Escaping the Drift with John Gafford

John Gafford

Escaping the Drift with John Gafford Do you want to level up? Are you feeling stuck in a never-ending drift, like you are aimlessly floating through life without a clear sense of direction? Do you yearn for a breakthrough that can propel you from mediocrity to remarkable success? If you're ready to escape the current and start swimming against the tide, join host John Gafford on the thought-provoking podcast, "Escaping the Drift."In each episode, John engages in intimate conversations with top performers across various fields who have successfully transcended the shackles of mediocrity. These extraordinary individuals share their secrets, stories, and strategies that enabled them to rise above the mundane and achieve exceptional levels of success. "Escaping the Drift" is a treasure trove of insights for those who feel like they're merely drifting through life, searching for purpose and a higher calling. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative soul in pursuit of breakthroughs, an athlete striving for peak performance, or anyone who wants to tap into their untapped potential, this podcast offers a roadmap to transform your life. Through compelling and thought-provoking interviews, John Gafford unveils the mindset shifts, daily habits, and actionable techniques that have propelled these top performers to new heights. Learn how they harnessed their passions, overcame obstacles, and capitalized on opportunities to achieve extraordinary success.Each episode of "Escaping the Drift" is an immersive experience that leaves no stone unturned. Dive into the captivating stories of remarkable individuals who have mastered the art of swimming against the current. Discover how they turned adversity into advantage, setbacks into stepping stones, and dreams into reality. John Gafford's authentic and empathetic interviewing style creates a safe space for guests to share their triumphs and tribulations. By exploring their unique journeys, listeners gain invaluable lessons, practical strategies, and the inspiration needed to break free from the drift and embrace a life of purpose and fulfillment.If you're ready to break free from the monotony of mediocrity and unleash your true potential, "Escaping the Drift" is the podcast for you. Join John Gafford and his exceptional guests as they unravel the secrets of success and empower you to swim against the currents of life. It's time to leave behind the drift and embark on a transformative journey towards excellence. Learn More at www.EscapingtheDrift.com

  1. 4D AGO

    Blindness to Billion-Dollar Vision: How Sean Callagy Is Building the Future of AI

    Sean Callagy went from being a Division 1 athlete to losing his sight entirely by age 40 due to Retinitis Pigmentosa. Rather than letting his blindness define him, he used it as a catalyst to build a massive law firm and now, a revolutionary AI company, Act I, which aims to be the "integrity operating system" for the future. In this episode, John Gafford sits down with Sean to discuss the emotional resilience required to navigate life-altering challenges, the "integrity-based human influence" formula, and why Sean believes his AI agents will soon outperform humans in the art of "causing yes". They dive deep into the dangers of current AI platforms like ChatGPT—which Sean argues are designed for addiction rather than truth—and how he is building a competitive, objective alternative. 💬 Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Tell us all about it in the comment section below!  ☑️  If you liked this video, consider subscribing to Escaping The Drift with John Gafford  ************* 💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space. ➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company. ************* ✅ Follow John Gafford on social media: Instagram ▶️ / thejohngafford Facebook ▶️ / gafford2 🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here: Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cWN80gtZ4m4wl3DqQoJmK?si=2d60fd72329d44a9 Listen On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-the-drift-with-john-gafford/id1582927283  ************* #SeanCallagy #AI #Entrepreneurship #RetinitisPigmentosa #HumanInfluence #EscapingTheDrift #ArtificialIntelligence #IntegrityBasedSuccess See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 3m
  2. FEB 3

    The Future of Creator Commerce: How to Monetize Your Passion (Aaron Day)

