Some Topic - The Podcast

Some Topic The Podcast

This podcast features two hosts who sit down each episode to talk about a wide range of topics, from everyday life experiences to trending stories and deeper conversations about culture, work, and personal growth. Their back-and-forth is casual, entertaining, and often humorous, making listeners feel like they’re just hanging out with friends. Each episode flows naturally as the hosts share their perspectives, swap stories, and sometimes debate different viewpoints. While the subjects may shift from lighthearted to thought-provoking, the tone stays engaging and conversational, giving the audience both laughs and something to think about long after the episode ends.

  1. 23h ago

    Episode 40—The AI Bubble with Die Hard vs Paul Blart

    Welcome back to Some Topic, the podcast where confidence is high, research is optional, and absolutely nothing is off limits. In this episode, the hosts spiral through a chaotic mix of topics ranging from AI bubbles and tech industry skepticism to absurd debates about action heroes, mall cops, and whether logic even exists anymore. Fueled by caffeine and questionable reasoning, the conversation leans into humor, satire, and just enough insight to keep you wondering if something meaningful was actually said. The episode kicks off with the signature energy of the show—raccoon interns, trash theology, and an over-the-top introduction that sets the tone for everything that follows. From there, the discussion pivots into the idea of an AI bubble, comparing the current tech boom to past economic collapses and questioning whether society is becoming too dependent on artificial intelligence. It’s a mix of real concern and comedic exaggeration that reflects how people actually talk about tech today. Things quickly derail in the best way possible as the hosts dive into AI art, subscription models, and the growing presence of ads in digital spaces. What starts as a critique of technology turns into a broader conversation about creativity, authenticity, and whether innovation is actually improving anything—or just repackaging the same ideas in a more expensive format. Midway through the episode, the conversation shifts into pure entertainment chaos with a deep (and completely unserious) comparison between classic action heroes and modern comedy characters. The debate over Die Hard versus Paul Blart: Mall Cop becomes a surprisingly layered discussion about culture, storytelling, and what makes a character relatable or iconic. Along the way, the hosts explore how movies reflect the eras they were made in and whether those same stories would even work today. By the end, the episode fully embraces its identity as controlled chaos—jumping between topics, revisiting earlier arguments, and landing somewhere between satire and accidental insight. It’s a mix of humor, commentary, and randomness that captures exactly what Some Topic is meant to be: unpredictable, unfiltered, and just coherent enough to keep you listening. --- ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Chaos, disclaimers, and raccoon philosophy 02:30 – Intern updates, caffeine economics, and survival systems 05:00 – The AI bubble theory and comparisons to the 2008 crash 09:00 – Data centers, infrastructure, and tech overexpansion 12:00 – AI monetization, subscriptions, and ads creeping in 15:00 – AI art, creativity, and machine-generated content debate 18:30 – Transition into entertainment: Paul Blart vs Die Hard begins 22:00 – What defines a real action hero? 26:00 – Cultural context: Cold War vs post-9/11 storytelling 30:00 – Modern movies vs older action films 34:00 – Hollywood trends, casting debates, and media evolution 38:00 – AI in film and recreating actors digitally 42:00 – Comedy vs action: what actually holds up? 46:00 – Adam Sandler, Kevin James, and comedy formulas 49:30 – Final verdict: Die Hard vs Paul Blart 53:32 – Outro: sarcasm, survival tips, and signing off --- 🏷️ Hashtags: #SomeTopicPodcast #AIBubble #TechTalk #ArtificialIntelligence #DieHard #PaulBlart #MovieDebate #ComedyPodcast #ActionMovies #AIArt #DigitalTrends #PodcastClips #CulturalCommentary #FunnyPodcast #UnfilteredConversation #TechCulture #ModernMedia #EntertainmentDebate #SatirePodcast

  2. 5d ago

    Conspiracy Corner: The Great Filter, Dark Forest Theory, & Why the Universe Might Be Hiding From Us

