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Some lessons change you forever — and yoga has given us more than we can count.
After 30 years of practice, these are the teachings we still lean on every day — on and off the mat. In this episode of Yogaland, we share the timeless yoga lessons that have shaped our lives, improved our relationships, and transformed the way we move through the world.
Highlights:
00:00 Why enduring lessons matter after decades of practice
01:34 Movement as a tool for emotional regulation
10:10 Self-regulation, steadiness & resilience in daily life
13:35 Learning to be comfortable with discomfort
18:22 Self-study & curiosity over memorization
23:47 Practicing self-compassion on (and off) the mat
29:31 Empathy, compassion & understanding the human condition
34:17 Developing the witness & separating from the ego
40:17 Building better coping skills & mental flexibility
💬 Your turn: What lessons from yoga have stayed with you the longest? Share them in the comments — we’d love to hear your story.
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ABOUT JASON AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:
✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300
✅ LIVE! A London Immersion -- Sequencing 2.0: Move Beyond Drop-in Classes
https://www.mission-e1.com/sequencing/
✅ 200hr Online Yoga Teacher Training:
https://learn.jasonyoga.com/200
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After 30 years of yoga, we’ve discovered which poses, myths, and cues actually hold you back.
Here’s what to let go — and what to focus on instead for a stronger, more sustainable practice.
Over three decades of yoga practice, we’ve seen trends, techniques, and teaching cues come and go. In this episode, we share the poses we approach differently now, the myths we no longer believe, and the verbal cues we’ve retired for good. From letting go of “going to your edge” in every pose, to embracing strength training, to rethinking old alignment rules, we reflect on what truly supports longevity, strength, and enjoyment in yoga practice. Whether you’re a yoga teacher or a dedicated student, you’ll find insight, perspective, and a few laughs from our 30 years on the mat.
You can find shownotes here: yogalandpodcast.com/episode364
Don't miss!
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Teaching yoga isn’t about impressing your students—it’s about supporting them. On this episode, Jason shares 5 things to keep in mind if you're a yoga teacher (especially in the first five years). His ideas will help you feel grounded, confident, and inspired as you build your yoga teaching career.
Heads up: Module II of Jason's 300-hour YTT is come up in two week! This is the core + spine module but it's also the module where he does a deep dive into the yoga philosophy of Patanjali. You can get all the info & register here: jasonyoga.com/300 It's all online for maximum flexbility; you can begin the lectures and classes as soon as you register!
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This week my guest is Philadelphia-based yoga teacher, Matthew Shaw. Matthew joined the Jason Crandell Yoga Method team as our Lead Teacher Training Mentor this year and has been a longtime student of Jason's.
What I didn't know until a few weeks ago is that Matthew spent 20 years in a previous life as a successful opera singer, performing on major stages across Europe—including Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
In this conversation, Matthew shares how, in the second half of his career, just as he was really taking off, anxiety and depression decided to tag along. He talks openly about imposter syndrome, how he found solace through yoga and Western meds (you know I love my meds so I'm here for it!) and how his whole journey lead him to where he is today.
We spend the second half of the conversation focused on retreats, why they are so vital, and how he creates intentional, supportive spaces for his students to both adventure and reset.
We talk about:
Why retreats offer so much more than a temporary escape—and how they can ripple outward to impact our daily lives
You can find shownotes here: yogalandpodcast.com/episode362
We've got two YTT events coming up! Module II of Jason's 300-hour begins August 20th. You can get all of the details and join us here: jasonyoga.com/300
And if you are considering becoming a yoga teacher, join our 200-hour waitlist! I will send you details and interesting content as well as details about the training. Get all the info here: jasonyoga.com/200
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This week, I’m joined by yoga teacher and global mindfulness facilitator Josh Blatter. We talk about his teaching journey—from the yoga studio to his work with Peace on Purpose, a program that supports United Nations staff working in some of the most high-pressure environments in the world.
Josh shares:
Thank you, as always, for listening and sharing the podcast.