    Aaron Day transitioned from a high-level role at Canva to becoming the CEO of Amaze, a company valued at several million dollars that is fundamentally changing how creators sell online. By embedding e-commerce directly into platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, he is helping creators bypass the "SEO hell" of traditional retail. In this episode of Escaping the Drift, John Gafford talks to Aaron about the "strategic evolution" of the creator economy, why traditional storefronts are becoming obsolete, and how Amaze manages complex global supply chains for creators at scale. Aaron explains the power of "1P" (First Party) branding, the rise of niche influencers, and how AI is now being used to turn social media comments into physical products in minutes. 💬 Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Tell us all about it in the comment section below!  ☑️ If you liked this video, consider subscribing to Escaping The Drift with John Gafford  ************* 💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space. ➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company. ************* ✅ Follow John Gafford on social media: Instagram ▶️ / thejohngafford Facebook ▶️ / gafford2 🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here: Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cWN80gtZ4m4wl3DqQoJmK?si=2d60fd72329d44a9 Listen On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-the-drift-with-john-gafford/id1582927283  ************* #CreatorEconomy #SocialCommerce #Entrepreneurship #Amaze #DigitalMarketing #AaronDay #EscapingTheDrift #EcommerceInnovation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    47 min
  3. JAN 28

    He Became Jelly Roll's Drummer Because of a... Mullet? (Cody Ash)

    Cody Ash grew up in a tiny town in Kentucky where the most exciting thing to do was play baseball or get into trouble. Today, he travels the world on private jets playing sold-out stadiums as the drummer for country-rap superstar Jelly Roll. In this episode of Escaping the Drift, John Gafford sits down with Cody to hear the wild story of his rise to the top. From driving 14 hours to New York City for a single unpaid show just to get his foot in the door, to the hilariously rumored reason he actually landed the Jelly Roll gig (hint: it involves hair), Cody's journey is a masterclass in hustle, networking, and being ready when the phone rings. If you are a musician, a creative, or just an entrepreneur trying to figure out how to break into a closed industry, Cody’s "say yes to everything" mentality is exactly what you need to hear. In this episode, we cover: The 14-hour drive to NYC for one show that changed his life. Why "Small Town Mindset" kills more dreams than lack of talent. The truth about how he got hired by Jelly Roll. How to network in an industry where you know nobody. The reality of touring: It’s not all parties and private jets. Chapter Titles & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Did the Mullet Get Him the Job? 04:15 – Growing Up in Small Town Kentucky 11:30 – The "Drive to NYC" Hustle: 14 Hours for One Show 19:45 – Breaking Into the Nashville Scene 28:10 – The "Umpire" Incident: Why He Quit His Day Job 35:50 – Getting the Call for Jelly Roll 42:30 – The Mullet Story: How He Really Got Hired 50:00 – Life on the Road: Stadiums vs. Dive Bars 💬 Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Tell us all about it in the comment section below!  ☑️  If you liked this video, consider subscribing to Escaping The Drift with John Gafford  ************* 💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space. ➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company. ************* ✅ Follow John Gafford on social media: Instagram ▶️ / thejohngafford Facebook ▶️ / gafford2 🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here: Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cWN80gtZ4m4wl3DqQoJmK?si=2d60fd72329d44a9 Listen On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-the-drift-with-john-gafford/id1582927283  ************* #JellyRoll #CodyAsh #DrummerLife #MusicBusiness #HustleCulture #TourLife #EscapingTheDrift #Nashville See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 17m
  4. JAN 20

