Okayest Cook

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Welcome to Okayest Cook, where the love for food and the joy of sharing a meal brings us together. Join our community of like-minded individuals on a culinary adventure, exploring new dishes, preserving traditions, and embracing the hunter-gatherer mindset. Discover the joy of commensality, connecting with others through shared meals, whether in person or across space and time. At Okayest Cook, we believe in the power of education, committing to learning and sharing knowledge about hunting, gardening, foraging, processing, and preserving. Fuel your passion for nutrition and fitness with our podcast.

  1. Escaping the Kitchen Rut with Nick Otto

    1D AGO

    Escaping the Kitchen Rut with Nick Otto

    Breaking Culinary Ruts: From Midwest Kitchens to Global Flavors In this episode, Chris Whonsetler is joined by culinary enthusiast and fellow food podcaster, Nick Otto, to discuss and share insights on handling getting out of kitchen ruts, from simple technique changes to over the top showstoppers. They explore ideas like making kebabs, pastrami, and regional favorites such as pasties and bulgogi. They highlight more adventurous culinary endeavors like tartar and carpaccio, emphasizing a balance between simple tweaks and elaborate preparations for venison and other meats. The episode promises to shift how you think about wild game cooking and inspire fresh ideas for your kitchen adventures. Packed full of tips, humor, and shared personal experiences, the episode ends with a promise of more to come in part two. Find Nick:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntavore Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-huntavore/id1403496684 ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!  https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr ~ Chapters:  00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 00:34 Welcome to Michigan: Meet Nick Otto 01:15 The Joy of Face-to-Face Conversations 02:27 Processing Deer and Making Sausage 03:06 Notable Meals: Sicilian Short Ribs and Tinned Salmon 06:52 Tinned Fish Tasting: Salmon and Tuna 16:04 Breaking Down Deer: From Quarters to Meals 17:02 Overcoming Kitchen Ruts: Tips and Tricks 28:50 Exploring Deli Meats: Pastrami and Roast Beef 33:11 Exploring Pastrami and Cured Meats 33:50 The Art of Meat Aging with Umai Dry 35:11 Challenges of Using Residential Refrigerators for Meat Drying 36:22 Sharing Salami and Sujuk Experiences 41:05 Making Pepperoni and Other Cured Meats 41:49 Steak Adjacent: Kebabs and Hand Pies 48:52 Innovative Meat Dishes: Euros and Bulgogi 56:55 Tartar and Carpaccio: A Culinary Adventure 01:03:14 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward to Part Two Mentioned in Episode:  Sena Sea Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/72muABGeQEwouHG9Uws6Kd?si=b5f7e0c6ccad453f Link to Canned Salmon: https://www.senasea.com/products/smoked-salmon-tin-copper-river-combo Link to Amelias Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6e7YHABbqsSzHIdXMNjzDg?si=ef82e7fb6de84e05 Link to Amelias: https://ameliasbread.com/ FishWife Link: https://eatfishwife.com/ UmiDry: https://www.umaidry.com/pages/huntavore Outdoor Edge Wild Game Wednesday Pockets: https://www.outdooredge.com/blogs/wild-game-wednesday/venison-shank-pockets More at https://OkayestCook.com Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

    1h 5m
  2. Culinary Storytelling with Holly Hearn

    JAN 1

    Culinary Storytelling with Holly Hearn

    Wild Game Gourmet: In the Kitchen with Chef Holly Hearn In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler is joined by professional chef Holly Hearn, owner of Game Girl Gourmet. Holly discusses her journey into becoming a wild game chef, emphasizing the importance of storytelling through food and honoring culinary traditions. The conversation spans her experience on the TV show Chopped, the India Project with Blood Origins, and her unique approach to creating dishes inspired by the native habitats of wild game. Holly also shares insights on making dishes accessible and adaptable, and the challenges of cooking for different audiences including children. The episode provides valuable tips for both novice and experienced home cooks interested in incorporating wild game into their meals. Find Holly: Web: https://www.gamegirlgourmet.com/ Social: https://www.instagram.com/gamegirlgourmet ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!  https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr ~ 00:00 Introduction and Host's Update 01:04 Guest Introduction: Holly Hearn 02:08 Holly's Culinary Adventures 03:56 Chris's Memorable Meal 05:40 Holly's Experience on Chopped 06:18 Wild Game Cooking Insights 09:08 Cultural and Historical Culinary Inspirations 15:38 Blood Origins India Project 28:39 Exploring the Diet of Animals 29:52 Tex-Mex with an Indian Twist 41:06 Cooking for the Camera vs. Cooking for People 46:47 Cooking for Kids and Picky Eaters 52:11 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More More at https://OkayestCook.com Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