    Why is the universe so silent? If space is truly infinite, packed with billions of galaxies and trillions of planets, then where is everybody? In this episode of Some Topic – The Podcast, Nick and Brett step into the Conspiracy Corner to tackle one of the most unsettling scientific mysteries ever proposed: the Fermi Paradox. What starts as a chaotic conversation about toast, peanut butter, and South Park somehow spirals into a deep dive on intelligent life, cosmic loneliness, and whether humanity is doomed before it ever reaches the stars. Equal parts comedy, existential dread, and conspiracy-fueled philosophy, this episode asks a terrifying question: are we already heading toward extinction without realizing it? The discussion explores the possibility that advanced civilizations may never survive long enough to become interstellar. From nuclear war and climate collapse to AI overrunning humanity and civilizations consuming themselves through overpopulation or technological failure, the Great Filter theory suggests there may be an unavoidable wall that wipes species out before they can truly conquer space. Nick and Bre break down how every generation projects its biggest fears onto this theory, turning modern anxieties into possible cosmic death sentences. The result is both hilarious and disturbingly believable, especially when the conversation turns toward whether humanity is already standing directly in front of that filter without knowing it. By the end of the episode, Some Topic leaves listeners with more questions than answers. Is humanity unique? Is intelligence ultimately self-destructive? Is the silence of the universe evidence of loneliness, hidden danger, or something even stranger? The Great Filter and Dark Forest Theory remain some of the most unsettling concepts in modern science because they force us to confront our own fragility as a species. Whether you believe aliens are hiding, humanity is trapped in a simulation, or civilization is doomed to collapse under its own weight, this episode delivers a mix of comedy and cosmic dread that sticks with you long after the microphones go silent. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back to the Conspiracy Corner 01:10 – Toast, peanut butter, and survival meals 02:45 – Introducing the Fermi Paradox 04:30 – Why the universe should be full of life 06:05 – Radiation, decay, and extinct civilizations 07:40 – The Great Filter explained 09:00 – Nuclear war, climate collapse, and AI fears 10:05 – Enter the Dark Forest Theory 11:50 – Why alien civilizations might stay silent 13:00 – The Zoo Hypothesis and ancient alien ideas 14:25 – Simulation theory returns 15:10 – Could humanity destroy itself before space travel? 16:00 – Final thoughts on whether we are truly alone 16:52 – End of episode #ConspiracyCorner #FermiParadox #GreatFilter #DarkForestTheory #AlienLife #SimulationTheory #UFO #AncientAliens #SciFiPodcast #ComedyPodcast #SpaceMysteries #Extraterrestrials #SETI #PodcastEpisode #CosmicHorror #SciencePodcast #SomeTopicPodcast #UniverseMysteries #PhilosophyPodcast #ConspiracyTheory

  3. Jul 26

    Episode 39— The Episode on Dating, Internet Culture & Modern Madness

    What happens when two completely unqualified individuals try to break down modern dating, internet culture, and the strange evolution of human connection? You get chaos—unfiltered, unstructured, and somehow still hitting on uncomfortable truths. This episode leans into the absurdity of trying to understand relationships in a world where everything is accessible, everyone is skeptical, and nothing feels simple anymore. From vintage VHS dating advice to the reality of modern apps, the conversation spirals through what it even means to meet someone today. Is dating about intention, convenience, survival, or just entertainment? The episode explores how technology has reshaped expectations, blurred boundaries, and created a strange mix of hyper-connection and isolation that didn’t exist even a generation ago. The hosts also dive into the tension between freedom and regulation—especially when it comes to the internet. With everything from adult content to social platforms being more controlled, the question becomes: where does responsibility actually lie? With the individual, the family, or the system? The discussion doesn’t aim to answer—it aims to expose how messy the question really is. Underneath the jokes, sarcasm, and complete lack of credentials is a deeper conversation about trust, risk, and vulnerability in modern relationships. Dating today isn’t just about chemistry—it’s about navigating perception, protecting yourself, and figuring out what’s real in a world where everything can be curated, filtered, or misrepresented. And of course, it wouldn’t be this show without the complete derailment into raccoon theology, fake sponsors, chaotic life advice, and philosophical nonsense disguised as insight. This isn’t a guide. It’s not a manual. It’s a ride through the ruins of logic with just enough truth to make you question things on the way out. This is not journalism. This is not education. This is chaos—with microphones. Timestamps: 00:00 – The chaotic intro: unqualified and proud 02:15 – Raccoon theology & fake sponsor madness 05:00 – The VHS dating advice breakdown 08:30 – Old-school dating vs modern reality 12:00 – Internet regulation vs personal responsibility 15:00 – Parenting, access, and digital exposure 18:30 – The missing “middle ground” in dating 22:00 – Fear, trust, and modern dating risks 26:00 – Protecting yourself in relationships 30:00 – Why people actually date (philosophy angle) 34:30 – Family structures: traditional vs modern 38:00 – Chaos theory of relationships (and society) 42:00 – Cyber culture & early internet nostalgia 46:00 – Where NOT to meet people (debate) 50:00 – What makes a “good” partner today? 54:00 – How to actually approach someone 58:00 – Dating apps & the reality of effort 01:02:00 – First dates, safety, and expectations 01:05:00 – Final thoughts + absolute nonsense closing Hashtags: #podcast #datingadvice #modernrelationships #internetculture #comedypodcast #socialcommentary #datingapps #tinder #relationships #podcastclips #funnydiscussion #lifeadvice #millennialtalk #genz #culturetalk #controversialtopics #darkhumor #satire #freedomofspeech #onlinedating

