Inspired to Thrive and Shine

Phoebe Lay
  • 5.0 (13)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Unlock your potential with insights from global experts who’ve mastered the art of thriving. Through raw, powerful conversations with authors, speakers and experts who’ve "walked the talk," each episode fuels your journey to shine brighter in business and life. From take-home strategies to real-life stories, dive into these inspiring and motivational conversations today!

  1. 14 JAN

    Episode 89: How To Achieve Early Retirement and Build Financial Freedom Young

    What if early retirement was not about quitting work early, but about giving yourself choice, flexibility, and peace of mind long before traditional retirement age? In this episode, you’ll discover why timing and structure matter more than chasing high returns, how small decisions made early can compound into long-term freedom, and what early retirement really means in today’s world. Jenny Huang is an experienced lending specialist and finance professional with over a decade in the Australian mortgage and financial services industry. She began her career at Westpac before founding Grab Home Loans, a mortgage brokerage known for its transparent, education-first approach and long-term client relationships, now backed by over 228 five-star Google reviews. Jenny is also a co-founder of Alan’s Property Services, Finance First Group, and HT Legal & Co Group, bringing together finance, property, and legal expertise to support clients through every stage of their financial journey. In this conversation, Jenny reframes early retirement as a mindset shift rather than a finish line. She explains why the 30 to 55 age bracket is a critical planning window, how compound interest quietly works in the background, and why high income alone does not guarantee long-term freedom. Jenny unpacks the difference between cash flow and net worth, the risks of delaying financial decisions until panic sets in, and how poor structure across lending, tax, property, or legal planning can cost people years of progress.   If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by financial noise, put planning off because it felt too complex, or assumed early retirement was unrealistic, this episode offers a calmer, clearer, and more empowering perspective. In this episode, we explore: ✨ Redefining Early Retirement – Why it is about choice, flexibility, and peace of mind rather than stopping work ⏳ The 30–55 Planning Window – Understanding why these years have the greatest impact on long-term financial outcomes and future freedom 📈 The Power of Compounding – How small, consistent actions quietly build future freedom 💼 Income vs Freedom – Exploring why earning more doesn’t always translate into security or the lifestyle you want 🏦 Super and SMSFs Explained – Breaking down what they are, how they work, and when they actually make sense in your planning strategy 🧠 Avoiding the Panic Phase – Learning why delaying key decisions often leads to rushed moves, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress 🛡️ Protecting What You Build – Discovering the role of tax, legal, and estate planning in sustainable wealth 👂 JOIN THE CONVO What would change in your life if financial planning gave you more choice rather than more pressure? Which area of your finances feels most ready for a review right now? Follow us & tag your reflections: 🔗 LinkedIn: Phoebe Lay📲 Instagram @thriveandshineco🎧 @inspired_to_thrive_podcast🌎 www.phoebelay.com.au/podcast 💼 CONNECT WITH JENNY HUANG 🌐 Website: https://www.grabhomeloans.com.au/ 📘 Facebook: Grab Home Loans 🔗 LinkedIn: Grab Home Loans 💡 Work with Jenny & Explore More: Financial & Investment Support – Guidance on structuring your super and SMSFs, reviewing loans and repayment strategies, and building a diversified investment portfolio to grow wealth and create long-term financial freedom. From Active Income to Lifelong Freedom – Join her in Amora Hotel Jamison, Sydney, on 7th March 2026 for a one-stop workshop covering lending, property, super, tax, and legal strategies, plus a free one-on-one session with her specialist team. ✨ Register Here: From Active Income to Lifelong Freedom 🎧 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations with world-class leaders, coaches, and changemakers Turn on the 🔔 and never miss an episode!  #EarlyRetirement #FinancialFreedom #CompoundInterest #WealthPlanning #MortgageStrategy #Superannuation #SMSF #PropertyInvestment #TaxPlanning #L#InspiredToThrive #PhoebeLayPodcast #JennyHuang

    34 min

  2. 6 JAN

    Episode 88: Why "I'm Not Okay" Creates Deeper Connection Than "Are You Okay?" with Jack Davis

