Episodes

  • 13. Empowered Parenting: Trust, Values, and Letting Go with Ruqya Khan

    13. Empowered Parenting: Trust, Values, and Letting Go with Ruqya Khan
    Sep 8 2024
    In this episode, Ruqya Khan, a S.M.I.L.E Strategist and expert in coaching, shares powerful insights on creating a nurturing environment for children to thrive. Drawing from her personal experiences, Ruqya emphasizes the importance of being a safe space for children, fostering transparent communication, and understanding their perspectives. She believes that instead of rushing to "fix" every problem, parents should focus on listening, building trust, and nurturing core values through daily interactions. Shaun and Ruqya also dive into how parents can be more mindful of what they offer their children, not just in terms of food but also in media and overall consumption. They discuss the influence of parental behaviour, highlighting how children often mirror their parents' confidence and decision-making skills. Ruqya talks about practical strategies for enhancing awareness, including the power of silence, managing attention, clarifying intentions, letting go, and embracing possibilities. She underscores the significance of curiosity, self-trust, and releasing the need for perfectionism. The conversation encourages parents to be present, conscious, and confident in their roles.

    Key Topics Covered:
    • Safe Space and Transparent Conversations: How to create a nurturing environment that promotes open dialogue.
    • Mindfulness in Parenting: Why parents need to be aware of their own behaviours and their impact on their children.
    • Values and Upbringing: Nurturing values in children through a supportive environment, not through direct teaching.
    • Technology and Parenting: Avoid using digital tools as a quick fix for challenging situations; focus on real-life engagement.
    • Power of Silence and Attention: Tools like managing attention, identifying intentions, and letting go can boost parental awareness.
    • Letting Go of Perfectionism: The need to move beyond societal expectations and trust oneself in the parenting journey.
    Top Takeaways:
    1. Create a Safe Space: Encourage open and honest conversations with your children.
    2. Mindful Parenting: Be conscious of your own actions and the example you set for your kids.
    3. Nurture Through Example: Children learn best by observing and mimicking their parents' behaviours.
    4. Avoid Tech as a Bandaid: Use communication to address challenges rather than relying on technology.
    5. Cultivate Self-Trust: Let go of perfectionism and societal expectations; focus on presence and connection.
    Notable Quotes:
    • "The mum is the very first coach a child has."
    • "Children mirror the confidence and decision-making of their parents."
    • "It's like the bandaid over a bullet hole wound."
    Episode Chapters:
    • 00:00 - Introduction to Ruqya Khan
    • 02:01 - Ruqya's Experience as a Mother
    • 03:03 - The Role of a Mother as a Coach
    • 05:37 - Observation and Application in Parenting
    • 11:46 - The Influence of Parents on Children's Confidence
    • 19:26 - Nurturing Values in Upbringing
    • 30:09 - Tools for Increasing Awareness
    Join the Mum First Business Mums Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mumfirst

    Connect with Ruqya
    Website www.ruqyakhan.com
    LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/ruqya-khan/
    Instagram www.instagram.com/ruqyakhan_smilestrategist
    Facebook www.fb.com/RKwrites
    YouTube www.youtube.com/RuqyaKhan
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    51 mins
  • 12. Finding Balance as an Immigrant Mother and Professional with Tu Dinh

    12. Finding Balance as an Immigrant Mother and Professional with Tu Dinh
    Aug 31 2024
    In this episode, we sit down with Tu Dinh, a dedicated mother of two and an accomplished lending manager, to explore her remarkable journey of self-discovery and achieving balance between career and motherhood. As a young immigrant in Australia, Tu faced significant challenges, from struggling with communication barriers to finding her true passion in finance. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and learning to prioritize what truly matters.

