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To celebrate National Postal Worker Day, we’re stamping this episode with extra love and bringing back our favorite mail carrier, Reyna! In this delightfully unfiltered conversation, Reyna returns to the mic to deliver more behind-the-scenes gems from life on the route. From coconuts and tuna to postal lingo and stamp hacks, we hear about the weird and relatable moments of the job. With humor and sincerity, Reyna peels back the envelope on what it’s really like to wear many different hats as a frontline worker. Donʻt forget to mahalo your postal carrier this week!
Episode Highlights
00:00 Welcome back Reyna! Our favorite carrier
01:13 Feedback from the first episode
02:18 Uniforms
04:09 Weirdest deliveries - brooms, coconuts and tuna!
06:07 Tell us about the mail truck
07:22 Interactions with kids and teenagers
09:58 The many hats of frontline workers
12:01 Postal worker bat signals!
13:05 Fun working dynamic with colleagues
14:39 "Doing my time"
19:21 Postal lingo
16:57 Precious cargo
19:11 The weather
23:41 Hydration!
21:11 Political mail and papercuts
22:29 The dreaded damaged package
25:22 Stamps - just add more!
27:58 Cute, demure (and ugly) mail trucks
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Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
Live from Tokyo, Jamie Christy shares his path from growing up Japanese-American in Minnesota to reconnecting with his roots while living in Kawasaki, Japan. He opens up about the complexities of relearning Japanese as a native speaker and how language continues to shape his identity. From The X-Files and John Grisham novels to the intricacies of Japanese legalese, Jamie reflects on the quirky and unexpected joys of bilingual discovery. We also dive into travel tips, the fun of filmmaking, onsen life, and Star Wars fandom, including a peek behind the scenes at the Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo. It’s a lively conversation about curiosity, creativity, and uncovering the in-between spaces of culture and self. Enjoy!
Episode Highlights
00:21 Jamie: live from Hibiya, Tokyo!
02:11 Japanese language learning as a native Japanese speaker
03:20 Moving to the states at 5 - everything was in English!
04:39 Frustration at not being able to express himself
06:11 Relearning Japanese as an adult
06:35 The X-Files, John Grisham, Japanese crime novels, all things legalese
08:21 Love of film and Star Wars
9:37 Japan travel tips - global cuisines, Sumo, Chanko hotpot!
13:34 Jamie's life - onsen life, being a foodie, working remote
14:17 Navigating the in-between space of being Japanese-American
16:00 [In Japanese] All about the Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo
17:06 Favorite thing about Japan?
18:08 Commit to lifelong learning and growing
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Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! In this episode, Scott Nishimoto - dad, husband, community leader, and emerging poet - joins us to share poems from his chapbook, Beautifully Ordinary. He talks story about the highs, lows, and everyday joys (and hiccups) of parenting. A proud Honolulu townie, Scott reflects on how fatherhood has deepened his sense of presence and purpose, with poems like “It’s OK, Daddy,” “Grandpa’s Smile,” and “Wake Up Happy” offering glimpses into his own youth. We chat about growing up, raising keiki, navigating grief, and the small moments that stick with us. It’s a grounded look at fatherhood and what it means to show up with intention for our families and communities. Hau‘oli lā Makuakāne!
Episode Highlights:
00:21 Meet Scott - dad, husband, Honolulu "townie" and emerging poet
01:11 Staying rooted
02:26 Seeing parenthood through the lens of ʻohana
03:42 Beautifully Ordinary - A Poetry Chapbook from a Father's Soul
06:25 On processing grief: “It’s OK, Daddy” and “Band Class”
11:21 Why documenting our stories matters: “Good Boy Kaika” and “Grandpa’s Smile”
17:48 On building confidence: “Milk Carton Opener” and “Not Very Good”
22:11 “Who did you help today?”
23:17 Remembering Aunty Puanani Burgess and “Boy with a Gift”
25:52 The tiny, powerful moments: “Instagram” and “Wake Up Happy”
29:31 Honoring our own parents
30:31 Oral histories hold the emotions that textbooks can’t
31:34 “December 7th, 1941”
33:07 Stories connect us — and connection creates change
37:22 A call to action: write!
Photo Credit: Scott Nishimoto
Episode Art: Molly Mamaril
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Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
In the spirit of National Movie Night, we’re diving into a conversation with Rino Nakajima - a Disney superfan whose life has been shaped by the stories she grew up watching. Originally from Hiroshima, Japan and now living in Hawaiʻi, Rino talks about how movies like The Little Mermaid and Mulan have helped guide her through everything from studying Swahili in college to landing her dream job at Disney World, and even meeting her partner in a dating app meet-cute. With her heart in the ocean and her head full of Disney songs, Rino shares how these films have stayed with her over the years, offering lessons in perseverance and dreaming big. Now living her real-life mermaid dream by the sea, she reflects on what it means to carry a little movie magic with you, wherever you go!
