Captivate the Mic: Master Public Speaking & Video, Build Confidence and Boost Visibility

Elaine Williams
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 Captivate the Mic with Elaine Williams is THE podcast for coaches, speakers, authors, lawyers and really anyone who speaks under pressure who wants to master the art of captivating speaking.  This podcast is for you if you are looking to craft compelling stories, develop a charismatic voice, expand your executive stage presence and have fun while doing it!  Our multiple award-winning host and her guests will give you, the aspiring captivating speaker, the tools you need to maximize your creativity and breakthrough mindset barriers surrounding your speaking and on camera skills. You will get tips and insider secrets we have learned to raise the power of your content and the quality of your performance and delivery.    This podcast focuses on strategies that will help you to: -Become a masterful story teller -Boost your confidence on stage and on camera -Be able to create vivid pictures for your audiences -Craft stories that are compelling and have people leaning in for more -Learn how to use your voice to have more vocal variety & charisma -Authentically connect with any audience fast -Always be entertaining, educational and inspiring -Learn how to use humor to get more related -Know the pro tips to be ready for lights, camera, action Your award-winning host, Elaine Williams shares her professional speaker and performer insights with fun banter and energy. She was recently nominated for Speaker of the Year.  Elaine is a video performance coach, keynote speaker, speaker coach, best-selling author and comedian who has over a decade of experience working with entrepreneurs to build confidence and a captivating presence on camera and with public speaking to get their message out in the world with authenticity, ease and humor.  In this podcast, you will hear interviews with expert guests who share how they started on their business and creative journeys and the important lessons they learned to get where they are today. You will hear from experts who have been in business for over a decade, experts who have turned their creativity into successful businesses, and experts who have overcome incredible obstacles and have lived to laugh and talk about it.  After each guest expert shares their captivating story, together we will review the nuances of what really worked during their delivery so that the listener will walk away with writing and performance tips. There will be inspiring takeaways from every interview that you can immediately apply to your speaking and on-camera journey. We dive into mindset lessons as well as practical growth strategy lessons. Be ready to get powerful, actionable tips, and strategies that you can use to grow your presence in your niche. Through this podcast, you will grow your skills as a storyteller, writer, performer, content creator, interviewer, and business person. We believe your voice is powerful, your story needs to be told, and there is someone out there who will be inspired because you dared to share your story! If you are looking for a community of like-minded, mission driven people, come join our Free Facebook group: Captivate the Crowd! Marketing Self Improvement Education Public Speaking How To

  1. Why Women Feel Shame Around Money (And How to Fix It) | Traci Steelman | Captivate the Crowd

    MAR 26

    Why Women Feel Shame Around Money (And How to Fix It) | Traci Steelman | Captivate the Crowd

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt like you should know more about money… but don’t? Like you’ve made mistakes, waited too long, or somehow missed the memo? You are not alone—and you are not behind. In this episode of Captivate the Mic, I sit down with financial advisor Traci Steelman, and we talk about the emotional side of money that no one teaches us—especially as women. We dive into the shame, the fear, the “I should know this by now” thoughts… and how to finally move forward with confidence. ✨ In this episode, we cover:  • Why so many women feel shame around finances  • The truth about starting “too late”  • How to build wealth—even if you’re starting small  • The mindset shifts that change everything  • How to stop overthinking and start taking action 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. You’re not behind—you were never taught • Most people were never given real financial education. This isn’t failure—it’s lack of exposure. 2. Shame is what keeps you stuck • It’s not money holding you back—it’s the fear, guilt, and “I should know this by now” mindset. 3. It’s never too late to start • The best time may have passed—but the next best time is now. 4. You don’t need a lot to begin • Small, consistent steps matter more than waiting for the “perfect” moment or amount. 5. Progress comes from action, not perfection • Clarity and confidence come after you start—not before. 💡 About our guest: Traci Steelman is a financial advisor passionate about making financial literacy accessible, judgment-free, and empowering for everyone—no matter where they’re starting. --- 🔔 Like our content? Subscribe for more tips and hit the notification bell! ❤️ Share this video with a YouTube friend 🌐 CONNECT WITH US: https://www.CaptivatetheCrowd.com ✔️ Ask your questions in the comment section or contact us through our other social media channels:  ️ ✔️ F A C E B O O K: https://www.facebook.com/CharismaticSpeaker ️ ✔️ Y O U T U B E:   @CaptivatetheCrowd   ✔️ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/elainewilliamsfun/ ✔️ LINKEDIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/captivatethecrowd/ 🎙️ PODCAST: https://captivatethemic.buzzsprout.com 📧 CONTACT EMAIL: elaine@captivatethecrowd.com Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams: Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel Check out the Captivate the Crowd Website Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!

