Mike Drop

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Cumulus Podcast Network
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Mike Drop, hosted by former Navy SEAL and bestselling author Mike Ritland, is a no-holds-barred platform that dives deep into the stories and experiences of extraordinary individuals. Known for his candid and unfiltered approach, Mike interviews guests ranging from special operations veterans and elite athletes to renowned authors and thought leaders, offering listeners a exclusive glimpse into the human side of those who have excelled in their fields. Whether it's discussing the intense challenges of combat or the resilience required to overcome personal adversity, Mike Drop provides a space where real conversations happen.

  1. 16h ago ·  Bonus

    Iran Gets BOLDER as U.S. Forces Pull Back | Mike Drop Newsroom

    MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 08 OCTOBER 2026The New York Times says the Iran war was supposed to show off American power and has done the opposite. B-1 bombers are pulled out of Britain, bases across the Gulf are closed, and carriers are being resupplied from 2,200 miles away. Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland, who served in Iraq, breaks down why seven months of war have left Iran's regime replaced but not weakened, and what he thinks winning should actually look like. Mike's take: decades of U.S. bases and troops in the Middle East haven't made the region more stable. Look at Iraq and Afghanistan. Reaching the stated goals in Iran would take a World War II-style invasion and occupation. His answer is to bring every U.S. troop home, close the bases, and force Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and the rest of the region to deal with Iran themselves. He also asks the question few pundits raise: if Iran is that determined to get a nuclear weapon, why haven't Russia or China handed it one? Also in this episode: the FBI stops a planned attack on the Mall of America, a Colorado police sergeant on how traffickers target vulnerable kids, and a tropical storm heading for the Gulf Coast. Do you agree with Mike, or should the U.S. stay? If you say stay, tell us what winning looks like to you. Comment below. Mike reads them. Timestamps 0:00 U.S. forces pull back as Iran's oil keeps flowing 0:25 Seven months in: is it working? 1:15 Iran's leaders taken out, but the regime didn't change 1:45 B-1 bombers pulled from Britain 2:20 What does winning look like? 2:30 Decades of U.S. bases in the Middle East 3:20 Iraq, WMDs and what Mike saw on the ground 3:45 Who a nuclear Iran really threatens 4:45 Afghanistan and Iraq: better off? 6:00 Mike's answer: bring every troop home 7:30 Make the region step up 8:10 Why haven't Russia or China given Iran a nuke? 9:30 Are the lives lost worth it? 10:10 What real victory would take 11:45 FBI stops a Mall of America attack 13:55 How traffickers target kids 15:00 Tropical storm heads for the Gulf 15:25 Wrap-up Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland reads the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times so you don't have to. No cable news spin, no recycled talking points, just the actual front pages and a straight take on what they mean for you. On Mike Drop Newsroom, Mike picks the day's biggest headlines, compares how two of the country's largest papers cover them, and says what he thinks. That covers everything from AI and national security to the economy, foreign policy and the stories cable TV skips. He's not here to push a party line. As Mike puts it, if you want to put a label on him, he's an American who wants to see America succeed. Every episode ends with a question for you. Tell us where you land in the comments, because Mike reads them and your answers shape what we cover next. Subscribe so you don't miss a morning. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Iran Gets BOLDER as U.S. Forces Pull Back | Mike Drop Newsroom

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    Yemen Asked for Help. Why Did the U.S. Stand By? | Mike Drop Newsroom

    MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 07 OCTOBER 2026France leads both papers again, so Mike skips ahead to the stories that matter here. The headlines: according to the New York Times, a Yemeni general warned weeks in advance that the Iran-backed Houthis were about to push along the Red Sea coast, and the U.S. and Saudi Arabia stood by. Vice President Vance is pressing Iran for a meaningful reduction in its nuclear capability to end the war, while Iran's president calls the talks meaningless. Germany arrested its former foreign intelligence chief on suspicion of espionage and treason, and a former CIA officer pleaded guilty to exposing a top-secret source to a foreign government. Tennessee is weighing its next step after Christa Pike survived a failed execution. And President Trump says he's considering suspending the federal gas tax as diesel hits a record national average. Mike's take: he has a theory about why the U.S. didn't help Yemen. If the Houthis take the whole country, it may be easier to fight them head-on than to prop up a government that has struggled with corruption. On Iran, he says months of "we're close to a deal" with no clear definition of success is the biggest problem with the whole campaign. He thinks the death penalty should be on the table for spies whose betrayal gets people killed, supports it for the most heinous crimes, and asks why states don't use the firing squad instead of lethal injection. On fuel, he says it's hard to argue prices would be this high without the Iran war, and that suspending the gas tax is a band-aid. Your turn. Why do you think the U.S. stood by in Yemen? What would a good deal with Iran look like? Should traitors whose actions cost lives face the death penalty? Tell us in the comments. Mike reads them. Timestamps 0:00 Happy Wednesday 0:15 Yemen asked for help and the U.S. stood by 1:15 Mike's theory: let the Houthis take Yemen? 2:55 Vance presses Iran on its nuclear program 4:30 The messaging problem 5:45 What would a good deal with Iran look like? 6:15 Germany arrests its former spy chief 6:40 Ex-CIA officer admits exposing a top-secret source 7:45 Should spies who endanger lives face death? 9:25 Tennessee's failed execution 10:50 Is the firing squad cruel and unusual? 11:40 Trump considers suspending the gas tax 12:05 Diesel hits a record 12:30 Is the Iran war behind fuel prices? 14:05 How diesel raises the cost of everything 14:30 Mike wants your feedback Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland reads the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times so you don't have to. No cable news spin, no recycled talking points, just the actual front pages and a straight take on what they mean for you. On Mike Drop Newsroom, Mike picks the day's biggest headlines, compares how two of the country's largest papers cover them, and says what he thinks. That covers everything from AI and national security to the economy, foreign policy and the stories cable TV skips. He's not here to push a party line. As Mike puts it, if you want to put a label on him, he's an American who wants to see America succeed. Every episode ends with a question for you. Tell us where you land in the comments, because Mike reads them and your answers shape what we cover next. Subscribe so you don't miss a morning. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Yemen Asked for Help. Why Did the U.S. Stand By? | Mike Drop Newsroom

  3. 2d ago

    The Delta Force and DEVGRU Op Nobody Talks About: Hunting Pablo Escobar | Ep. 312

    Former DEA Special Agent Steve Murphy—credited with taking down cartel kingpin Pablo Escobar, serving as a technical consultant for Narcos, and co-authoring Manhunters—sits down with Mike Ritland for an in-depth conversation. After watching the hit series depicting Murphy’s career, Ritland explores the real-life history behind the story, diving into the operational friction, the uncredited role of U.S. special operations like Delta Force and SEAL Team 6, and the harsh realities of combating the Medellin Cartel on the ground. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    The Delta Force and DEVGRU Op Nobody Talks About: Hunting Pablo Escobar | Ep. 312

  4. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    Wounded by Iran, Then Left on Their Own | Mike Drop Newsroom

    MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 06 OCTOBER 2026The biggest story today wasn't on either front page. Mike pulls in an AP report: soldiers seriously wounded in Iranian drone strikes say the military's medical system failed them. One soldier had a damaged artery that put him at risk of a stroke. He was sent to barracks and told to schedule outpatient appointments. Another waited more than four months for MRI results after having shrapnel removed from his head. Also in today's papers: Saudi and Yemeni forces are pushing back against the Houthis around the Red Sea port of Mokha. Germany and France are pushing the EU to get tough on Chinese trade. The FBI arrested a California woman accused of acting as an unregistered agent of China. Russia is investigating a death at a Siberian infectious disease lab. Brazil's right wing had a surprise surge. Superpowers are racing to put nuclear reactors on the moon. High interest rates haven't slowed the AI boom. And the DOJ is tightening visa screening for birth tourism. Mike's take: if you send troops to fight, you'd better be ready to take care of them when they're wounded, no matter which administration you are. He knows what waiting looks like. After a collarbone and bicep injury, the VA took so long to get him an MRI that surgery was no longer an option. On the Houthis, he says decades of U.S. involvement haven't worked, and he wonders whether pulling out completely would force Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the rest of the region to step up. On AI's energy demand, he makes the case for small regional nuclear reactors. On birthright citizenship, he doesn't think children of people here illegally or on temporary visas should become citizens automatically, and he invites anyone who disagrees to change his mind. Your turn. If you've been wounded or injured in service, how was your care? Would pulling out of the Middle East make the region step up, or would it be a disaster? Tell us in the comments. Mike reads them. Timestamps 0:00 Happy Tuesday 0:25 Germany and France push the EU to get tough on China 1:05 Saudi forces push back the Houthis 2:55 Why Iran is still flexing 3:45 Would pulling out force the region to step up? 6:30 FBI arrests an alleged Chinese agent 6:55 A death at a Siberian infectious disease lab 7:30 Should these labs exist? 8:20 Brazil's right-wing wave 9:35 Nuclear reactors on the moon 12:30 The AI boom and high interest rates 12:55 Data centers and energy demand 15:00 The case for small regional nuclear reactors 16:40 The price of convenience 17:50 Wounded soldiers say military care failed them 19:00 Mike's own VA story 19:55 "Take care of the troops" 20:45 DOJ targets birth tourism 21:15 Birthright citizenship 23:15 Coming up: DEA agent Steve Murphy Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland reads the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times so you don't have to. No cable news spin, no recycled talking points, just the actual front pages and a straight take on what they mean for you. On Mike Drop Newsroom, Mike picks the day's biggest headlines, compares how two of the country's largest papers cover them, and says what he thinks. That covers everything from AI and national security to the economy, foreign policy and the stories cable TV skips. He's not here to push a party line. As Mike puts it, if you want to put a label on him, he's an American who wants to see America succeed. Every episode ends with a question for you. Tell us where you land in the comments, because Mike reads them and your answers shape what we cover next. Subscribe so you don't miss a morning. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Wounded by Iran, Then Left on Their Own | Mike Drop Newsroom

  5. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    The U.S. Just Pulled B-1 Bombers Out of the UK. Why? | A Navy SEAL Reacts

    MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 05 OCTOBER 2026The Journal and the Times split again today, and Mike gives the edge to the Times. The headlines: the U.S. is moving its B-1 bombers out of the UK over security concerns. Investigators say authorities in three countries missed chances to keep the FlyDubai attacker out of the cockpit. President Trump repeated a promise of $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans win the midterms. A new White House task force has 120 days to report on the risks and opportunities of AI. Russian oil assets are now part of the Ukraine peace talks, with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the table. Phoenix teenagers are running an illegal weapons pipeline into Mexico. AI is getting better at predicting breast cancer risk. And China is worried its citizens are relying on AI too much. Mike's take: if the U.S. is pulling bombers out of the UK, one of our closest allies, then Iran's reach is a bigger problem than anyone's admitting. He wants Republicans to win the midterms, but he still calls the $5,000 promise a bribe paid with taxpayers' own money. On the AI task force and the Ukraine talks, his question is the same: who picks the people in charge, and what do they stand to gain? On the cartel gun pipeline, he argues that supply will always find a way, so the real fix is cutting demand, starting with strong families and better-raised kids. And he finds two positive AI stories: earlier cancer detection, and China possibly recognizing the risks. Your turn. How is Iran still able to threaten us in the UK? Would $5,000 change your vote? What's the single most effective way to cut demand for drugs, weapons and trafficking? Tell us in the comments. Mike reads them. Timestamps 0:00 Happy Monday and a quick housekeeping note 1:35 The Journal vs. the Times 1:55 Brazil's presidential election 2:10 B-1 bombers leave the UK 3:00 How can Iran still reach our allies? 4:10 How the FlyDubai attacker reached the cockpit 5:30 Incompetence or something more? 5:55 $5,000 for every adult if Republicans win 7:05 Paying voters with their own money 7:45 The White House AI task force 8:10 Who picks the people watching the people? 9:45 Russian oil in the Ukraine peace talks 10:45 Conflicts of interest at the negotiating table 12:20 Phoenix teens running guns to Mexico 13:15 Supply vs. demand 15:20 Fixing the root cause 16:35 AI that predicts breast cancer risk 17:45 China worries its citizens love AI too much 20:20 Wrap-up Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland reads the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times so you don't have to. No cable news spin, no recycled talking points, just the actual front pages and a straight take on what they mean for you. On Mike Drop Newsroom, Mike picks the day's biggest headlines, compares how two of the country's largest papers cover them, and says what he thinks. That covers everything from AI and national security to the economy, foreign policy and the stories cable TV skips. He's not here to push a party line. As Mike puts it, if you want to put a label on him, he's an American who wants to see America succeed. Every episode ends with a question for you. Tell us where you land in the comments, because Mike reads them and your answers shape what we cover next. Subscribe so you don't miss a morning. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    The U.S. Just Pulled B-1 Bombers Out of the UK. Why? | A Navy SEAL Reacts

  6. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    I Walked Away From God for Decades. Here's What Brought Me Back | Mike Drop Newsroom

    MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 04 OCTOBER 2026A long one for Sunday. There's no Wall Street Journal today, so Mike covers the New York Times and then shares the story many of you asked for: his path back to Christ. He starts by setting the record straight. After hearing from viewers, Mike walks back his comments on the Cornell case. He says he was guilty of the same rush to judgment he warns against, and he'll wait for the facts. He also shares what viewers in France told him the coverage of the riots there is missing. The headlines: protesters in canoes outside Chief Justice John Roberts' home in Maine. AIPAC has raised $233 million for the midterms. A report says President Trump directed $20 million in taxpayer money toward TV ads. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao's new role advising governments on crypto after his pardon, and his company's business ties to World Liberty Financial. And a Times opinion piece asking whether Democrats can win back religious voters. Mike's take: protest all you want where officials work, but leave their homes and families alone. He thinks any PAC tied to a foreign country, whichever country it is, shouldn't have a role in U.S. elections. Taxpayer money shouldn't fund ads praising any president. And no one in office should profit from policy they control, period. He also challenges fellow Christians to judge less and show more grace. Then the story: a Lutheran upbringing, a faith that fell apart through SEAL deployments, war and fatherhood, and decades of walking away. Then came the faithful men who appeared on the podcast, the week Charlie Kirk was killed, an unplanned Sunday at church that his kids shared without knowing it, and how he finally made peace with the question of free will. Your turn. Should protests at officials' homes be off-limits? Should foreign-focused PACs be banned? And if you've walked away from faith or found your way back, what made the difference? Tell us in the comments, and as Mike asks, be kind to one another. Timestamps 0:00 Happy Sunday: a long one 0:50 Mike walks back his Cornell comments 2:55 What viewers in France say the coverage is missing 5:45 Protesters outside Chief Justice Roberts' home 8:20 AIPAC money in the midterms 10:25 Should foreign-focused PACs be banned? 12:05 Taxpayer-funded ads praising Trump 14:10 A quick detour through Arts and Styles 15:00 The Binance founder's pardon 16:55 World Liberty Financial and conflicts of interest 19:35 Mike's honest questions about crypto 23:05 Can Democrats win back the faithful? 24:35 Judgment, grace and how Christians treat others 28:20 Mike's three morning books 29:35 Mike's path back to Christ 30:50 How deployments shook his faith 34:10 War, fatherhood and the free will question 36:15 Decades away from faith 37:00 The faithful men who came on the podcast 39:10 The day Charlie Kirk was shot 41:15 Walking into church 43:20 The call with his kids 47:55 How the free will question finally made sense 52:30 A story from an underground church in Iraq 56:15 A resurgence of faith 57:30 Closing prayer Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland reads the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times so you don't have to. No cable news spin, no recycled talking points, just the actual front pages and a straight take on what they mean for you. On Mike Drop Newsroom, Mike picks the day's biggest headlines, compares how two of the country's largest papers cover them, and says what he thinks. That covers everything from AI and national security to the economy, foreign policy and the stories cable TV skips. He's not here to push a party line. As Mike puts it, if you want to put a label on him, he's an American who wants to see America succeed. Every episode ends with a question for you. Tell us where you land in the comments, because Mike reads them and your answers shape what we cover next. Subscribe so you don't miss a morning. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    I Walked Away From God for Decades. Here's What Brought Me Back | Mike Drop Newsroom