    Episode Highlights:
    • Discovering Passion and Purpose: As a young immigrant, Tu initially struggled to find her direction. After discovering her passion for finance, she focused intently on her career as a lending manager. It took time for her to realize the importance of balancing work with spending quality time with her children.
    • Challenges and Joys of Motherhood: Tu shares her personal experiences with the complexities of motherhood, including an initial lack of connection with her daughter and the emotional journey of becoming a supportive and nurturing parent.
    • Navigating Pregnancy Loss and Grief: Tu opens up about the emotional toll of experiencing a devastating miscarriage and the importance of allowing oneself to grieve and seek support.
    • Premature Birth and Bonding: Tu discusses the intense journey of her son Jaden’s premature birth and how this challenging experience forged a profound bond between them. She emphasizes the critical role of being fully present and prioritizing children, even when it requires career sacrifices
    Key Takeaways:
      • Finding direction and purpose as a young immigrant can be challenging, but discovering your passion is key to personal fulfillment.
      • Balancing career and motherhood is a journey that requires time, effort, and the ability to prioritize spending quality time with children.
      • Forming a connection with your child may not always come naturally—patience and presence are crucial.
      • Miscarriages are emotionally challenging, and grieving is essential to the healing process.
      • Parents should create moments of joy and shared experiences with their children, making fun and presence a priority.
    Key Sound Bites:
    • "I struggled with communication and finding my passion."
    • "I didn't have that exhilarating feeling of love bursting out."
    • "Being a supportive and nurturing parent involves listening, understanding, and being present."
    Chapters:
    • 00:00: Introduction and Background
    • 03:00: Finding Direction and Purpose
    • 08:14: The Journey of Bonding with a Child
    • 13:02: Balancing Work and Motherhood
    • 17:59: Being a Supportive and Nurturing Parent
    • 25:25: Navigating Pregnancy Loss and Grief
    • 28:18: The Intense Journey of Premature Birth
    • 36:28: Balancing Career and Motherhood
    • 43:29: Being Present in Your Children's Lives
    • 49:17: Having Fun and Creating Shared Experiences
    Join the Mum First Business Mums Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mumfirst

    Connect with Tu: Website: https://www.anz.com.au/personal/home-loans/get-started/mobile-lending/tu_dinh/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tu-dinh-75954736/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tu.c.dinh.9
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    54 mins
  • 11. Riding Through Life: Conscious Choices, Change, and the Power of Resilience with Sue Geelan

    11. Riding Through Life: Conscious Choices, Change, and the Power of Resilience with Sue Geelan
    Aug 25 2024
    In this episode, host Shaun Tucker interviews Sue Geelan, an expert in change, resilience, and connecting with people. Sue shares her personal journey of overcoming a tough childhood and finding her own path. She also discusses her love for sports motorcycle riding and how she took control of her own life by getting her own license. Sue emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices and accepting the consequences of those choices. She also talks about her work with couples and the need for new tools and strategies to improve relationships. Sue Geelan shares her wisdom and insights on parenting and relationships. She emphasizes the importance of giving children the freedom to make choices and take responsibility for their own lives. Sue believes that relationships should be based on mutual respect and support, and that both partners should have the opportunity to grow and develop. She encourages parents to have fun and enjoy their children, and to not lose their own identity in the process. Sue also discusses the impact she hopes to make through her counselling practice and the importance of seeking help and support when needed. Takeaways
    • Making conscious choices and accepting the consequences is key to personal growth and transformation.
    • To create change in our lives, we need to try new tools, strategies, and ways of thinking.
    • In relationships, it's important to have open discussions and continuously work on improving communication and understanding.
    • Separating emotions from logic can help us make better decisions and avoid being driven solely by our emotions. Give children the freedom to make choices and take responsibility for their own lives.
    • Relationships should be based on mutual respect and support.
    • Have fun and enjoy your children, while also maintaining your own identity.
    • Seek help and support when needed to improve and strengthen your relationships.
    Sound Bites
    • "I had to create my own beliefs and values so my kids could do the same."
    • "I like to be in control because of my early years when I wasn't in control."
    • "We always ask the question, what would you do in that situation? Here's what I think I would do in that situation."
    • "Here's mum with the words of wisdom."
    • "The pain is what pushes, the vision is what pulls."
    • "You're not what you think you are."
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Sue's Background
    04:06 Taking Control: Sue's Journey into Motorcycle Riding
    07:54 The Impact of Sue's Childhood on Her Parenting
    11:08 Sue's Early Years and Overcoming Adversity
    13:29 Building a Strong Relationship with David
    16:22 The Importance of Conscious Choices and Accepting Consequences
    19:09 Separating Emotions from Logic in Decision-Making
    21:26 Creating Change Through New Tools and Strategies
    23:55 Improving Relationships Through Education and Awareness
    26:28 Applying Lessons Learned to Parenting and Grandparenting
    29:51 The Push of Pain and the Pull of Vision
    32:50 Discovering Your True Identity 36:06 Continuing Wisdom and Impact
    40:41 The Importance of Nurturing and Support
    46:27 Believing in Yourself and Others

