In this insightful episode, Alexa chats with Sami Wong, a speech and language pathologist who helps clients navigate communication challenges such as aphasia. Sami shares her personal journey into speech therapy, inspired by her late father’s recovery from a stroke, and explains what aphasia really is, and the role music and singing can play in therapy. We also dive into Sami’s creative side hustle—her successful Etsy shop where she sells educational anatomy prints for SLPs and voice professionals.  

Whether you’re a singing teacher, therapist, or simply curious about language, the brain, and communication, this episode will leave you inspired and informed. 

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  

2:36 What is aphasia?  

5:18 What is neuroplasticity?  

7:46 Can you recover from aphasia?  

9:53 Compensatory communication activities for aphasia  

11:10 Music & aphasia 

13:46 What should singing teachers know about the work of an SLP?  

15:06 Setting up a side hustle  

21:07 Advice on creating an Etsy shop  

23:46 Sami’s gift to you 

About the presenter HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Melodic Intonation Therapy  

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.211 Learning Vocal Anatomy through Mindful Colouring with Eimear McCarthy Luddy 

GET SAMI’S PRINT WITH THIS BAST DISCOUNT CODE: BAST10 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Sami Wong is a speech-language pathologist based in the Pacific Northwest, specialising in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and helping clients build confidence, independence, and connection. She recently completed a Ph.D. in Education and Leadership, focusing on return-to-work research for individuals with communication challenges. 

Inspired by her father’s experience with aphasia after a stroke, Sami is dedicated to advancing awareness and rehabilitation for communication disorders. Alongside her full-time role, she runs Speech+Language, a small business offering free resources, study aids, and digital prints for SLPs and care partners. 

With a background spanning media, fashion, finance, and education, Sami blends creativity with clinical expertise to empower others and advocate for people with aphasia. 

SEE FULL BIO HERE 

Website 

Instagram: @samiwong_ 

Etsy

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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Ever wondered how world-class singers keep their voices strong night after night on global tours? In this episode, we go behind the curtain with Mindy Pack — elite vocal coach to stars like Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, Sabrina Carpenter, and Justin Timberlake — to explore the science, strategy, and stamina behind life on the road. Discover how artists build vocal endurance, plus the secrets behind Mindy’s legendary 'Vocal 911 Kit' From vocal warm-ups and bodywork to tour prep and mental resilience, this conversation is packed with tips for singers, teachers, and music lovers alike.

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

2:22 Creating a blueprint for a touring artists

11:35 Teacher-Artist rapport

14:38 Giving demonstration

15:58 Choosing keys and set lists 

19:00 Treadmill training  

21:57 Working with vocal injury 

26:21 Mindy’s ‘Vocal 911’ kit 

29:30 The Vocalzone debate

31:20 When is the best time for massage, stretch and warm-up? 

33:49 What is it like being a vocal coach on tour? 

About the presenter HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.40 Integrated Skills: Teaching Singing to Dancers 

Bemer System

BAST Article - Vocalzone, Saviours or Destroyers? 

ABOUT THE GUEST

Mindy Pack is a globally respected vocologist, vocal coach, and voice specialist known for her innovative, science-based approach to vocal performance and health. Blending decades of stage experience with deep expertise in voice science and physiology, she helps singers, actors, and speakers achieve peak performance while protecting their vocal longevity.

As co-founder and director of the SVARA Project with Dr. Reena Gupta, Mindy collaborates with leading ENTs, laryngologists, and speech-language pathologists to provide advanced vocal rehabilitation and manual therapy. She works with clients worldwide from her studios in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, offering one-on-one coaching, biofeedback sessions, and bodywork focused on vocal endurance and optimization.

Her clients include some of the biggest names in entertainment—Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, Noah Kahan, Brandi Carlile, and The Lumineers—as well as Broadway performers, voice-over artists, and emerging talent. Many credit her signature Vocal Tract Reconditioning method as essential to their success on tours, award shows, and global stages.

Mindy is also the creator of The Voice Straw, a groundbreaking vocal training tool used by performers worldwide. Beyond coaching, she is a passionate educator, frequent conference presenter, and humanitarian dedicated to empowering future leaders.

Driven by a lifelong love of voice and performance, Mindy’s mission is simple: to help every artist unlock their full vocal potential.

Website

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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Who decides what’s in when it comes to singing styles — how do voice teachers keep up? In this fun and insightful episode, Alexa chats with April Young about how changing trends in pop, musical theatre, and CCM are reshaping vocal training. From falsetto and belt to the science of registers and resonance, we explore how singers can stay healthy, expressive, and ahead of the curve. Perfect for voice teachers, performers, and anyone curious about the ever-evolving art of singing.

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

2:25 What are the current trends in 2025?