If you'd like to keep up with us, subscribe to our newsletter at: jasonyoga.com/newsletter
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On this episode, we dive deep into 5 of the most common yoga cues—offering clearer, more effective alternatives that enhance both understanding and practice.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher seeking to improve your verbal communication or a dedicated practitioner eager to refine your alignment, this episode will help you:
✔️ Clarify common cues like “lift your kneecaps” and “tuck your tailbone”
✔️ Understand why some cues aren’t landing and how to adjust them
✔️ Enhance your students’ experience with precise, actionable language
Join us as we unpack and rephrase cues that are technically correct but can be made more accessible and impactful.
ABOUT OUR ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:
✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy
✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300
✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course:
https://learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners
✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course:
https://learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing
✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter
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In this episode, Jason dives deep into one of the most overlooked — and often overwhelming — skills in yoga teaching: verbal communication. Whether you're a new teacher still getting comfortable saying anything aloud, or a seasoned instructor trying to say less with more impact, this conversation is full of practical insights.
You’ll learn how to refine your voice, distill your message, and create space for your students to absorb and respond.
Highlights from the episode include:
👉 Learn more about Jason’s 200-hour YTT and 300-hour YTT. Module Two of the 300-hour starts in early August!
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What if everything you’ve learned about pranayama tells only half the story?
In this episode, Jason Crandell breaks down the two radically different approaches to pranayama found in traditional Hatha Yoga and Patanjali’s Raja Yoga. These lineages share a goal—liberation through practice—but their breathwork techniques, underlying philosophies, and mechanisms of transformation couldn’t be more different.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher, a teacher-in-training, or a student curious about the deeper roots of breathwork, this talk will help you understand:
• Why pranayama in the Hatha Yoga tradition focuses on energy, purification, and awakening Kundalini
• Why Patanjali’s approach to pranayama emphasizes stillness, subtlety, and inner quiet
• How each tradition views the purpose of pranayama in relation to the mind, body, and spirit
• What these differences mean for your breathwork practice and teaching today
This lecture is excerpted from Jason’s online Pranayama Teacher Training, a comprehensive course that combines modern science and traditional wisdom to help yoga teachers build confidence in teaching breathwork.
🧘♂️ Learn more about Jason’s Pranayama Teacher Training here: jasonyoga.com/breathwork
🔍 Key Topics Covered:
• Pranayama in Hatha Yoga vs. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra
• The role of kundalini, nadis, and chakras in traditional breathwork
• Patanjali’s model of liberation through stillness of mind
• The purpose of breath control (pranayama) in classical yoga
• How to apply these insights in modern yoga classes and teacher trainings
ABOUT JASON AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:
✅ Train to become a yoga teacher with Jason's 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training: jasonyoga.com/200
✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: jasonyoga.com/300
✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: jasonyoga.com/anatomy
✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course: jasonyoga.com/beginners
✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course: jasonyoga.com/sequencing
✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter
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We're happy to be back with Yoga(ish)! On this episode, we reflect on Autism Acceptance Month. We talk about internalized ableism, ADHD, the power of special interests, and how creating the right environment can unlock learning and joy for neurodivergent kids. Plus: a very passionate review of our current comedy obsession (I Think You Should Leave).
CHAPTERS
01:05 Autism Awareness Month
01:30 Love on the Spectrum: A Heartwarming Show
03:54 Personal Reflections on Neurodivergence
13:27 Understanding Autism and Support Needs
15:55 Challenges and Misconceptions in Neurodivergence
23:00 Navigating Social Interactions with Neurodivergent Individuals
24:06 Controversial Views on Autism by RFK Jr.
30:36 Personal Reflections on Political Statements and Neurodiversity
34:13 Challenges and Rewards of Homeschooling
40:54 Comedy Recommendations and Personal Humor
46:50 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
ABOUT JASON AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:
✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy
✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300
✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course:
https://learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners
✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course:
https://learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing
✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter
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Feeling stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed in your teaching journey?
In this episode, Jason shares 5 timeless lessons from yoga philosophy that support you — the teacher. These aren’t abstract ideas for your students — they’re personal, practical teachings to help you stay grounded, motivated, and aligned as you grow.
Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, these insights from the Yoga Sutras and beyond offer tools for navigating self-doubt, comparison, burnout, and creative fatigue.