    Did you know that people who appear to have it all together - strong social circles, financial stability, successful careers - are often the ones hiding the deepest struggles? Jack Davis is the founder of "It's Cool To Cry," a social enterprise revolutionizing mental health conversations through vulnerability and humor. After losing two close friends who masked their pain behind perfect lives, he's spent years helping individuals and organizations create cultures where emotional openness is normal, not brave. He's known for transforming mental health from a taboo topic into everyday conversation through workshops, community events, and a movement that's making it genuinely cool to cry. In this episode, Jack breaks down why asking "Are you okay?" often gets brushed off while stating "I'm not okay, can you help?" accelerates real support and connection. He reveals the vulnerability domino effect - how one person's openness creates a chain reaction of authentic sharing - and explains grief through his powerful "ball in a box" metaphor that shows why loss never fully disappears but becomes more manageable. Jack also shares how suppressing his own grief for years led to damaging anger and why leaning into discomfort, rather than endless distraction, is the key to emotional health. If you've ever felt like you're performing "positive vibes only" while struggling inside, or wondered why genuine mental health conversations feel so hard to start - this episode will show you how to break the silence, create real connection, and turn vulnerability from an act of bravery into an everyday norm. In this episode, we explore: ✨ The Mental Health Flip – How changing from "Are you okay?" to "I'm not okay" puts you in control of your support journey and speeds up getting help 🎭 Hidden Struggles Behind Perfect Lives – Why shame, stigma and fear keep even the most "successful" people silent until crisis hits 🔗 The Vulnerability Domino Effect – How showing your struggles first creates permission for others to share, building trust and genuine connection 💔 Grief as a Living Process – Understanding why grief evolves but lingers, and how engaging with it prevents unresolved emotions from becoming destructive anger 🎯 Making Mental Health "Cool" – The multi-channel approach using merch, workshops and community events to normalize emotional expression 🧠 Cultural Transformation – Breaking down toxic beliefs like "man up" and creating new norms where mental health talks are daily, not brave ⚡ Early Intervention Through Environment – Creating spaces where vulnerability is safe and encouraged before reaching breaking point 👂 JOIN THE CONVO What would change in your life if you felt safe saying "I'm not okay" before things got worse? How might your relationships deepen if vulnerability became your default, not your last resort? Follow us & tag your reflections: 🔗 LinkedIn: Phoebe Lay📲 Instagram @thriveandshineco🎧 @inspired_to_thrive_podcast🌎 www.phoebelay.com.au/podcast 💼 CONNECT WITH JACK DAVIS 🌐 Website: www.itscooltocry.com 📸 Instagram: @itscool_tocry 📘 Facebook: It's Cool To Cry 🔗 LinkedIn: Jack Davis 💡 Work with Jack & Explore More: Mental Health Workshops – Corporate and community sessions that provide tools for open mental health discussions Community Events – Join pickleball tournaments and other activities that blend physical and mental health engagement Conversation-Starting Merch – Grab a tee and become a walking permission slip for others to open up (Free shipping over $99, use code JACKSSHOUT for a free gift with $110+ orders) Mental Health Hub – Access resources like "How are you wheely feeling?" and connect with cool organizations making a difference 🎧 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations with world-class leaders, coaches, and changemakers Turn on the 🔔 and never miss an episode!

