The Hopeaholics

Addicted to Hope
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Hopeaholics Podcast, where we tackle addiction and mental illness through sharing real life experiences, honesty and hope! Hosted by Chad Carlsen, who knows firsthand the destruction that these issues can cause, we're here to offer listeners a much-needed source of inspiration and understanding that will carry them through tough times. Through powerful, honest, and unfiltered interviews, The Hopeaholics provides a beacon of hope for listeners facing similar issues, banishing stigma in the process. If you're looking for an authentic podcast that'll motivate you to overcome hard times and live well, look no further. To get help for yourself or someone you love, call 949-989-6550

  1. 1D AGO

    Chris Van Vliet: Stop Doing This If You Want to Succeed | The Hopeaholics Podcast

    Chris Van Vliet: Stop Doing This If You Want to Succeed | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Chris Van Vliet to talk about the mindset, discipline, and persistence it takes to build a successful career in media and content creation. Chris shares his journey from getting started in broadcasting to landing major opportunities, navigating career setbacks, and ultimately creating one of the most recognized interview platforms in his space. The conversation dives into confidence on camera, personal branding, consistency, taking professional risks, and the habits that separate people who succeed from those who quit. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or someone chasing a big goal, this episode is packed with practical insights, motivation, and real-world lessons on resilience, growth, and defining success on your own terms. Check out Chris Van Vliet's Episode with Natalie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6mq0W7yAVA #thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics  Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off! Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics  https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics Buy Merch:  https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.  Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC: https://www.infinitigroupllc.com  Timestamps: 00:01:42 — Getting Started in Broadcasting 00:05:18 — The First Big Career Break 00:09:47 — Learning Confidence on Camera 00:14:03 — Moving Cities for Opportunity 00:18:29 — Early Career Struggles 00:23:11 — Interviewing Celebrities for the First Time 00:28:56 — Building a Personal Brand 00:34:40 — Taking Risks Professionally 00:40:12 — Mindset and Self-Improvement 00:47:05 — Transitioning Into Podcasting 00:53:27 — Consistency and Discipline 01:00:44 — Career Setbacks and Resilience 01:08:19 — Advice for Content Creators 01:15:33 — Defining Success Personally 01:23:58 — Gratitude and Perspective

    59 min

  2. 5D AGO

    1 Billion Hugs with Reed Byers | The Hopeaholics Podcast

    1 Billion Hugs with Reed Byers | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this powerful episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with Reed Byers to share his raw and inspiring journey through addiction, consequences, recovery, and purpose. Reed opens up about how substance use gradually took control of his life, the painful turning points that forced him to confront reality, and the mindset shifts that helped him rebuild from the ground up. He talks honestly about accountability, faith, repairing relationships, and the difficult process of learning how to live again without substances. One of the most moving parts of the conversation is his mission behind “1 Billion Hugs,” a reminder of the power of human connection, compassion, and showing people they are not alone in their struggles. This episode is filled with hope, hard truths, and practical encouragement for anyone battling addiction or loving someone who is, proving that no matter how far someone falls, purpose and healing are still possible. Check out the 1 Billion Hugs Mission:  https://www.1billionhugs.com #thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics  Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off! Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics  https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics Buy Merch:  https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.  Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC: https://www.infinitigroupllc.com  Timestamps: 00:02:11 — Early Life and Background 00:06:48 — First Exposure to Addiction 00:11:35 — Escalation Into Substance Use 00:18:02 — Consequences and Legal Trouble 00:24:19 — Hitting a Personal Low Point 00:31:07 — The Turning Point Decision 00:38:44 — Entering Recovery 00:46:10 — Struggles in Early Sobriety 00:52:58 — Faith and Perspective Shift 01:00:26 — Rebuilding Relationships 01:08:13 — Lessons Learned Through Recovery 01:15:47 — Accountability and Ownership 01:22:05 — Helping Others Find Recovery 01:27:54 — The “1 Billion Hugs” Mission 01:30:41 — Purpose After Addiction 01:38:59 — Message of Hope

    1h 32m

  3. FEB 17

    What It Really Takes to Get Clean and Stay Clean w/ David Gates | The Hopeaholics Podcast

