Trailblazers by Erica Wenger

Park Rangers Capital
  • 4.9 (64)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Trailblazers is your favorite business podcast, hosted by Erica Wenger, GP at Park Rangers Capital. Each week, Erica sits down with top investors, founders, and business icons who’ve found conventional success in unconventional ways. From billion-dollar exits to scrappy early pivots, Trailblazers brings you unfiltered stories of how the next generation of firms and companies are really built. New episodes every Tuesday.

  1. 3d ago

    Nicole Behnam: Stop Asking Successful People for Advice l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 43

    In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Behnam, an entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host known for interviewing some of the world's top founders, investors, and business leaders. We discuss how to build relationships with influential people, why traditional education leaves entrepreneurs at a disadvantage, the future of AI and entrepreneurship, the power of storytelling, how to build a cult-like brand, and the mindset behind building one of the strongest networks in tech. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, AI, networking, business, or learning how successful founders think, this episode is for you. This episode is supported by Sydecar, HEX, Wispr Flow, Granola, Beehiiv, Kalshi Sydecar: https://sydecar.io/partners/trailblazers beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=trailblazers-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=trailblazers&utm_term=podcast-1&stripe_campaign_code=TRAILBLAZERS30 (or use code “trailblazers30” for 30% OFF) *beehiiv has a major announcement coming July 16 - can't say more, but you won't want to miss it. RSVP here: https://www.beehiiv.com/summer-release-2026 Granola: http://granola.ai/trailblazers *Granola is the official notetaker of Trailblazers. Check out the episode show notes here: https://notes.granola.ai/t/8dccb81c-ac02-48e1-afb3-b6a7d8ff9160-00b881l8 Kalshi: http://Kalshi.com/r/trailblazers Wispr Flow: https://ref.wisprflow.ai/trailblazers HEX: http://hex.ai/trailblazers 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.trailblazerspod.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://spotify.trailblazerspod.com 📲 Follow on TikTok: https://tiktok.trailblazerspod.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.trailblazerspod.com 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.trailblazerspod.com 🐘 Learn more about Park Rangers Capital: https://parkrangerscap.com Trailblazers is your favorite tech + VC podcast, hosted by Erica Wenger (GP at Park Rangers Capital). Each week we sit down with founders, operators, and investors who’ve found conventional success in unconventional ways. New episodes every Tuesday. Enjoy! Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro01:00 - Strengths & Weaknesses 03:00 - Finding Mentors & The Power of Being Bold07:12 - Admitting Weaknesses & The Sales Mindset10:04 - Deciding to Ditch Traditional Journalism14:58 - Spotting Generational Talent Early18:04 - What School Forgot to Teach Us20:58 - Getting Access to Elite Investment Circles23:20 - Throwing a Private Event for Naval Ravikant30:10 - Why Nicole’s Interviews Are Radically Different32:00 - Is AI Going to Take Your Job?37:42 - Standing Up for Human Rights in Iran40:50 - How Algorithms Are Weaponizing Our Anger43:40 - Why Tech Has a Serious PR Problem46:14 - The Surprising Truth About Andrew Tate & Cult Branding49:58 - Lightning Round: Trailblazer Trade-offs54:53 - Final Thoughts: AI Abundance vs. Chaos

    Nicole Behnam: Stop Asking Successful People for Advice l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 43

  2. 6d ago

    Geoff Woo: The Ugly Truth About Venture Capital l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 42