    36 min
  2. Healing, Hope & Finding Love After Trauma | Beth Jones | Captivate the Mic

    MAR 11

    Healing, Hope & Finding Love After Trauma | Beth Jones | Captivate the Mic

    Send us Fan Mail What if healing isn’t about “fixing” yourself… but reclaiming who you were before the trauma? In this powerful and honest conversation, I sit down with healer, author, and TV host Beth Jones to talk about grief, trauma, resilience, and what it really means to become an empowered survivor. We go deep into: • Moving through grief cycles faster as you heal • Why survivors internalize pain that was never theirs • The difference between coaching and healing mentorship • The HEAL framework: Hope, Evolve, Love • Finding healthy love after doing the inner work Beth shares openly about her journey as a survivor, the painful family dynamics she’s navigated, and how healing allowed her to step into a joyful, aligned marriage. She also explains how she built Empowered Survivors and her show Let’s Heal with Beth Jones, now streaming on Bravehearts TV. If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode, struggled with self-blame, or wondered if real healing is possible — this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Healing builds a skill set. The more intentionally you heal, the more equipped you become to move through future grief and triggers.You may be carrying something that was never yours. Survivors often internalize shame and self-blame rooted in someone else’s trauma.Growth shortens the spiral. Pain may resurface, but awareness and tools help you move through it differently.Hope fuels transformation. Healing begins with believing that change is possible.Healthy love follows inner work. When you heal, you recognize alignment differently — in relationships and in life.About Our Guest Beth Jones is the founder of Empowered Survivors, author of Becoming an Empowered Survivor, and host of Let’s Heal with Beth Jones, now streaming on Bravehearts TV. As a Healing Mentor, she guides survivors through her HEAL framework rooted in hope, evolution, and self-love, helping them move from survival mode into empowered living. Connect with Beth: https://empoweredsurvivors.com/ Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams: Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel Check out the Captivate the Crowd Website Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!

    32 min
  3. From Tech to TEDx: Turning Speaking Into a Business with Cam Beaudoin

    FEB 26

    From Tech to TEDx: Turning Speaking Into a Business with Cam Beaudoin

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine Williams sits down with Cam Beaudoin, founder of The Frequent Speaker, to unpack what it really takes to become a paid professional speaker. They discuss building authority, standing out in a saturated market, and using storytelling, niching, and strategic video to rise above the noise. If you’re an aspiring speaker, female leader refining your executive presence, or business owner seeking greater visibility, this episode delivers a practical roadmap to elevate your message and get booked. Key Takeaways Professional speaking is a business — practice, refine, repeat.Niching down makes you easier to book.Event planners choose speakers who reduce risk.Storytelling drives transformation, not just inspiration.Free gigs can open paid doors.Capture strong video — it fuels everything.Persistence is the real strategy (12–18 months matters).About Cam Beaudoin Cam Beaudoin is the founder of The Frequent Speaker, where he helps thought leaders and executives get booked on more stages through story-driven messaging and powerful demo reels. A former IBM accessibility specialist turned international speaker and strategist, he now supports experts in building market-ready speaking brands. 🔗 Website: thefrequentspeaker.com  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cambeaudoin/ Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams: Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel Check out the Captivate the Crowd Website Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!

    43 min
  4. Be Found Before You’re Googled: The New Rules of Visibility with Nina Cleere | Captivate the Mic

    FEB 11

    Be Found Before You’re Googled: The New Rules of Visibility with Nina Cleere | Captivate the Mic