    Join the Mum First Business Mums Community on Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/mumfirst

    Connect with Sue:
    Website https://metanao.com.au
    LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/suegeelan/
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/metanao/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/suegeelan
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@metanao
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    56 mins
  • 10. Bouncing Back: Business, Babies, and Boon - Mary Wiegand's Journey to Resilience

    10. Bouncing Back: Business, Babies, and Boon - Mary Wiegand's Journey to Resilience
    Aug 18 2024
    Mary Wiegand, CEO of Boon, shares her journey of building a business while navigating personal trials and raising six children. She discusses the challenges she faced during the pandemic, including giving birth to twins alone and going through a divorce. Mary emphasizes the importance of resilience and independence in making difficult decisions. She also explains how her business, Boon, helps brands with inventory planning and reducing waste. Mary's motivation comes from her desire to give back and make a positive impact on the world. In this conversation, Mary Wiegand and Shaun discuss the challenges of being a high-performing individual and a parent. They explore the importance of being present and finding a balance between intensity and relaxation. Mary shares her experience of juggling multiple roles and the need to prioritize and ask for help. They also discuss the impact of social media on the perception of motherhood and the importance of believing in oneself while also relying on a supportive community.

    Takeaways
    • Building a business while navigating personal trials and raising children requires resilience and independence.
    • The pandemic presented unique challenges, such as giving birth to twins alone and going through a divorce.
    • Boon helps brands with inventory planning and reducing waste, making a positive impact on the environment.
    • Mary's motivation comes from her desire to give back and make a positive impact on the world. Being present and finding a balance between intensity and relaxation is crucial for high-performing individuals.
    • Juggling multiple roles requires prioritization and the willingness to ask for help.
    • Social media can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to feelings of guilt.
    • Believing in oneself and relying on a supportive community are key to navigating the challenges of parenthood and high-performance.
    • Being flexible and adaptable is essential in managing the unexpected.
    • Finding moments of relaxation and intensity in a blended way allows for a more fulfilling and balanced life.
    Sound Bites
    • "I delivered twins alone by myself in the hospital, given personal circumstances, as well as the global pandemic."
    • "I am responsible for the lives of six humans on this earth."
    • "We're just bringing product to market, but from Boon's perspective, we're taking a different approach."
    • "they're not present with what's happening inside of them and they can be completely unaware that they've just had a heart attack. Right? It is, it's nuts."
    • "Yeah, overly ambitious in many ways. Yeah. And it's not wrong, right? This is the thing. We live in a world that is almost just constantly trying to grab your attention. Constantly. So our bodies and minds can't really process all that's happening right now. Like we have levels of our mind that's constantly recording. Like there's nothing wrong with the recorder. It's constantly going."
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Mary Wiegand and Boon
    03:09 Navigating Personal Trials and Motherhood
    08:52 The Impact of Boon: Inventory Planning and Waste Reduction
    18:01 Motivation to Give Back and Make a Difference
    25:27 Being Present and Balancing Intensity and Relaxation
    32:05 Juggling Multiple Roles: Prioritization and Asking for Help
    36:01 Believing in Oneself and Building a Supportive Community
    39:28 Flexibility and Adaptability in Managing the Unexpected
    45:30 Blending Relaxation and Intensity for a Balanced Life

