Coparenting Beyond Conflict: High-Conflict Divorce and Custody Strategies

Sol Kennedy
  • 4.3 (6)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A podcast for parents navigating the hardest kind of co-parenting—when every message feels like a minefield, and peace feels out of reach. If you’re stuck in a high-conflict divorce or custody situation, this show is your lifeline. Whether you’re dealing with a narcissistic co-parent, covert manipulation, or the exhaustion of constant conflict, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Coparenting Beyond Conflict gives you practical tools, expert insights, and compassionate support to help you protect your kids, reduce emotional chaos, and find real peace—even if your co-parent refuses to change. 🎧 What You’ll Learn How to de-escalate conflict between co-parents, even in high conflict situationsWhy parallel parenting may be the best option for your parenting plan or custody scheduleHow to apply tools like BIFF to reduce miscommunication and minimize drama in text messagesWays to set boundaries in post-divorce lifeStrategies for navigating high-conflict parenting plans, parenting time, and shared parentingGuidance on mediation, family law, and protecting your kidsTech tools that filter toxic messages 🧠 Why Subscribe You’re tired of feeling drained by your co-parenting challengesYou want actionable strategiesYou feel stuck in the middle of high-conflictYou’re ready to move toward lasting peace Whether you're co-parenting with a high-conflict co-parent, navigating a divorce or separation, or reevaluating your parenting schedule, this podcast provides the emotional tools and expert insight (such as from Dr Ramani) you need to end the conflict. 🎙 About Your Host Sol Kennedy is a co-parent, father of two, and the founder of BestInterest—the first AI-powered co-parenting app built to support families in high-conflict situations.. After years of facing the realities of high-conflict co-parenting firsthand, Sol founded this podcast to empower other parents to reclaim control and prioritize healing. 💬 Real Tools. Real Stories. Real Change. From parallel parenting to legal battles, mediation to mental health, you’ll hear from psychologists, divorce coaches, lawyers, and co-parents who’ve been where you are—and made it through. ✅ Subscribe now if you want to: Stop letting conflict dictate your co-parenting journeyFind a good divorce coach, or learn what they’d recommendBuild confidence, peace, and clarity—even in the most toxic situations Don’t wait. Subscribe to Co-Parenting Beyond Conflict now—on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and start your journey toward peace. 📺 Also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFBXm604cleUkpPQo0F1-B3T458wTt1yC DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not legal or psychological advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, therapist, or family law expert.

  1. The Hidden Trauma of Family Court: A Mediator's Guide to Protecting Your Kids with Joe Dillon

    5H AGO

    The Hidden Trauma of Family Court: A Mediator's Guide to Protecting Your Kids with Joe Dillon

    In this conversation, Joe Dillon, a seasoned mediator, shares his journey into mediation, influenced by his childhood experiences with divorce. He emphasizes the importance of understanding children's perspectives during parental conflicts and the need for effective communication between parents. Joe discusses the role of mediation as a peaceful alternative to litigation, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges faced by families. He provides insights into the skills necessary for effective mediation and offers techniques for dealing with difficult personalities, particularly in high-conflict situations. The conversation concludes with a message of hope for parents navigating divorce, emphasizing that with support and understanding, they can create a positive environment for their children. Learn more about Joe Dillon at: https://www.equitablemediation.com/ Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/027stxm8Vk0  Keywords mediation, divorce, peacemaker, parenting, conflict resolution, emotional support, financial discussions, communication, co-parenting, family dynamics Takeaways - Joe's journey into mediation was influenced by his childhood experiences with divorce. - Children are highly perceptive and aware of parental conflicts, even if they can't articulate it. - It's crucial for parents to keep their conflicts away from their children to protect their emotional well-being. - Mediation offers a peaceful alternative to litigation, focusing on collaboration rather than conflict. - Parents often struggle with reluctance to mediate due to fear and emotional challenges. - Financial realities play a significant role in divorce, and both parties need to be supported. - Mediation can help alleviate fears and provide a clearer understanding of financial situations during divorce. - Effective communication is key in mediation, especially when dealing with difficult personalities. - Acknowledging and validating the other person's feelings can help facilitate resolution in conflicts. - Education and resources empower individuals to navigate the complexities of divorce and co-parenting. Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Holiday Rush: A Mediator's Perspective 04:19 The Impact of High Conflict Divorces on Children 09:00 The Importance of a United Front for Parents 12:49 The Role of Mediation in Divorce 16:45 The Fear of the Unknown in Divorce 21:59 Navigating Financial Realities in Divorce 27:13 Mediation vs. Litigation: A Safer Path 29:11 Finding the Right Mediator 33:07 Techniques for Dealing with Difficult Personalities 37:45 Reassurance for Parents Facing Divorce What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    40 min
  2. How to Drop the Narcissist: Why Labels Keep You Stuck with Teresa Luse