    55 min
  3. Hands on Venison Butchering

    2025-12-06

    Hands on Venison Butchering

    Mastering Deer Butchery: A Hands-On GuideIn this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler is joined by Andy Heiser for an in-depth, hands-on breakdown of butchering a deer. The duo discusses the various cuts from the rear hindquarter and front shoulder, offers tips and tricks for meat preparation, and emphasizes the importance of understanding where your food comes from. Chris and Andy also share notable meal experiences and discuss different recipes and cooking techniques for venison. They cover essential equipment, safety tips, and the importance of properly trimming and cleaning meat for optimal flavor and quality. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for hunters and home cooks looking to maximize their yield and culinary experience from hunting. Mentioned in Episode: - Meat Eater Cookbook: https://store.themeateater.com/products/the-meateater-fish-and-game-cookbook?variant=42137336283234 - Yeti Bowl Affiliate Link: https://yetius.pxf.io/o42nme- Anova Vac Sealer Affiliate Link: https://alnk.to/3njQBc7 - MEAT! Grinder Affiliate Link: https://alnk.to/eZJRl43 - Outdoor Edge 20% off Code: OKC20- Blade Roast Highlight Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRrsb3ogALU/?igsh=ZTJuMXB3YWE1cWVo - Jeremiah Doughty: https://www.instagram.com/fromfieldtoplate - Browning Meat Wrong: https://open.spotify.com/episode/51vndcELPel7myHCioU2WQ?si=55e663eb1cd4448e Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup 00:42 Hunting Season Updates 01:10 Breaking Down the Deer 02:37 Notable Meals and Drinks 06:41 Butchering Techniques and Tips 15:49 Tools and Equipment for Butchering 34:22 Packaging and Storing Meat 41:29 Tying the Shank and Cooking Tips 41:50 Pulled Meat Recipe with Shanks 43:09 Using Bones for Dogs and Stock 44:27 Processing the Front Shoulder 47:34 Cleaning and Preparing Meat for Grinding 50:07 Maximizing Meat Yield and Storage Tips 01:07:48 Final Thoughts and Conclusion ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr ~More at https://OkayestCook.com Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew: Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto Andy Heiser Email: Andy@OkayestCook.com Web: RakeDevelopment.com Instagram: @andheiser

    1h 19m
  4. Making Food My Way with Jose Alberto Berraza

    2025-11-18

    Making Food My Way with Jose Alberto Berraza

    Exploring Unconventional Flavors with Jose Alberto Barraza: From Tacos to Grasshoppers In this engaging episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler welcomes special guest Jose Alberto Barraza, a Texas-born, Mexico-raised cooking enthusiast and content creator behind 'No Way Jose Cuisines.' Jose shares his culinary journey, from growing up in a family bakery to becoming a popular food content creator on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Together, they dive into the art of making authentic Mexican dishes, experimenting with international cuisines, and trying unconventional ingredients like beef tongue, tripa, and grasshoppers. The episode also touches on the importance of open-mindedness in food, mental health challenges in content creation, and the joys of commensality—eating together to create lasting memories. Tune in for delicious recipes, unique food experiences, and valuable insights into culinary creativity. Find Jose Web: https://nowayjosecuisineshop.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoWayJoseCuisine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NoWayJoseCuisine/ ~ Support Okayest Cook by shopping with our favorite brands ~ Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr ~ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:14 Guest's Background and Early Life 02:43 Journey to Becoming a Content Creator 05:51 Challenges and Successes in Content Creation 17:25 Mental Health and Taking Breaks 28:17 Favorite Foods and Cooking Techniques 45:39 Exploring Local Mexican Restaurants 46:35 Authenticity in Ethnic Cuisine 48:06 Cooking at Home vs. Dining Out 48:56 The Rise of Home Cooking 49:45 Challenges of Finding Ingredients 50:47 Adventures in Trying New Foods 54:04 The Benefits of Eating Insects 54:43 Cultural Differences in Food Consumption 01:01:33 The Importance of Using the Whole Animal 01:19:35 Food Memories and Cultural Connections 01:21:40 Encouragement to Try New Foods Mentioned in Episode:  Jose’s Rice Paper Taco Salad: https://youtu.be/iv8wcGmnGXc?si=LDHBcZKwW4byq5h8 Indy Taco Places: https://pacostaquerias.com/ https://www.laparadaindy.com/ More at OkayestCook.com Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

