GenX Journeys

Paul Stroessner

Welcome to GenX Journeys, the podcast that celebrates reinvention, resilience, and the unstoppable spirit of Generation X! 🎸💥 Formerly known as Journey of the Rhode Runner and Inspiring Journeys, this evolution reflects the path so many of us are on—rediscovering our passions, rewriting our stories, and proving that it's never too late to thrive. Each week, we bring you: 📅 Wednesdays – New episodes of GenX Journeys, featuring inspiring conversations with thought leaders, athletes, entertainers, and everyday warriors who embody the GenX mindset: work hard, play hard, and never stop growing. 📅 Thursdays – Throwback Thursdays, where we revisit classic episodes from Return to the '80s—a nostalgic deep dive into the movies, music, and pop culture that shaped us. 📅 Fridays – Power Surge, a short, high-energy dose of inspiration to fuel your mindset and keep you moving forward. Each episode begins with a heartfelt tribute to a fallen hero, honoring the mission of 22 Too Many. Because the best part of your story? It's still being written. 🎤 Hosted by Paul Stroessner, runner, writer, pop culture enthusiast, and proud GenXer on a mission to inspire. #GenXJourneys #NeverTooLate #ThrowbackMeetsFuture #Reinvention #NostalgiaAndGrowth

  1. 2 hr ago

    GenX Book Club: White Winged Doves | A Stevie Nicks Poetry Roundtable

    What happens when you bring together a group of poets to celebrate one of rock music's most iconic voices? You get a conversation about a whole lot more than music! In this special edition of GenX Book Club, host Paul Stroessner Jr. and co-host Suzanne Mattaboni welcome the editors and contributing poets of White Winged Doves: A Stevie Nicks Poetry Anthology, published by Madville Publishing. Editors Collin Kelley and Megan Volpert share how the anthology came together, what they discovered while reviewing more than 300 submissions, and how Stevie Nicks continues to inspire writers across generations. Joining them are contributing poets Ed Madden, Linda Sands, Gregg Shapiro, and Chris Wood, who share their poetry and the personal stories behind it. Suzanne also reads her own contribution, along with a poem by Donna Vorreyer. But this isn't your typical poetry reading! The conversation takes us from Fleetwood Mac and Stevie's solo career to childhood memories, first loves, heartbreak, identity, resilience, and the music that becomes the soundtrack of our lives. Along the way, we explore some bigger questions: Does music help us preserve earlier versions of ourselves? Can art give us strength we haven't yet discovered? And why do certain songs transport us right back to a particular moment in our lives? There's also plenty of laughter and Gen X nostalgia, including vinyl records, mixtapes, roller rinks, concert memories, and what it was like growing up before smartphones and social media. Whether you're a lifelong Stevie Nicks fan, a poetry lover, or someone who believes music has the power to tell our stories, there's something here for you. Featured Guests and Poetry Collin Kelley, co-editor: Wayfinder Megan Volpert, co-editor: Life and Times of the Queen of Swords Ed Madden: Tusk Suzanne Mattaboni, co-host and contributing poet: Piqué Linda Sands: In Another Life You Cut Off My Head Gregg Shapiro: In the Nicks of Time Chris Wood: School Days for Gen X Donna Vorreyer, poem read by Suzanne: Players 1977 Get the Book White Winged Doves: A Stevie Nicks Poetry Anthology Edited by Collin Kelley and Megan Volpert Published by Madville Publishing https://madvillepublishing.com/product/white-winged-doves/ The editors also encourage readers to support independent bookstores and request the anthology through their local libraries. Connect with Our Guests Collin Kelley (co-editor and poet) Website: https://collinkelley.com Megan Volpert (co-editor and poet) Website: https://www.meganvolpert.com Author of Why Alanis Morissette Matters Ed Madden (poet) University of South Carolina faculty profile: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/english_language_and_literature/our_people/directory/madden_ed1.php Author of A pooka in Arkansas Linda Sands (poet and novelist) Website: https://lindasands.com Author of 3 Women Walk Into a Bar and the Cargo series Gregg Shapiro (poet) Website: https://greggshapiro.com Chris Wood (poet) Website: https://chriswoodwriter.com Facebook and Instagram: Chris Wood Writer Author of Yesterday Echoes Suzanne Mattaboni (co-host and poet) Website: https://suzannemattaboni.com Author of Once in a Lifetime and Gore, Lust & Kin: Stories of Women on the Brink Instagram: @suzannemattaboni80s X: @suzmattaboni Facebook: Suzanne Mattaboni   💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