6:20 How does one laryngeal register impact the other?

10:46 Visible, audible and sensory clues of TA dominance

12:43 Does imitation have limitation?

15:05 Visible, audible and sensory clues of CT dominance

16:33 The best time to train vocal registers

20:45 Acoustic register shifts and choosing the best vowel

25:58 Training registers alongside trends

45:16 Changing trends in CCM and impacts on the studio

About the presenter HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Journal of Singing

‘Mixed Up and Upside Down - Underdeveloped Registers in Men and Women Due to Vocal Trends in Popular Music: Turning Two Pedagogic Challenges into Opportunities in Today's Voice Studio’ by April Young

William Venard

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.152 ‘Tomato, Tomahto’: Understanding Singing Terminology

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.200 The Secret to Powerful Belting and Seamless Mixing

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.146 How to Understand and Apply Vocal Acoustic Pedagogy

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.172 Understanding Acoustic Registers

Shenandoah University

The Systematic Approach to Voice Dr Kari Ragan

The Structure of Singing Richard Miller

Hoberman Sphere

Mary Saunders Barton

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang

ABOUT THE GUEST 

April Young runs a voice studio in Spokane, WA, where she specializes in classical, music theater and CCM techniques and repertoire. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Voice Performance), an MVP (Master of Voice Pedagogy), and has served on the faculty of three area schools. In addition to her teaching, April is a soloist and choral conductor.

Her performance experience spans recital, oratorio, and music theater and her session work includes vocals for a title in the Myst computer game series. A published writer, she has contributed to the Journal of Singing through the National Association of Teachers of Singing, authoring an article on vocal trends in popular music and the evolving opportunities these present for voice teachers.

A lifelong learner, April is currently interested in the role voice teachers play in recovery from injuries that impact the singing voice, and she believes that the best teachers never stop being students themselves.

Website

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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Drama school auditions can feel like a mix of excitement, nerves and big dreams. In this episode, Alexa shares her top strategies for surviving and thriving in drama school auditions. From preparation to presence, discover how to bring your best self into the room and make the most of every opportunity. Whether you’re auditioning for the first time or guiding others through the process, this episode will leave you feeling ready to go. 

 About the presenter, click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.214 The Secret to a Portfolio Career: Singing, Teaching and Creating with Rosie Williamson  

musicnotes.com 

Sheet Music Direct 

Scribd 

Ep.219 10 Songs for Male Contemporary Musical Theatre Singers with Conor O Hara 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Alexa runs a singing tuition practice in the South of England, and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools – Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels auditions and assessments. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk podcast, mentors for the BAST Training Level 5 qualification, and has presented on topics of Musical Theatre repertoire, authentic Musical Theatre performance, and imposter syndrome for Vocology in Practise and The Sing Space.  

SEE FULL BIO HERE (Add link to the podcast website page) 

Website 

Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching  

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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In this episode of the Singing Teachers Talk Podcast, vocal coach and business mentor Zoe Stibi shares how she turned a career crisis into thriving studios, a booming YouTube channel, and multiple income streams. From raising your rates with confidence to building an online presence that attracts students worldwide, Zoe breaks down practical strategies to help you earn more while working less. 

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  

1:14 What would you if you won the lottery?  

3:44 Turning a crisis into a transformation     

16:00 Setting your prices   

25:15 Youtube Vs Instagram 

39:47 Standing out in the crow  

41:33 Monetising Youtube 

50:35 Making the first step  

55:33 Zoe’s Vocal Coach Accelerator Programme  

 About the presenter, click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.227 Following Your Bliss: ow to Align Your Life and Business with Gemma Sugrue  

Singers Having Coffee Podcast Ep.6 Mistakes, Myths & the importance of vowels with Gemma Sugrue 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.79 How to Price Your Business in a Cost of Living Crisis with Mark Peacock 

Thomann Shure Microphone  

MyMusicStaff  

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.93 How to Organise Your Singing Studio Business with My Music Staff 

Zoom 

Singers Having Coffee Podcast  

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Zoe Stibi is a business coach and vocal pedagogue with 18+ years’ experience teaching singers across four countries. After rebuilding her music studio five times—and reinventing her entire business during 2020—she discovered that success requires not just talent, but structure. Today, she’s turned a 7-day grind into a sustainable 4-day workweek with creative time, balance, and six-figure revenue, and now helps other music teachers do the same. 

As a Certified Estill Master Trainer with a Master’s in Musical Theatre from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Zoe makes vocal technique accessible and empowering. She has guided students into top programs including BRITS School and RADA, and teaches across classical, musical theatre, pop, and CCM. Having overcome her own vocal injuries, she brings both technical expertise and empathy to her work—showing singers and teachers what’s possible when artistry meets the right systems. 

