Best Circademics Podcasts (2025)

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139 - Redefining Seriousness (Showmanship & Play 21 of 30) 50:10

2h ago50:10

50:10

What makes something "serious" and why do we automatically equate seriousness with importance? In this thought-provoking journey through linguistic history, educational systems, and cultural hierarchies, Captain Frodo reveals how the very concept of seriousness has been weaponized as a tool for social control. Diving into Alan White's groundbreakin…

1
138 - Play for a Living: Finding Joy in Your Work (Showmanship & Play 20 of 30) 46:05

7d ago46:05

46:05

What if your work felt like play? What if that seemingly childish question—"What would you do if money was no object?"—actually held the key to living without regret? Captain Frodo takes us on a profound journey through the false separation between play and work that dominates adult life. Drawing wisdom from philosophers Johann Huizinga and John De…

1
137 - Serious Play (Showmanship & Play 19 of 30) 47:54

14d ago47:54

47:54

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” Fred Rogers aka Mister Rogers. I talk about Johan Huizinga's book Homo Ludens. he describes play like this: “Play is a free activity standing quite consciously outside 'ordinary' life as being 'not serious,' but at the same time ab…

1
136 - The Games We Play - with Chris Canfield 2:03:47

22d ago2:03:47

2:03:47

When Chris Canfield first messaged me about his upcoming show "The Games We Play," I was struck by how our creative paths had converged despite beginning worlds apart. Chris grew up in Chicago with a magician father who filled their home with card tricks and coin sleights—magic wasn't special, it was simply what they did. Meanwhile, I was discoveri…

1
135 - Juggling the Past, Present, and Future with Niels Duinker & Captain Frodo 2:00:37

1M ago2:00:37

2:00:37

The enduring magic of juggling spans centuries, yet few performers have dedicated themselves to both preserving its rich history and innovating its future quite like Nils Dunke. In this captivating conversation, the Dutch comedy juggler takes us on an unexpected journey through the interconnected worlds of performance, craftsmanship, and historical…

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134 - Circus Church: When Performance Becomes a Spiritual Experience - Jay Gilligan & Captain Frodo explore Cirque’s first Vegas show 4 of 4 1:19:31

2M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

What happens when an artist watches the same show 84 times over three decades? Something magical emerges at the intersection of art, ritual, and the sacred. Captain Frodo and juggler Jay Gilligan dive deep into the fascinating psychology of repeated viewing, exploring why we'll happily listen to songs hundreds of times but typically see a live perf…

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133 - Does Meeting Your Heroes Kill the Mystery? Jay Gilligan & Captain Frodo explores Cirque du Soleil's first Las Vegas show. part 3 of 4 1:15:39

2M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

When does unmasking the magic behind a theatrical masterpiece enhance rather than diminish its wonder? Join Captain Frodo and Jay Gilligan as they peel back the curtain on Cirque du Soleil's Mystere, revealing the fascinating evolution of this groundbreaking Las Vegas production over its remarkable 31-year run. Franco Dragone emerges as the passion…

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132 - Mystere Unveiled: Exploring the Art of Cirque - Jay Gilligan & Captain Frodo explores Cirque du Soleil's first Las Vegas show 2 of 4 1:11:10

2M ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Step into the enchanting world of "Mystere," where the lines between circus, theater, and artistry blur into an unforgettable experience. In this episode, we unfold the remarkable story behind one of the Cirque du Soleil's most iconic productions, exploring how it reshaped modern entertainment. Listen as we discuss its innovative approach to storyt…

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131 - How Mystère Reinvented Circus for Las Vegas: A True Tale - Jay Gilligan & Captain Frodo explores Cirque du Soleil's first Las Vegas show 1 of 4 1:05:39

3M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Step into the world of Cirque du Soleil's Mystère and explore its magical journey through the lens of showmanship! This episode takes you behind the scenes as we dive deep into the artistry and evolution that have made Mystère an enduring icon in Las Vegas entertainment. Join hosts Captain Frodo and Jay Gilligan as they share their personal experie…

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130 - Freak Shows: From Sideshow Curiosities to Modern Media Spectacles with Anna Maria Sienicka - Part 4 of 4 1:23:05

3M ago1:23:05

1:23:05

What if the spectacle of the past is shaping the media and fashion of today? Join us as we unravel the beguiling narrative of freak shows, from their origins as sideshow curiosities to their influence on modern culture. Our journey takes us through the intricate dance of authenticity and performance, reflecting on anecdotes like Jack Black's lesson…

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129 - Beyond Spectacle: The Art and Philosophy of Freak Shows with Anna Maria Sienicka 3 of 4 51:51

3M ago51:51

51:51

What if the raw spectacle of freak shows holds an unexpected depth that challenges our understanding of art? Join us for a captivating discussion with Anna Maria Sienicka, a PhD student and lecturer at Paris Nanterre University, as we explore the philosophy behind these controversial performances. We tackle the question of whether freak shows, ofte…

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128 - Reimagining Reality through the Freak Show Lens - Philosophy & Freakshow with Anna Maria Sienicka 2 of 4 58:12

3M ago58:12

58:12

Ever wondered how the Freak Show transcends typical performance art with its unique philosophical dimensions? Join Captain Frodo and our esteemed guest, Anna Maria Sienicka, a PhD student and lecturer from Paris Nanterre University, as we unravel the intricate layers of this captivating world. Through Anna Maria's research and insights, we explore …

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127 - Beyond Monsters: Philosophy & Freakshow with Anna Maria Sienicka - 1 of 4 1:58:23