🌊 Episode Highlights – Dive In! 🐚
0:22 Rino: Mermaid-in-training & Disney dreamer
0:55 Japan to Hawaiʻi during the pandemic
3:48 What makes your heartbeat? DISNEY!
4:31 The Little Mermaid & living her best ocean life in Hawaiʻi
6:22 Growing up a Disney Channel wave-rider
7:51 Learning English, one High School Musical song at a time
9:59 Circle of Life: Majoring in Swahili at Osaka University
13:43 Landing her dream job in Orlando
17:58 COVID: Goodbye to the happiest place on earth
18:31 Quarantined in Hawaiʻi = time to dive into the dating apps
19:05 A love story
22:56 Exploring Disney parks around the world
23:11 Shanghai and Tokyo
26:01 Treasure trove: Mickey ear headbands galore
26:40 Dream job in Hawaiʻi?
28:18 Ariel, the ocean, and the call of the sea
29:34 Go-to conversation starters (with a splash of magic)
30:31 Favorite song?
31:20 An imaginary conversation with Walt Disney
32:20 Believing in magic: Dreams really do come true 🌈
Photo Credit: Rino Nakajima
Episode Art: Molly Mamaril
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Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
In honor of the United Nations' World Environment Day, we're excited to welcome Frank Oscar Weaver to todayʻs episode. Frank is a talented educator, filmmaker, and host of the Indigenous Earth Community Podcast which recently celebrated 5 years on air! Frank is also a fellow AIR Media New Voices AMPLIFY podcaster, and when he and Molly first connected, they quickly discovered a shared passion for Indigenous identity, storytelling, and a deep love of the natural world. He tells the story his homeland of Paraguay, where his Brazilian and Guaraní roots and upbringing under a military dictatorship shaped his path as a cultural advocate and storyteller. He shares how those early experiences and kinship with land laid the foundation for his work today in the U.S., spotlighting Indigenous stories through film, writing, and education. We also explore the mission behind the Indigenous Earth Community nonprofit, which hosts youth-led workshops around the world. From Panama to Uganda to the Philippines, the organization focuses on preserving traditional ecological knowledge and fostering intergenerational wisdom. This conversation is a reminder that the stories of our ancestors can guide us forward.
🔗 Learn more about Indigenous Earth Community at indigenousearth.org
🔗 Check out AIR Mediaʻs 2024 New Voices AMPLIFY fellows at https://airmedia.org/announcing-airs-2025-new-voices-amplify-fellows
Episode Highlights:
0:20 Intro to Frank Oscar Weaver, host of Indigenous Earth Community podcast
1:44 Joy after a hard dayʻs work
3:08 Paraguay
4:05 Medicinal plants and traditional drinks: Yerba Mate and tereré
7:31 Guaraní roots
8:33 Tribal traditions and coming-of-age
9:32 Representing Paraguay in the U.S. through storytelling; partnering with the Smithsonian and being recognized by National Geographic
11:50 Born a storyteller; childhood under a military dictatorship
13:02 Hosting the Indigenous Earth Community Podcast; protecting the earth and the transmission of knowledge between elder and youth
16:11 Building community-based workshop curriculum for indigenous youth - food forests, indigenous plants, freshwater resources
17:38 Speaking multiple languages: Portuguese, Spanish, Guaraní, English, French
20:51 Launching a nonprofit and a podcast
21:51 Oral storytelling is in our DNA
25:25 The human body and happiness
Episode Photo: Frank Oscar Weaver
Episode Art: Molly Mamaril
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Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
Aloha and welcome back to a mini episode of Heartbeat Narratives! In this bite-sized reflection, I’m looking back on the first five months of the podcast - what I’ve learned and what’s coming up next. Since January, we’ve reached listeners in 29 states and 19 countries which energizes me to stay curious and continue to amplify stories of joy from Hawaiʻi and beyond. And as always, I’m also going to share a round of Roses, Thorns & Buds to highlight life updates. Mahalo nui for being part of this growing community of heart-centered humans. Let’s keep the momentum going! 🌺✨
Episode Highlights
00:00 Aloha friends!
02:15 Roses, Thorns & Buds
02:49 A thorn: Realizing how much I wish I were multilingual
05:19 A bud: Grateful to be part of AIR Media’s New Voices AMPLIFY Fellowship
09:32 A rose: Experiencing the volcanic magic of Kīlauea 🌋
19:07 Shelf-Care: Book recs!