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website 

Youtube 

Instagram: @zoestibivocalcoach 

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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As singing teachers, we might often wonder: are my students actually having fun? Fun doesn’t have to mean over-the-top excitement—it’s about creating moments of joy, curiosity, and connection. In this episode, Alexa shares 10 practical ways to make singing lessons more enjoyable for students of all ages. From playful games and tongue twisters to using props, humour, and mindful moments, these ideas keep lessons fresh and engaging.

Discover how to balance progress with play, while building a safe space where singers feel supported and confident. You’ll come away with strategies that make lessons more memorable, effective, and truly enjoyable. 

 About the presenter, click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

 Scales and Arpeggios from The Aristocats  

Example: My Mind by Yebba  

Jenevora Williams  

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.155 Part One: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.156 Part Two: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios 

Guns and Ships from Hamilton 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 159 How Toys and Props can Create Dynamic Singing Lessons 

ABOUT THE GUEST

Alexa runs a singing tuition practice in the South of England, and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools – Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels auditions and assessments. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk podcast, mentors for the BAST Training Level 5 qualification, and has presented on topics of Musical Theatre repertoire, authentic Musical Theatre performance, and imposter syndrome for Vocology in Practise and The Sing Space.

SEE FULL BIO HERE 

Website

Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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What does it really take to reinvent yourself as a coach or creative? In this episode, we welcome back Gemma Sugrue; singer, entrepreneur, and business mentor to explore how she’s turned her own career pivots into powerful lessons for others. From wedding singer to studio owner, online educator to branding coach, Gemma has never been afraid to follow her curiosity and shed what no longer feels aligned.

She shares how we can tune into our energy, recognise when it’s time for change, and build the trust muscle needed to step into something new. If you’ve ever felt pulled towards a different path, struggled with balancing security and creativity, or wondered how to make your business feel more you, this conversation will leave you inspired, encouraged, and ready to take the next step.

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

2:44 How did Gemma get to where she is now?

7:27 How do you recognise when your are in alignment with bliss?

13:29 How can I make the first step to change?

16:30 The transferable skills of life coaching

19:14 What is a common theme between vocal coaches?

20:44 Reinventing yourself

23:07 How to have difficult conversations to find alignment

25:49 How can we pull on all of our interests as vocal coaches?

28:40 What’s it actually like working with Gemma?

36:28 A success story

About the presenter, click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Voice Works

Pro Vocal Artist

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.8 The Natural Entrepreneur with Gemma Sugrue

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.46 How to Develop Lasting and Positive Habits with Gemma Sugrue

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.118 Mastering Mix Voice and Belt with Gemma Sugrue

Chris Johnson

Teach Voice

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.213 Medicine to Music: A Journey Back to A Creative Calling with Estelle Idoko

Tommy Ludgate

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.49 Unlocking Your Creative Potential with Tommy Ludgate

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.195 How Unlocking Your True Values Can Transform Your Teaching and Life with Louise Callin

Reality Transurfing by Vadim Zealand

ABOUT THE GUEST

Encouraged by her mum to “follow her bliss,” Gemma began touring the world at 17 as the singer in an Irish dance show. After earning her degree and master’s in classical music, she co-founded a successful singing school in Ireland, guiding students who went on to become acclaimed artists and stars. Her career has spanned performing on dream stages worldwide, releasing a debut jazz album, lecturing, and coaching artists internationally. She later launched an online business supporting musicians to share their work. Now back in Ireland, Gemma is an accredited leadership coach, working with coaches who share her passion for growth, creativity, and joy.

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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In this episode of The Singing Teachers Talk Podcast, Alexa chats with Rachael Drury about practical ways voice teachers can use AI to save time, spark creativity, and streamline admin — without losing the vital human connection that makes teaching so powerful. From lesson planning and practice tools to lyric writing and accountability, find out how AI can become a helpful ally in your teaching toolkit. 

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

1:24 What can AI NOT do?

14:02 How can we use AI positively as singing teachers?

27:42 Helpful AI tools

33:30 Are there any loopholes?

41:23 How can teachers continue to advocate for the arts in the face of AI?