  4. Jul 22

    Conspiracy Corner: Truths, Lies, and the Simulation: What’s Real?

    In this episode of Some Topic – Conspiracy Corner, Nick and Brett step into one of the most mind-bending philosophical conspiracy theories ever discussed on the show: Simulation Theory. What starts as a chaotic opening full of jokes about Ted Turner, Wikipedia articles as love languages, and refusing to look directly at Brett’s questionable YouTube recommendations quickly spirals into a deep conversation about reality itself. Are humans actually living in base reality, or could existence itself be part of an advanced artificial simulation created by something far beyond human understanding? The episode dives into the foundations of Simulation Theory, inspired heavily by The Matrix and philosopher Nick Bostrom’s famous simulation argument. Nick explains the terrifying statistical idea that if advanced civilizations eventually develop the technology to simulate conscious beings, there could theoretically be billions of simulated realities compared to only one “real” reality. If that’s true, statistically speaking, humanity may already exist inside one of those simulations. Brett approaches the theory from a more skeptical angle, connecting it to gaming, virtual reality, AI-generated imagery, and modern rendering systems where developers lower graphics settings to save computational power. Together, they explore whether strange quirks in physics, consciousness, and reality itself could simply be signs of an imperfect simulation. Despite all the existential dread and philosophical rabbit holes, the episode ends on a surprisingly human note. Nick argues that regardless of whether reality is simulated or real, life still contains love, pain, responsibility, purpose, and connection. Even if humanity exists inside an artificial system, the emotions and experiences people go through still matter to those experiencing them. Brett closes the episode with one final joke tying reality itself into a trans allegory, perfectly capturing the bizarre mix of comedy, philosophy, conspiracy theories, and chaos that defines Some Topic – Conspiracy Corner. Whether listeners believe Simulation Theory or dismiss it entirely, the episode leaves behind one haunting question: if reality feels real, does it actually matter whether it is? ## Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome back to the Conspiracy Corner * 00:45 – Ted Turner, YouTube rabbit holes, and Wikipedia love languages * 01:30 – Introducing Simulation Theory * 02:15 – Mosquitoes, suffering, and flaws in creation * 03:20 – The Matrix and the woman in the red dress * 04:00 – Déjà vu and “glitches in the Matrix” * 05:00 – What if déjà vu is autosave? * 06:00 – The Tetris Effect and video game obsession * 07:10 – Simulation Theory explained through philosophy and technology * 08:30 – Nick Bostrom and the simulation argument * 09:45 – Quantum physics, rendering reality, and processing power * 11:00 – Coincidences, dreams, and impossible patterns * 13:00 – Consciousness, memory, and emotional perception * 14:00 – Descartes, Berkeley, and philosophical reality * 15:20 – Religion, creation myths, and simulation theory * 16:30 – God as a programmer and reality as code * 17:40 – Whether reality is fake or not, life still matters * 18:20 – Final thoughts and existential jokes * 19:08 – Closing monologue from the Conspiracy Corner Hashtags #SimulationTheory #ConspiracyCorner #SomeTopicPodcast #TheMatrix #Philosophy #Existentialism #QuantumPhysics #AI #ConspiracyTheory #Reality #Podcast #DéjàVu #NickBostrom #Simulation #DigitalReality

