Rivera and Reeves

Meseidy Rivera and Rachel Reeves

Forget the media talking points—“Rivera and Reeves” is where the spin stops and the real talk begins. We tackle the news, politics, and cultural battles the mainstream wants you to ignore, all from a perspective that values truth, freedom, and common sense. Delivered with wit, humor, and a whole lot of coffee, this is the podcast for anyone who refuses to be spoon-fed narratives and is ready to think critically about the world around them. Think of it as coffee with two friends who aren’t afraid to say what you’re already thinking. Subscribe and Follow Us! 🎧 Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join our community on Substack! 📲 Stay in the loop and follow us on social media: Instagram: @RiveraAndReeves Twitter/X: @RiveraAndReeves

  1. Nov 4 ·  Bonus

    Surprise Live! The Day After Midterms

    Meseidy and Rachel Reeves discuss the political fallout of the midterm elections, what a new congressional majority could realistically do, and why Republicans lost ground. They weigh the importance of voter turnout, governing constraints, and campaign messaging, with particular attention to Texas and Georgia. Co-hosts Meseidy and Rachel Reeves unpack the political fallout from a major election swing, debate what drove voter dissatisfaction, and consider how the parties might position themselves for 2028. Their conversation weighs economic concerns, candidate quality, political messaging, the war, immigration, and institutional checks and balances, while sharply diverging on whether the current administration can change course. Follow & SubscribeMeseidy IG: @ItsMeseidy https://instagram.com/itsmeseidy Substack: https://www.itsmeseidy.com Rachel IG: @HereAreTheHeadlines https://instagram.com/HereAreTheHeadlines Substack: https://rachelreeves.substack.com/ Rivera and Reeves Substack: https://riveraandreeves.substack.com/ Chapters 00:00 Going live and setting up the conversation 04:04 Midterm results and the close Mississippi Senate race 09:12 What the congressional majority can actually change 12:40 Filibuster strategy, cooperation, and impeachment 16:25 The Politico interview and prospects for working together 23:09 Affordability, voter concerns, and the messaging problem 28:31 Progressive wins, moderate candidates, and voter fatigue 34:07 Why Republicans underperformed and what voters signaled 36:25 Texas's divided government and border-policy stakes 39:36 Georgia's political shift and the role of voter coalitions 41:11 Youth and Hispanic voters are not locked into one party 42:24 Putting the election swing in historical midterm context 44:04 Trump backlash, affordability, and candidate quality 45:13 Unkept promises, poor optics, and Washington’s bubble 49:23 What JD Vance says Republicans got wrong 53:06 Can Vance separate himself before 2028? 56:10 The Democratic field and the House’s progressive wing 58:16 The hosts’ possible Republican paths to 2028 01:01:10 Why performance and memes cannot replace results 01:02:29 Border enforcement, voter perception, and party strategy 01:05:04 Checks and balances versus fears about the next administration 01:09:15 Which candidates could appeal beyond their party base? 01:13:51 Undermarketed accomplishments and the closing discussion Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Surprise Live! The Day After Midterms
  2. May 5