    32 min

  3. 30/12/2025

    87: How to Build Wealth, Health, and a Life You Truly Own

    Did you know that creating real freedom isn’t just about working harder—it’s about mastering two distinct skill sets that most people never focus on? What if you could design a life where your money works harder for you, you stay healthy, and you have the freedom to surf, travel, or live wherever you choose? In this episode, you'll discover Greg Cassar’s Dual Black Belt Strategy for wealth, his biohacking routines to optimise health and longevity, and the investing techniques that can take you far beyond traditional superannuation. About Greg CassarGreg Cassar is a self-made multimillionaire who built his wealth through marketing, sales, business, and investing. Over seven years, he grew a marketing agency that has generated more than $500 million in online sales. He also led The Collective Mastermind for eight years, helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses. Today, Greg focuses on scaling “hero businesses” through win-win profit-share partnerships and teaching others how to grow wealth and freedom intelligently. When he’s not working, he’s likely surfing his version of paradise in Byron Bay. The ConversationIn this conversation, Greg breaks down why a resilient, logic-driven mindset is essential for any top 1% entrepreneur. He explains the crucial difference between cash flow (business) and net worth (investing) and why mastery in both is required to engineer true freedom. Greg also shares his aggressive SMSF (Self-Managed Super Fund) strategy that has compounded close to 30% annually, explores the next wave of AI and SaaS opportunities, and reveals the simple health and biohacking routines he uses to stay sharp and optimise longevity. If you’ve ever felt stuck on the treadmill of working hard without seeing real financial freedom—or wondered how the world’s wealthiest grow their net worth outside of their business—this episode will show you exactly how to design a life of purpose, health, and wealth. In this episode, we explore:✨ The Dual Black Belt Strategy – Why mastering both business (cash flow) and investing (net worth) is essential to creating freedom and wealth. 💰 Mastering the SMSF – How a Self-Managed Super Fund can compound at nearly 30% a year and why standard superannuation might hold you back. 🧠 The Power of Resilience – Daily habits and mindset principles that keep top entrepreneurs focused, logical, and unstoppable. 💪 Health is Wealth – Biohacking routines like NMN supplementation, hormone optimisation, and intermittent fasting that protect your longevity and productivity. 🚀 Skate to Where the Puck Is Going – Greg’s view on emerging opportunities in AI, SaaS, and hard assets like Gold, Silver, and Bitcoin. 🏄 From Tech to Tropical Paradise – Greg’s journey from building computer networks to becoming a growth hacker living a life of freedom in Byron Bay. 👂 JOIN THE CONVOWhat is one action you can take this week to invest in your long-term health or wealth? Which “Black Belt” (business or investing) needs your attention right now? Follow us & tag your reflections: 🔗 LinkedIn: Phoebe Lay 📲 Instagram: @thriveandshineco 🎧 @inspired_to_thrive_podcast 🌎 www.phoebelay.com.au/podcast 💼 CONNECT WITH GREG CASSAR🌐 Website: Collective Mastermind 📸 Instagram: @gregcassar 🔗 LinkedIn: Greg Cassar 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gregcassar1167  💡 Explore Greg’s Work: Free training videos on business operations, scaling, health, and wealth building 🌐 Free Training & Resources: businessinvestfreedom.com 🎧 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations with world-class leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers Turn on the 🔔 and never miss an episode! #LifeByDesign #WealthBuilding #SMSF #InvestingTips #DualBlackBelt #FinancialFreedom #Biohacking #NMN #IntermittentFasting #EntrepreneurMindset #AIInvestment #InspiredToThrive #PhoebeLayPodcast #GregCassar #PassiveIncome

    43 min

  4. 24/12/2025

    86: How to Heal God Trauma & Reconnect with Your River Within Through Mindful Mysticism