    In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Woo, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Antifund, an unconventional venture capital firm investing in the next generation of companies across technology, consumer, defense, and culture. Geoff is also the Founder and Executive Chairman of Ketone-IQ and has built businesses alongside creators like Jake and Logan Paul, giving him a unique perspective at the intersection of venture capital, entrepreneurship, and internet culture. We discuss why venture capital is "high-class begging," how Antifund uses celebrity partnerships to win the most competitive startup deals, why attention is becoming more valuable than capital, how AI is changing the future of startups and human expertise, the philosophy behind Ketone-IQ, and the mindset founders need to build category-defining companies. If you're interested in startups, venture capital, AI, entrepreneurship, creator businesses, or learning how top investors think, this episode is for you. This episode is supported by Sydecar, HEX, Wispr Flow, Granola, Beehiiv, Kalshi Sydecar: https://sydecar.io/partners/trailblazers beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=trailblazers-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=trailblazers&utm_term=podcast-1&stripe_campaign_code=TRAILBLAZERS30 (or use code “trailblazers30” for 30% OFF) *Granola is the official notetaker of Trailblazers!  Check out the episode show notes here: https://notes.granola.ai/t/7b44b7f3-ac56-487b-befa-81d024355e49-00b881l8 Kalshi: http://Kalshi.com/r/trailblazers Wispr Flow: https://ref.wisprflow.ai/trailblazers HEX: http://hex.ai/trailblazers 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.trailblazerspod.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://spotify.trailblazerspod.com 📲 Follow on TikTok: https://tiktok.trailblazerspod.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.trailblazerspod.com 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.trailblazerspod.com 🐘 Learn more about Park Rangers Capital: https://parkrangerscap.com Trailblazers is your favorite tech + VC podcast, hosted by Erica Wenger (GP at Park Rangers Capital). Each week we sit down with founders, operators, and investors who’ve found conventional success in unconventional ways. New episodes every Tuesday. Enjoy! Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 00:42 - Personal Strengths, Weaknesses, and Focus 6:53 - IQ vs EQ in Venture Capital 12:22 - The "Celebrity GP" Thesis & Value Add 23:08 - Antifund Structure & Incubations 29:27 - Meeting the Paul Brothers & The Origins of Antifund 43:13 - The Philosophy Behind the "Antifund" Name 48:37 - Ketone-Based Nutrition & Silicon Valley Fasting 51:19 Rapid Fire Questions

    Geoff Woo: The Ugly Truth About Venture Capital l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 42

  3. Jul 14

    Ann Miura-Ko: Why Great Businesses Still Fail l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 41

    In this episode, we sit down with Ann Miura-Ko, Co-Founding Partner of Floodgate and one of Silicon Valley's earliest investors in companies like Lyft, Twitch, Twitter, and Okta. After nearly two decades investing in founders at the earliest stages of company building, Ann shares how she identifies exceptional entrepreneurs long before the rest of the market. We discuss how Twitch almost never happened, the early rivalry between Uber and Lyft, why the best entrepreneurs are truth seekers, the future of AI-pilled organizations, what teaching has revealed about curiosity and character, and how Ann thinks about investing in the next generation of world-changing companies. If you're interested in startups, venture capital, AI, or understanding how the best investors think, this episode is for you. This episode is supported by Sydecar, HEX, Wispr Flow, Granola, Beehiiv, Kalshi Sydecar: https://sydecar.io/partners/trailblazers beehiiv: www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=trailblazers-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=trailblazers&utm_term=podcast-5&stripe_campaign_code=TRAILBLAZERS30 (or use code “trailblazers30” for 30% OFF) *beehiiv has a major announcement coming July 16 - can't say more, but you won't want to miss it. RSVP here: https://www.beehiiv.com/summer-release-2026 Granola: http://granola.ai/trailblazers *Granola is the official notetaker of Trailblazers. Check out the episode show notes here: https://notes.granola.ai/t/d1fb3aec-f1c5-4681-b763-af05df15ac3d-008umkv4 Kalshi: http://Kalshi.com/r/trailblazers Wispr Flow: https://ref.wisprflow.ai/trailblazers HEX: http://hex.ai/trailblazers 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.trailblazerspod.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://spotify.trailblazerspod.com 📲 Follow on TikTok: https://tiktok.trailblazerspod.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.trailblazerspod.com 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.trailblazerspod.com 🐘 Learn more about Park Rangers Capital: https://parkrangerscap.com Trailblazers is your favorite tech + VC podcast, hosted by Erica Wenger (GP at Park Rangers Capital). Each week we sit down with founders, operators, and investors who’ve found conventional success in unconventional ways. New episodes every Tuesday. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro  0:41 The AI Pilled Organization  6:09 The Biggest Barrier to AI Adoption 8:41 The Rise of the Non-Technical Founders 10:32 How To Find Super-Thinkers 12:30 Why Ann Loves Teaching  13:36 Stanford Mayfield Program 16:25 Getting Pitched By A 14-Year-Old 18:52 Different Types Of Leadership  23:29 Early Investment In Twitter  24:42 Why Twitch Never Should Have Worked 27:01 Ann’s 10,000x Return From Lyft Investment  30:00 Inside the Uber vs. Lyft Rivalry 33:25 Ann’s Investment Philosophy   35:52 Investing In Lyft At $5M Valuation  39:10 Staying Disciplined On Fund Size  47:49 Evaluating Companies After The Investment 51:29 Ann’s Partnership With Mike Maples  1:03:27 Rapid Fire Questions

    Ann Miura-Ko: Why Great Businesses Still Fail l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 41