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine Williams sits down with marketing strategist and former attorney Nina Cleere to unpack one of the biggest visibility shifts happening right now: how people are being found through AI instead of traditional search. Nina shares her unconventional journey from public defender to corporate counsel to digital marketing expert—and how her background in law sharpened her edge in research, positioning, and strategic communication. Together, they explore: Why AI-generated content can’t be copyrighted (and what that means for creators)How platforms like ChatGPT and Claude are changing buying behaviorThe rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)The small but powerful website fixes that instantly boost trust and reachWhy your content needs to mirror how people actually ask questionsHow backlinks, testimonials, and media features now help AI recommend youThe hidden visibility killers like broken links and inconsistent business infoThis conversation is a must-listen for speakers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who want to stay discoverable, credible, and competitive in a rapidly changing digital world. ✨ Key Takeaways AI is the new search engine More people are finding experts through ChatGPT and Claude—not just Google.GEO is the future of SEO Generative Engine Optimization helps AI tools recommend you as the answer.AI content isn’t copyrightable Use AI to support your thinking, not replace your original voice.Simple tech fixes boost visibility fast SSL, clean links, schema markup, and consistent business info matter more than most realize.FAQ-style content wins now Write the way people actually ask questions for better SEO and AI discovery. 👤 Guest Bio – Nina Cleere Nina Cleere is a marketing strategist, AI visibility consultant, and former attorney who helps entrepreneurs get found in both search engines and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude. After working as a public defender, corporate counsel, and VP of a Fortune 500–level company, Nina pivoted into digital marketing—bringing her legal research and strategic expertise into modern visibility strategies. She’s the founder of HaroHelper.com, where she helps business owners land media mentions, build authoritative backlinks, and future-proof their discoverability through Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Nina is known for her direct, practical guidance that cuts through hype and helps smart professionals stop being invisible online. 🔗 Connect with Nina Cleere 🌐 Website: https://harohelper.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/netc23/ 💼 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams: Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel Check out the Captivate the Crowd Website Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!

    50 min
  5. Estate Planning Myths that Cost Families Time Money & Peace of Mind with Amy Jenkins

    FEB 6

    Estate Planning Myths that Cost Families Time Money & Peace of Mind with Amy Jenkins

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine Williams sits down with Amy Jenkins — estate planning and probate attorney — for an honest, eye-opening conversation about what really happens after a loved one passes away. After navigating the loss of her own father, Elaine shares firsthand how having power of attorney, medical directives, and a DNR still didn’t prepare her for the realities of probate, frozen bank accounts, and the overwhelming number of decisions families are forced to make while grieving. Amy brings clarity, compassion, and real-life stories from her legal practice to explain why estate planning is about far more than paperwork — it’s about protecting relationships, preserving peace of mind, and preventing unnecessary stress for the people you love. She shares: What actually happens to assets after someone passes awayWhy bank accounts can be frozen — and how long probate can really takeThe myth that everything automatically goes to the surviving spouseWhy power of attorney stops working the moment someone diesWhen trusts can help families avoid court and long delaysThe true cost of probate — emotionally and financiallyWhy personal items and heirlooms often cause the biggest family conflictsThis episode is packed with real stories, practical explanations, and compassionate guidance for anyone who wants to spare their loved ones from confusion, court delays, and unnecessary heartache. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Power of attorney ends at death. Once someone passes away, power of attorney immediately becomes invalid and cannot be used to manage assets or accounts. 2. Probate is a court process — and it takes time. In many cases, probate can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months, leaving families waiting to access funds while bills continue. 3. Bank accounts can be frozen quickly. When a financial institution is notified of a death, accounts may become inaccessible until legal authority is granted. 4. Assets don’t always transfer automatically. Even spouses may need probate to properly transfer ownership, especially when real estate is involved. 5. Trusts can help families avoid court delays. A revocable living trust can allow assets to pass more quickly, privately, and with less stress — though not everyone needs one. 6. The emotional toll is often greater than the financial cost. Grief, uncertainty, and pressure can strain families far more than legal fees alone. 7. Heirlooms and personal items cause more conflict than money. Without clear guidance, sentimental items often become the source of major family disputes. 👤 Guest Bio — Amy Jenkins Amy Jenkins is an estate planning and probate attorney based in Texas, known for her calm, compassionate, and no-BS approach to helping families plan ahead and navigate life’s most difficult transitions. Amy helps individuals and families create wills, trusts, and estate plans designed to reduce Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams: Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel Check out the Captivate the Crowd Website Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!

    33 min
  6. How Early Speaking Experience Shapes Confident Leaders with Mickey Fitch-Collins