  5. Jul 19

    Episode 38—Caffeinated Chaos & Cosmic Curiosities: Pluto, Planets, and Raccoon Interns

    Step into the chaotic world of Some Topic where two dangerously underqualified hosts guide you through a whirlwind of cosmic confusion, caffeinated interns, and absurd logic. From Pluto’s heart-shaped ice patch to moons that defy planetary norms, this episode blends comedy with curious space facts in ways you never knew you needed. Prepare for tangents, raccoon metaphors, and a healthy dose of sarcasm as the hosts improvise their way through science, mythology, and modern space programs. While discussing the delicate balance of moons and planets, our hosts explore how Pluto lost its planetary status, the surprise of Charon’s size, and the discovery of smaller moons in the Kuiper Belt. The conversation stretches beyond astronomy into the human fascination with the cosmos, from the Renaissance telescopes to the night skies of New Mexico. Along the way, stories of intern nutrition, caffeine protocols, and Zevolife supplements provide unexpected intersections of comedy, chaos, and structure. The episode doesn’t stop at planetary debates. It ventures into NASA’s shuttle program, the Artemis missions, and the misadventures of government-funded space exploration. The hosts dissect the risks, funding fiascos, and technical challenges of sending humans into orbit, all with a mix of outrage, humor, and disbelief. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes wrong when bureaucracy meets rocketry, and why some launches end tragically while others lay the foundation for modern technology like GPS. Of course, no episode of Some Topic would be complete without surreal interruptions, including raccoon intern broadcasts, trash theology sermons, and HR memoranda from the liminal space of podcast absurdity. The hosts play with language, time, and cosmic perspective, questioning everything from Greek and Roman naming conventions to the origins of heliocentric astronomy, all while remaining blissfully unqualified but endlessly entertaining. Finally, this episode is an exploration of wonder, chaos, and the joy of looking up at the stars. Whether it’s light pollution-free skies in the mountains of New Mexico, or the meticulous observation of asteroids, planets, and moons, listeners are reminded that curiosity, caffeine, and comedy can coexist. Buckle up for a journey that is as informative as it is ridiculous, a true testament to the unpredictable buffet of topics that Some Topic serves each week. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Chaos, coffee, and cosmic confusion 01:30 – Hosts’ disclaimer: dangerously underqualified, strong language warning 04:15 – Raccoon interns, trash theology, and caffeine updates 06:50 – Pluto and Charon: planetary debates and childhood solar system memories 11:40 – New Horizons and the first images of Pluto 15:00 – Greek and Roman mythology of planets and moons 20:00 – Light pollution, starry night memories, and personal space experiences 23:50 – Heliocentric model, discovery of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto 27:10 – Ceres and the asteroid belt: history of early telescopic observations 30:25 – NASA shuttle program failures and space race chaos 35:00 – Artemis missions and modern manned space flight 38:20 – Zevolife intern nutrition protocols and caffeine optimization 41:00 – Surreal interruptions: raccoon broadcasts, sermons, and liminal alerts 44:15 – Closing thoughts: wonder, chaos, and cosmic curiosity Hashtags: #SomeTopicPodcast #ComedyPodcast #Pluto #SpaceTalk #NASA #Artemis #NewHorizons #RaccoonInterns #ChaosAndCaffeine #AstronomyHumor #TrashTheology #CosmicConfusion #CaffeineCulture #PlanetaryScience #KuiperBelt

  6. Jul 15

    Conspiracy Corner: The Dead Internet Theory: Are We All Just Bots?