    FEB 5

    How to Drop the Narcissist: Why Labels Keep You Stuck with Teresa Luse

    In this conversation, Teresa Luse shares her journey through co-parenting and the challenges of navigating relationships with ex-partners. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, empathy, and communication in fostering a healthier co-parenting dynamic. Teresa discusses the impact of labeling co-parents as narcissists and encourages listeners to focus on their own actions and responses. The conversation highlights the potential for healing and growth, even in difficult situations, and offers practical strategies for improving co-parenting relationships. Learn more about Teresa Luse at: https://teresaluse.com/ Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/nWBCnpZx3rw Keywords co-parenting, narcissism, emotional intelligence, self-reflection, empathy, communication, family dynamics, healing, step-parenting, conflict resolution Takeaways Co-parenting requires intention and focus on the child's best interest.Self-reflection is key to overcoming challenges in co-parenting.Empathy can diffuse hostility and foster better communication.Labeling a co-parent as a narcissist can hinder personal growth.Understanding emotional immaturity can help in navigating conflicts.Healing from past trauma is essential for effective co-parenting.Dropping the baggage from past relationships can lead to a fresh start.Using the golden rule can improve interactions with co-parents.Acknowledging shared goals can create common ground in co-parenting.There is always potential for improvement in co-parenting relationships.Chapters 00:00 Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges 04:03 Empowerment Through Self-Reflection 09:42 The Golden Rule in Co-Parenting 11:18 Understanding Emotional Immaturity 13:24 Defining Narcissism vs. Narcissistic Behavior 16:51 Healing from Past Trauma 19:41 Dropping the Baggage 23:38 Using Empathy to Foster Cooperation 26:23 Finding Positives in Co-Parenting 28:36 Words of Hope and Future Possibilities What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    31 min
  3. Modern Divorce and Coparenting Tools for 2026 with Erin Levine of Hello Divorce

    JAN 22

    Modern Divorce and Coparenting Tools for 2026 with Erin Levine of Hello Divorce

    In this conversation, Sol and Erin Levine discuss the complexities of divorce, especially during the holiday season. Erin shares her journey from being a family law attorney to founding Hello Divorce, a platform aimed at providing a more humane and accessible approach to divorce. They explore the emotional challenges of divorce, the importance of communication in co-parenting, and how technology, particularly AI, can help ease the process. Erin emphasizes the need for alternatives to the traditional lawyer-led model and offers insights on how to navigate the divorce process with less conflict and more understanding. Learn more about Hello Divorce at: http://hellodivorce.com/ Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/fYBDVoLueig  Keywords divorce, co-parenting, family law, AI in divorce, Hello Divorce, communication, divorce process, mediation, access to justice, emotional health Takeaways The holiday season often heightens emotions around divorce.Many people are unaware of alternatives to traditional divorce processes.Conflict is often incentivized in the legal system.Divorce is a significant life transition that impacts many aspects of life.AI can help reduce anxiety and provide clarity during divorce.Communication tools can lower stress and conflict in co-parenting.It's essential to educate oneself about divorce options before proceeding.Setting ground rules can help manage communication during divorce.Divorce doesn't have to be a battle; mediation is a viable option.No-fault divorce is crucial for personal freedom and safety.Sound Bites "Divorce will never be easy.""You're on your own timeline."Chapters 00:00 Introduction and New Year Reflections 03:05 The Journey from Attorney to Innovator 05:58 Shifting the Divorce Paradigm 08:21 Innovations in Divorce: Introducing AI 10:45 Communication Tools for Co-Parenting 12:58 Navigating Conflict and Communication 15:20 Practical Steps for Collaborative Divorce 23:02 Navigating Divorce with a Mean Lawyer 26:39 The Lightning Round: Quick Insights on Divorce 30:59 The Impact of No-Fault Divorce 34:42 Transformative Actions for Those Facing Divorce What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    38 min