    JAN 29

    How Early Speaking Experience Shapes Confident Leaders with Mickey Fitch-Collins

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine Williams sits down with Mickey Fitch-Collins, a leadership development expert, professional facilitator, and former teenage professional bass fisher whose unconventional journey shaped her powerful voice on stage. Mickey shares how becoming the youngest professional bass fisherman in the U.S. at just 14 years old unexpectedly launched her into public speaking—teaching rooms full of men twice her age. That early stage experience built confidence, resilience, and a deep understanding of storytelling that still fuels her work today. The conversation weaves through: Finding confidence through early stage timeWhy authenticity matters more than polish in speakingHow storytelling creates real human connectionUsing AI as a modern presentation coachPreventing burnout through leadership and feedbackWhy everyone has a voice worth hearingMickey also reflects on her transition from higher education leadership into corporate learning and development, her work at Learn It, and why owning your narrative is the foundation of impactful communication. This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t born — it’s built, and the sooner you step on stage, the faster you grow. 🔑 Key Takeaways Stage time builds confidence faster than theory Speaking early—even imperfectly—creates resilience you can’t learn from books.Authenticity beats polish every time Audiences connect with real humans, not rehearsed facades.Storytelling is the fastest way to build trust Facts inform, but stories move people emotionally.Confidence comes from competence When you know your material deeply, nerves become excitement instead of fear.AI can be a powerful speaking coach Recording yourself and using AI feedback accelerates growth.Feedback is fuel, not criticism Regular positive feedback prevents burnout and strengthens teams.Your background is your advantage What makes you “different” is often what makes you memorable.👤 Guest Bio — Mickey Fitch-Collins Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD, is a leadership development expert, professional facilitator, and human skills trainer at Learnit. She began public speaking at just 14 years old as the youngest professional bass fisherman in the U.S., teaching packed rooms of seasoned anglers and industry leaders. After earning her PhD in leadership and spending over 20 years in higher education administration, Mickey transitioned into corporate learning and development, where she now helps professionals strengthen communication, prevent burnout, and lead with authenticity. She is also the host of The Learnit Library, where she explores learning, leadership, and human connection at work. 🔗 Guest Links & Contact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins/Learnit Page: https://www.learnit.com/mickeyPodcast:  Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams: Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel Check out the Captivate the Crowd Website Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!

    42 min
  7. Pulling Back the Curtain on the Speaking Business with Amy Castro | Captivate the Mic | Episode xx

    JAN 21

    Pulling Back the Curtain on the Speaking Business with Amy Castro | Captivate the Mic | Episode xx

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine sits down with Amy Castro, a corporate trainer, speaker, and communication expert with over 30 years of experience in the speaking industry. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a sustainable speaking career — beyond the stage, the spotlight, and the hype. Amy shares honest insights about: why most of the work happens offstagethe unsexy but essential parts of the speaking businesshow belief and confidence affect your ability to sell yourselfthe difference between motivational speaking and corporate trainingwhy “exposure” isn’t always worth ithow to niche strategically without boxing yourself inthe importance of storytelling — even in corporate trainingThis conversation is grounded, practical, and refreshingly real for anyone considering speaking, training, or thought leadership as a career — or anyone who wants to communicate more clearly and confidently in professional spaces. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS Speaking is a business — not just a performance. Most success comes from follow-ups, outreach, and relationship building.Be cautious of inflated income promises. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.Confidence isn’t about ego — it’s about belief. Belief in your message matters more than how “cool” your topic sounds.Corporate training offers long-term sustainability. When organizations trust you, one workshop can turn into years of work.Storytelling is essential — even in training environments. People remember stories, not bullet points.Niches help you grow faster, not smaller. Clarity attracts the right opportunities.Free speaking should be strategic, not habitual. Exposure only matters if it leads somewhere.Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear with experience. The goal is learning how to work through it — not waiting for it to vanish. 👤 GUEST BIO — AMY CASTRO Amy Castro is a corporate trainer, speaker, and communication expert with over three decades of experience helping organizations improve communication, leadership, and customer service. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Amy built a thriving speaking and training business, working with organizations such as NASA, Texas Children’s Hospital, and numerous government and corporate clients. Her work focuses on practical communication strategies, leadership development, and workplace effectiveness. Amy is known for her grounded, honest approach to the speaking industry and her ability to make complex communication concepts relatable, engaging, and actionable. 🔗 Website: https://amycastro.com 📧 Email: amy@amycastro.com Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams: Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel Check out the Captivate the Crowd Website Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!