    How to Heal God Trauma & Reconnect with Your River Within Through Mindful Mysticism Did you know that daily loving-kindness meditation for just 20 minutes can measurably increase your resilience after only three weeks? What if the same practice could also heal your deepest spiritual wounds and reconnect you to a divine presence you never knew you were missing? In this episode, you'll discover how to blend mindfulness with spiritual connection to transform trauma into deep inner peace, and why walking meditation might be the most accessible gateway to profound spiritual awakening. About David Christian Szabo David Christian Szabo is an internationally accredited mindfulness meditation teacher and author who helps people connect to what he calls "the river within." After burning out as a Shell LPG executive, David trained under a Buddhist monk before creating a unique approach that weaves Christian mysticism with gentle mindfulness practices. He's the author of Wow Now Dreaming and creator of the transformative River Meditation series, which launched with over 500 participants on its first replay session alone. The Conversation In this conversation, David breaks down why "God trauma" from negative spiritual experiences blocks so many from inner peace, how walking meditation can be more powerful than sitting still, and why the Divine Presence might actually be speaking in your own voice. He reveals his journey from corporate burnout to spiritual teacher, shares how quantum physics validates ancient mystical practices, and explains why treating God as an "eternal family" rather than a distant force transforms everything about spiritual connection. If you've ever felt blocked from spiritual connection, struggled with traditional meditation, or sensed there's something deeper calling you beyond the noise of everyday life - this episode will show you how to access the "river within" that's been flowing all along. In this episode, we explore: ✨ The River Within – How to tap into the eternal flow of innocence, spirit, and intuitive knowing that exists at your core 🚶 Walking Meditation for Busy Lives – Why moving meditation with open awareness might be more powerful (and practical) than sitting still 💔 Healing God Trauma – How negative spiritual experiences create blocks and the mindfulness practices that gently dissolve them 🧠 Metacognition Meets Mysticism – The uniquely human ability to observe your thoughts while connecting to divine consciousness 📖 Wow Now Dreaming – How to co-create with the Divine Presence using quantum physics principles and biblical wisdom 🤝 The Kind Eternal Family – Reframing God as relational presence rather than abstract force for deeper spiritual connection 🌊 From Corporate to Contemplative – David's journey from Shell executive to riverside mystic and what it teaches about finding purpose 👂 JOIN THE CONVO How has trauma or past experiences shaped your relationship with spirituality? What would shift if you approached the divine as a loving family rather than a distant force? Follow us & tag your reflections: 🔗 LinkedIn: Phoebe Lay📲 Instagram @thriveandshineco🎧 @inspired_to_thrive_podcast🌎 www.phoebelay.com.au/podcast 💼 CONNECT WITH DAVID SZABO 🌐 Website: www.themindfulflyfisherman.com.au 📘 Book: Wow Now Dreaming on Amazon 📧 Email: info@themindfulflyfisherman.com.au 📸 Facebook: David Julie Szabo 🎥 YouTube: David C Szabo RIVER MEDITATIONS 💡 Experience David's Work: River Meditation Series – Live guided meditation connecting you to the eternal flow within Wow Now Dreaming on Amazon  – Practical activations for co-creating with divine presenceThe Law of Release (Coming Soon) – Deep dive into divine intimacy and eternal identity 🎧 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations with world-class leaders, coaches, and changemakers Turn on the 🔔 and never miss an episode!

    46 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    85: How Workflow Automation Creates Freedom, Flow and a More Human Business

    Did you know that most creatives lose up to 10 hours a week simply switching between apps, chasing clients for information, or trying to remember what comes next? What if the same systems that businesses fear will “make things less personal” are actually the key to deeper connection, better client experiences, and more space to create? In this episode, you'll discover how workflow automation can transform your business from reactive and overwhelming to calm, streamlined and spacious, and why the right systems can help you show up with more humanity, not less. About Gail FraserGail Fraser is the Founder and CEO of Worksimple, a systems and automation consultancy that helps creative entrepreneurs, event professionals, and small business owners reclaim their time through thoughtful workflows. With a background in corporate recruiting and talent acquisition, Gail brings a unique blend of structure, people-centred design and real-world practicality into every system she builds. She’s known for creating beautifully simple tech stacks, especially in ClickUp, and for transforming chaotic businesses into effortless experiences for both owners and clients. In this episode, we explore: ✨ The Hidden Cost of Manual Work – Why creatives lose time and energy without realising it, and the foundational shifts that solve it 🧩 Your Systems Gap Map – The most common workflow gaps that cause overwhelm, bottlenecks and inconsistency  📋 ClickUp Clarity – How project management tools can actually become simple, intuitive and fun with the right setup 💍 The Wedding Planner Overhaul – The transformation that saved a creative business owner hours each week and elevated her entire client experience 🤖 Automation Without Losing Yourself – How to stay warm, personal and human while letting tech do the heavy lifting 💡 AI for Creatives – The practical ways AI can support workflow, content, and communication while keeping your authentic voice 🔥 First Steps to Freedom – Easy, low-lift automations you can implement today for instant relief 🔄 Working Smarter, Not Harder – Why the right systems help you show up more powerfully in every part of your business 👂 JOIN THE CONVOWhere in your business are you doing things manually that could use a little help? What would change if you had systems that made everything feel easier, calmer and more enjoyable? Follow us and tag your reflections: 🔗 LinkedIn: Phoebe Lay 📲 Instagram: @thriveandshineco 🎧 @inspired_to_thrive_podcast 🌎 www.phoebelay.com.au/podcast 💼 CONNECT WITH GAIL FRASER🌐 Website: https://worksimple.io/ 📸 Instagram: @worksimple.io 💼 LinkedIn: Gail Fraser 📧 Email: gail@worksimple.io  💡 Explore Gail’s Work: Worksimple Automation & Systems – Streamlined, done-with-you workflows that save time and elevate your client experience ClickUp Setups – Custom-designed ClickUp structures built for clarity, ease and creative flow Tech Stack Consulting – Helping you choose and integrate the tools that truly support your business 🎧 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations with world-class leaders, creatives and changemakers Turn on the 🔔 and never miss an episode!