    Listen to Mary’s Podcast “Real House Blend”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-house-blend/id1725845347
    Website: https://boonllc.net/

    Connect with Mary:
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-wiegand-67484628/
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boon_llc/ https://www.instagram.com/mary_momentary/
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    49 mins
  • 9. The Changing Dynamics of Parenting with Simone Lord

    9. The Changing Dynamics of Parenting with Simone Lord
    Aug 12 2024
    Simone Lord shares her experiences as a mother of three boys and the challenges she faced, including her husband's health issues during her first pregnancy. She discusses the importance of self-care and finding the right support system. Simone also talks about the pressure of societal norms and the need to parent in a way that feels right for her and her family. She emphasizes the importance of open communication, trust, and setting rules and standards in the household. Simone reflects on the changing dynamics of parenting and the impact of technology on children's mental health. In this conversation, Simone Lord and Shaun discuss the pressures and challenges of parenting in the modern world. They explore the importance of physical exercise, the impact of technology and marketing, the role of routines and boundaries, and the significance of communication and awareness. Simone emphasizes the need for parents to be willing to learn and improve, to prioritize relationships with their children, and to seek support and connection with others. They also highlight the importance of self-care and asking for help when needed.

    Takeaways
    • Self-care and finding the right support system are crucial for mothers to manage the challenges of motherhood.
    • Parenting should be done in a way that feels right for the individual and their family, regardless of societal norms.
    • Open communication and trust are essential in navigating the parenting journey.
    • Setting rules and standards in the household helps children understand expectations and develop a sense of responsibility.
    • The dynamics of parenting have changed, and parents have less influence on their children due to various factors, including technology.
    • Children's mental health is a growing concern and needs to be addressed. Physical exercise is important for parents to handle the pressures and challenges of parenting.
    • Technology and marketing can contribute to stress and overwhelm, and it's important to be aware of their impact.
    • Routines and boundaries can provide structure and support for both parents and children.
    • Communication and awareness are key in navigating the complexities of parenting.
    • Seeking support and connection with others is crucial for parents.
    • Self-care and asking for help are essential for maintaining well-being and being present for children.
    Sound Bites
    • "Looking after yourself and finding the right people to support you in business and in life is the most important thing you can do to achieve your success."
    • "Expectations is such a funny thing because you can have the perfect plan for the perfect pregnancy and the perfect life. But what do we know about perfection is that it can lead to disappointment."
    • "Your best is enough. It's not about trying hard, this is just actually not working for me. It wasn't an effort, it wasn't a motivation thing. It was literally welcome to the journey of parenthood. You don't always get what you want."
    • "I think it definitely needs to start from a willingness to want to be better."
    • "I think society has a lot to do with it, but I also think a huge part of it is technology."
    • "You really just need to accept that I am, I'm doing the best I can until I know better and then I'll do better."
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    03:02 Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood
    08:50 Parenting on Your Own Terms
    11:17 The Importance of Open Communication and Trust
    16:39 Setting Rules and Standards in the Household
    23:36 The Changing Dynamics of Parenting
    25:23 Addressing Children's Mental Health
    29:54 The Impact of Technology and Marketing
    33:02 Acceptance and Doing Your Best
    37:11 Finding Role Models and Peer Support
    39:26 Being Present and Having Fun with Kids
    48:36 Setting Boundaries and Sticking to Your Values
    50:28 Seeking Support and Connection
    52:48 Self-Care and Asking for Help
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    53 mins
  • 8. Trusting Yourself as a Parent with Henny McMahon

    8. Trusting Yourself as a Parent with Henny McMahon
    Aug 4 2024
    Summary

    In this episode, Shaun Tucker interviews Henny McMahon, a mother of two who migrated to Australia from Germany. Henny shares her experiences of motherhood, including the challenges she faced as a young mother without family support and the judgment she received for her parenting choices. She emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and making decisions that are right for you and your child, despite societal expectations. Henny also discusses the unique challenges of co-parenting and balancing different parenting styles between households. The principal themes of the conversation are trust, evolving relationships, meeting children on their level, supporting their passions, and enjoying the journey of parenthood. The subtopics discussed include the influence parents have on their children, earning trust, supporting children's interests, letting go and allowing them to experience life, and finding joy in the ups and downs of parenting.

