Epic Spotlight Podcast

Dante Royster

Epic Spotlight is a self-improvement podcast focused on helping you build a healthier, wealthier, and more fulfilling life. Hosted by mortgage expert and author Dante Royster, the show explores the real-world lessons behind Health, Wealth, Love, and Happiness — delivering practical guidance, personal growth strategies, and mindset shifts that support long-term success. Through inspiring guest conversations and actionable insights, Epic Spotlight challenges listeners to think bigger, live more intentionally, and make smarter decisions in their personal and financial lives. Inside each episode, you’ll learn how to: Strengthen your mindset and personal disciplineBuild financial confidence and long-term stabilityImprove relationships, purpose, and life balanceCreate sustainable success in both life and businessWhether you’re focused on personal growth, financial empowerment, or living with greater intention, Epic Spotlight gives you tools, perspective, and motivation to grow in meaningful ways.

  1. 6d ago

    Dr. Suzanne Lachmann: Healing Invisible Wounds from Firefighters to Heartbreak

    From 9/11 firefighters to everyday heartbreak, Dr. Suzanne Lachmann shares raw, practical insights on managing trauma in a world that’s more connected and more emotionally isolated than ever. In this episode, Dante and Dr. Suzanne discuss: Talking through trauma vs. numbing, distraction, and avoidance9/11 firefighters, group processing, and cohesive trauma narrativesStoicism, “I’m fine” culture, and societal expectations of strengthBreakups, heartbreak, and grief as serious forms of traumaLimits of AI in therapy and the irreplaceable role of human connection Key Takeaways:  Talking about painful experiences repeatedly, until they lose some of their emotional charge, is one of the most effective ways to reduce trauma’s power.Trauma is highly individual, shaped by personality, upbringing, biology, identity, and life history, so there is no universal timeline or formula for healing.Breakups and heartbreak can be as devastating as other major losses and should be treated as real trauma, not minimized or rushed through.In a distracted, time-starved, screen-driven culture, one of the greatest gifts you can offer someone in pain is focused, uninterrupted time and genuine presence.AI may offer useful general guidance, but it cannot replicate the depth of individualized understanding that comes from knowing a person's unique history, experiences, and emotional world.  “But the most important thing that you can do in trauma is to continue to talk about it, to talk about it to the point at which it starts to dilute its power.” - Dr. Suzanne Lachmann About Dr. Suzanne Lachmann: Dr. Suzanne Lachmann is a licensed clinical psychologist, trauma expert, author, and nationally recognized mental health thought leader. Based in New York, she specializes in trauma, grief, relationships, resilience, and personal growth. Since the aftermath of 9/11, she has served as a consulting psychologist for the FDNY, supporting firefighters and first responders through trauma, loss, and recovery. Her expertise has been featured in TIME, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, and Cosmopolitan. Through her clinical practice, writing, and speaking, Dr. Lachmann advocates for authentic human connection and helps individuals and leaders build resilience and emotional well-being in an increasingly complex world. Connect with Dr. Suzanne Lachmann: Website: https://www.drsuzannel.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannelachmannpsychologist/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Dr. Suzanne Lachmann: Healing Invisible Wounds from Firefighters to Heartbreak
  2. Sep 10

    Paul Hutchinson: Building Billions, Fighting Trafficking, and Redefining True Wealth

    He built a multibillion-dollar real estate fund, lived a life of extraordinary wealth, then redirected his skills and resources toward undercover child rescue operations. In this episode, Paul Hutchinson reveals how his definition of “wealth” and purpose radically changed. In this episode, Dante and Paul discuss: Building and selling an anxiety/trauma recovery businessCo-founding Bridge Investment Group and the power of vision and teamsUndercover child rescue operations and the moment that changed everythingIntuition, integrity, and choosing the right partnersHealing trauma, plant medicine, and redefining true wealth and purpose Key Takeaways:  Vision and team-building can outweigh technical expertise when creating large-scale business success.True impact often comes when wealth is treated as a tool for service rather than a finish line.Intuition, “listening with the heart”, can be a powerful strategic advantage in both business and life.Paul explores how unresolved trauma and subconscious patterns can influence behavior, and why meaningful change requires addressing deeper roots.Dissolving the illusion of separation from others leads to greater compassion, a redefined sense of wealth, and a more purpose-driven legacy.  “We're never going to fix it pulling children out of hell. We've got to pull the hell out of humanity.” - Paul Hutchinson About Paul Hutchinson: Paul Hutchinson is a successful entrepreneur, investor, humanitarian, and international speaker whose work has impacted millions worldwide. He is the founder of the Child Liberation Foundation, leading efforts to protect thousands of children from trafficking and personally conducting over 70 rescue missions across 15 countries. He served as the primary investor and Executive Producer of Sound of Freedom, helping raise global awareness about child trafficking. Beyond humanitarian work, Paul built and sold a mental health company for $20 million and co-founded Bridge Investment Group, which grew to over $20 billion in assets under management. Today, he inspires global leaders through transformational retreats, keynote speeches, and his work on conscious leadership, entrepreneurship, and creating positive impact. Connect with Paul Hutchinson: Website: https://liberating-humanity.com/, https://childliberation.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhutch/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Paul Hutchinson: Building Billions, Fighting Trafficking, and Redefining True Wealth
  3. Sep 3