  4. Jul 8

    Kate McAndrew Inside The Mind Of A $100M Investor l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 40

    In this episode, we sit down with Kate McAndrew, Co-Founder and General Partner of Baukunst, a $100 million pre-seed venture fund investing in the next generation of founders. After spending more than a decade investing in over 100 early-stage companies, Kate shares how she evaluates entrepreneurs long before the rest of the market catches on. We discuss what makes a startup worth investing in, how great investors think from first principles, the traits that separate exceptional founders, how to build company cultures and institutions that last, and the unconventional path that led her into venture capital. If you're interested in startups, investing, entrepreneurship, or understanding how the best venture capitalists think, this episode is for you. This episode is supported by Sydecar, HEX, Wispr Flow, Granola, Beehiiv, Kalshi Sydecar: https://sydecar.io/partners/trailblazers beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=trailblazers-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=trailblazers&utm_term=podcast-4&stripe_campaign_code=TRAILBLAZERS30 (or use code “trailblazers30” for 30% OFF) *beehiiv has a major announcement coming July 16 - can't say more, but you won't want to miss it. RSVP here: https://www.beehiiv.com/summer-release-2026 Granola: http://granola.ai/trailblazers *Granola is the official notetaker of Trailblazers. Check out the episode show notes here: https://notes.granola.ai/t/860f1c91-f717-41cd-a6c1-567458bfb806-00b881l8 Kalshi: http://Kalshi.com/r/trailblazers Wispr Flow: https://ref.wisprflow.ai/trailblazers HEX: http://hex.ai/trailblazers 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.trailblazerspod.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://spotify.trailblazerspod.com 📲 Follow on TikTok: https://tiktok.trailblazerspod.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.trailblazerspod.com 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.trailblazerspod.com 🐘 Learn more about Park Rangers Capital: https://parkrangerscap.com Trailblazers is your favorite tech + VC podcast, hosted by Erica Wenger (GP at Park Rangers Capital). Each week we sit down with founders, operators, and investors who’ve found conventional success in unconventional ways. New episodes every Tuesday. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:37 Kate’s Biggest Struggle 3:55 How Going To An All-Girls School Impacted Kate's Life 8:38 What Going To An All-Girls School Is Actually Like 11:21 How Kate Thinks About Investing 12:41 What Makes A Great Founder 14:23 How Companies Survive 100+ Years 17:14 Kate’s Unconventional Path To VC 23:15 The Philosophy Of Building A Great Company 27:54 How Kate Got Her First Job In VC 30:04 Kate’s Best Advice For Entrepreneurs 33:29 What Makes A Brand’s Identity 36:49 Why Kate Makes Content 43:30 The Purpose Behind Baukunst 48:04 How Baukunst Operates Internally 52:34 What Kate’s Most Excited To Invest In 54:57 Every VC Hates A Creator Business

    Kate McAndrew Inside The Mind Of A $100M Investor l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 40

  5. Jun 30

    Nas Daily: The Internet Tried To Cancel Me l Trailblazers Episode 39

    In this episode, we sit down with Nas Daily, entrepreneur, creator, and founder of one of the world's largest creator brands. After building an audience of more than 70 million followers through nearly a decade of daily videos, Nas made the biggest gamble of his career by pivoting his content to AI. We discuss why he believes AI will create the next Walt Disney, how he built and manages a company with more than 100 employees, the philosophy behind Nas Daily, the family gamble that got him into Harvard, his perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and how he thinks about storytelling, leadership, and the future of content. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, the creator economy, AI, or building a business that stands the test of time, this episode is for you. This episode is supported by Sydecar, HEX, Wispr Flow, Granola, Beehiiv, Kalshi Sydecar: https://sydecar.io/partners/trailblazers beehiiv: www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=trailblazers-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=trailblazers&utm_term=podcast-3&stripe_campaign_code=TRAILBLAZERS30 (or use code “trailblazers30” for 30% OFF) *beehiiv has a major announcement coming July 16 - can't say more, but you won't want to miss it. RSVP here: https://www.beehiiv.com/summer-release-2026 Granola: http://granola.ai/trailblazers *Granola is the official notetaker of Trailblazers. Check out the episode show notes here: https://notes.granola.ai/t/153edc4e-bc9a-410d-8f94-f9aea61e8cfd-00b881l8 Kalshi: http://Kalshi.com/r/trailblazers Wispr Flow: https://ref.wisprflow.ai/trailblazers HEX: http://hex.ai/trailblazers 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.trailblazerspod.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://spotify.trailblazerspod.com 📲 Follow on TikTok: https://tiktok.trailblazerspod.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.trailblazerspod.com 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.trailblazerspod.com 🐘 Learn more about Park Rangers Capital: https://parkrangerscap.com Trailblazers is your favorite tech + VC podcast, hosted by Erica Wenger (GP at Park Rangers Capital). Each week we sit down with founders, operators, and investors who’ve found conventional success in unconventional ways. New episodes every Tuesday. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro  1:45 Nas Is Very Opinionated 4:40 How To Actually Create Company Culture 5:56 Nas Hasn’t Changed His T-Shirt In 9 Years 8:40 Asking People Their Net Worth Should Be Normal  9:21 How Nas Chooses What Products To Build  13:52 Why Justin Bieber’s Business Failed 16:09 Predicting What Type Of Founders Will Be Successful  17:13 How Nas Daily Hires Employees  18:05 Why AI Agencies Suck 21:16 The Biggest Risk Nas Daily Ever Took  24:10 How Nas Daily Closed Series A Investment  29:31 The Passing Of Zaki Djemal  32:40 The Importance Of Believing In Yourself  36:20 Why Nas Boycott YouTube For 2 Years  38:37 Discussing The Israel-Palestine Conflict  49:04 Growing Up In Israel  51:08 How Nas Ended Up Going To Harvard  52:43 North Korea Vs Israel  54:47 Rapid Fire Questions