  4. 12/18/2025 · BONUS

    Wrapping Up 2025: Our Favorite Episodes of Coparenting Beyond Conflict

    Sol and Louise reflect on their podcast journey, discussing the challenges of co-parenting, the importance of community support, and the valuable insights shared by their podcast guests. They highlight key episodes that resonated with listeners, emphasizing the need for child-centric approaches in high-conflict situations. The conversation also touches on future plans for the podcast. Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ EPISODES MENTIONED IN THIS RECAP: In Episode 1, narcissism expert Dr. Ramani Durvasula validates the painful reality that co-parenting with an antagonistic personality often is. In Episode 3, attorney Ron Gore gives us tools to effectively navigate the legal system as a coparent. In Episode 8, codependency expert Erika Wright shares her unique take on codepency and provides a roadmap to overcoming it and being the best parent you can be. In Episode 11, attorney Tamara Rowles gives advice on how to cope and find the growth that comes with difficult experiences like divorce. In Episode 12, narcissism expert Wendy Behary explains the underpinnings of narcissism and how to properly navigate dealing with one. In Episode 16, high conflict experts Chris & Lisa share their techniques on strategic communication and self-representation in court. In Episode 17, conscious uncoupling coach Greg Wheeler, shares his insights on a helpful technique to move on from the past and step into your future. In Episode 18,  author Stephanie McPhail shares her harrowing story of physical abuse to illustrate the importance of boundaries. In Episode 20, attorney Elise Buie warns against hiring "bulldog" attorneys who throw "hand grenades" into families, escalating conflict and costs unnecessarily. In What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    12 min

  5. 12/04/2025

    What Every Co-Parent Should Know About Gaslighting and Emotional Safety with Dr. Karalynn Royster

    In this conversation, Dr. Karalynn Royster discusses her journey into the field of co-parenting and high-conflict divorce, emphasizing the importance of supporting both parents and children through these challenging dynamics. She delves into the concept of gaslighting, its implications in co-parenting, and how parents can recognize and address it. Dr. Royster highlights the significance of emotional validation, self-regulation, and the impact of parental behavior on children's well-being. The discussion also touches on the pressures of perfection in parenting and the importance of seeking support during difficult times. Learn more about Dr. Karalynn Royster at: https://learnwithlittlehouse.com/ Listen to Dr. Royster's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kids-first-co-parenting-with-dr-royster/id1828016840 Books mentioned in the episode: Don’t Alienate the Kids! by Bill Eddy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QRMGVVT Been There Got Out by Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY39L1W7 Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/skPkMzKqM18 Keywords co-parenting, gaslighting, high-conflict divorce, child psychology, emotional validation, parenting strategies, child development Takeaways Dr. Royster's journey into co-parenting support was influenced by her own childhood experiences.Gaslighting undermines a child's reality and can occur even unintentionally by well-meaning parents.Validation of a child's feelings is crucial in helping them navigate their emotions.Co-parents should focus on what they can control, especially their own behavior and responses.Children often need help understanding their emotions and cues from their bodies.Modeling self-regulation as a parent can significantly impact a child's emotional development.It's important for parents to avoid putting children in the middle of conflicts between co-parents.The pressure to be a perfect parent can be overwhelming and is unrealistic.Children may show signs of struggle through changes in behavior, intensity, or frequency of emotional outbursts.Seeking support and not feeling isolated is vital for parents in high-conflict situations.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Challenges 01:26 The Journey into Supporting Co-Parents 04:56 Understanding Gaslighting in Parenting 09:31 Gaslighting Dynamics in Co-Parenting 12:03 Recognizing Alienation in Children 16:09 Navigating Loyalty Binds in Co-Parenting 20:11 Navigating Co-Parenting Dynamics 21:08 Emotional Development in Children 23:18 The Gifts of Co-Parenting 25:45 The Myth of Perfection in Parenting 26:56 Recognizing Signs of Struggle in Children 28:57 Self-Regulation Strategies for Children 30:43 Responding to Children's Concerns 32:51 Empowerment in Co-Parenting What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    37 min