Topics include:
• Abhyasa & Vairagya (Effort + Letting Go)
• Svadhyaya (Self-Study for Teachers)
• Dharma (Teaching with Purpose)
• Ahimsa (Self-Compassion in Teaching)
• Pratipaksha Bhavanam (Reframing Negative Thoughts)
Chapters
01:11 Upcoming Yoga Training Details
02:36 Yoga Philosophy for Teachers
04:07 Abhyasa and Vairagya: Developing and Releasing Patterns
05:19 Practicing Teaching Skills
09:31 Non-Attachment in Teaching
11:59 Knowing Yourself as a Teacher
18:17 Aligning Teaching with Your Purpose
21:45 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception
22:10 Defining Your Purpose as a Yoga Teacher
23:26 Teaching Techniques and Philosophical Insights
26:15 Compassion for Yourself and Your Students
33:04 Reframing Your Inner Critic
41:53 Final Thoughts and Announcements
ABOUT JASON AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:
✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy
✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300
✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course:
https://learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners
✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course:
https://learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing
✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter
Jason Crandell is a natural teacher and author with more than 20 years of experience. Named “one of the teachers shaping the future of yoga,” by Yoga Journal, Jason has been an in-demand teacher at conferences around the world for more than two decades.
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On this episode, Jason shares how to find your voice as a yoga teacher, how it evolves through different life phases, and how to sustain it over the long haul. You’ll learn why finding your voice is an ongoing process, how to stay confident as a yoga teacher, and how to overcome burnout, self-doubt, and comparison.
You'll learn:
• How to find your voice as a yoga teacher (and why it’s always evolving)
• The role of passions, practice, and personal growth in shaping your teaching style
• Common obstacles yoga teachers face—and how to move through them with resilience
• Tips to stay inspired, prevent yoga teacher burnout, and build confidence for the long term
• How specialized yoga teacher training can help you refine your authentic teaching voice
Chapters:
03:00 Finding Your Voice as a Yoga Teacher
05:55 The Evolution of Teaching Styles
09:36 Adopting and Evolving from Your Teacher's Voice
12:54 Personal Journey and Influences
17:00 Incorporating New Interests and Passions
20:29 The Importance of Lifelong Learning
23:03 The Importance of Continuous Learning in Yoga
24:16 Embracing Authenticity as a Yoga Teacher
26:24 Overcoming People Pleasing in Teaching
28:31 The Illusion of Pleasing Everyone
33:09 Adapting and Evolving as a Teacher
36:04 The Need for Ongoing Training
41:34 Managing Burnout and Teaching Strategies
44:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
🌟 Ready to deepen your skills and reignite your passion for teaching yoga?
Our 300-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training helps you specialize, build lasting confidence, and find your authentic voice. [Learn more ➡️ jasonyoga.com/300]
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On this episode, Jason addresses a common question he gets from yoga teachers: When will I start to feel more sure of myself, more confident in my teaching? Whether you’re newly certified or have been teaching for years, this episode will help you fill in the missing pieces and grow into the confident, grounded, and impactful yoga teacher you want to be.
What You’ll Learn:
• Why so many yoga teachers feel stuck or unprepared after their 200-hour yoga teacher training
• The real reason yoga teachers struggle with confidence (it’s not just imposter syndrome)
• How to shift from planning individual classes to designing long-term yoga class sequences and themes
• Proven strategies to avoid yoga teacher burnout and stay inspired in your teaching
• The most common gaps in yoga teacher trainings—and how to build the skills your students actually need
• How to grow your teaching career by deepening your skills and becoming a more effective, in-demand yoga instructor
A heads' up that Jason's 300-Hour YTT begins May 7th! This training is flexible, supportive, and comprehensive. Go to jasonyoga.com/300 for the training details and to enroll.
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In this episode, Jason guides you through 3 simple yet powerful pranayama techniques to help you unwind, relax, and get better night's sleep. These breathing exercises are perfect for reducing stress, calming the mind, and promoting relaxation—whether you’re winding down after a busy day or preparing for a restful night’s sleep.