    44 min

  6. 24/11/2025

    84: Breaking People-Pleasing: Why Women Burn Out & How to Reclaim Yourself

    Did you know most people-pleasing patterns are formed before the age of eight? In this episode, we unpack how those early beliefs shape the way women work, love, show up, and silently burn out. You’ll hear how migraines, anxiety, and exhaustion can be the body’s way of forcing rest, why high-achieving women struggle with boundaries, and how Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) help rewire lifelong habits of self-abandonment. About Polly Angel Polly Angel is an RTT practitioner and somatic trauma-informed coach who helps women break patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism and emotional suppression. After years of battling migraines and burnout herself, she now teaches practical tools to reconnect with your authentic voice. In this episode:✨ Why people-pleasing begins in childhood 🧠How the inner critic grows louder in high achievers 💥The emotional root of migraines and chronic overwhelm 💛Healing through RTT and parts work 🌿How to set guilt-free boundaries 🔥Tiny comfort zone shifts that create big emotional breakthroughs 👂 Join the ConversationWhat’s the one pattern you’re ready to stop carrying into your future? Follow us & share your reflections: LinkedIn: Phoebe Lay Instagram: @thriveandshineco Podcast: @inspired_to_thrive_podcast Website: phoebelay.com.au/podcast 💼 Connect with PollyWebsite: www.theangelpath.com Instagram: @the_angel_path Shop: theangelpath.com/shop

    50 min

  7. 09/11/2025

    83: Why Your Best Decisions Come from Aligning Head, Heart & Gut (Not Just Logic)

    Did you know that over 90% of initial gut feel, is worth paying attention to? Here’s how you can align your head, heart and body for better and more decisive decision making. Gayle Hardie is the cofounder of the Global Leadership Foundation and coauthor of The Emotionally Healthy Leader. She's spent decades helping leaders around the world transform not just their organisations, but themselves through emotional health, the three centers of intelligence, and what it means to live "above the line." In this conversation, Gayle breaks down the science behind why your morning self-talk is literally flooding your body with stress hormones, how to silence your inner critic with one simple physical gesture, and why your gut instinct is right over 90% of the time (yes, really). We explore the difference between horizontal skills (the training that doesn't stick) and vertical development (the inner work that changes everything), plus the profound truth that leaders aren't determined by what they know but by how they choose to show up. If you've ever ignored your gut, overthought with your head, or let your heart overrule what you knew was right - this episode will show you how to bring all three into alignment for decisions you won't regret. In this episode, we explore: ✨ Above the Line vs Below the Line – The framework that transforms how you lead, react, and relate through conscious choice 🧠 The Three Centers of Intelligence – How aligning head, heart, and gut unlocks presence, clarity, and better decisions 💬 Why Your Self-Talk Matters – How negative words flood your body with cortisol (and the one physical move that stops your inner critic instantly) 💡 The Three Questions That Change Everything – How to access your deepest wisdom when decisions matter most (you'll want to write these down) 🎯 Why Most Leadership Training Fails – The difference between horizontal skills and vertical development 🤲 30-Second Practices for Presence – Simple somatic techniques you can use anywhere, anytime 👂 JOIN THE CONVO How do you show up when you're above the line vs below it? What's one practice that helps you stay grounded, open, and present? Follow us & tag your reflections: 🔗 LinkedIn: Phoebe Lay 📲 Instagram @thriveandshineco 🎧 @inspired_to_thrive_podcast 🌎 www.phoebelay.com.au/podcast 💼 CONNECT WITH GAYLE HARDIE 🌐 Website: Global Leadership Foundation 📘 Book: The Emotionally Healthy Leader (coauthored with Malcolm Lazenby) 📸 LinkedIn: Gayle Hardie 🔗 Email: info@globalleadershipfoundation.com 💡 Work with Gayle & Explore More:Learn about Above the Line leadershipDownload resources on the Three CentersExplore the Enneagram and emotional health frameworks🎧 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations with world-class leaders, coaches, and changemakers Turn on the 🔔 and never miss an episode!