    You're Building Wealth Backwards with Dante Royster

    What if you’ve been building wealth backwards? In this episode, Dante Royster explores why building yourself comes before building your portfolio, and how redefining wealth around fulfillment, relationships, freedom, and purpose can change the way you approach success. In this episode, Dante discusses: Personal development as the foundation of wealthLearning, curiosity, and “failure as tuition”Comfort vs. discomfort and embracing the grindRedefining wealth: fulfillment, relationships, and timeGenerational wealth, wisdom, and legacy Key Takeaways:  Lasting wealth is built on personal growth, discipline, resilience, and curiosity, rather than on income, assets, or net worth alone.Discomfort is often a signal of growth; staying too comfortable can quietly limit your potential and your options.Mistakes and losses are not just setbacks; they are “tuition” that teaches you what not to repeat and where to refine your strategy.Wealth without meaningful relationships, purpose, and internal fulfillment is incomplete, no matter how large the portfolio becomes.True financial freedom includes emotional freedom: not tying your worth to money, other people’s opinions, or the next big achievement.  “The goal isn't simply to become wealthy. The goal is to become someone capable of creating wealth without losing your health, your happiness, your relationships, and your family, and your integrity.” - Dante Royster Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    You're Building Wealth Backwards with Dante Royster
  4. Aug 27

    Debra Sunderland: From Winning at All Costs to Leading with Consciousness and Purpose

    A high-achieving entrepreneur and elite cyclist nearly lost her life—only to discover she’d been climbing the wrong mountain. In this episode, Debra Sunderland shares how a devastating accident transformed her definition of success and leadership. In this episode, Dante and Debra discuss: Achievement-driven identity and constant winningThe cycling accident and second-chance awakeningUnconscious beliefs, ego, and the amygdalaTrust, ownership, and building high-performing culturesInner work, emotional intelligence, and redefining success Key Takeaways:  Building a life around constant achievement and winning can create deep anxiety, conditional identity, and transactional relationships, even when everything looks “successful” on the outside.A crisis or life-altering event can become a powerful wake-up call, forcing a shift from survival and performance to purpose, presence, and genuine fulfillment.Unconscious beliefs such as “I’m not enough” and “I don’t have enough” can quietly drive control, micromanagement, defensiveness, and cultural dysfunction.Truly thriving organizations are built when leaders invest in people, create clear agreements, foster ownership instead of mere accountability, and choose trust over control.Joy and peace are inner states that cannot be supplied by titles, money, or wins; they flow from doing the inner work, feeling emotions fully, and consciously choosing who you want to become.  “My life was spared to wake you up to yours.” - Debra Sunderland About Debra Sunderland: Debra Sunderland is a nationally recognized business leader, entrepreneur, and conscious leadership coach with experience across wealth management, technology, architecture, engineering, construction, banking, marketing, music, and healthcare. Through Sunderland Coaching, she has worked with organizations including Curi Capital, UBS, PNC Bank, SESAC, and Mars, helping leaders and teams achieve meaningful transformation. Her work has been featured by Crain’s Chicago Business, the Chicago Tribune, Fox News, ABC, NBC, and CBS. After surviving a life-altering cycling accident in 2013, Debra’s perspective on success, purpose, and fulfillment was forever changed. Today, as a certified Conscious Leadership Coach, emotional intelligence expert, and Enneagram practitioner, she helps CEOs, founders, and teams develop greater self-awareness, accountability, collaboration, and joy while building healthier organizations. Connect with Debra Sunderland: Website: https://www.sunderlandcoaching.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrasunderland/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Debra Sunderland: From Winning at All Costs to Leading with Consciousness and Purpose
  5. Aug 20