    Ep. 227 | Summer Hiatus, SCOTUS Earthquake & Tucker's Dodge Reel

    The girls are taking the summer off — but not before breaking down the redistricting war that's about to reshape the midterms. Meseidy and Rachel walk through the SCOTUS ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, why Justice Jackson's dissent reads like a political pamphlet, and how the map fights in Texas, California, Virginia, and Florida are quietly setting up a passive civil war over House control. Then: the Senate races worth watching (Maine's Nazi-tattoo Democrat, Michigan's progressive pile-up), Tucker Carlson's New York Times interview and the dodge-and-deflect playbook spreading across the podcast world, and Spencer Pratt's surprisingly serious run for LA mayor. Final episode until September — make it count. 🎧 New episodes return the first Monday of September. Paid subscribers, check your inbox. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSWhy Rivera & Reeves is taking a summer hiatus and what's coming back in SeptemberLouisiana v. Callais: the 6-3 SCOTUS ruling on racial gerrymandering and Justice Jackson's dissentThe redistricting battle map — Texas, California, Virginia, Florida, and what each move actually netsSenate races to watch: Susan Collins vs. Graham Platner in Maine, the Democrat primary chaos in MichiganTucker Carlson's New York Times interview and the "it's well known" school of argumentationThe grift cycle: how Tucker, Megyn Kelly, Sean Ryan, and the Young Turks are all running the same scriptSpencer Pratt's mayoral run in LA and why secret Democrat voters might actually flip the 🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss the comeback. 📬 Substack: https://riveraandreeves.substack.com/ 🎙 Listen everywhere podcasts live. Chapters 00:00 Cold Open & Summer Hiatus Announcement 07:14 Louisiana v. Callais & the SCOTUS Ruling 22:08 The Redistricting Battle Map 33:04 Senate Races to Watch in 2026 41:00 Tucker Carlson's New York Times Interview 53:11 The Podcast Grift & the "Unite With the Left" Pivot 1:11:20 Spencer Pratt for LA Mayor 1:19:40 Outro & September Plans Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Ep. 227 | Summer Hiatus, SCOTUS Earthquake & Tucker's Dodge Reel
  3. Apr 23

    R&R Ep. 226 | SPLC Indicted for Paying Nazis — And That's Just the First 20 Minutes

    The Southern Poverty Law Center just got indicted by a federal grand jury — and the details are wild. Meseidy and Rachel break down the charges, the shell companies, the payments that allegedly went straight to a Klan leader and the guy who helped organize Charlottesville. If you’ve been wondering why the “Nazi” narrative against half the country never seemed to die, this episode connects some uncomfortable dots. Also on the table: Virginia’s mid-decade redistricting power grab, the judge who threw it out hours later, and what it means heading into the midterms. Plus, Hassan Piker and the New York Times are now openly pitching “micro looting” as political protest, and a sitting congressman went on the House floor to argue Jesus was gender-fluid. You can’t make this stuff up. But they’re trying. Episode HighlightsFederal grand jury indicts the SPLC — between 2014 and 2023, they allegedly paid over $3 million to Klan leaders, Nazi groups, and the organizer of the Charlottesville “Unite the Right” rallyShell companies with names like “Center Investigative Agency” (CIA) and “Fox Photography” used to funnel payments — none ever incorporated, none ever had employeesTurning Point USA, PragerU, Alliance Defending Freedom, Moms for Liberty, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali all still sit on the SPLC’s “hate group” listVirginia’s redistricting referendum passes by a hair, gets invalidated by a circuit court judge the next day — the new map hands Democrats 10 of 11 seats in a state Harris won by 5 pointsHassan Piker, The New York Times, and a New Yorker staff writer sit down to openly advocate “micro looting” as legitimate political protestCongressman Justin Jones tells the House floor that God is gender-fluid and Paul agrees — and David French apparently thinks he’s more Christian than most RepublicansFollow Us On Youtube!YouTube Hit play, grab your coffee, and catch up on what’s actually happening. If this episode earns a share, send it to someone who’s been repeating the same three talking points since Saturday. They need this more than they know. Not a paid subscriber yet? Join us LIVE Tuesday & Thursday at 12:30 pm, get ad-free access the moment we publish, plus our monthly live unfiltered stream every last Saturday at 11:30 AM EST. Subscribe now Chapters00:00 — Intro & Subscriber Reminders 03:40 — The SPLC Federal Indictment 20:40 — Shell Companies & the Paper Trail 32:45 — Virginia’s Redistricting Power Grab 47:50 — Hassan Piker & “Micro Looting” 1:00:00 — Defending Brian Thompson’s Murder 1:11:50 — Congressman Says God Is Gender-Fluid 1:20:10 — Wrap Up & Subscriber Info Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    R&R Ep. 226 | SPLC Indicted for Paying Nazis — And That's Just the First 20 Minutes
  4. Apr 21