    He Sold His Roofing Business for $60M (Here’s What He Built Next) - Mike Feazel

    Mike Feazel built one of the largest roof replacement companies in America, scaling it to $60 million in revenue before selling it 13 years ago. But instead of retiring to an island, he saw a massive problem in the industry and decided to disrupt it all over again with Roof Maxx. In this episode of Escaping the Drift, John Gafford talks with Mike about the journey from a small farm in Ohio to becoming a roofing mogul. Mike shares the exact "dealership model" he used to scale his new company to 380 locations in just five years, why he believes the "franchise model" is broken for most service businesses, and how a 17-page Google search led to a breakthrough product that is saving homeowners millions. If you are in the trades, own a service business, or want to know how to scale a company for a massive exit, this episode is a masterclass in blue-collar entrepreneurship. In this episode, we cover: How he scaled a roofing company to $60M and sold it. The "Dealership vs. Franchise" model: Why one is superior. How a simple Google search led to a bio-oil breakthrough. Why he believes "white collar" jobs are in trouble and "blue collar" is the future. The 3-minute rule for pitching your business to anyone. Chapter Titles & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Sold for $60 Million 02:15 – The Problem with Asphalt Shingles (And How He Fixed It) 08:45 – Dealerships vs. Franchises: The Scaling Secret 15:30 – How to Scale to 380 Locations in 5 Years 22:10 – The "Google Mafia" & The Cost of Leads 29:00 – Why Blue Collar is the New Gold Rush 36:45 – Managing a Remote Team of 50+ People 42:00 – Final Advice: Don't Retire, Reload 💬 Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Tell us all about it in the comment section below!  ☑️  If you liked this video, consider subscribing to Escaping The Drift with John Gafford  ************* 💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space. ➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company. ************* ✅ Follow John Gafford on social media: Instagram ▶️ / thejohngafford Facebook ▶️ / gafford2 🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here: Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cWN80gtZ4m4wl3DqQoJmK?si=2d60fd72329d44a9 Listen On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-the-drift-with-john-gafford/id1582927283  ************* #RoofingBusiness #BlueCollarMillionaire #BusinessScaling #ExitStrategy #RoofMaxx #MikeFeazel #EscapingTheDrift #Entrepreneurship See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    46 min
  5. JAN 13

    From "Fat Doctor" Pills to Celebrity Addiction Expert: Dr. Cali Estes

    Dr. Cali Estes was an aspiring FBI agent until a meltdown involving cake on the floor led her down a path of addiction to diet pills, speed, and chaos. Today, she is known as "The Female Dr. Drew," helping celebrities, executives, and high-performers break free from addiction without hitting rock bottom. In this episode of Escaping the Drift, John Gafford sits down with Dr. Cali to discuss the hidden addictions of the wealthy, why traditional rehab fails high achievers, and the shocking reality of high-functioning addicts in the boardroom. She reveals her controversial "harm reduction" approach, why she believes ADHD can be a superpower, and the exact "brain dump" technique she uses to help clients sleep. If you think addiction only looks like a person under a bridge, or if you're using "stress" as an excuse for your habits, this episode will change your perspective forever. In this episode, we cover: How a diet pill addiction almost killed her at 23. The "Sober on Demand" method for high-functioning executives. Why "hitting rock bottom" is a myth that kills people. The truth about sugar, phones, and dopamine addiction. How to use ADHD as a competitive advantage in business. Chapter Titles & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: The Cake Meltdown & The "Fat Doctor" 03:45 – The 3 Markers of Addiction You Can’t Ignore 08:15 – Why Sugar is the Gateway Drug 14:30 – The "Functional Addict" Myth: CEOs & Celebrities 21:00 – Why Traditional Rehab Fails High Performers 29:15 – The "Brain Dump" Technique for Better Sleep 36:40 – Is ADHD a Disorder or a Superpower? 42:00 – How to Reset Your Dopamine Baseline 💬 Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Tell us all about it in the comment section below!  ☑️  If you liked this video, consider subscribing to Escaping The Drift with John Gafford  ************* 💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space. ➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company. ************* ✅ Follow John Gafford on social media: Instagram ▶️ / thejohngafford Facebook ▶️ / gafford2 🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here: Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cWN80gtZ4m4wl3DqQoJmK?si=2d60fd72329d44a9 Listen On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-the-drift-with-john-gafford/id1582927283  ************* #AddictionRecovery #HighFunctioningAnxiety #DrCaliEstes #SoberOnDemand #MentalHealth #ExecutiveCoaching #EscapingTheDrift #DopamineDetox See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 4m
  6. JAN 6

    How to Pitch Anything to Anyone in 3 Minutes (Hollywood Secrets) with Brant Pinvidic