    Chris Kidd: Becoming a Millionaire by 24 Through Cash Flow, Investing, and Smart Risk

    What if building wealth has less to do with how much you earn and more with how you think about money? In this episode, Chris Kidd shares the mindset shifts, investing principles, and daily habits that helped him become a millionaire by age 24, and explains why learning to make money work for you is more important than simply earning more. In this episode, Dante and Chris discuss: Broken traditional path of job, pension, and retirementDeprogramming from consumer mindset to investor mindsetCash flow, inflation, and why "storing" money beats simply saving itManaging investment risk through structured options strategiesHabits, routines, risk-taking, and lifelong learning for wealth Key Takeaways:  The traditional “go to school, get a job, save, retire” path is increasingly broken as inflation, medical costs, and longer lifespans outpace fixed retirement savings.Financial progress depends less on income and more on strategy, specifically learning to make money work for you instead of only trading hours for dollars.Shifting from a consumer mindset (“What can I buy?”) to an investor mindset (“How can I grow this?”) radically changes long-term outcomes.Risk is unavoidable if you want to grow, but it doesn’t have to be reckless; education, structure, and a strong team can dramatically reduce downside.Consistency in habits, routines, and ongoing education, especially through books and mentors, is a common denominator among high achievers in any field.  “Go for it. Don't play life scared… everything involves risk, and to grow big, you have to take risks. But a risk does not have to be risky; there is a difference.” - Chris Kidd About Chris Kidd: Chris Kidd is a financial coach, investor, entrepreneur, and business growth strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and business owners build wealth, grow successful businesses, and achieve financial freedom. He became a millionaire at 24 and has since built expertise in business growth, commercial real estate, options trading, and financial coaching. A former co-host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business radio show, Chris is known for turning complex financial concepts into practical strategies. His coaching focuses on the mindset, discipline, and systems needed to build lasting wealth, create generational assets, and achieve greater financial freedom. Connect with Chris Kidd: Website: https://chriskidd.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskiddfinancialcoach/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chriskiddenterprises  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialcoachkidd/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@financialcoachkid  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Chris Kidd: Becoming a Millionaire by 24 Through Cash Flow, Investing, and Smart Risk
  6. Aug 13

    Dwan Bent-Twyford: People Before Profit in Real Estate Investing

    From hoarder houses to entire downtown blocks, this episode walks through how one investor turned distressed properties into generational wealth by putting people before profit. In this episode, Dante and Dwan discuss: Misconceptions about “get rich quick” real estate investingFirst hoarder-house rehab and learning construction from scratchHow technology changed finding deals and building trust“People before profit” and ethics in working with distressed sellersCreative/owner financing and revitalizing a small Iowa downtown Key Takeaways:  Sustainable real estate success requires far more work, patience, and realism than “fix and flip for quick cash” narratives suggest.You don’t need to know everything on day one; you can skill up deal by deal using classes, tools, and hands-on experimentation.Prioritizing the homeowner’s outcome, especially in distress or foreclosure, builds a reputation that ultimately leads to more and better opportunities.Creative financing, particularly owner financing with multiple-offer structures, can unlock properties and portfolios that traditional bank loans never could.Generational wealth is intentional: someone in the family must be the first to build, systematize, and protect assets so they last beyond a single lifetime.  “You need to put the people over the profit. Because when you start doing that, you're going to find out you're going to lose all your deals because you're going to get a bunch of bad juju on you, and nobody's going to want to work with you.” - Dwan Bent-Twyford About Dwan Bent-Twyford: Dwan Bent-Twyford is a 30-year veteran real estate investor who has flipped over 2,000 properties and is recognized as one of America’s most sought-after real estate experts. She specializes in passive income, rentals, fix-and-flips, creative financing, commercial properties, and more, while teaching the A-to-Z of real estate investing through her podcast. As the creator and trademark holder of the term “Short Sales” in real estate investing, Dwan brings decades of experience, incredible industry connections, and unique insights from top experts. Beyond money, she focuses on personal growth and well-being, guided by her motto: “People Before Profits.” She is also a three-time bestselling author and a trusted guest across podcasts, media, radio, and television. Connect with Dwan Bent-Twyford: Website: https://dwanderful.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwanbenttwyford/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dwanderful  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanderful/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Dwan Bent-Twyford: People Before Profit in Real Estate Investing
  7. Aug 6