    Takeaways
    • Motherhood can be a lonely journey, especially for young mothers without family support.
    • It is important to trust yourself and make decisions that are right for you and your child, even if they go against societal expectations.
    • Co-parenting can present unique challenges, especially when there are different parenting styles and expectations between households.
    • Balancing the environment and influences on your child is crucial for their well-being and development. Parents have a significant influence on their children when they are young, but as they grow older and enter social structures, the influence diminishes.
    • To maintain a strong relationship with their children, parents should find ways to meet them on their level and support their interests.
    • Supporting children's passions and being actively involved in their activities can bring parents and children closer together.
    • Parenting requires trust, both in the child and in oneself as a parent. Trust is earned over time through consistent actions and communication.
    • Letting go and allowing children to experience life is essential for their growth and independence.
    • Finding joy in the journey of parenthood, including the highs and lows, is important for overall happiness and fulfillment.
    Sound Bites
    • "I'm gonna do what's right for me and for my baby"
    • "There's always going to be people watching, there's always going to be people judging you"
    • "We've got to find a way to meet our children on their level."
    • "It's not a dictatorship, right? It's more democratic as they get older."
    • "You're holding them in your arms, basically."
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    04:42 The Challenges of Young Motherhood and Immigration
    09:34 Trusting Yourself as a Parent
    13:28 Navigating Postnatal Depression and Support Networks
    18:22 The Dynamics of Co-Parenting
    21:09 Balancing Different Parenting Styles
    22:50 Introduction and Children's Resilience
    24:51 Meeting Children on Their Level
    27:29 The Evolving Relationship Between Parents and Children
    31:06 Youth Led, Adult Supported
    34:41 Supporting Children's Passions
    39:11 Letting Go and Trusting
    42:31 Reflecting on the Journey of Parenthood
    44:11 Connecting with Henny McMahon

    Connect with Henny
    hennyqconsulting.com.au
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/henny-mcmahon
    Instagram @hennyque502
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    45 mins
  • 7. Navigating the Digital Age as a Parent with Kate Mitchell

    7. Navigating the Digital Age as a Parent with Kate Mitchell
    Jul 28 2024
    Summary

    In this episode, host Shaun Tucker interviews Kate Mitchell, a passionate photographer and mother of five. They discuss the challenges of raising a large family, the differences between her children's personalities, and the changing dynamics of parenting in the digital age. They also touch on the fear and awareness surrounding child safety, both online and in the real world. The conversation explores the potential damaging effects of online interactions and the importance of open communication between parents and children. It also touches on the challenges of parenting in the digital age and the need for adaptability. The guests discuss the influence of social media on body image and self-esteem, as well as the potential future developments in technology. The main takeaway is not to beat oneself up over parenting mistakes and to embrace change.