    Ep. 225 | The Analog Comeback Is Real — But AI Is Already Here

    The kids want tin can phones. Gen Z is buying vinyl at rates we haven’t seen since 1983. And somewhere in the middle of all that, AI quietly became everything. Meseidy and Rachel skip the Iran cycle this week to talk about what’s actually shifting underneath it — the pull back toward analog, and the tech disruption that’s moving faster than any generation before has had to process. They don’t agree. Meseidy’s cautiously optimistic that AI frees up time for real human connection. Rachel wants to know what gets lost in the trade. They push each other, they leave it unresolved, and they’re honest about the fact that nobody — including the people building the tools — really knows where this lands. Also in this one: Virginia’s redistricting vote, a 90s-week family experiment, the wait-until-8th movement, and the Oklahoma principal who tackled a school shooter and got crowned prom king. Episode HighlightsWhy Gen Z is driving a $1.4B vinyl resurgence and snapping up disposable cameras — the analog comeback isn’t a trend, it’s frictionThe “tin can” phone rundown: how Rachel’s daughter is actually talking to her friends again, and why wait-until-8th pacts are catching onA 90s-week family experiment with six kids, one shared laptop, and zero personal phones — the resultsWhere Meseidy and Rachel split on AI: useful tool vs. something we don’t understand fast enough to trustThe CEO of Anthropic’s own admission that AI is moving faster than any previous tech — and why that matters for parents, schools, and workersWhy the left’s next climate-panic energy is going to land on AI (and what that’ll look like)A feel-good close: the Oklahoma principal who tackled a school shooter getting crowned prom king Get more from Rivera and Reeves in the Substack app Available for iOS and Android Get the app Follow Us On Youtube!YouTube Hit play, grab your coffee, and catch up on what’s actually happening. If this episode earns a share, send it to someone who’s been repeating the same three talking points since Saturday. They need this more than they know. Not a paid subscriber yet? Join us LIVE Tuesday & Thursday at 12:30 pm, get ad-free access the moment we publish, plus our monthly live unfiltered stream every last Saturday at 11:30 AM EST. Subscribe now Chapters00:00 Intro & Virginia redistricting vote04:00 Why we’re skipping the Iran news cycle07:40 The analog comeback: tin cans, vinyl & Gen Z14:45 Wait Until 8th and keeping kids off smartphones26:00 AI is different — and it’s moving faster than anything before41:20 What AI is actually doing to how we think and work54:30 Is AI inevitable? Where Meseidy and Rachel disagree1:10:30 Good news: Oklahoma principal crowned prom king Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Ep. 225 | The Analog Comeback Is Real — But AI Is Already Here
  5. Apr 16