    Nas Daily: The Internet Tried To Cancel Me l Trailblazers Episode 39

  6. Jun 23

    Justin Welsh: How I Built A $15M Business Alone l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 38

    In this episode, we sit down with Justin Welsh, entrepreneur, writer, and founder of a $15 million one-person business. After helping build two billion-dollar companies and raising more than $300 million in venture capital, Justin chose a different path; one focused on freedom, leverage, and ownership. We discuss the power of writing, the future of entrepreneurship in the age of AI, why many founders are building the wrong businesses, and how to create wealth without sacrificing your time, health, and relationships. If you want to build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it, this episode is for you. This episode is supported by Sydecar, HEX, Wispr Flow, Granola, Beehiiv, Kalshi Sydecar: https://sydecar.io/partners/trailblazers beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=trailblazers-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=trailblazers&utm_term=podcast-2&stripe_campaign_code=TRAILBLAZERS30 (or use code “trailblazers30” for 30% OFF) *beehiiv has a major announcement coming July 16 - can't say more, but you won't want to miss it. RSVP here: https://www.beehiiv.com/summer-release-2026 Granola: http://granola.ai/trailblazers *Granola is the official notetaker of Trailblazers. Check out the episode show notes here: https://notes.granola.ai/t/5998b389-aaa5-4d9c-bc58-a7ff3230378c-009c2hma Kalshi: http://Kalshi.com/r/trailblazers Wispr Flow: https://ref.wisprflow.ai/trailblazers HEX: http://hex.ai/trailblazers 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.trailblazerspod.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://spotify.trailblazerspod.com 📲 Follow on TikTok: https://tiktok.trailblazerspod.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.trailblazerspod.com 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.trailblazerspod.com 🐘 Learn more about Park Rangers Capital: https://parkrangerscap.com Trailblazers is your favorite tech + VC podcast, hosted by Erica Wenger (GP at Park Rangers Capital). Each week we sit down with founders, operators, and investors who’ve found conventional success in unconventional ways. New episodes every Tuesday. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:58 The Hardest Part In Justin’s Journey 2:17 Knowing When Something Has To Change 3:57 How Justin’s Wife Helped Build Their $15M Business 5:44 Revenue Sources 8:05 Learning How To Build Work-Life Balance 10:46 How AI Tools Impact Writing 16:40 The Most Valuable Social Platform 24:00 Justin’s Favourite Piece Of Writing 26:35 The Biggest Problem Founders Face Today 30:07 How To Give Value To Your Clients 31:59 Everyone Is So Bombastic 35:08 How Justin Chooses What Businesses To Invest In 39:10 Clients Love Being Part Of A Community 41:29 Building A $15M Business Alone 43:44 Healing From Burnout 48:41 Rapid Fire Questions

    Justin Welsh: How I Built A $15M Business Alone l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 38

  7. Jun 16

    Mark Cuban: How To Win When You're Broke l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 37