  6. 11/13/2025

    Dad’s Law School: Tools to Advocate for Your Kids with David Pisarra

    In this conversation, David Pisarra, Esq. discusses the challenges fathers face in family law, particularly in child custody cases. He shares insights from his experience in family law, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, emotional support, and self-representation. David highlights the need for fathers to advocate for themselves in court and provides practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of family law, including dealing with parental alienation and the benefits of support groups. He also discusses the role of technology, such as AI, in managing co-parenting communication and the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with children during and after divorce. Learn more about David Pissara at: https://www.unionofdads.com/ Get David's book, Dad's Child Custody Action Plan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5NPX97Z Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/ Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/ Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/6tOMhKJ2ng0 Keywords family law, co-parenting, child custody, men's rights, parental alienation, family court, emotional support, self-representation, dad's law school, communication strategies Takeaways Dad's Law School was born out of a need for better representation for fathers.Dads often enter court unprepared, lacking the necessary information about their children.Emotional support is crucial for fathers going through divorce.Vulnerability can be weaponized against men in relationships, making them hesitant to open up.Self-representation can save costs and empower fathers in court.Dads need to gather evidence and present it effectively in court.Anger can be detrimental in family court; calmness is key.Specificity in communication and court orders is essential for success.Parental alienation tactics can be complex and require a strong support system.Maintaining a detailed record of parenting activities can strengthen a father's case.Sound Bites "Dads need that emotional support.""You cannot be too specific."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dad's Law School 02:26 The Evolution of Family Law Practice 04:13 Challenges Faced by Fathers in Court 05:44 The Importance of Support Networks for Dads 08:13 Vulnerability and Emotional Support 10:02 Advocating for Self-Representation 12:08 Common Mistakes in Court 13:39 Navigating Communication with Ex-Partners 15:21 Utilizing Technology for Better Communication 18:09 Understanding Parallel Parenting 19:59 Addressing Parental Alienation 23:37 Demonstrating Stability in Court 25:30 Final Words of Encouragement What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    33 min

  7. 10/30/2025

    You’re Not Crazy, You’re in Family Court: Lessons from a High-Conflict Strategist with Bridget Bennett

    In this conversation, Bridget Bennett shares her insights on navigating the complexities of family court, particularly for co-parents dealing with high conflict situations. She discusses the importance of understanding the legal process, the value of self-representation, and effective communication strategies. Bridget emphasizes the need for proper documentation, setting boundaries, and finding support systems to empower parents in their journey. The discussion also highlights the predictable patterns of high conflict dynamics and the significance of maintaining focus on the child's best interests. Learn more about Bridget Bennett at: https://www.breakingbadasscoaching.com/ Connect with Bridget on social media: @Coach_BridgetB Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/  Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/  Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/liP5QGdtZ5E Keywords family court, co-parenting, self-representation, communication, high conflict, documentation, boundaries, empowerment, support, legal advice Takeaways Family court can be unpredictable and often does not deliver justice as expected.Self-representation is a viable option for many co-parents, but it requires preparation and knowledge.Effective communication is crucial in co-parenting, especially in high conflict situations.Documentation of interactions and incidents is essential for building a strong case in family court.Setting clear boundaries with a co-parent is necessary to maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship.Understanding the behavior of a high conflict co-parent can help in managing interactions more effectively.Support systems, including coaches and therapists, can provide valuable guidance and reduce legal costs.Knowledge about the family court system empowers parents to navigate their cases more effectively.Maintaining focus on the child's best interests is paramount in all co-parenting decisions.It's important to recognize and address one's own emotional responses to high conflict situations.Sound Bites "The number one boundary is a court order.""Learning when to not respond.""To not give up, to not quit."Chapters 00:00 Navigating High Conflict Situations 02:47 Understanding Family Court Dynamics 05:00 Self-Representation in Family Court 07:40 Documenting Evidence Effectively 09:22 Communication Strategies with High Conflict Co-Parents 12:18 Setting Boundaries and Maintaining Control 14:34 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Support 16:38 Success Stories and Hope 18:55 Actionable Steps for Co-Parents What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    27 min