    In this episode of Some Topic – Conspiracy Corner, Nick and Brett dive headfirst into one of the most unsettling modern conspiracy theories on the internet: the Dead Internet Theory. What starts as a chaotic discussion about conspiracy content, rage bait, and algorithms quickly spirals into a deeper conversation about whether the internet is still driven by real people—or if bots, AI-generated content, and engagement farming have quietly taken over. Between jokes, insults, and existential dread, the duo explores how online spaces transformed from messy, authentic communities into algorithm-driven attention machines. The conversation breaks down the origins of the Dead Internet Theory and why it resonates with so many people today. Nick explains the core idea behind the theory: that somewhere in the late 2000s and early 2010s, the internet shifted from being a human-centered environment into an artificial ecosystem dominated by bots, fake engagement, AI-generated articles, and manipulated trends. Brett connects the theory to modern social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, arguing that outrage, conspiracy videos, and endless comment wars are all designed to feed engagement algorithms and maximize advertising revenue. The episode balances comedy with uncomfortable truths about how much of online interaction may already be synthetic. As the episode continues, the discussion turns toward loneliness, mental health, and the performative nature of modern internet culture. Nick reflects on how people today are more digitally connected than ever while simultaneously reporting higher levels of isolation, anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. The internet promised connection, but instead many people feel trapped in cycles of validation, comparison, and algorithmic manipulation. Brett and Nick joke about philosophical zombies, NPCs, and “Russian bots,” but underneath the humor is a serious conversation about identity, authenticity, and whether social media has fundamentally changed how humans interact with each other. Despite the paranoia and conspiracy-heavy themes, the episode closes with a surprisingly grounded takeaway. Brett argues that the best response to rage bait and manipulative algorithms is simply refusing to engage. Don’t fight in comment sections. Don’t feed outrage cycles. Touch grass. Nick, naturally, proposes turning online arguments into MMA cage fights instead. The result is an episode that mixes absurd comedy, internet culture analysis, conspiracy theories, and genuine philosophical questions about the future of online life. Whether you believe the Dead Internet Theory completely or not, this conversation forces listeners to ask a disturbing question: how much of the internet is still actually human? ## Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome back to the Conspiracy Corner * 00:01 – Conspiracy theories as algorithmic rage bait * 01:45 – What is the Dead Internet Theory? * 03:40 – Bots, AI, fake engagement, and manipulated trends * 05:00 – Early AI, Russian bots, and internet manipulation * 07:20 – How the internet stopped feeling human * 08:45 – AI influencers, fake podcasts, and philosophical zombies * 10:00 – Loneliness, anxiety, and digital isolation * 12:00 – Performative culture and social media identities * 13:10 – Algorithms, advertising, and engagement obsession * 14:20 – The darkest implications of the Dead Internet Theory * 15:45 – Is the internet already dead? * 16:40 – Final thoughts: rage bait, touching grass, and online chaos * 18:32 – Closing monologue from the Conspiracy Corner

  7. Jul 13

    Episode 37—AI Driving Cars, Raccoon Logic & the Future We’re Not Ready For

    Two dangerously under-qualified hosts dive headfirst into the chaotic intersection of artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, and the strange reality we’re already living in. What starts as a casual observation of a driverless vehicle quickly spirals into a deeper conversation about how AI actually works, what it means for human decision-making, and whether we’re rushing into a future we don’t fully understand. Along the way, the hosts question everything from infrastructure limitations to whether machines truly “drive” or simply calculate risk faster than we ever could. The episode balances humor and absurdity with surprisingly grounded discussions about energy consumption, data bias, and the massive technological demands behind modern AI systems. From nuclear power debates to the evolution of computing storage, the conversation explores whether our current systems can even support the future we’re trying to build. The idea that innovation solves one problem while quietly creating ten more sits at the core of this discussion. Things take a philosophical turn as the hosts wrestle with questions of free will, machine learning, and whether AI is simply a reflection of human flaws at scale. If artificial intelligence is trained on human data, does it inherit human bias? And if machines begin creating better versions of themselves, where does human intention end and artificial evolution begin? The conversation doesn’t aim to answer these questions—it leans into the uncertainty. At the same time, the real-world implications are impossible to ignore. Who is responsible when an autonomous vehicle crashes? How do insurance systems adapt? Can outdated infrastructure realistically support advanced automation? The episode highlights the gap between technological capability and societal readiness, pointing out that innovation often outpaces the systems meant to regulate it. Wrapped in the show’s signature chaos—raccoon metaphors, fake corporate announcements, and absurd humor—this episode is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s not about having the right answers. It’s about asking the right questions while laughing at how unprepared we might actually be. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the chaos: setting the tone 05:00 – Absurd humor meets uncomfortable questions 10:00 – The reality of self-driving cars today 15:00 – Energy demands and nuclear power debates 20:00 – How AI actually “thinks” (risk vs intuition) 25:00 – Infrastructure problems no one is solving 30:00 – The future of ownership and AI taxis 35:00 – Nutrition ad chaos & system satire 40:00 – Bias in AI and facial recognition issues 45:00 – Machine learning, evolution, and free will 50:00 – Philosophical spiral: can AI think? 55:00 – Liability, insurance, and legal nightmares 01:00:00 – Why full autonomy might not happen soon 01:05:00 – Final thoughts, skepticism, and sign-off Hashtags: #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #SelfDrivingCars #FutureTech #Technology #MachineLearning #Automation #TechPodcast #Philosophy #Innovation #AutonomousVehicles #DataBias #FutureOfWork #TechDebate #PodcastClips #DeepThoughts #ModernWorld #Engineering #TechHumor #Society