Time codes:
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:44 Overview of Pranayama for Relaxation and Sleep
02:33 Chandra Bhedana Pranayama Explained
07:28 Lengthened Exhalations Breathwork
12:53 Lengthened Exhalations with Pauses Breathwork
16:10 Practical Tips and Course Information
✨ Two big announcements!
Jason's 300-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training is open for enrollment. Get all the details and enroll at: jasonyoga.com/300
✨ To celebrate the kick-off of the training, Jason's hosting a free webinar next week, The Confident Yoga Teacher: 5 Skills Every Yoga Teacher Needs. Get info and sign for that here: jasonyoga.com/webinar
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Teaching pranayama and breathwork can feel overwhelming—even for experienced yoga teachers. In this episode, Jason breaks down the five most common mistakes teachers make when teaching pranayama and offers simple, research-backed solutions that will help you guide breathwork with clarity, confidence, and impact.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, this episode will help you simplify your approach to pranayama, avoid common pitfalls, and create a more meaningful experience for your students.
🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why pranayama is often left out of yoga classes—and why that’s a missed opportunity
• How to avoid overwhelming students with too many breathwork techniques
• Why it’s time to rethink advanced practices like Nadi Shodhana, Bhastrika & Kapalabhati
• The power of simple, functional techniques like Box Breathing and 5.5 Breathing
• How consistent breath ratios improve nervous system regulation, HRV, and CO₂ tolerance
• How to use accessible, effective language when teaching pranayama
• Why functional breathwork is more important than flashy techniques
✨ Registration is open for Jason's training, Teaching Pranayama & Breathwork! Open to both yoga teachers and students. For more info, click here: jasonyoga.com/breathwork
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This is episode 1 of a four-part series on Pranayama: On this episode, we explore why breathwork matters so much for yoga teachers and how to effectively integrate pranayama into your yoga classes.
Whether you're a seasoned yoga teacher or simply interested in deepening your pranayama practice, this conversation will help you understand why breathwork is essential and how to teach it with confidence.
We talk about:
The most important pranayama benefits for your own practice and your teaching.
Why pranayama is an essential tool for yoga classes and how it helps students find calm, focus, and energy.
How pranayama supports nervous system regulation, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
Practical teaching tips for introducing pranayama to your students with clarity and ease.
Common challenges teachers face when teaching pranayama and how to overcome them.
🎥 If you want to deepen your pranayama practice and teaching skills, join the waitlist for my upcoming online pranayama training: jasonyoga.com/breathwork
Time codes in this episode:
00:15 Starting the Pranayama Series
00:22 Why Pranayama Matters
01:05 Pranayama vs. Asana
03:11 Immediate Effects on the Nervous System
09:22 Heart Rate Variability Explained
19:01 CO2 Tolerance and Efficient Breathing
27:09 Practical Benefits of Breathwork
29:32 Gatekeeping in Pranayama
30:49 Personal Journey with Pranayama
32:26 Pranayama Techniques and Their Benefits
35:57 Incorporating Pranayama into Daily Life
39:22 Categories of Pranayama
47:21 Teaching and Practicing Pranayama
56:14 Conclusion and Next Steps
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Looking for fresh ideas to keep your classes engaging and effective? In this episode of Yogaland, we’ll show you how to plan a month-long yoga series that helps your students build skills, gain confidence, and deepen their practice over time.
If you’re tired of planning classes one-by-one and want to teach more cohesively and effectively, this episode is for you! Whether you’re a new yoga teacher looking for guidance or an experienced teacher wanting to expand your teaching approach, you’ll learn simple, powerful strategies to take your classes to the next level.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ Why a long-term approach to teaching helps students learn faster and retain more.
✅ How to structure a 4-week yoga series for consistent growth and progress.
✅ Practical ways to apply Thematic Sequencing to build skills week by week.
✅ How to use Scaffolded Learning to break down complex poses and techniques.
✅ Why revisiting concepts (Spaced Repetition) improves learning and confidence.
✅ What the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) means and how it applies to yoga.