  2. 2 hr ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Enjoy: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Vinh Giang: How to Communicate So People Actually Listen to You from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Communication expert Vinh Giang joins Jay to share practical tools from his first book, Before We Forget How to Connect, to help you become a more confident communicator and build deeper, more meaningful connections. Vinh explains how to become a better listener, avoid common communication mistakes, and speak so people actually pay attention. From sounding confident when you're nervous to speaking up in meetings, navigating difficult conversations, and making a great first impression, Vinh shares simple techniques to help you communicate more effectively and connect with people in every area of your life. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-in protections for teens. JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Before We Forget How To Connect 01:52 The High-Low Buffalo Icebreaker 02:45 Sharing Personal Highs 05:15 Sharing Personal Lows 11:40 Sharing Personal Buffalos 13:40 Escaping Small Talk 16:10 Overcoming Self-Judgment 17:58 Sharing Wins Without Sounding Arrogant 19:50 Communication Beyond The Script 20:40 Gen Z's Communication Struggles 23:20 Last Word, Last Letter Game 27:20 The Four Modalities Of Listening 29:50 The Three Follow-Up Questions Rule 35:50 How Do You Make A Great First Impression? 40:10 Reading the Room, Not Formulas 44:10 Finding Your Unique Voice 49:00 Life As A Book: New Chapters 50:40 Building Executive Presence 53:20 Fix Your Resting Blank Face 58:30 Filming Yourself For Self-Awareness 01:02:20 When Your Mind Goes Blank 01:06:10 The Power Of The Pause 01:09:30 How Can You Sound Confident When You’re Nervous? 01:14:40 From Texting Chemistry to Real-Life Connection 01:18:40 How to Communicate Better During Arguments 01:20:20 Learning to Speak Up In Meetings 01:25:45 How to Join a Conversation Without Feeling Awkward 01:28:20 Leaving A Conversation Gracefully 01:31:4 Embracing Vulnerability Episode Resources: Book | https://vinhgiang.com/before-we-forget-how-to-connect Website | https://vinhgiang.com/ YouTube | https://youtube.com/@askvinh Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/share/1CCPX1ChrP/?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinhgiang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Enjoy: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
  3. 6 days ago

    Rebuilding a Life, One Step at a Time: Reid Robinson's Story

    What happens when life takes away something you've always taken for granted, and the road to recovery leads you somewhere you never imagined? In January 2015, Reid Robinson's life changed in an instant when a devastating car accident left him with catastrophic leg injuries. What followed was a grueling journey through 13 surgeries in two and a half years, years of chronic pain, and an eight-year struggle with prescription opioids. But Reid's story isn't just about surviving. It's about finding a way forward. Frustrated with the limitations of traditional crutches and mobility devices, Reid began sketching an idea while recovering from surgery. Armed with a welder, materials from the hardware store, and a determination to reclaim his independence, he built a prototype in his garage. That invention became XLEG, a hands-free mobility device designed to help people with lower-leg injuries regain their independence. In this episode of GenX Journeys, Reid shares his remarkable journey of resilience, reinvention, and discovering purpose through adversity. We explore: The terrifying car accident that changed Reid's life. The physical and emotional toll of repeated surgeries and setbacks. His difficult journey off prescription opioids after eight years. How a simple desire to kick a soccer ball with his children helped inspire an invention. The challenges of turning a homemade prototype into a medical device business. Why helping others regain their mobility has become his mission. The surprising reason Reid wouldn't go back and prevent the accident, even if he could. And because this is GenX Journeys, we also take a nostalgic detour into the music of our generation, from Pearl Jam and Soundgarden to Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, and Canadian rock favorites. Reid's journey reminds us that sometimes the life we never expected becomes the life that gives us our greatest sense of purpose. Connect with Reid Robinson and XLEG: Website: https://www.xleg.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_xleg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reid-robinson-441a7837/   Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