    Takeaways
    • Raising a large family comes with its challenges, but each child has their own unique personality.
    • Parenting in the digital age requires awareness of the potential dangers of social media and online platforms.
    • Fear and the desire to protect our children can sometimes lead to overprotectiveness and limiting their experiences.
    • It's important to set boundaries and rules around screen time and be mindful of the content children are exposed to.
    • Balancing the rules and expectations between co-parents can be challenging, but communication is key. Open communication is crucial between parents and children in the digital age.
    • Parents should not beat themselves up over every decision and mistake.
    • Social media can have a negative impact on body image and self-esteem.
    • Adaptability is key in navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology.
    • Future developments may include technological implants.
    • Change is inevitable, and it's important to embrace it.
    Sound Bites
    • "No, I mean, it was particularly hard when we had our daughter, with the 10 year age gap. It was hard to find activities to do with her and with our older boys."
    • "Yeah, I think we've realised the damage that we've done to our children by giving them those expectations that they're always going to win, not making them work really hard for it."
    • "You can have damaging things, not necessarily more damaging things."
    • "What's necessary? What's better in the long term? Well, we don't know. We really don't know."
    • "Coercive control being far more damaging than physical domestic violence."
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    03:02 Differences in Children's Personalities
    06:02 Challenges of Raising a Large Family
    12:00 Fear and Awareness in Parenting
    15:24 Dangers of the Digital Age 23:34 Parenting in the Age of Online Games
    26:26 The Damaging Effects of Online Interactions
    27:27 Coercive Control vs. Physical Violence
    29:28 Manipulation and Control in Online Relationships
    31:30 The Dangers of One Click
    33:26 Unintended Consequences of Relaxed Parenting
    36:06 The Reality Behind the Perfect Life
    38:55 Social Media and Self-Esteem
    41:15 Adapting to the Challenges of Parenting
    45:31 Embracing Change in the Digital Age
    48:26 Reflecting on Parenting and Adaptability

    Connect with Kate here:
    https://www.katemitchellphotography.com.au/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mitchell-photographer/
    https://www.instagram.com/katemitchphotos/
    https://www.facebook.com/katemitchellphotography/
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    50 mins
  • 6. From Trauma to Triumph: Sabina Sulovsky’s Journey

    6. From Trauma to Triumph: Sabina Sulovsky’s Journey
    Jul 21 2024
    Sabina Sulovsky, a health and performance coach, shares her personal journey of overcoming mental and physical challenges as a mother and business owner. She discusses her traumatic birth experience and the subsequent battle with postnatal depression. Sabina emphasizes the importance of seeking support and taking time to heal. She encourages new mothers to embrace their own unique style of motherhood and not compare themselves to others. Sabina also highlights the need for self-care and finding a balance between societal expectations and personal well-being. In this conversation, Sabina Sulovsky and Shaun discuss the challenges of motherhood and the importance of trusting oneself. They explore the impact of expectations, the connection between the mind and gut, and the need for self-love and self-care. Sabina shares her personal journey as a mother and how she has learned to prioritize herself and her well-being. They emphasize the importance of setting a positive example for children and the ripple effect it can have on their lives. The conversation concludes with Sabina offering guidance and support for those who may be struggling.

    Takeaways
    • Seeking support is crucial for new mothers dealing with postnatal depression or other challenges.
    • Embrace your own unique style of motherhood and don't compare yourself to others.
    • Take time to heal and prioritize self-care.
    • Find a balance between societal expectations and personal well-being. Trusting oneself is essential in motherhood and in life. It is important to listen to your intuition and trust your own decisions.
    • Expectations can lead to stress and anxiety. Being aware of your expectations and managing them can help reduce their impact.
    • Self-love and self-care are crucial for personal well-being and setting a positive example for children.
    • The mind-gut connection is a scientific basis for understanding the importance of intuition and trusting oneself.
    • Receiving help and support can be a game changer and can positively impact the trajectory of your life.
    Sound Bites
    • "Mums can be whoever they want to be."
    • "Take your time and focus on the progress you're making."
    • "Loneliness and isolation can contribute to depression."
    • "I just couldn't at that point."
    • "If it's not for you, then be okay with it."
    • "You can't still disregard the other stuff that goes on."
    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background of Sabina Sulovsky
    03:14 The Traumatic Birth Experience and Postnatal Depression
    09:01 Embracing a New Identity as a Mother
    15:31 Seeking Support and Prioritizing Self-Care
    25:32 Trusting Yourself and Managing Expectations
    29:08 The Mind-Gut Connection
    32:24 Setting a Positive Example for Children
    36:37 The Evolution of Motherhood
    38:48 Contributing and Empowering Others
    44:08 Advice for New Mothers

    Connect with Sabina:
    https://sabinasulovsky.com/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabina-sulovsky/
    https://www.instagram.com/mindbodybysabina/
    https://www.facebook.com/ChatWithSabina
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    46 mins