    Brant Pinvidic has sold over 100 TV shows and movie projects to every major network in Hollywood. But one day, while standing in the lobby of MTV, he realized he hated the industry he had conquered. In this episode of Escaping the Drift, John Gafford talks with the legendary producer and author of The 3-Minute Rule about exactly how to simplify your message to close any deal. Brant shares the terrifying story of pitching between Mark Burnett and Simon Cowell, why he took his family to 52 countries in 52 weeks, and the harsh truth about "investing" in private equity that most entrepreneurs ignore. If you struggle to explain what you do clearly or feel trapped by your own success, this episode is the blueprint for reclaiming your freedom and your voice. In this episode, we cover: How to pitch your business clearly in 3 minutes or less. The "whiplash" method of storytelling. Why he quit a dream career in Hollywood to start over. The "Game of Money": Why you are the end consumer, not the investor. Chapter Titles & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Pitching with Mark Burnett & Simon Cowell 03:15 – Traveling 52 Countries in 52 Weeks with Kids 12:45 – The 3-Minute Rule: Conceptualize, Contextualize, Actualize 20:30 – The CBS Pitch Story: Out in 9 Minutes 28:10 – Why I Quit Hollywood: The MTV Lobby Moment 36:00 – The "Game of Money": Are You the Investor or the Consumer? 45:00 – Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck 💬 Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Tell us all about it in the comment section below!  ☑️  If you liked this video, consider subscribing to Escaping The Drift with John Gafford  ************* 💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space. ➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company. ************* ✅ Follow John Gafford on social media: Instagram ▶️ / thejohngafford Facebook ▶️ / gafford2 🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here: Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cWN80gtZ4m4wl3DqQoJmK?si=2d60fd72329d44a9 Listen On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-the-drift-with-john-gafford/id1582927283  ************* #The3MinuteRule #SalesPitch #PublicSpeaking #BrantPinvidic #HollywoodProducer #BusinessTips #EscapingTheDrift #Storytelling See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 17m
  7. 12/30/2025

    From "We Can't Afford It" to Millionaire at 25 with Hannah Hammond

    At just 7 years old, Hannah Hammond was told her family couldn't afford a McFlurry. That single moment of scarcity sparked a fire that would lead her to become a millionaire by age 25. In this episode of Escaping the Drift, John Gafford sits down with Hannah to break down exactly how she went from an insecure "ugly duckling" to a powerhouse entrepreneur with her own national finance and real estate companies. She shares the surreal experience of being mentored by Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki, why she walked away from a safe engineering career to bet on herself, and the $10,000 investment she made when she was broke that changed everything. If you feel stuck in a scarcity mindset or think you’re too young to build massive wealth, this episode is your wake-up call. In this episode, we cover: The "McFlurry Moment" that defined her financial future.How she connected with Robert Kiyosaki and Joe Polish.Why "Energetic Intelligence" is more important than IQ.Overcoming the "Imposter Syndrome" of young success. Chapter Titles & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: The 7-Year-Old Who Decided to Be Rich02:15 – Meeting Robert Kiyosaki & The "Rich Dad" Influence07:17 – The McFlurry Story: When Ambition Was Born13:45 – Quitting Engineering to Sell Real Estate19:30 – The "Rich Dad" Family vs. The "Poor Dad" Reality24:10 – Investing $10k in Coaching When You’re Broke32:00 – Mastering "Energetic Intelligence" & Self-Worth38:45 – Navigating Relationships & Ego as an Entrepreneur45:00 – Final Advice: How to Stop Drifting 💬 Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Tell us all about it in the comment section below!  ☑️  If you liked this video, consider subscribing to Escaping The Drift with John Gafford  ************* 💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space. ➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company. ************* ✅ Follow John Gafford on social media: Instagram ▶️ / thejohngafford Facebook ▶️ / gafford2 🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here: Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cWN80gtZ4m4wl3DqQoJmK?si=2d60fd72329d44a9 Listen On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-the-drift-with-john-gafford/id1582927283  ************* #escapingthedrift #hannahhammond #MillionaireMindset #RichDadPoorDad #YoungEntrepreneur #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateInvesting #WealthBuilding See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 hr
  8. 12/23/2025