    What It Really Takes to Get Clean and Stay Clean w/ David Gates | The Hopeaholics Podcast  In this powerful episode of the The Hopeaholics Podcast, we sit down with David Gates to talk about addiction, recovery, faith, and the realities families face when a loved one is struggling. David shares his personal journey through loss, survival, and transformation, opening up about the friends he’s lost, the moments that forced him to change direction, and the purpose he found in helping others escape the cycle of addiction. The conversation dives into the emotional toll on parents living in constant fear, the difficult balance between tough love and support, and the importance of having trusted people in your life who can speak truth when you need it most. Through raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers hope to anyone battling addiction or loving someone who is — reminding listeners that recovery is possible, purpose can be rebuilt, and no story is ever truly over. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics  Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off! Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics  https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics Buy Merch:  https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.  Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC: https://www.infinitigroupllc.com  Timestamps: 00:04:57 — Turning Pain Into Purpose 00:07:41 — Early Recovery Realizations 00:12:18 — Identity Beyond Addiction 00:18:09 — Faith Entering the Story 00:23:55 — Personal Responsibility Shift 00:29:44 — The Reality of Street Outreach 00:35:22 — Parents Living in Constant Fear 00:36:03 — There’s Only One David Gates 00:40:53 — Dropping Everything to Help 00:48:16 — Seeing Addiction Differently 00:55:02 — Hope for Families 01:05:13 — Tough Love vs Support 01:12:27 — Long-Term Recovery Perspective 01:20:10 — The Importance of Trusted People 01:28:34 — Purpose After Survival

    1h 23m

  4. FEB 13

    Five Years Trapped With Her Cocaine Dealer with Gladys Seisay | The Hopeaholics Podcast

    Five Years Trapped With Her Cocaine Dealer with Gladys Seisay | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Gladys Seisay shares her raw and unfiltered journey from growing up in Sierra Leone to navigating trauma, addiction, domestic violence, jail, and ultimately fighting her way back to freedom. What started as teenage rebellion turned into alcohol abuse, cocaine addiction, and a five-year abusive relationship that nearly cost her everything. Gladys opens up about losing her eyesight at seven, surviving sexual assault, being arrested instead of her abuser, and the spiritual moments that kept her alive in her darkest hours. This episode is a testament to resilience, faith, and the reality of how trauma and addiction intertwine. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation is proof that no matter how far you fall, recovery is possible. Her story highlights how unhealed pain can manifest in destructive cycles, but also how courage and self-awareness can break them. The vulnerability she brings to this conversation sheds light on the hidden layers of shame, manipulation, and trauma bonding that many people silently endure. Through honesty and reflection, Gladys shows what it truly takes to reclaim your voice and your power. This is more than a story about addiction — it’s a story about survival, accountability, and hope. #thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics  Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off! Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics  https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics Buy Merch:  https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.  Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC: https://www.infinitigroupllc.com  Timestamps: 00:02:26 - Born in Sierra Leone 00:04:54 - The Tennis Ball Accident (Loss of Sight) 00:09:54 - Discovering Hidden Siblings 00:12:38 - Crashing Her Mom’s Car at 18 00:13:02 - Sexual Assault During Blackout 00:16:59 - Quitting Weed Cold Turkey 00:19:59 - “Electric Cain” Alter Ego 00:23:19 - Cocaine Changes Everything 00:27:11 - Slapped in the Uber 00:28:20 - Arrested Instead of Him 00:29:58 - 40 Women in the Tank 00:31:27 - Bible in Jail Moment 00:34:43 - 52 Weeks of Domestic Violence Classes 00:41:30 - Confessing Relapse on Final Class 00:42:31 - Becoming “Crazier” to Escape

    1h 10m

  5. FEB 12

    The 12th Arrest That Changed Everything with Samantha Jurado | The Hopeaholics Podcast