    49 min

  8. 01/11/2025

    82: How Autism Turned Benjamin Simkin's Brain Into a $2B Weapon

    What if everything you've been told is a limitation is actually your billion-dollar advantage? Benjamin Simkin is autistic. He also generated $2 billion in client revenue, worked with legends like Jay Abraham and Kerwin Rae, and became a multimillionaire by 19—three years after getting kicked out of high school for hacking the school computers. In this conversation, Ben reveals how his neurodivergent brain sees patterns, connections, and opportunities that are completely invisible to neurotypical minds. We talk about the "Napkin Test" for offers, why traditional business advice fails people who think differently, his personal "rules of life" document, and the $50 million question that will change how you value your time forever. If you've ever felt like you don't fit the mould, this episode will show you why that's your greatest asset. In this episode, we explore: 🧠 The Autism Advantage: How Ben's neurodivergent brain sees 10 steps ahead through pattern recognition and consilience ⚡ Monotropism & Hyperfocus: Harnessing intense focus without burning out—plus the systems Ben uses to manage it 📝 The Napkin Test: Why if you can't sell your offer on the back of a napkin, your marketing won't save you 🎯 Marketing Fundamentals for Neurodivergents: Start with the audience's wants and needs, not your product 🤖 AI as an Equalizer: Which AI tools Ben uses daily (Claude, Manus, N8N) and how neurodivergent entrepreneurs can leverage them 💡 Blind Spots & Intuition: Why asking "stupid questions" from anyone (Uber drivers to cleaners) reveals hidden opportunities ⏰ The $50M Lottery Question: Ben's philosophy on time being infinitely more valuable than money 🛠️ Living by Design: Ben's personal "rules of life" document and how to create your own operating system 🚫 Debunking Autism Myths: Why autistic people often have more empathy, not less 🔮 Purpose Over Profit: How Ben shifted from chasing money to living on purpose through The Mastermind 👂 JOIN THE CONVO Are you neurodivergent and building a business? What patterns do you see that others miss? What systems have you created to thrive? Follow us & tag your reflections: 📲 Instagram @thriveandshineco 🎧 @inspired_to_thrive_podcast 🌎 www.phoebelay.com.au/podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: Phoebe Lay Connect with Benjamin Simkin: 💻 Website: bensimkin.com 🚀 The Mastermind: themastermind.com.au 💼 BusinessNET Agency: Australia's leading marketing agency 📘 Facebook: @BenjaminSimkin 📸 Instagram: @benjaminsimkin 🔗 LinkedIn: Ben Simkin 🐦 Twitter/X: @BenjaminSimkin 📚 Get Ben's Books:  How to Land Whale Clients Stack The Deck  How to Evaluate & Seize Opportunities: Business Growth Methods Used by Multi-Millionaires 🎧 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful convos with world-class entrepreneurs, marketers, and neurodivergent changemakers Turn on the 🔔 and never miss an episode! #autism #neurodivergent #ADHD #autisticadults #marketing #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #patternrecognition #AI #hyperfocus #mastermind #facebookads #digitalmarketing #neurodiversity #autismacceptance #businessstrategy #mindsetshift #purposeoverprofits #inspiredtothrive #phoebelay #benjaminsimkin

    26 min
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5
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13 Ratings

About

Unlock your potential with insights from global experts who’ve mastered the art of thriving. Through raw, powerful conversations with authors, speakers and experts who’ve "walked the talk," each episode fuels your journey to shine brighter in business and life. From take-home strategies to real-life stories, dive into these inspiring and motivational conversations today!

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