    In this episode, we sit down with Mark Cuban to uncover the principles behind his success in business. From whether entrepreneurs should drop out of school to the toughest challenges he faced while building his companies, Mark shares the lessons that shaped his career. He explains why curiosity is a competitive advantage, how ego can hold people back, and what separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else. If you're looking to build a business, advance your career, or think differently about success, this episode is for you. This episode is supported by Sydecar, HEX, Wispr Flow, Granola, Beehiiv, Kalshi Sydecar: https://sydecar.io/partners/trailblazers beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/splash?utm_campaign=trailblazers-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=trailblazers&utm_term=podcast-2&stripe_campaign_code=TRAILBLAZERS30 (or use code “trailblazers30” for 30% OFF) *beehiiv has a major announcement coming July 16 - can't say more, but you won't want to miss it. RSVP here: https://www.beehiiv.com/summer-release-2026 Granola: http://granola.ai/trailblazers *Granola is the official notetaker of Trailblazers. Check out the episode show notes here: https://notes.granola.ai/t/5998b389-aaa5-4d9c-bc58-a7ff3230378c-009c2hma Kalshi: http://Kalshi.com/r/trailblazers Wispr Flow: https://ref.wisprflow.ai/trailblazers HEX: http://hex.ai/trailblazers 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.trailblazerspod.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://spotify.trailblazerspod.com 📲 Follow on TikTok: https://tiktok.trailblazerspod.com ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.trailblazerspod.com 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.trailblazerspod.com 🐘 Learn more about Park Rangers Capital: https://parkrangerscap.com Trailblazers is your favorite tech + VC podcast, hosted by Erica Wenger (GP at Park Rangers Capital). Each week we sit down with founders, operators, and investors who’ve found conventional success in unconventional ways. New episodes every Tuesday. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:25 Mark Cuban’s Biggest Professional Challenge  4:14 Should Entrepreneurs Go To School? 7:26 How AI Is Impacting Education 14:26 Why Women Athletes Make Great CEO’s 15:40 Clavicular Getting Frame Mogged By ASU Frat Leader 16:44 When To Start A Company 20:59 AI Slop 26:08 The Dark Side Of AI 29:19 How Mark Cuban Is Fighting Big Pharma 33:03 Rich People Always Fail In Healthcare 37:23 Business Changes The World More Than Politics 44:57 Mark Cuban’s Advice For 20 Year Olds 53:46 Tech Wars  1:01:15 Rapid Fire Question

    Mark Cuban: How To Win When You're Broke l Trailblazers Podcast Episode 37

  8. May 5

    Leah Solivan: Founder of TaskRabbit and Precedent.vc

    This week, we chat with Leah Solivan! Leah is the founder of TaskRabbit, the pioneering on-demand marketplace that helped redefine the future of work and laid the foundation for what we now know as the gig economy. As CEO for eight years, she scaled TaskRabbit into an international business operating in more than 40 cities before overseeing its successful acquisition by IKEA in 2017. Today, Leah continues to build and back world-changing companies as Managing Director of Precedent.vc, General Partner at Fuel Capital, and founder of The Precedent Collective. Across her investing career, she’s supported more than 150 companies spanning consumer technology, marketplaces, hardware, education, and retail, including companies like Nanit, Pacaso, Our Place, Good Dog, and Upwards. Before founding TaskRabbit, Leah began her career as a software engineer at IBM, where she worked on products like Lotus Notes and Domino, building the technical foundation that would later shape her journey as a founder and investor. Leah is also a passionate advocate for diversity in technology and entrepreneurship, proudly representing her Latina heritage and speaking globally on topics like the future of work, innovation, and leadership. ✨ This episode is presented by Brex. Brex: brex.com/trailblazerspod This episode is supported by RocketReach, Gusto, OpenPhone & Athena. RocketReach: rocketreach.co/trailblazers Gusto: gusto.com/trailblazers Quo: Quo.com/trailblazers Athena: athenago.me/Erica-Wenger Follow Us! Leah Solivan: @labunleashed Breaking Precedent Podcast: https://www.breakingprecedent.com/ https://truthorlie.ai/ @thetrailblazerspod: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok Erica Wenger: @erica_wenger

    Leah Solivan: Founder of TaskRabbit and Precedent.vc
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4.9
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

Trailblazers is your favorite business podcast, hosted by Erica Wenger, GP at Park Rangers Capital. Each week, Erica sits down with top investors, founders, and business icons who’ve found conventional success in unconventional ways. From billion-dollar exits to scrappy early pivots, Trailblazers brings you unfiltered stories of how the next generation of firms and companies are really built. New episodes every Tuesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Park Rangers Capital
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    177
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Trailblazers by Erica Wenger

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