Timecodes:
00:33 Upcoming Pranayama Course
01:12 London Yoga Retreat Announcement
04:31 Long-Term Yoga Class Planning
07:03 Thematic and Progressive Sequencing
19:42 Introduction to Vinyasa Class Structure
21:34 Teaching Skills Step-by-Step
26:00 Building Muscle Memory and Competence
26:53 The Importance of Scaffolding in Yoga
32:24 Spaced Repetition in Learning
34:40 Zone of Proximal Development
38:51 Encouraging Growth and Possibility
42:14 Recap and Conclusion
👉 Jason's newest course, Teaching Pranayama & Breathwork: A step-by-step guide for yoga teachers & students begins in April. Click here to join the waitlist: jasonyoga.com/breathwork
👉 Want to practice in-person with Jason? Join him in London June 9th-13th at Mission! To get all the details: https://www.mission-e1.com/london-retreat/
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Whether mild (commonly called a concussion) or severe, TBI can create long-term health challenges ranging from cognitive fatigue, to memory loss to insomnia and mental health issues. This episode explores how LoveYourBrain's free yoga and meditation program benefits people affected by TBI and their caregivers.
Since 2015, Dr. Kyla Pearce, Senior Director of Programs and Research at LoveYourBrain, has trained over 2,500 yoga teachers and clinicians in how to adapt yoga for TBI. She was the primary investigator on the largest published study of yoga for TBI, which found significant improvement in quality of life, resilience, cognition, and positive affect among 705 people with TBI who participated in the LoveYourBrain program.
LoveYourBrain was founded in 2014 by brothers Kevin and Adam Pearce following Kevin’s severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a snowboarding accident in 2009 while training for the Olympics. Their family’s experience navigating Kevin’s recovery inspired them to create LoveYourBrain.
To date, LoveYourBrain has supported nearly 50,000 people worldwide, through research-backed programs offered at no cost to empower the TBI community with new tools, resources, and connections.
We talk about:
Lastly: March is Brain Injury Awareness Month! Go to loveyourbrain.com/challenge to join their Mindful March Meditation Challenge and support their efforts in keeping yoga FREE to those affected by TBI.
There are lots of resources on their website as well as info about teacher training: I've created a curated list of links for Yogaland listeners: www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode350
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Have you ever felt like your students aren’t fully absorbing what you’re teaching? Want to make your cues, sequences, and insights truly stick? On this episode, Jason reveals the top teaching strategies every yoga instructor should know to enhance student learning, improve retention, and create transformative class experiences.
Highlights:
✅ The difference between leading a class vs. teaching for deep learning.
✅ How repetition & thematic sequencing improve student retention.
✅ Why students learn best by doing, seeing, and experiencing—not just hearing.
✅ How A/B testing in yoga poses helps students find what works best for them.
✅ The role of cognitive load in student learning—and why less is more when cueing.
✅ The surprising power of storytelling to make your teaching unforgettable.
💡 Whether you're a new yoga teacher or an experienced instructor looking to improve your teaching impact, this episode will help you develop smarter, more effective strategies to ensure your students truly absorb and retain what you teach.
🔗 Join the Pranayama Teacher Training Waitlist: jasonyoga.com/breathwork
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Jason’s getting Invisalign. Andrea’s diving into writing. Our daughter just got a new horse named… Namaste. Yep. It’s a lot. 🤣
In this episode of Yoga(ish), we get personal—talking about self-consciousness as yoga teachers, how our jobs shape our confidence, and why getting adult braces feels way more vulnerable than it should. We also dive into Andrea’s new writing project, her experience in a creative writing group, and the struggles of finding a new horse for our daughter’s riding journey.
And of course, we wrap things up with our latest pop culture deep dive—what we’re watching, our love for great storytelling, and a tribute to some of the best comedy shows ever. (Spoiler: Andrea has watched every episode of Workaholics. Twice.)
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Reggie Hubbard, founder of Active Peace Yoga, has stories to share: He has spent the past year building his online meditation, sound healing, and resilience trainings online, all while recovering from a stroke and learning to care for himself in a completely new way. Prior to his work in the yogasphere, Reggie was a seasoned political strategist, working on the Bernie Sanders campaign, as a congressional liaison for MoveOn, and in many other high profile positions over three decades. Reggie shares his journey with us, serving as an example of how we can continue to navigate all that life throws our way with a sense of resilience and purpose.
Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode348
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