    Ep. 224 | The MAGA Civil War Is Manufactured — But the Blackpill Is Real

    The MAGA civil war narrative is getting a lot of airtime — but is it real, or is it a media-manufactured information war? This week, Meseidy and Rachel dig into an Axios piece claiming conservative women are "snatching the MAGA megaphone," and they have questions. Candace Owens isn't conservative. Bari Weiss isn't MAGA. And most normie Republican women couldn't pick Tomi Lahren out of a lineup. Then the conversation goes deeper: Tucker Carlson's slow-motion deconstruction, the left's bizarre new coalition with anti-Trump right voices, and Ilhan Omar urging Democrats to embrace Marjorie Taylor Greene. Yes, really. Plus: Hassan Piker at Stanford and Yale, Sharon McMahon's UVU commencement controversy, TMZ hitting Capitol Hill, Trump's triumphal arch proposal, and American Girl Dolls bringing back the classics. It's chaos out here — and nobody panic-spirals better than Megyn Kelly. Get more from Rivera and Reeves in the Substack app Get the app Episode HighlightsThe Axios “Women Snatch the MAGA Megaphone” piece — why the framing is lazy, the sourcing is thin, and Bari Weiss has no business being in that articleThe real MAGA fracture: it’s not about new conservative women voices — it’s a blackpill spiral driving people away from politics entirelyTucker Carlson’s deconstruction arc: equating Islam and Christianity, idolizing authoritarian-adjacent governance, and apologizing his way off the conservative reservationIlhan Omar urging Democrats to embrace MTG and Candace Owens — the grievance coalition is officially open for businessHassan Piker campaigns with Congress members while speaking at Yale and Stanford in full Castro cosplay — and Democrats can’t bring themselves to say noSharon McMahon exposed: the “nonpartisan government teacher” posted anti-Charlie Kirk content after his assassination, got pushback, deleted it — and now she’s the UVU commencement speakerTrump’s triumphal arch: 250 feet, gold lions, bigger than the Lincoln Memorial — and Rachel has opinionsAmerican Girl Dolls bringing back the historical originals — and the chat approvedFollow Us On Youtube!YouTube Hit play, grab your coffee, and catch up on what’s actually happening. If this episode earns a share, send it to someone who’s been repeating the same three talking points since Saturday. They need this more than they know. Not a paid subscriber yet? Join us LIVE Tuesday & Thursday at 12:30 pm, get ad-free access the moment we publish, plus our monthly live unfiltered stream every last Saturday at 11:30 AM EST. Chapters 0:00 Cold Open & Welcome 3:30 Axios Article: "Women Snatch the MAGA Megaphone" 13:45 The Real Story — Blackpill, Panic Platforms & the Normie Conservative Woman 18:30 Tucker Carlson's Deconstruction Arc 22:00 Megyn Kelly's Spiral & Trump's Approval Numbers 28:15 The Grievance Coalition — Ilhan Omar, MTG & the WB Alliance 33:45 Hassan Piker, Yale, Stanford & the Democrat Party's Guardrail Problem 44:00 Sharon McMahon & the UVU Commencement Controversy 57:30 TMZ on the Hill, Trump's Triumphal Arch & American Girl Dolls 1:15:40 Wrap-Up Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Ep. 224 | The MAGA Civil War Is Manufactured — But the Blackpill Is Real
  6. Apr 14

    Ep. 223 | Swalwell Scandal: The Media Knew for Years | Iran Blockade & Trump's AI Jesus Post

    Iran negotiations stalled, a partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and oil prices climbing past $100 a barrel — Meseidy and Rachel break it all down without the spin. They also dig into the Eric Swalwell scandal: the allegations, the media's suspiciously convenient timing, the California governor's race implications, and what it tells us about Washington's open secrets and the total absence of accountability on the Hill. Plus — Trump's AI Jesus post, a DoorDash delivery to the Oval Office, and a passionate defense of McDonald's Diet Coke. Tucker Carlson's anti-American rhetoric gets called out, Ruben Gallego gets put on notice, and the hosts wrap with a reminder that the media is, in fact, still trash. A full episode with zero filler. Get more from Rivera and Reeves in the Substack app Available for iOS ad Android Get the app Episode HighlightsIran Negotiations & the Strait of Hormuz: JD Vance’s 21-hour talks in Islamabad produced no deal — but the U.S. counter-blockade strategy and mine-sweeping operations signal a more complex play than the media is letting onEric Swalwell Scandal: Four women, serious allegations including rape, a Manhattan DA investigation, and an entire media apparatus that knew for years and said nothing — the hosts trace the story from a TikTok creator to the San Francisco ChronicleThe California Governor’s Race Connection: Why the timing of this story isn’t a coincidence — Democrats may have weaponized the Swalwell scandal to clear the field before Republicans take both top primary spotsTrump’s AI Jesus Post: Both hosts push back hard — theologically and politically — on the viral image and the sycophantic defenses that followedTucker Carlson’s Anti-American Rhetoric: Why his “both ways” commentary on the Iran standoff reads as actively rooting against the United States — and what motivates itFollow Us On Youtube!YouTube Hit play, grab your coffee, and catch up on what’s actually happening. If this episode earns a share, send it to someone who’s been repeating the same three talking points since Saturday. They need this more than they know. Not a paid subscriber yet? Join us LIVE Tuesday & Thursday at 12:30 pm, get ad-free access the moment we publish, plus our monthly live unfiltered stream every last Saturday at 11:30 AM EST. Chapters0:00 Cold Open & Technical Difficulties 2:00 Iran Recap: Islamabad Talks & The Partial Blockade 8:30 Tucker Carlson’s Iran Commentary — Anti-American or Just Disingenuous? 19:30 Eric Swalwell: The Allegations & The Timeline 28:00 The TikTok Creator Who Broke It First 36:00 The Media Knew — And Said Nothing 44:30 California Governor’s Race & The Takedown Theory 53:00 Swalwell Resigns, Tony Gonzalez, & The Hill’s Accountability Problem 1:02:45 Trump’s AI Jesus Post — A Theological Objection 1:13:00 DoorDash to the Oval Office & No Tax on Tips 1:17:00 McDonald’s Deep Cuts & Wrap-Up Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Ep. 223 | Swalwell Scandal: The Media Knew for Years | Iran Blockade & Trump's AI Jesus Post
  7. Apr 9