    The 12th Arrest That Changed Everything with Samantha Jurado | The Hopeaholics Podcast  In this deeply emotional episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Samantha Jurado shares her unfiltered story of trauma, addiction, loss, and long-term recovery—from surviving childhood abuse, early suicide attempts, and meth addiction, to becoming a young mother, experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and the devastating loss of her daughter in a car accident that changed the course of her life forever. Samantha opens up about the years of self-destruction that followed, the spiritual awakening that finally broke through after her 12th arrest, and how sobriety became possible when she chose to fully show up as a mother to her son. She also speaks candidly about navigating grief in recovery after losing her son years later, enduring divorce and isolation during COVID, and rediscovering her identity beyond trauma, labels, and addiction. This episode is a raw testament to resilience, accountability, faith, and what it truly means to survive the unimaginable and still choose to live, heal, and recover out loud. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics  Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off! Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics  https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics Buy Merch:  https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.  Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC: https://www.infinitigroupllc.com  Timestamps: 00:02:32 - Growing Up Moving State to State 00:04:15 - First Blackout and Suicide Attempt at 14 00:06:08 - Childhood Sexual Abuse Revealed 00:07:49 - Abuser Sent to Prison 00:09:34 - Abuse in Father’s Home 00:11:44 - Safety and Stability With Grandmother 00:13:10 - First Time Using Meth 00:13:54 - Leaving Home and Addiction Escalates 00:14:33 - Becoming a Mother at 20 00:18:23 - CPS Knocking and Losing Stability 00:19:26 - Homelessness and Active Addiction 00:21:50 - Last Meth Use and 12th Arrest 00:23:14 - Mistaking AA for a Club 00:24:46 - Choosing Sobriety to Be a Mom 00:26:45 - Daughter’s Fatal Car Accident 00:28:31 - Charged in Daughter’s Death 00:30:03 - Years of Destruction and Incarceration 00:35:41 - Spiritual Awakening in Jail 00:38:19 - Deciding to Stop Drinking Completely 00:39:03 - Getting Sober for Her Son 00:45:48 - Long-Term Recovery and Family Healing 00:50:05 - Son’s Death During Recovery 00:51:19 - Grief, Divorce, and COVID 00:52:44 - Rediscovering Identity in Recovery

    1h 9m

  6. FEB 6

    How Addiction Nearly Killed Three Sisters w/ Amanda Crossley | The Hopeaholics Podcast

    How Addiction Nearly Killed Three Sisters w/ Amanda Crossley | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this powerful episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Amanda Crossley shares her raw and unforgettable story of addiction, survival, and recovery—from growing up in New Jersey, stealing pills while working in a pharmacy, and descending into heroin use alongside her two sisters, to writing a desperate letter to Doctor Phil that ultimately changed all of their lives. Amanda opens up about the chaos of addiction, the pain her family endured, being exposed on national television, and how that moment became the turning point that led her to long-term sobriety, rebuilding relationships, and finding purpose by recovering out loud. This episode is an honest, emotional look at addiction as a family disease and a testament to what’s possible when secrets end and recovery begins. Amanda also reflects on early sobriety, facing legal consequences, and learning how to build a new life from the ground up. Her story highlights the power of community, accountability, and saying yes to help even when it’s uncomfortable. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is a reminder that recovery is possible and hope is never out of reach. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #addictionrecovery  #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics  Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off! Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics  https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics Buy Merch:  https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.  Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC: https://www.infinitigroupllc.com  Timestamps: 00:03:20 - Growing Up in New Jersey and East Coast Mentality 00:05:00 - Family Background and Sisters’ Addiction 00:06:54 - First Experience With OxyContin 00:07:35 - Stealing and Selling Pills While Working in a Pharmacy 00:11:54 - First Time Using Heroin After Being Caught 00:14:43 - First Treatment Experience at Age 22 00:16:12 - Moving to Florida With Her Sister and Rapid Decline 00:18:21 - All Three Sisters Using Under Parents’ Roof 00:21:31 - Writing the Letter to Doctor Phil 00:22:32 - Doctor Phil Producers Call Two Years Later 00:24:27 - Filming Doctor Phil and Parents Seeing Everything 00:25:56 - Sent to Treatment and Sobriety Begins 00:28:01 - Sisters’ Sobriety and Family Today 00:34:31 - Life After Treatment and Commitment to Recovery

    1h 21m

  7. FEB 3

    Facing a Life Sentence After Getting Sober w/ Vinsent Franke | The Hopeaholics Podcast