    28 min
  8. From Chronic Illness to Healer: One Hypnotherapist's Triumph Over Anxiety with Kimberly Lynne

    JAN 7

    From Chronic Illness to Healer: One Hypnotherapist's Triumph Over Anxiety with Kimberly Lynne

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Captivate the Mic, I sat down with Kimberly Lynne, a board-certified hypnotist and trauma-informed healer who transformed decades of chronic illness, anxiety, and physical pain into a wellness journey rooted in subconscious healing. Kimberly shares her personal story of battling over 20 years of unexplained illness, panic attacks, and debilitating symptoms — and how learning hypnosis not only healed her body from the inside out, but led her to help women release emotional baggage, trauma, and chronic stress patterns. Elaine and Kimberly explore: Why physical symptoms often originate from emotional overloadHow panic attacks and chronic illness can be connectedWhat hypnosis really is (vs. Hollywood myths)How subconscious rewiring reduces anxiety and inflammationWhy most people don’t heal because they don’t feel safeThe spiritual role of life challenges and “being called” to do the workThis is a powerful episode for anyone dealing with chronic pain, trauma recovery, or the desire to reclaim their health through mind-body healing. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS Chronic illness can be rooted in unresolved emotional stress.  Relief often begins when the nervous system feels safe again.Hypnosis is not mind control — it’s a natural state of focused awareness.Healing is gradual and nonlinear.  The body needs time to recalibrate once stressors are removed.Hypnosis can rapidly reduce panic and anxiety.  Kimberly stopped experiencing panic attacks within weeks.People resist healing when they don’t feel safe being vulnerable.  Trust and emotional safety accelerate transformation.You don’t need to believe in hypnosis for it to work — you need willingness.Physical healing follows emotional release.  Pain lessens when the underlying stress pattern is removed.👤 ABOUT THE GUEST — Kimberly LynneKimberly Lynne is a board-certified hypnotist, speaker, trauma-informed coach, and the chairperson for a national hypnotherapy board certification committee. After suffering over 20 years of chronic illness, anxiety, and unexplained pain, she healed herself through subconscious reprogramming — a journey that led her to help other women release trauma and reclaim emotional sovereignty. She has now worked with hundreds of clients to break cycles of stress, childhood wounds, self-doubt, and physical pain driven by emotional overwhelm. Her mission: Help women return to who they were before life conditioned them to survive instead of thrive. 🔗 CONNECT WITH KIMBERLYWebsite: https://lynhypnosis.com  Instagram: @hypnotistkimberlylynne  All platforms: Hypnotist Kimberly Lynne Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams: Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel Check out the Captivate the Crowd Website Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!

    30 min
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ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 Captivate the Mic with Elaine Williams is THE podcast for coaches, speakers, authors, lawyers and really anyone who speaks under pressure who wants to master the art of captivating speaking.  This podcast is for you if you are looking to craft compelling stories, develop a charismatic voice, expand your executive stage presence and have fun while doing it!  Our multiple award-winning host and her guests will give you, the aspiring captivating speaker, the tools you need to maximize your creativity and breakthrough mindset barriers surrounding your speaking and on camera skills. You will get tips and insider secrets we have learned to raise the power of your content and the quality of your performance and delivery.    This podcast focuses on strategies that will help you to: -Become a masterful story teller -Boost your confidence on stage and on camera -Be able to create vivid pictures for your audiences -Craft stories that are compelling and have people leaning in for more -Learn how to use your voice to have more vocal variety & charisma -Authentically connect with any audience fast -Always be entertaining, educational and inspiring -Learn how to use humor to get more related -Know the pro tips to be ready for lights, camera, action Your award-winning host, Elaine Williams shares her professional speaker and performer insights with fun banter and energy. She was recently nominated for Speaker of the Year.  Elaine is a video performance coach, keynote speaker, speaker coach, best-selling author and comedian who has over a decade of experience working with entrepreneurs to build confidence and a captivating presence on camera and with public speaking to get their message out in the world with authenticity, ease and humor.  In this podcast, you will hear interviews with expert guests who share how they started on their business and creative journeys and the important lessons they learned to get where they are today. You will hear from experts who have been in business for over a decade, experts who have turned their creativity into successful businesses, and experts who have overcome incredible obstacles and have lived to laugh and talk about it.  After each guest expert shares their captivating story, together we will review the nuances of what really worked during their delivery so that the listener will walk away with writing and performance tips. There will be inspiring takeaways from every interview that you can immediately apply to your speaking and on-camera journey. We dive into mindset lessons as well as practical growth strategy lessons. Be ready to get powerful, actionable tips, and strategies that you can use to grow your presence in your niche. Through this podcast, you will grow your skills as a storyteller, writer, performer, content creator, interviewer, and business person. We believe your voice is powerful, your story needs to be told, and there is someone out there who will be inspired because you dared to share your story! If you are looking for a community of like-minded, mission driven people, come join our Free Facebook group: Captivate the Crowd! Marketing Self Improvement Education Public Speaking How To

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