  7. 5d ago ·  Bonus

    A Private Intel Brief on Iran: What the Headlines Aren't Telling You | Mike Drop Newsroom

    MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 03 OCTOBER 2026The Saturday papers split again, and this episode includes something new: a private intelligence summary from Mike's friend Max at Asylum Security, a former SEAL sniper who now works in executive security. It's not classified, but it comes from serious sources, and it covers threats that never make the front page. The headlines: Russia is pushing migrants across Latvia's border as a tactic against the West. Student protests over school conditions have turned violent across France. The U.S. added a lower-than-expected 29,000 jobs in September. Chinese officials' unusual requests at a recent summit are raising new questions about Xi Jinping's health. DHS is paying local police departments for help with immigration arrests. And the Wall Street Journal reports that more voters dislike both parties than in any recent election. From the intel brief: Iran is reviewing retaliation options that reach beyond the Middle East, tankers were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, cyber threats are aimed at critical infrastructure and personnel data, and China's spy satellite network is growing fast. Mike's take: he doesn't understand why secure borders became a partisan issue, since knowing who is coming into your country is common sense. He supports students fighting for better schools but says violence defeats the purpose. On Congress, he argues that both parties have to hold their own side to the same standard they hold the other. And he has a simple fix for the budget: if the government shuts down or the budget isn't balanced, Congress doesn't get paid. On Iran, the intel brief brings him back to the question he keeps asking: months of strikes later, Iran can still hit shipping and plan attacks abroad, so what does success actually look like? Your turn. Should Congress go unpaid until the budget is balanced? What does winning in Iran look like to you? And who do you think takes over China after Xi? Tell us in the comments. Mike reads them. Timestamps 0:00 Happy Saturday and a special intel brief 1:15 Why wildfires in Indonesia led the Times 1:50 FlyDubai: the mother's scream that alerted passengers 2:15 A new inquiry into the Cornell case 3:20 Russia uses migrants against the West 4:35 Why secure borders shouldn't be partisan 6:15 Student protests turn violent across France 8:20 A weak September jobs report 9:25 Xi Jinping's health and who comes next 12:05 DHS pays local police for immigration arrests 13:45 A hurricane-free summer and El Niño 14:40 "Double haters" and the midterms 16:35 Holding your own side accountable 19:10 No balanced budget, no paycheck for Congress 20:40 The intel brief 21:45 Iran's retaliation planning 23:20 What does success in Iran look like? 24:20 Tankers struck in the Strait of Hormuz 25:50 Cyber threats to infrastructure and personnel data 28:55 China, Russia and the race for space 30:25 A Sunday preview: faith and suffering 31:40 Wrap-up Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland reads the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times so you don't have to. No cable news spin, no recycled talking points, just the actual front pages and a straight take on what they mean for you. On Mike Drop Newsroom, Mike picks the day's biggest headlines, compares how two of the country's largest papers cover them, and says what he thinks. That covers everything from AI and national security to the economy, foreign policy and the stories cable TV skips. He's not here to push a party line. As Mike puts it, if you want to put a label on him, he's an American who wants to see America succeed. Every episode ends with a question for you. Tell us where you land in the comments, because Mike reads them and your answers shape what we cover next. Subscribe so you don't miss a morning. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    A Private Intel Brief on Iran: What the Headlines Aren't Telling You | Mike Drop Newsroom