20:49 Episodes on the horizon
AIR's 2025 New Voices AMPLIFY PodcastsShe Well Read by Alana Baumann
A podcast hosted by two best friends in their late 20s, rediscovering their love for books and inviting listeners to join the journey.
Spotify: She Well Read on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: She Well Read on Apple Podcasts
Keep the Flame Alive by Alison Brown
A podcast for fans of the Olympics and Paralympics, sharing inside stories from athletes, coaches, historians, and gamesmakers.
Spotify: Keep the Flame Alive on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Keep the Flame Alive on Apple Podcasts
Bayou’s Wrath by Anita Williams
A gripping serialized audio drama set in Natchez, Mississippi, blending suspense, mystery, and Southern Gothic elements.
Spotify: Bayou's Wrath on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Bayou's Wrath on Apple Podcasts
Be Well, Sis by Cassandre Dunbar
A transformative wellness podcast delivering evidence-based health information through authentic conversations.
Spotify: Be Well Sis on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Be Well Sis on Apple Podcasts
The Transcendent Farmer by Emily Reno
A podcast designed to inspire and empower farmers with information related to human design, manifestation, and more.
Spotify: The Transcendent Farmer on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: The Transcendent Farmer on Apple Podcasts
Indigenous Earth by Frank Oscar Weaver
An empowering journey alongside Indigenous heroes from around the world, exploring inspiring stories and wisdom from Indigenous cultures.
Spotify: Indigenous Earth on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Indigenous Earth on Apple Podcasts
Red Flags Everywhere by James Arthur Martin
A podcast where humor meets heart to explore the messy, hilarious, and sometimes cringe-worthy world of relationships.
Spotify: Red Flags Everywhere on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Red Flags Everywhere on Apple Podcasts
Love and Murder: Heartbreak to Homicide by Ky Toure
A true crime podcast telling stories of love turned to murder, where passion turns into obsession and heartbreak leads to homicide.
Spotify: Love and Murder on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Love and Murder on Apple Podcasts
Yokai Detective Agency by Laura Gerard
An audio drama set in a world where supernatural creatures exist, following the adventures of the Yokai Detective Agency.
Spotify: Yokai Detective Agency on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Yokai Detective Agency on Apple Podcasts
Juventud Maldito Vacío by Laura Ubaté
A coming-of-age story of a young woman in her 20s, chasing the dream of becoming a radio DJ in Colombia.
Spotify: Juventud Maldito Vacío on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Juventud Maldito Vacío on Apple Podcasts
Your American Money by Michelle Jackson
A podcast discussing all things money, exploring the intersection between pop culture, policy, and polarization.
Spotify: Your American Money on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Your American Money on Apple Podcasts
Above the Sides by Pono Shim and Molly Mamaril
A podcast exploring what it means to think, act, and live aloha in our personal and professional lives.
Spotify: Above the Sides on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Above the Sides on Apple Podcasts
La Vida Más Chévere de Childfree Latinas by Paulette Erato
The only biweekly Spanglish podcast for childfree Latinas, focusing on liberating from toxic cultural brainwashing.
Spotify: La Vida Más Chévere on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: La Vida Más Chévere on Apple Podcasts
Navigating Cancer TOGETHER by Talaya Dendy
A podcast offering support, information, and inspiration to anyone affected by cancer.
Spotify: Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on Apple Podcasts
Of Black Wombhood by Tanya Latortue
An oral history project exploring the interiority of Black womb-bearing people beyond pregnancy and birthing experiences.
Spotify: Of Black Wombhood on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Of Black Wombhood on Apple Podcasts
Speak Your Vision by Tarik Williams
A podcast creating a safe space for underrepresented voices and individuals with disabilities to feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Spotify: Speak Your Vision on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Speak Your Vision on Apple Podcasts
Episode Art Photo: Molly Mamaril (Kīlauea, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park)
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Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
Meet Jen Roberts, a retired firefighter with a passion for adventure and a deep love for serving Hawaiʻi. She’s lived a dynamic life - bartending, fighting fires, and leading a women's motorcycling club - all while embracing each moment with gusto. Jen shares career-defining stories, from delivering a baby on the H-1 freeway to the meaningful work of The Pantry in Kalihi, where her team coordinates food distribution to nearly 10,000 residents each month. She also reflects on her side gig as a TV and movie extra (cue EMT!), along with adrenaline-packed travels to Dubai, Thailand, and South Africa with her family. Tune in for a lively conversation about chasing flames, loving big, and the joy of the open road.