    1h 26m
  5. Bradley Houser - Chicken & Beer Fest

    2025-10-01

    Bradley Houser - Chicken & Beer Fest

    Food, Community, and Chicken: A Journey with Bradley Houser In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler talks with Bradley Houser about the vibrant culinary scene and community spirit in Indianapolis, focusing on Bradley's role in creating the Chicken and Beer Festival. They explore various facets of food culture, from food deserts to chicken cooking tips, and the importance of community and sharing meals. Bradley shares insights into running a food festival, promoting Indy restaurants, and the personal and societal impacts of food events. The episode is enriched with humorous anecdotes, personal stories, and practical cooking tips. 00:00 Introduction to Hot Mess Indy and Dirty Dishes 00:27 Snacking and Music 01:09 Welcome to Okayest Cook Podcast 02:30 Notable Meals and Local Restaurants 08:01 The Concept of Eat Here Indy 10:35 Chicken and Beer Festival 22:55 Food Deserts and Community Impact 27:36 Thanksgiving Leftovers and Food Waste Solutions 28:35 Cooking Chicken at Home: Tips and Tricks 28:53 The Art of Air Frying and Grilling 31:29 Festival Insights and Community Impact 33:56 Challenges and Rewards of Organizing Food Events 35:09 Supporting Local Restaurants and Vendors 36:58 Cooking Techniques and Controversies 47:20 Festival Details and Final Thoughts Find Guest: Web: eathere.co / chickenandbeeindy.com  Social: https://www.instagram.com/eathereindy / https://www.instagram.com/chickenandbeerindy ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!  https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr ~ More at https://OkayestCook.com Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

    53 min
  6. BHA Rendezvous Pt5 - Jeff Benda - Walleye with Dandelion Gremolata

    2025-09-22

    BHA Rendezvous Pt5 - Jeff Benda - Walleye with Dandelion Gremolata

    In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler joins Chef Jeff Benda at the Back Country Hunters and Anglers Rendezvous. They discuss their experiences at the Field to Table dinner, where Jeff prepared a standout walleye dish with unique ingredients like quinoa salad and dandelion greens. Jeff, a seasoned chef specializing in wild game, shares his journey from working in restaurants to becoming a full-time wild game cooking expert. The conversation also delves into the importance of involving kids in cooking, making wild game dishes approachable for families, and the support from sponsors like Outdoor Edge, including a special discount code for listeners. Find Jeff: Web: wildgameandfish.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/wildgameandfish/ ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!  https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr ~ 00:00 Introduction and Event Overview 00:59 Meet the Chef: Jeff Benda 02:04 The Joy of Cooking and Community 04:06 Notable Meal of the Week 04:34 Jeff Benda's Culinary Journey 11:57 Cooking Techniques and Tips 25:35 The Importance of Crispy Fish Skin 26:16 Topping the Dish with Dandelion Flowers 27:05 Cooking Fish for Non-Fish Lovers 29:13 Cooking with Kids: A Presentation 39:24 Teaching Kids About Wild Game 41:54 Engaging Kids in Cooking 47:38 Substituting Wild Game in Recipes 48:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Mentioned in Episode:  Outdoor Edge Wild Game Wednesdays: https://www.outdooredge.com/blogs/wild-game-wednesday 20% Discount code: OKC20 More at https://OkayestCook.com Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