  4. 3 Sept

    GenX Book Club: The CBGB Conspiracy with Gabriel Rotello

    This month, the GenX Book Club heads back to New York City in 1977, a city of punk rock, poetry, underground art, the blackout, Son of Sam, and a little club on the Bowery called CBGB. Paul Stroessner Jr. and Suzanne Mattaboni are joined by author Gabriel Rotello to discuss his novel The CBGB Conspiracy, a historical murder mystery that mixes fictional characters with real people, places, and events from one of the wildest and most creative periods in New York City history. Gabriel didn't just research this world. He lived in it. He arrived in New York in the 1970s, played music during the early CBGB era, and later became a journalist, activist, author, and documentary filmmaker. The conversation quickly moves beyond the mystery itself and into the New York that inspired it. Gabriel shares memories of the downtown music and art scene, the real history woven throughout the novel, the Everard Baths fire, the Anderson Theater and CBGB's attempted expansion, and the remarkable collection of artists, musicians, writers, and outsiders who found one another in a city that was simultaneously falling apart and exploding with creativity. Suzanne brings her own memories of New York and the New Wave era, while Paul digs into Gabriel's experience of turning history into fiction and why writing the novel was so much fun. And at one point, Gabriel shares a piece of CBGB history that he says nobody else knows about. They also discuss Steven Sprouse, William S. Burroughs, Holly Woodlawn, Lou Reed, Patti Smith, the transformation of New York nightlife, and whether the conditions that created that extraordinary downtown culture could ever happen again. This is a spoiler-free conversation, so you can listen even if The CBGB Conspiracy is still sitting on your TBR pile. Because sometimes a great book isn't the end of the conversation. It's where the stories begin.   Connect with Gabriel Rotello: GabrielRotello.com   The CBGB Conspiracy can be found at Amazon and anywhere else where books are sold.   More from the GenX Book Club Crew 📖 Suzanne Mattaboni (Author of Once in a Lifetime) 🔹 Get her book anywhere books are sold, including Kindle Unlimited and onceinalifetimenovel.com 🔹 Visit her at suzannemattaboni.com 🔹 Follow Suzanne: 📷 Instagram: @suzannemattaboni80s 🐦 X: @suzmattaboni 📘 Facebook: Suzanne Mattaboni 🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM) 🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes 🔹 Get your daily dose of '80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page 💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM 💡 Whether you're a die-hard '80s fan, a nostalgia lover, or just someone who enjoys a great book club discussion, this episode is packed with fun, wisdom, and plenty of throwback vibes. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow/subscribe on your favorite podcast app and leave a review.

  5. 29 Jul

    Federal Prison, Resilience & Reinvention (Part 2) | Dr. Linda Varisco

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Linda Varisco, we continue her remarkable story where Part 1 left off. After being sentenced to federal prison for a crime that began with a devastating scam, Linda shares what life was really like behind prison walls. From self-surrender and prison routines to unexpected friendships, creative survival, and finding purpose in the most difficult circumstances, she offers an honest and deeply human look at incarceration. You'll hear stories about: Adjusting to life in a federal prison camp Using her chiropractic skills to help fellow inmates Teaching Pilates and building community Writing the first draft of her memoir by hand Finding hope through creativity, books, and service Learning to forgive and move forward The challenges of rebuilding life after prison More than a story about incarceration, this is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and refusing to let your worst chapter define the rest of your life. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, be sure to start there to hear the events that led to Linda's prison sentence and the remarkable journey that brought her to this point. About Dr. Linda Varisco Dr. Linda Varisco is a chiropractor, bestselling author, speaker, and survivor whose life has been marked by extraordinary highs and heartbreaking lows. She is the author of The Girl with the Million Dollar Smile trilogy, where she shares her incredible journey of love, loss, betrayal, federal prison, and ultimately, hope. Connect with Dr. Linda Varisco    https://lindavarisco.com TikTok: @thelifeofmrpeaches   🎙 GenX Journeys is where Generation X comes to embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future. Follow, subscribe, and share wherever you listen to podcasts.   💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