    Ep. 222 | Iran Ceasefire Chaos: Conflicting Plans, Missing Info & What's Really Happening

    The ceasefire with Iran has a very big asterisk on it—and the media isn't helping anyone figure out what's actually in it. This week, Meseidy and Rachel break down the chaotic reporting surrounding the Iran negotiations: conflicting 10-point plans, a White House pushing back on its own president's statements, a mysteriously revived Ayatollah, and China quietly pulling strings behind the curtain. They also get into NATO's stunning refusal to open airspace during the conflict, why European allies are playing a dangerous game of ingratitude, and what the political consequences could look like heading into the midterms. Plus: the podcast class revolt, Lawrence O'Donnell's latest brain melt, summer grilling recommendations, and a cat who brought home a snake. It's the episode that covers everything—because everything is happening at once. Get 30% off for 1 year Thank you Lindsey K, Rachael McBee, Elisa Planty, Kate, Elizabeth, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get more from Rivera and Reeves in the Substack app Available for iOS and Android Get the app EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSThe Ceasefire Asterisk — Why this pause isn’t a deal, what’s actually being negotiated, and why Iran’s track record gives zero reason for optimismMedia Malpractice on the 10-Point Plan — How legacy outlets (and even Fox) ran with Iranian state media talking points as fact—and the administration’s pushbackChina’s Hidden Hand — Evidence suggests it was Beijing, not the Ayatollah, driving the ceasefire—and what that means for the deal’s durabilityNATO on the Naughty List — European allies refused airspace access despite decades of US investment; Trump’s now moving troops and setting deadlinesThe Podcast Class Revolt — Tucker, MTG, Rogan, and others publicly breaking with Trump, and why the independent media ecosystem is fracturing under pressureThe Lawrence O’Donnell Moment — A full monologue about the word “man.” We are not joking.Follow Us On Youtube!YouTube Hit play, grab your coffee, and catch up on what’s actually happening. If this episode earns a share, send it to someone who’s been repeating the same three talking points since Saturday. They need this more than they know. Not a paid subscriber yet? Join us LIVE Tuesday & Thursday at 12:30 pm, get ad-free access the moment we publish, plus our monthly live unfiltered stream every last Saturday at 11:30 AM EST. Chapters0:00 Cold Open & Show Intro 3:15 What Actually Happened: The Iran Ceasefire Timeline 7:00 The 10-Point Plan, Iranian State Media & Media Malpractice 13:00 Should You Share Iranian Propaganda? The Information Vacuum Problem 20:00 China's Hidden Role & the Ayatollah's Convenient Revival 28:00 Trump's Truth Social Post: What It Actually Means 33:00 Iran's Wins, Losses & the Uranium Question 37:00 The Podcast Class Revolt & Political Consequences 46:00 NATO Fallout: Airspace Denied, Troops May Move 54:00 Bloomberg Report: Trump Sets European Deadline 1:00:00 Lawrence O'Donnell's Monologue (You Have to See It) 1:04:00 Listener Q&A: Summer Grilling + Crock Pot Tips 1:10:00 Cats, Snakes, Mice & Bats: The Full Ecosystem Report Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Ep. 222 | Iran Ceasefire Chaos: Conflicting Plans, Missing Info & What's Really Happening
  8. Apr 7

    Ep. 221 | Trump's 8PM Ultimatum: End an Entire Civilization or Deal?