  8. 10/16/2025

    Attachment Science for Coparents: Expert Guidance from Todd Sarner, LMFT

    In this conversation, we explore the journey of shifting focus from working directly with children to engaging with parents for greater impact. The discussion delves into the importance of resilience, the challenges of parallel parenting, and strategies for fostering a calm and confident family environment. The episode emphasizes hope and the potential for positive change in family dynamics, even in the face of co-parenting difficulties. Learn more about Todd Sarner at: https://www.toddsarnermft.com/ and https://transformativeparenting.com/  Also check out Todd’s LinkedIn profile and YouTube channel. Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/  Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/  Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/EtwchoOM2Uw Books mentioned in this episode: Spiritual Divorce by Debbie Ford: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061227129/ Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siegel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/039916510X  Keywords parenting, resilience, attachment, family dynamics, co-parenting, parallel parenting, emotional intelligence, child development, conflict resolution, family therapy Takeaways Working with parents can create more significant change. Resilience is built on repair, consistency, and secure attachment.Transitions in parenting often lead to conflict.It's essential to lead with calm and confidence.Shifting family dynamics is possible, even with challenges.AI technology can help filter negativity in communication.Parallel parenting requires understanding and strategy.Emotional intelligence is crucial in parenting.Hope is a powerful motivator in family dynamics.Creating supportive environments can lead to better outcomes.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Todd Sarner 02:27 The Shift from Child Therapy to Parent Support 04:11 Personal Experiences Shaping Professional Insights 04:49 Understanding Attachment and Its Importance 06:11 Navigating Parental Alienation and Its Effects 07:48 The Reality of Divorce and Its Impact on Children 11:46 Parallel Parenting vs. Collaborative Parenting 14:09 Understanding Attachment in Blended Families 16:26 Navigating Loyalty Conflicts in Co-Parenting 21:23 Strategies for Emotional Connection During Transitions 25:27 Transformative Actions for Co-Parents 28:18 Lightning Round: Quick Insights for Co-Parents What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A podcast for parents navigating the hardest kind of co-parenting—when every message feels like a minefield, and peace feels out of reach. If you’re stuck in a high-conflict divorce or custody situation, this show is your lifeline. Whether you’re dealing with a narcissistic co-parent, covert manipulation, or the exhaustion of constant conflict, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Coparenting Beyond Conflict gives you practical tools, expert insights, and compassionate support to help you protect your kids, reduce emotional chaos, and find real peace—even if your co-parent refuses to change. 🎧 What You’ll Learn How to de-escalate conflict between co-parents, even in high conflict situationsWhy parallel parenting may be the best option for your parenting plan or custody scheduleHow to apply tools like BIFF to reduce miscommunication and minimize drama in text messagesWays to set boundaries in post-divorce lifeStrategies for navigating high-conflict parenting plans, parenting time, and shared parentingGuidance on mediation, family law, and protecting your kidsTech tools that filter toxic messages 🧠 Why Subscribe You’re tired of feeling drained by your co-parenting challengesYou want actionable strategiesYou feel stuck in the middle of high-conflictYou’re ready to move toward lasting peace Whether you're co-parenting with a high-conflict co-parent, navigating a divorce or separation, or reevaluating your parenting schedule, this podcast provides the emotional tools and expert insight (such as from Dr Ramani) you need to end the conflict. 🎙 About Your Host Sol Kennedy is a co-parent, father of two, and the founder of BestInterest—the first AI-powered co-parenting app built to support families in high-conflict situations.. After years of facing the realities of high-conflict co-parenting firsthand, Sol founded this podcast to empower other parents to reclaim control and prioritize healing. 💬 Real Tools. Real Stories. Real Change. From parallel parenting to legal battles, mediation to mental health, you’ll hear from psychologists, divorce coaches, lawyers, and co-parents who’ve been where you are—and made it through. ✅ Subscribe now if you want to: Stop letting conflict dictate your co-parenting journeyFind a good divorce coach, or learn what they’d recommendBuild confidence, peace, and clarity—even in the most toxic situations Don’t wait. Subscribe to Co-Parenting Beyond Conflict now—on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and start your journey toward peace. 📺 Also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFBXm604cleUkpPQo0F1-B3T458wTt1yC DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not legal or psychological advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, therapist, or family law expert.

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