    From Startup to Franchise: What Actually Works with Alex Smereczniak

    Alex Smereczniak is a serial entrepreneur and the co founder and CEO of Franzy, a platform reshaping how entrepreneurs discover and acquire franchise businesses. Franzy was built to remove the opacity and friction that traditionally plague franchising, giving founders real clarity, tools, and support to make smarter decisions. Alex’s work centers on enabling ownership and helping people bet on themselves with better information. Before Franzy, Alex co founded and served as CEO of 2ULaundry and LaundroLab, where he helped scale a venture backed laundry delivery company and its franchise arm from the ground up. His experience spans fundraising, growth, operations, and franchising, and he remains actively involved as a board member for both companies. He has lived the realities of scaling fast, hiring teams, navigating capital, and building systems that hold under pressure. In this episode, Alex breaks down what actually works when building businesses that scale and why entrepreneurship is more accessible than most people think when the right structure is in place. He shares lessons from multiple ventures, hard earned insights from the franchise world, and a clear perspective on how to create companies that drive both profit and impact. This is a grounded conversation with a founder who understands the full lifecycle of building and backing businesses. 💬 Did you enjoy this podcast episode? Tell us all about it in the comment section below!  ☑️  If you liked this video, consider subscribing to Escaping The Drift with John Gafford  ************* 💯 About John Gafford: After appearing on NBC's "The Apprentice", John relocated to the Las Vegas Valley and founded several successful companies in the real estate space. ➡️ The Gafford Group at Simply Vegas, top 1% of all REALTORS nationwide in terms of production. Simply Vegas, a 500 agent brokerage with billions in annual sales Clear Title, a 7-figure full-service title and escrow company. ************* ✅ Follow John Gafford on social media: Instagram ▶️ / thejohngafford Facebook ▶️ / gafford2 🎧 Stream The Escaping The Drift Podcast with John Gafford Episode here: Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cWN80gtZ4m4wl3DqQoJmK?si=2d60fd72329d44a9 Listen On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/escaping-the-drift-with-john-gafford/id1582927283  ************* #escapingthedrift #alexsmereczniak #serialentrepreneur #franchisebusiness #businessownership #startupfounder #scalebusiness #entrepreneurship #franchising #founderstories #venturebacked #businessgrowth #ownershipmindset #buildtolast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 3m
4.8
out of 5
273 Ratings

About

Escaping the Drift with John Gafford Do you want to level up? Are you feeling stuck in a never-ending drift, like you are aimlessly floating through life without a clear sense of direction? Do you yearn for a breakthrough that can propel you from mediocrity to remarkable success? If you're ready to escape the current and start swimming against the tide, join host John Gafford on the thought-provoking podcast, "Escaping the Drift."In each episode, John engages in intimate conversations with top performers across various fields who have successfully transcended the shackles of mediocrity. These extraordinary individuals share their secrets, stories, and strategies that enabled them to rise above the mundane and achieve exceptional levels of success. "Escaping the Drift" is a treasure trove of insights for those who feel like they're merely drifting through life, searching for purpose and a higher calling. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative soul in pursuit of breakthroughs, an athlete striving for peak performance, or anyone who wants to tap into their untapped potential, this podcast offers a roadmap to transform your life. Through compelling and thought-provoking interviews, John Gafford unveils the mindset shifts, daily habits, and actionable techniques that have propelled these top performers to new heights. Learn how they harnessed their passions, overcame obstacles, and capitalized on opportunities to achieve extraordinary success.Each episode of "Escaping the Drift" is an immersive experience that leaves no stone unturned. Dive into the captivating stories of remarkable individuals who have mastered the art of swimming against the current. Discover how they turned adversity into advantage, setbacks into stepping stones, and dreams into reality. John Gafford's authentic and empathetic interviewing style creates a safe space for guests to share their triumphs and tribulations. By exploring their unique journeys, listeners gain invaluable lessons, practical strategies, and the inspiration needed to break free from the drift and embrace a life of purpose and fulfillment.If you're ready to break free from the monotony of mediocrity and unleash your true potential, "Escaping the Drift" is the podcast for you. Join John Gafford and his exceptional guests as they unravel the secrets of success and empower you to swim against the currents of life. It's time to leave behind the drift and embark on a transformative journey towards excellence. Learn More at www.EscapingtheDrift.com

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