  8. Jul 8

    Conspiracy Corner: Truth or Tall Tale? The Water-Powered Car Conspiracy EXPOSED

    What if one of the most revolutionary inventions in human history—a car that runs on water—was real… and then deliberately erased? In this episode of Some Topic – The Podcast, Nick and Brett step into the chaos of Conspiracy Corner to unpack one of the most persistent myths in modern engineering: the water-powered car. From shadowy corporate cover-ups to backyard inventors claiming to defy physics, the conversation spirals between curiosity, skepticism, and outright disbelief. The episode kicks off with a nostalgic dive into the feeling of driving for the first time—freedom, panic, and just enough chaos to set the tone. But that quickly gives way to a deeper question: could something as simple and abundant as water really power the machines that define modern life? Or is this just another case of people wanting to believe in something bigger than reality allows? Brett brings in real engineering insight, breaking down how combustion engines actually work and why hydrocarbons—not water—are the foundation of modern fuel systems. The discussion moves into chemistry, thermodynamics, and the harsh truth that energy cannot be created out of nothing. Along the way, the guys explore hydrogen as a potential fuel source, the challenges of storage, and why even promising alternatives come with serious limitations. Then comes the story at the center of it all: Stanley Meyer, the man who claimed to have built a water-fueled car. Was he a genius ahead of his time… or just another con artist? The episode digs into lawsuits, failed demonstrations, investor deception, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. It’s here where conspiracy meets documented reality—and where things start to fall apart. By the end, the illusion is stripped away. What remains isn’t just the debunking of a myth, but a reflection on why people cling to these ideas in the first place. Because sometimes, the real story isn’t about suppressed technology—it’s about human nature, belief, and the desire for simple answers in a complex world. --- Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Conspiracy Corner 01:45 – First Driving Experiences & Setting the Tone 04:10 – What Is a Water-Powered Car Supposed to Be? 06:30 – How Engines Actually Work (Hydrocarbons Explained) 09:15 – Why Water Can’t Be a Fuel Source 11:40 – Hydrogen: The “Closest” Alternative 14:20 – Electrolysis & Energy Efficiency Breakdown 17:10 – Where the Confusion Comes From (Cold Fusion Talk) 19:30 – Real Historical Claims & Early Scams 21:45 – The Stanley Meyer Story Begins 24:00 – Lawsuit, Fraud, and Failed Proof 26:10 – Death, Conspiracies, and Final Theories 27:40 – Final Verdict: Debunked --- Hashtags: #ConspiracyCorner #WaterPoweredCar #Debunked #EngineeringMyths #StanleyMeyer #ScienceExplained #Thermodynamics #PodcastClips #TruthOrMyth #EnergyCrisis #AlternativeFuel #HydrogenEnergy #ConspiracyTheories #SomeTopicPodcast

About

This podcast features two hosts who sit down each episode to talk about a wide range of topics, from everyday life experiences to trending stories and deeper conversations about culture, work, and personal growth. Their back-and-forth is casual, entertaining, and often humorous, making listeners feel like they’re just hanging out with friends. Each episode flows naturally as the hosts share their perspectives, swap stories, and sometimes debate different viewpoints. While the subjects may shift from lighthearted to thought-provoking, the tone stays engaging and conversational, giving the audience both laughs and something to think about long after the episode ends.