  8. 6d ago ·  Bonus

    A Third Aircraft Carrier Is Headed to the Middle East. What's Coming? | A Navy SEAL Reacts

    MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 02 OCTOBER 2026A busy front page to close out the week. The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal split today, so Mike covers both. The headlines: the Pentagon is sending a third aircraft carrier strike group and more Marine Corps ships to the Middle East, adding roughly 10,000 troops to the region. OpenAI and Anthropic are spending to influence the midterm races and shape AI rules. Teachers and students warn that Google's AI push in schools is hurting learning. The FlyDubai captain who was stabbed by his co-pilot is being hailed for saving Flight 1073. Also covered: the Cornell case dominating social media, Tennessee halting executions after an inmate survived two doses of lethal injection, OpenAI firing researchers who shared information with an AI safety group, a global bond selloff, and high rates freezing the housing market. Mike's take: a third carrier group on top of an already heavy presence isn't just a show of force; he thinks it signals something may be about to happen, and he wants the administration to define what winning looks like. He calls lobbying a legal term for bribery and says he's baffled it's still allowed. On AI in schools, he compares it to map and compass versus GPS: AI is a great tool if you already know the subject, but kids who lean on it may never learn to think for themselves. He also tips his cap to the FlyDubai captain, the crew and the passengers who fought back, and asks for more civility, online and off. Your turn. Is the military buildup a signal? Can anyone make the case for lobbying? Is AI helping or hurting our kids? Tell us in the comments, and as Mike asks, keep it civil. He reads them. Timestamps 0:00 Happy Friday 0:25 The Times and the Journal split today 0:50 The Cornell case 2:55 Faith, family and how we treat each other online 5:50 Tennessee halts executions 7:30 AI giants spend on the midterms 7:55 Is lobbying just legal bribery? 9:10 Questions about the FlyDubai co-pilot's motive 10:00 The captain who saved Flight 1073 12:05 OpenAI fires researchers over AI safety leak 13:45 The global bond selloff 15:00 Why interest rates aren't fixing inflation 16:15 Texas home prices and a frozen housing market 18:20 AI in schools: can kids still think? 21:15 Map and compass vs. GPS 22:05 A third carrier group heads to the Middle East 23:20 What does winning look like? 24:10 Weather and wrap-up Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland reads the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times so you don't have to. No cable news spin, no recycled talking points, just the actual front pages and a straight take on what they mean for you. On Mike Drop Newsroom, Mike picks the day's biggest headlines, compares how two of the country's largest papers cover them, and says what he thinks. That covers everything from AI and national security to the economy, foreign policy and the stories cable TV skips. He's not here to push a party line. As Mike puts it, if you want to put a label on him, he's an American who wants to see America succeed. Every episode ends with a question for you. Tell us where you land in the comments, because Mike reads them and your answers shape what we cover next. Subscribe so you don't miss a morning. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    A Third Aircraft Carrier Is Headed to the Middle East. What's Coming? | A Navy SEAL Reacts
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Mike Drop, hosted by former Navy SEAL and bestselling author Mike Ritland, is a no-holds-barred platform that dives deep into the stories and experiences of extraordinary individuals. Known for his candid and unfiltered approach, Mike interviews guests ranging from special operations veterans and elite athletes to renowned authors and thought leaders, offering listeners a exclusive glimpse into the human side of those who have excelled in their fields. Whether it's discussing the intense challenges of combat or the resilience required to overcome personal adversity, Mike Drop provides a space where real conversations happen.

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