    Trump issued a civilization-ending ultimatum. An airman hiked 7,000 feet through enemy territory. And Hegseth compared it all to Easter Sunday. This is the episode. Meseidy and Rachel break down the wildest 48 hours in recent memory — from the Good Friday jet shootdown over Iran to the Easter Sunday rescue mission that reads like a movie script, to Trump’s apocalyptic True Social post threatening to “end a civilization” by 8 p.m. Tuesday. They take apart Hegseth’s resurrection parallel (theologically uncomfortable, whatever your politics), Rubio’s green card revocation for Soleimani’s niece, the Georgia special election as a midterm bellwether, and close on the Orion crew’s moving moon crater moment. Get 30% off for 1 year Thank you Elizabeth, Becky Dultmeier, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get more from Rivera and Reeves in the Substack app Available for iOS and Android Get the app EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSEaster Sunday Rescue: A downed US airman hiked 7,000 feet through enemy territory in Iran with only a sidearm — and was rescued on Easter Sunday in a military operation straight out of HollywoodTrump’s Civilization Ultimatum: The president threatened to end Iranian civilization by 8 p.m. Tuesday — Meseidy and Rachel debate whether it’s madman strategy or a massive gamble with no clean off-rampHegseth’s Resurrection Comparison: The Defense Secretary drew parallels between the airman’s rescue and the resurrection of Christ — the hosts push back on the theology while crediting his operational competenceSoleimani’s Niece Deported: Rubio revoked the green cards of Soleimani’s niece and her daughter — living lavishly in California, calling America “the great Satan,” and making asylum claims while traveling back to IranArtemis/Orion Moon Mission: The Orion commander named a lunar crater after his late wife in a genuinely moving moment — a reminder that there are still things worth marveling at2026 Midterm Warning Signs: Republicans are up only 5 points nationally (vs. the historical 12–13 average) as influencers from Alex Jones to Tucker Carlson signal cracks in the MAGA coalition Follow Us On Youtube!YouTube Hit play, grab your coffee, and catch up on what’s actually happening. If this episode earns a share, send it to someone who’s been repeating the same three talking points since Saturday. They need this more than they know. Not a paid subscriber yet? Join us LIVE Tuesday & Thursday at 12:30 pm, get ad-free access the moment we publish, plus our monthly live unfiltered stream every last Saturday at 11:30 AM EST. Chapters00:00 Technical Difficulties and Live Streaming Challenges 01:48 Welcome Back: Post-Holiday Reflections 03:33 Easter Weekend: News and Personal Updates 08:49 Tracking the Rescue Mission: A Dramatic Turn of Events 19:23 Media Coverage and National Security Concerns 23:40 Theatrical Comparisons in Politics 27:55 Trump’s Easter Controversy 31:56 Escalating Tensions with Iran 39:16 The Madman Theory and Its Implications 47:47 Understanding the Stakes of Regime Change 49:10 The Controversy of Deportation and Free Speech 52:12 The Role of Citizenship and Asylum Claims 55:06 Midterm Elections: Polling Insights and Predictions 59:49 The Impact of Congressional Effectiveness on Voter Sentiment 01:01:45 Emotional Moments in Space Exploration 01:12:36 Wrap-Up and Future Discussions Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Ep. 221 | Trump's 8PM Ultimatum: End an Entire Civilization or Deal?
4.9
out of 5
342 Ratings

About

Forget the media talking points—“Rivera and Reeves” is where the spin stops and the real talk begins. We tackle the news, politics, and cultural battles the mainstream wants you to ignore, all from a perspective that values truth, freedom, and common sense. Delivered with wit, humor, and a whole lot of coffee, this is the podcast for anyone who refuses to be spoon-fed narratives and is ready to think critically about the world around them. Think of it as coffee with two friends who aren’t afraid to say what you’re already thinking. Subscribe and Follow Us! 🎧 Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join our community on Substack! 📲 Stay in the loop and follow us on social media: Instagram: @RiveraAndReeves Twitter/X: @RiveraAndReeves

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