me rethink education - not just for them, but for myself too. Achievement doesn’t always mean understanding, and success doesn’t always mean ease. Sometimes, the biggest lessons come when we finally pause to question the path we’re on. THE UPS AND DOWNS OF SCHOOL When school is going well, it feels easy - parent-teacher interviews are positive, your child is engaged, and everything seems to be on track. But when school is a struggle, it’s a different story. Homework battles, morning resistance, and emotional meltdowns can make every day feel like an uphill climb. As parents, we have to step in - not just to support our kids, but to advocate for them, even when it means having difficult conversations with teachers, partners, and sometimes even ourselves. A child’s success isn’t just about grades. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and understood. As parents, our role isn’t to fix everything, but to stand beside them as they navigate the challenges. THE INVISIBLE STRUGGLE OF STUDENTS In a busy classroom, it’s easy to assume that quiet, well-behaved students are doing just fine. But silence doesn’t always mean success. Many kids who don’t speak up, cause trouble, or demand attention can struggle just as much as those who do - they just do it quietly. With so many students and responsibilities, teachers face real challenges in getting to know every child, but the reality is that some kids go through the school day feeling unseen and unheard. Just because a child isn’t raising their hand doesn’t mean they don’t need support. Every student deserves to feel noticed, valued, and understood. THE MAGIC OF UNICORN TEACHERS
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    15 m
  • 055: This is Perimenopause with Mikelle Ethier

    055: This is Perimenopause with Mikelle Ethier
    Mar 11 2025
    Have you ever found yourself wondering what's happening to your body, feeling disconnected, or struggling with unexplainable changes as you enter your 40s or beyond? These are common experiences for many facing perimenopause, a phase that often catches individuals off guard due to lack of information and societal dialogue. In this episode of the People Teaching People podcast, I’m joined by Mikelle Ethier, co-founder of This Is Perimenopause, to share insights on understanding and navigating this crucial life stage. My conversation with Mikelle underscores the need for enhanced awareness and research on women's health, particularly about perimenopause. As the medical community continues to make slow but steady progress, Mikelle and her co-founder, Michelle Stainton, advocate for a proactive approach to personal health and well-being. For anyone struggling with or interested in better understanding perimenopause, This Is Perimenopause offers a wealth of resources and a solid starting point to guide one's journey. You can join their community to gain insights, support, and inspiration for navigating this transformative phase of life. Listen in as we talk about: 03:57 The birth of This Is Perimenopause 06:56 What is perimenopause? 11:52 What I wish I had known 14:58 Seeking answers and solutions 17:51 Slowly but surely - raising awareness for women’s health 22:10 The overwhelming impact of perimenopause 24:50 Curated support for perimenopause 36:18 Supporting loved ones through perimenopause 39:11 No quick fix for perimenopause 44:21 The power of great teachers 45:39 Pride in personal growth 46:44 A different way forward Connect with Mikelle: Website: https://thisisperimenopause.com/ LinkedIn: Mikelle Ethier Instagram: @thisisperimenopause Facebook: @thisisperimenopause TikTok: @thisisperimenopause Podcast: This is Perimenopause Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech Facebook: @tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course THE BIRTH OF THIS IS PERIMENOPAUSE Mikelle describes her journey from the corporate banking world to entrepreneurship, sparked by a period of deep reflection and unexpected challenges. In 2020, amidst the chaos of the pandemic, she and two close friends found themselves struggling with perimenopausal symptoms and frustrated by the lack of information and support available. Realizing they weren’t alone, they decided to take action, creating This Is Perimenopause to provide the resources they wished they had. With the backing of an incubator program, their mission gained momentum, proving that personal struggles can lead to powerful solutions. Sometimes, the hardest moments push us to redefine who we are and what truly matters. WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE? Perimenopause is a phase many women don’t recognize until they’re in the middle of it. When Mikelle first started experiencing symptoms, she was surprised to learn that there’s no simple test to diagnose it. She explains that menopause itself is just one day—the one-year anniversary of a woman’s final menstrual period. The years leading up to that day, known as perimenopause, bring unpredictable hormonal fluctuations that can last anywhere from four to ten years. These changes can cause extreme anxiety, disrupted sleep, and dozens of other physical and emotional symptoms, often before any noticeable cycle changes. With over 60 recognized symptoms and ongoing research into even more, perimenopause remains widely misunderstood. The more we talk about it, the easier it becomes to navigate this phase with knowledge, support, and confidence. WHAT I WISH I HAD KNOWN “This is not your fault. This is your hormones.” Mikelle reflects on the challenges she faced when her perimenopausal symptoms began in her early 40s, including anxiety, exhaustion, sleep issues, and other physical changes. At the time,
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    50 m
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