    99% of People Miss This About Success with Dante Royster

    Most people try to fix their circumstances, but what if the real work is changing how you see? In this episode, Dante connects three powerful conversations into a blueprint for better leadership, relationships, and life.  In this episode, Dante discusses: Self-awareness as the foundation for change and leadershipConflict as feedback and opportunity, not failureSolving root causes versus treating symptomsGrowth, discomfort, and the “seasons” of business and lifeUsing questions, AI, and self-audits to uncover blind spots Key Takeaways:  Real change starts with awareness; you can’t improve what you don’t understand about yourself or your situation.Conflict is not the enemy; it’s feedback that, when addressed honestly, can deepen understanding and prevent bigger blow-ups later.Many people waste energy solving surface-level symptoms instead of taking the time to identify and address the true root problem.Growth is inherently uncomfortable, much like growing pains, and learning the “seasons” of your life or business helps you navigate that discomfort more wisely.Asking better questions of yourself, others, and even AI reveals blind spots, clarifies priorities, and leads to more intentional leadership and living.  “We spend most of our lives trying to change our circumstances when the real work is changing how we see.” - Dante Royster Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    99% of People Miss This About Success with Dante Royster
  8. Jul 30

    Dr. Don Norman: It’s Not Your Fault, It’s Bad Design

    Most people blame themselves for “bad decisions,” but this episode reveals how broken systems and bad design are often really to blame. Dr. Don Norman explains how everyday design failures, from confusing doors and stove controls to nuclear power plants, quietly shape our choices and our lives. In this episode, Dante and Dr. Don discuss: System design vs. personal failure in financial decisionsEveryday bad design (“Norman doors,” stoves, light switches)Human error types: slips, capture errors, description errorsAI as a collaborative assistant for better decision-making and designEmotional design, creativity, and redesigning economic incentives Key Takeaways:  Many “bad decisions,” especially in complex areas like finance or home buying, stem less from individual failure and more from systems that are confusing, opaque, and poorly designed.People naturally blame themselves when they can’t operate everyday objects, but in reality, much of the frustration comes from flawed design that ignores how humans actually think and behave.Human errors are often predictable rather than random. Capture errors, description errors, and slips become more likely when routines, time pressure, or confusing interfaces work against us.Generative AI represents a step-change in technology: used as a collaborator rather than a replacement, it can augment human judgment, surface hidden issues, and make complex decisions more informed.Truly impactful design and even economic systems should optimize for long-term quality of life and community well-being, not short-term profits or sales metrics, and often require “mavericks” who challenge the way things have always been done.  “One of the reasons that it's hard to detect dementia and Alzheimer's is because a lot of the errors that are caused by the disease are also the kind of errors we do every day.” - Dr. Don Norman About Dr. Don Norman: Don Norman is Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Founder of the Design Lab at the University of California, San Diego. He previously served as Vice President of Advanced Technology at Apple and an executive at HP, and is the co-founder of the Nielsen Norman Group. A member of the National Academy of Engineering, he has received numerous honors, including lifetime achievement awards from ACM and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, as well as the 2022 Frontier Design Prize. He currently advises Tongji University in Shanghai and the School of Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Don has authored 21 books translated into more than 20 languages, including The Design of Everyday Things and Emotional Design. His latest book is Design for a Better World: Meaningful, Sustainable, Humanity-Centered. Connect with Dr. Don Norman: Website: https://jnd.org/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnorman/  Book - The Design of Everyday Things: https://www.amazon.com/Design-Everyday-Things-Revised-Expanded/dp/0465050654  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Dr. Don Norman: It’s Not Your Fault, It’s Bad Design

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Epic Spotlight is a self-improvement podcast focused on helping you build a healthier, wealthier, and more fulfilling life. Hosted by mortgage expert and author Dante Royster, the show explores the real-world lessons behind Health, Wealth, Love, and Happiness — delivering practical guidance, personal growth strategies, and mindset shifts that support long-term success. Through inspiring guest conversations and actionable insights, Epic Spotlight challenges listeners to think bigger, live more intentionally, and make smarter decisions in their personal and financial lives. Inside each episode, you’ll learn how to: Strengthen your mindset and personal disciplineBuild financial confidence and long-term stabilityImprove relationships, purpose, and life balanceCreate sustainable success in both life and businessWhether you’re focused on personal growth, financial empowerment, or living with greater intention, Epic Spotlight gives you tools, perspective, and motivation to grow in meaningful ways.

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