    Facing a Life Sentence After Getting Sober w/ Vinsent Franke | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this intense and deeply emotional episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Vinsent Franke shares a raw, unfiltered account of trauma, addiction, crime, faith, and recovery that spans decades. He opens up about early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol, severe abuse that shattered trust, and a life split between discipline and chaos that fueled addiction from a young age. Vinsent details his descent into drug dealing, violence, incarceration, and psychosis, alongside moments of extreme loss, including the addiction and struggles of his son and the unbearable weight of parental guilt. The conversation takes a powerful turn as he recounts a profound spiritual experience that ended his addiction overnight while facing a potential life sentence just days into sobriety. From navigating insanity defenses and jail time to becoming a therapist, pastor, and recovery leader, this episode explores the intersection of trauma, spirituality, accountability, and grace. It’s a gripping story about surviving the darkest corners of addiction, confronting generational pain, and finding purpose through recovery, service, and faith. #thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics  Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off! Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics  https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics Buy Merch:  https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.  Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC: https://www.infinitigroupllc.com  Timestamps: 00:03:31 - Clean and sober since 2004 00:04:55 - First drink at nine years old 00:05:52 - First time getting high as a child 00:09:56 - Childhood abuse and betrayal by a stepfather 00:11:20 - Discovering his mother married another abuser 00:14:45 - Finding Charles Manson letters in his mother’s possession 00:18:09 - Starting drug distribution to survive 00:19:20 - Being told to grow his own weed at thirteen 00:20:30 - Paying for an abortion and emotional collapse 00:23:12 - First time smoking cocaine 00:26:48 - Meeting his son for the first time in prison 00:28:42 - Abandoning his son while deep in addiction 00:31:31 - Prescription pills leading to heroin 00:33:21 - Refusing to force his son into treatment 00:34:53 - Son in psychosis calling from the hospital 00:35:46 - Spiritual experience that ended his addiction 00:39:08 - Facing a life sentence days into sobriety 00:39:57 - Acquitted after insanity and diminished capacity defense 00:41:23 - Realizing recovery is spiritual warfare 00:44:18 - Becoming a pastor after addiction and prison 00:48:26 - Discovering sober living operators using drugs 00:49:05 - Starting and running sober living homes

    1h 48m

  8. JAN 30

    Why Money, Power, and Women Didn’t Fix the Pain with Michael Lynch | The Hopeaholics Podcast

    Why Money, Power, and Women Didn’t Fix the Pain with Michael Lynch | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this raw and powerful episode of the Hopeaholics Podcast, Michael Lynch sits down to share an unfiltered story of survival, addiction, crime, success, and redemption. From growing up in foster care and running the streets, to building a viral underground fight empire funded by prison hustles, Michael opens up about the rise that came with money, fame, and excess—and the quiet collapse that followed through alcoholism, isolation, and the brink of suicide. He speaks candidly about manipulation, power, broken relationships, and how alcohol nearly destroyed everything drugs never could. The conversation takes a dramatic turn as Michael recounts being raided just days after deciding to end his life, leading to jail, a fight for freedom, and an unexpected introduction to recovery that ultimately saved him. This episode dives deep into the psychology of addiction, the illusion of success, prison life, spiritual awakening, and what real transformation looks like after hitting bottom. It’s an intense, honest, and inspiring story about losing everything, surrendering control, and finding purpose in helping others find their way out. #thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics  Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off! Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics  https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics Buy Merch:  https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.  Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC: https://www.infinitigroupllc.com  Timestamps: 00:01:30 - Foster care and growing up in the system 00:02:41 - First hustle at ten years old 00:03:24 - Felony Fights origins 00:04:13 - Felony Fights explodes worldwide 00:08:23 - Addiction taking over during success 00:09:27 - Drug money funding Felony Fights 00:10:28 - Discovering he was about to be a father in prison 00:12:44 - Going from prison to best-selling DVDs 00:14:04 - Alcohol becoming the real downfall 00:19:20 - Realizing money and power were fools gold 00:22:03 - Why recovery was harder than prison 00:23:49 - Choosing to help addicts instead of hustling 00:24:37 - Facing a life sentence as the three-strikes poster boy 00:25:13 - Planning to commit suicide at the height of success 00:26:17 - Being raided instead of killing himself 00:28:16 - Clean date and sobriety begins 00:30:28 - Denial and watching life collapse 00:31:49 - Sabotaging love and pushing everyone away 00:34:20 - Finding recovery while fighting a life sentence 00:38:24 - Impact jail program saves his life 00:41:58 - Learning the steps and surrendering control 00:42:52 - Belief that the darkest stories do the most good

    1h 48m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Hopeaholics Podcast, where we tackle addiction and mental illness through sharing real life experiences, honesty and hope! Hosted by Chad Carlsen, who knows firsthand the destruction that these issues can cause, we're here to offer listeners a much-needed source of inspiration and understanding that will carry them through tough times. Through powerful, honest, and unfiltered interviews, The Hopeaholics provides a beacon of hope for listeners facing similar issues, banishing stigma in the process. If you're looking for an authentic podcast that'll motivate you to overcome hard times and live well, look no further. To get help for yourself or someone you love, call 949-989-6550

Information

  • Creator
    Addicted to Hope
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    310
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Hopeaholics
  • Show Website
    The Hopeaholics

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