    51 min
  7. Eat more (Alaskan) Fish with Sena Wheeler

    2025-08-28

    Eat more (Alaskan) Fish with Sena Wheeler

    Fishing Traditions: Generations of Flavor and Quality with Sena Wheeler In this episode of Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser sit down with Sena Wheeler, a fifth-generation fisherman and co-founder of Sena Seafish. The conversation spans a variety of topics, including the family's rich history in the fishing industry, nutritional benefits of different fish species, and how to properly handle and cook fish. Sina shares insightful tips on defrosting and preparing fish, the differences between various kinds of salmon, and addresses common concerns about mercury in seafood. The episode also delves into personal stories, culinary techniques, and the importance of sourcing high-quality ingredients. Listen in for a wealth of information on integrating more fish into your diet and ensuring it's done in the healthiest and most flavorful way possible. Find Sena: Sena Sea - www.senasea.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/senaseafoods/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/SENASEA_SEAFOODS/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sena-wheeler-3617a2a0/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_B_yPTrE879H_KM1fCCuRQ ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!  https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr ~ 00:00 🎣 Kicking Off with Quirky Intros 00:38 🎙️ Welcome to Okayest Cook Podcast 00:55 👋 Meet Our Special Guest: Sena Wheeler 01:42 🍽️ Memorable Meals and Food Stories 03:32 🐟 Fish Tales and Family Traditions 11:22 📦 The Art of Shipping Fresh Fish 16:37 🌊 The Nutritional Benefits of Fish 29:53 Cooking Fish: Avoiding Overcooking 30:11 Discussing Tuna: Nutritional Insights and Cooking Tips 34:39 Freezing and Storing Fish: Best Practices 41:21 Thawing and Preparing Frozen Fish 48:18 Cooking Techniques: Grilling and Cedar Plank Methods 53:32 Final Thoughts and Recommendations More at https://OkayestCook.com Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto Andy Heiser Email: Andy@OkayestCook.com Web: RakeDevelopment.com Instagram: @andheiser

    58 min
  8. BHA Rendezvous PT4 - Tom Healy - Pickled Fiddleheads

    2025-08-06

    BHA Rendezvous PT4 - Tom Healy - Pickled Fiddleheads

    Foraging, Fiddleheads, and Wild Game Creations with Chef Tom Healy In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler sits down with Tom Healy, a chef and woodworker from Wisdom, Montana, at the BHA Rendezvous. They discuss their participation in the 'Field to Table' dinner event, where Tom captivated everyone with his unique foraged palette cleanser and wild game dessert. Tom shares his journey in cooking, his passion for foraging, and details from his intricate recipes such as a sauce made from highbush cranberry and elk bone broth, and candied gobbler cracklings. The conversation touches on foraging tips, equilibrium brining techniques, and creative ways of incorporating wild game into various dishes. Tom also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and proper harvesting practices. If you've ever been curious about the world of wild foraged foods and innovative game cooking, this episode is a must-listen. Find Tom: Web: https://wisdomriver.works/ Social: https://www.instagram.com/wisdomriverworks/ ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch!  https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr ~ 00:00 Welcome to the Okay Cook Podcast 00:57 Meet Tom Healy: Chef and Forager 01:53 Tom Healy's Culinary Background 03:04 Foraging and Cooking Tips 03:43 The Art of Pickling and Preserving 06:04 Exploring Unique Ingredients 12:06 Wild Game Desserts 17:41 Discovering the Thimble Berry 18:53 Maple Syrup and Thimble Berry Delights 19:25 Crafting Unique Sauces and Desserts 24:14 Exploring Elk Bacon and Pastrami Techniques 24:45 Equilibrium Brining Explained 31:07 Final Thoughts and Farewells More at https://OkayestCook.com Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

    34 min
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About

Welcome to Okayest Cook, where the love for food and the joy of sharing a meal brings us together. Join our community of like-minded individuals on a culinary adventure, exploring new dishes, preserving traditions, and embracing the hunter-gatherer mindset. Discover the joy of commensality, connecting with others through shared meals, whether in person or across space and time. At Okayest Cook, we believe in the power of education, committing to learning and sharing knowledge about hunting, gardening, foraging, processing, and preserving. Fuel your passion for nutrition and fitness with our podcast.

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