  6. 22 Jul

    Heartbreak, Betrayal, and Resilience (Part 1) | Dr. Linda Varisco

    What happens when the life you've carefully built begins to unravel? In this powerful first installment of a two-part conversation, Paul sits down with Dr. Linda Varisco, bestselling author of The Girl with the Million Dollar Smile, to explore a journey marked by heartbreak, betrayal, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward. Linda shares her early life on Long Island, the path that led her to a successful chiropractic career, and the personal and professional challenges that slowly transformed everything she thought she knew. Along the way, she opens up about marriage, family, loss, difficult decisions, and the betrayals that changed the course of her life. More than anything, this is a story about resilience. Even in life's darkest moments, hope has a way of finding us. This is Part 1 of Linda's remarkable journey. In Part 2, Linda shares her experiences with the federal investigation, life in prison, and the extraordinary path to rebuilding her life. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up on Long Island Building a successful chiropractic practice Marriage, family, and unexpected heartbreak Trust, betrayal, and life-changing decisions Finding strength when everything begins to fall apart Why resilience is a choice we make every day If Linda's story resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that our toughest chapters don't have to define our future.   Connect with Dr. Linda Varisco https://lindavarisco.com TikTok: @thelifeofmrpeaches   🎙 GenX Journeys is where Generation X comes to embrace the past, own the present, and build an epic future. Follow, subscribe, and share wherever you listen to podcasts.   💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

  7. 16 Jul

    A Thousand Questions, A Hundred Answers | Lara Brenckle Malmont's Journey to Three Rivers Home

    Every family has stories. Some are passed down from generation to generation, while others are nearly lost to time. In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul Stroessner and Suzanne Mattaboni welcome author Lara Brenckle Malmont to share the remarkable true story that inspired her debut novel, Three Rivers Home. What began as childhood curiosity about a grandfather she never met turned into a twenty-year journey through family records, newspaper archives, courthouse documents, and long-forgotten letters. Along the way, Lara discovered a little-known chapter of Pittsburgh history involving children who were "farmed out" through Allegheny County's early foster care system—while also uncovering a deeper understanding of resilience, family, and the stories that shape us. The conversation also explores growing up Gen X, the books that inspired a generation of readers and writers, the influence of journalism, preserving family history before it's lost, and why asking questions may be one of the greatest gifts we can pass on. Whether you're fascinated by genealogy, historical fiction, or simply love hearing meaningful conversations, this episode is a reminder that every family has a story worth discovering. In This Episode Growing up Gen X in and around Pittsburgh How childhood curiosity became a 20-year research project The true story behind Three Rivers Home Forgotten history and Pittsburgh's early foster care system Journalism, storytelling, and historical fiction The books that shaped a generation of Gen X readers Why preserving family stories matters more than ever About Our Guest Lara Brenckle Malmont is a Pittsburgh native, journalist, and author of Three Rivers Home. Her writing explores the people, places, and stories that define home. Her debut novel is inspired by the true story of her paternal grandfather's childhood in early twentieth-century Pittsburgh and the forgotten history surrounding Allegheny County's dependent children. Connect with Lara larabrencklemalmont.com Get Three Rivers Home on Amazon Facebook Instagram (@lara_brenckle_malmont) LinkedIn: larabrenckle TikTok: @larabrencklemalmont X: @larabrenckle Closing If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves great stories and meaningful conversations. Because every journey begins with a question... and sometimes the answers change everything.   Who in your family has a story you've never asked about? Maybe it's time to start asking.   More from the GenX Book Club Crew 📖 Suzanne Mattaboni (Author of Once in a Lifetime) 🔹 Get her book anywhere books are sold, including Kindle Unlimited and onceinalifetimenovel.com 🔹 Visit her at suzannemattaboni.com 🔹 Follow Suzanne: 📷 Instagram: @suzannemattaboni80s 🐦 X: @suzmattaboni 📘 Facebook: Suzanne Mattaboni 🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM) 🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes 🔹 Get your daily dose of '80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page 💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM

  8. 30 Jun

    GenX Book Club: The Last Mixtape with Steve Matsumoto

    What if the songs that shaped your life could also help you heal? In this episode of GenX Book Club, Paul Stroessner and Suzanne Mattaboni welcome author Steve Matsumoto to discuss his heartfelt debut novel, The Last Mixtape. Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, The Last Mixtape follows first-grade teacher James Nakamura as he struggles to navigate life after the loss of his sister. Through grief, friendship, romance, and the music that defined a generation, Steve explores how memories can both haunt us and help us move forward. Together, we discuss: The real-life experiences that inspired the novel Why mixtapes were so much more than playlists Balancing humor with grief Writing authentic male vulnerability Becoming an author later in life Why physical music still holds a special place for Gen X The emotional power of nostalgia without relying on nostalgia alone We also share plenty of memories about cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs, discovering music before streaming, and the uniquely Gen X experience of communicating through songs. Whether you've experienced loss, love discovering new authors, or simply remember spending hours crafting the perfect mixtape, this conversation is filled with heart, humor, and plenty of 90s memories. About Steve Matsumoto Steve Matsumoto is the author of The Last Mixtape, a coming-of-age novel inspired by personal experiences with grief, family, and the music that shaped a generation. He lives in Southern California and is currently working on the next novel featuring James Nakamura. https://www.stevematsumoto.com/   More from the GenX Book Club Crew 📖 Suzanne Mattaboni (Author of Once in a Lifetime) 🔹 Get her book anywhere books are sold, including Kindle Unlimited and onceinalifetimenovel.com 🔹 Visit her at suzannemattaboni.com 🔹 Follow Suzanne: 📷 Instagram: @suzannemattaboni80s 🐦 X: @suzmattaboni 📘 Facebook: Suzanne Mattaboni 🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM) 🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8 for all your favorite throwback tunes 🔹 Get your daily dose of '80s news on the 80s at 8 Facebook page 💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM 💡 Whether you're a die-hard '80s fan, a nostalgia lover, or just someone who enjoys a great book club discussion, this episode is packed with fun, wisdom, and plenty of throwback vibes. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow/subscribe on your favorite podcast app and leave a review.

About

Welcome to GenX Journeys, the podcast that celebrates reinvention, resilience, and the unstoppable spirit of Generation X! 🎸💥 Formerly known as Journey of the Rhode Runner and Inspiring Journeys, this evolution reflects the path so many of us are on—rediscovering our passions, rewriting our stories, and proving that it's never too late to thrive. Each week, we bring you: 📅 Wednesdays – New episodes of GenX Journeys, featuring inspiring conversations with thought leaders, athletes, entertainers, and everyday warriors who embody the GenX mindset: work hard, play hard, and never stop growing. 📅 Thursdays – Throwback Thursdays, where we revisit classic episodes from Return to the '80s—a nostalgic deep dive into the movies, music, and pop culture that shaped us. 📅 Fridays – Power Surge, a short, high-energy dose of inspiration to fuel your mindset and keep you moving forward. Each episode begins with a heartfelt tribute to a fallen hero, honoring the mission of 22 Too Many. Because the best part of your story? It's still being written. 🎤 Hosted by Paul Stroessner, runner, writer, pop culture enthusiast, and proud GenXer on a mission to inspire. #GenXJourneys #NeverTooLate #ThrowbackMeetsFuture #Reinvention #NostalgiaAndGrowth

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