 About the presenter, click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.222 The Rise of AI: What It Means for Singers and Teachers

ChatGPT

Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.155 & 156 Part One & Two: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios

Suno

Udio

Midjourney

Stability AI

Canva

Tonara

Erol Studios

Sing Scope

Yousician

TuneCore

Sound Cloud

Deezer

Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.224 Your Brain on Art: The Science of Creativity and Healing

Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross

Independent Society of Musicians

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr Rachael Drury is a violinist, educator and researcher specialising in the evolving relationship between music, technology and the law. Rachael’s successful career as a musician has seen her perform with ensembles like the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic, and in 2019 she returned to academia to explore how new technologies are reshaping the music industry. Her PhD at the University of Liverpool focused on the legal and economic impact of generative AI on copyright, authorship and musicians' livelihoods. Rachael now teaches across music industry studies and performance, while also serving as Senior Researcher and AI Officer at the Independent Society of Musicians. Her work informs copyright policy and creative rights, and she regularly speaks at national and international events. She is passionate about supporting musicians, students and teachers as they navigate the fast-changing digital music landscape.

SEE FULL BIO HERE

E: [email protected]

Instagram: @rachael_drury

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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In this episode, Alexa sits down with voice teacher and performer Conor Angell to explore his influential article How Do You Teach Voice? Six Vital Non-Musical Teaching Principles. They discuss how these principles shape effective teaching, what’s changed since 2019, and the importance of kindness, agency, and adaptability in the studio. Conor also reveals what he’d now add as a seventh principle, offering fresh insights for voice teachers, singers, and educators alike. 

 WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

 0:34 What makes a good teacher according to Conor?

2:40 What are the signs that your teaching principles aren’t working?

6:41 How can we get out of our own heads in the teaching room?

9:59 How to keep learning fun

15:02 Understanding intrusive teaching approaches

21:08 Balancing challenge and support

27:56 Teaching approaches for specific vocal targets

33:10 Which of Conor’s six principles have proven to be the most successful?

36:37 How can HE programmes make room for teaching philosophy?

40:56 What would be Conor’s 7th principle?

 About the presenter, click HERE

 RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Dr Bracey

Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.224 Your Brain on Art: The Science of Creativity and Healing

Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

Daniel Levitin 

This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin

Journal of Singing

How Do You Teach Voice? Six Vital Nonmusical Teaching Principles by Conor Angell

Toward a Theory of Applied Music Instruction by Richard Kennel

Lev Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development

Somatic Voicework

Indianapolis Opera

Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.219 10 Songs for Male Contemporary Musical Theatre Singers 

ABOUT THE GUEST

Born in Ireland, baritone Conor Angell joined the music faculty at Taylor University in 2013 after teaching at Houghton and Wabash Colleges. A versatile performer, he has appeared in opera, musical theatre, orchestral concerts, recitals, and recording studios. His stage credits include roles in Le nozze di Figaro, La bohème, Rigoletto, The Sound of Music, and The Music Man, with companies such as Opera North, Kentucky Opera, and Indianapolis Opera. He is a prizewinner in competitions including the Chicago Oratorio Competition and the American Prize in Vocal Performance. As a director, Angell has led productions ranging from Mozart operas to Broadway classics, earning recognition from the National Opera Association, also a writer and collaborator in professional recording projects.

 SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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In this episode we welcome Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross - co-authors of New York Times bestseller Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, where they explore how the arts are not just entertainment, but vital to human health, learning, and wellbeing.

Our guests reveal how art physically changes the brain and body. We discuss neuroaesthetics—the science of how art impacts us—alongside practical ways teachers and creatives can use these insights in their own work. Whether you’re curious about creativity, seeking tools for wellbeing, or simply want scientific proof that the arts truly matter, this conversation will inspire and affirm the transformative role of art in our lives.

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

0:00 ‘Your Brain on Art’ Book Review

4 :08 What art has impacted Susan?

7:17 What art has impacted Ivy?

10:07 What is ‘art?’

13:15 The difference between being the beholder v the creator?

17:09 How art and medicine work together

25:23 What sound and music offer

33:53 How can teachers encourage an aesthetic mindset?

39:14 When art becomes your career

Buy ‘Your Brain on Art’ (USA)  Amazon, Barnes & Noble 

Buy ‘Your Brain on Art’ (UK) Amazon, Waterstones

About the presenter, click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

A Little Life by Hanya Yanigahara

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.207 Singing at the End of Life: The Magic of Music in Hospices

Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks

Former Ballerina with Alzheimer’s Performs ‘Swan Lake’ Dance

National Institute for Play

Dr George Musgrave

Voice Study Centre

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Susan Magsamen, founder of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University, explores how the arts influence brain, body and behaviour, translating research into programs for health, wellbeing and education. Her Impact Thinking model applies scientific rigour to arts research while ensuring real-world use. She also co-leads the NeuroArts Blueprint with the Aspen Institute. 

Ivy Ross, Chief Design Officer at Google, has led award-winning hardware design since 2017, earning more than 240 global design awards. Previously she held leadership roles at Calvin Klein, Swatch, Mattel, Coach and Gap. Named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, her artistic work includes jewellery in 12 international museums and recognition such as the Women in Design Award.

See full bios HERE

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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