Episode Highlights
0:21 Jen: a globe-trotting, motorcycle-riding firefighter
1:32 Volunteering at The Pantry, an e-commerce food distribution center
3:20 Roots: From Florida to Hawaiʻi at 21
4:20 Bartender to Firefighter
5:45 Delivering babies? Just another day on the job
9:25 Juggling a variety of jobs and new skillsets
10:18 Motorcycle magic and the open road
13:00 Steppin'
13:55 World travels with the fam
18:49 Giving back at Chai Lai Orchid in Thailand
22:42 Adrenaline-chasing in Dubai
26:45 Cape Town tales
28:09 Background acting gigs (aloha, Hollywood!)
31:55 Appreciate, volunteer, love big
Learn more about the organizations Jen mentioned by visiting:
The Pantry: https://thepantry.org/ (Kalihi, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi)
Chai Lai Orchid: https://chailaiorchid.com/what-we-do/ (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
Photos: Jen Roberts
Episode Art: Molly Mamaril
Listen & Subscribe
Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
We appreciate you tuning in to Heartbeat Narratives! On this podcast, we celebrate stories of joy through organic conversations about the passions, places and people that our guests love. Letʻs continue to build our connections with others in our circles by leading with curiosity and aloha. Episodes are released every other Wednesday!
Listen & Subscribe
Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
It's game on in today's episode as we sit down with Aunty Helen Nakano, the enthusiastic founder of Hanafuda Hawaiʻi. From her childhood in the 1940s on South King Street to teaching across Kauaʻi and Japan, Aunty Helen shares her journey of reviving the traditional Japanese card game, Hanafuda, for players across the islands. Learn how she’s using these “flower cards” to bridge generations and inspire joy in players from ages 5 to 104 including at kūpuna centers, correctional facilities and local schools. Discover the story behind the latest Hanafuda Pilina cards, which celebrate Hawaiʻi’s native flora and fauna, and hear her practical advice on how to be an engaged citizen in your home community. Mahalo for tuning in to this conversation about heritage and the power of play - all recorded in a karaoke room in Mānoa!
Episode Highlights
0:22 Intro to Aunty Helen Nakano
1:28 Childhood in the heart of Honolulu on South King Street
3:27 Becoming a teacher - teaching on Kauaʻi and in Japan
5:03 Hanafuda or "Flower Cards"- a Japanese card game
6:25 Playing with her grandchild 2,500 miles away
9:20 Founding Hanafuda Hawaiʻi
11:05 Hanafuda Pilina cards about Hawaiʻi's native flora and fauna
13:34 Thursday Hanafuda days at Nā Kūpuna Makamae
15:19 Players are 5 to 104 years old
17:20 Win-Win: One person's junk, another person's treasure
19:25 Hanafuda tournaments at a women's correctional facility
23:26 Hanafuda kits for Hawaiʻi's 4th grade teachers
25:17 Sharing knowledge and making it simple
26:38 A mover and a shaker: tips to become an active citizen
Listen & Subscribe
Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
If you love food, you will fall in love with Rachel Fukumoto, a business owner and agricultural enthusiast based in Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi. In this insightful episode, we learn about Rachel's foodpreneur endeavors through her business, The Pastry Farmer. From living in a convent on a sustainable farm to training to become a farmer, she shares her winding path into agriculture and her deep-rooted desire to feed communities across Hawaiʻi. We dive into the functional quirks of being a petite, female farmer, the meditative power of observing land and the importance of connecting to our food sources. Rachel reflects on food security in Hawaiʻi, shares the origin story behind her signature fruit tarts, and even gifts us a fresh daikon salad recipe. You'll also hear about why she loves growin tea and how CSA boxes are basically "love in produce form." This conversation is perfect for some grounding inspo and some laughs. Bon appétit - we go eat!
Episode Highlights
0:23 Introduction to Rachel (and grad school memories!)
2:55 Love of agriculture and feeding Hawaiʻi communities
4:11 The spark: living in a convent on a sustainable farm
5:26 Becoming a farmer
8:19 The power of being grounded, kilo (observing) as active meditation
11:06 Everyone has a connection to food, food (in)security in Hawaiʻi
13:27 The quirks, joys and challenges of of being a wahine farmer
17:42 Origins of The Pastry Farmer
20:12 The fruit tart as a canvas
20:49 Fukumoto Farms through GoFarm Hawaiʻi
22:21 CSA boxes are the best! (Community Supported Agriculture)
25:12 Recipe: Fresh daikon salad
27:13 The plate test - where are your ingredients from?
28:24 Growing root crops and tea
30:46 Tempura tea leaf surprise
32:56 The infamous cane spider
36:10 Farmers are our friends, get to know them :)
Learn more at: https://thepastryfarmer.com/
Listen & Subscribe
Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
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