4M ago1:58:23

1:58:23

Prepare to shatter your perceptions of identity and the monstrous as Captain Frodo takes you on an extraordinary exploration of freak shows with the brilliant Anna Maria Sienicka from Sorbonne University. This episode uncovers the rich tapestry of performance art that has defined Frodo's career, from the kamikaze freak show to modern-day sideshows,…

1
126 - We are the Children pt 2 of 2 (Showmanship & Play 18 of 30) 40:07

4M ago40:07

40:07

Human beings are never finished. We are always changing. Society and culture might push us to become quantified and predictable, but we all are influenced by our surroundings, the people, relationships, and the cultures we surround ourselves with becomes part of us. We take in certain things and discard others. I belive the most beneficial way to n…

1
125 - We are the Children pt 1 of 2 (Showmanship & Play 17 of 30) 43:44

5M ago43:44

43:44

In this episode I Show how we, human beings, actually are children throughout our lives. Not just in childhood, which is the longest childhood of any species, but we also retain many key traits of childhood into adulthood. This does not just go for our playful behaviour, but also relates to the way our heads and bodies are formed. This process is c…

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124 - On the Value of Art with Jay Gilligan (Unpacking PLAY episode 110 & 111) 1:23:48

5M ago1:23:48

1:23:48

In this episode Jay Gilligan and I talk about many things. A few of them are as follows. - Frodo subscribes to Masterclass to learn about poetry and whatever else that app has to offer. Because he is doing 35 hours of driving to gigs in December 2024. - Jay asks about Frodo's obsession with the idea that if something is fun and joyful it commonly t…

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123 - Innovative Expressions Through Play and Imagination with Jay Gilligan (unpacking PLAY episode 109) 1:16:33

5M ago1:16:33

1:16:33

My podcast host has a new feature where it gives an episode description. Here it is: What happens when showmanship meets the genius of performance art? Join Captain Frodo and special guest Jay Gilligan as they unravel the captivating world of Cirque du Soleil's Mad Apple. We dive into the vibrant chaos of Las Vegas productions, shedding light on th…

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122 - Hold Your Ideas Lightly with Jay Gilligan (Unpacking PLAY episode 107) 1:13:12

5M ago1:13:12

1:13:12

Jay Gilligan and myself go very deeply into a few ideas that I raise in episode 107. Support the show ... Now you can get t-shirts and hoodies with our wonderful logo. This is the best new way to suport the podcast project. Become a proud parader of your passion for Showmanship and our glorious Craft whilst simultanously helping to gather more foll…

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121 - Further SECRETS!!! with Nick Difatte part 2 of 2 1:33:44

6M ago1:33:44

1:33:44

another great episode with the wonderful Nick Difatte! We continue our talk on secrets. we touch on these topics and more - You're not suposed to share secrets yet there are 1000's of magic books... How tricks you buy looks. Max Mavens distinct style of the magic he sold. Envelopes holding the secrets to the universe. Tim Conover Magic downloads Co…

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120 - SECRETS!!! with Nick Difatte (part 1 of 2) 1:07:07

6M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

In November it's Nick Difatte month along the Way of the Showman. We have a wideranging and circuitous conversation. We touch on the following topics and many more. What is a masterclass Secrets Nick’s book Offbeat by Squash Publishing is sold out, but will be back in print… It’s got essays one which was a big topic in the previous episode with Nic…

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119 - Love as Origin of Play pt 2 of 2 (Showmanship & Play 16) 43:54

7M ago43:54

43:54

After last weeks little sidetrack exploring m own evolving relationship of love to my daughter we are ready to conclude how love is the foundation and origin for the human play impulse and drive. This of course will be pointing at how love is also the foundation of Showmanship. Love is necesary to full acknowledge the existence of Others, and to en…

1
118 - Father & Showman - Reflections on my Evolving Relationship with my Daughter 40:40

7M ago40:40

40:40

Over the last six months or so there has been a development in my relationship to my daughter. It is something any father will go through, but I look at it through the lens of a travelling performer. My daughter is growing up and is beginning to find her own way in the world. She is separating and becoming herself and in the process I am being left…

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117 - Love as Origin of Play pt 1 of 2 - What we Have to do VS What we Choose to do (Showmanship & Play 15) 39:45

8M ago39:45

39:45

In this episode I explore the impact and influence our playful behaviour has had on our development as human beings. I belive it quite profoundly have changed not just our psychology and behaviour but also our bodies. I share a deeply personal story of the first couple of hours in my daughter's life and how it birthed a new and deeper kind of love.…

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116 - Jay & Frodo How to Play in Performance - (Unpacking episodes 103 & 104) 2:22:33

8M ago2:22:33

2:22:33

Jay Gilligan is back! we go through his questions about episodes 103 & 104 to concretise some of the points I am making about Play and performance. some of the topics we touch=: -How to foster a playful connection at the beginning of your show. -Is there such a thing as a bad audience? -fulfilling audience expectations whilst still surprising them.…

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115 - Why Are We Born so Helpless (Showmanship & Play 14) 37:58

9M ago37:58

37:58

Why are we born so helpless. The answer will takes us through the history of human evolution and into the dualling biological need of a growing human head and the anatomical changes coming from our upright walking. Support the show ... Now you can get t-shirts and hoodies with our wonderful logo. This is the best new way to suport the podcast proje…

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114 - Play as Self Creation (Showmanship & Play 13) 1:00:15

9M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

In this episode I talk about Peter Gray and his book Free to Learn - Why unleasing the instinc to play will make our children happier, more self-reliant, and better students for life. We talk about how play is learning. how we today think about play as something which is dont to children. Not something they actively participate and even lead. for 1…

1
113 - Nick Difatte & Audience Volunteers 1:19:39

9M ago1:19:39

1:19:39

This is a conversation with one of the funniest guys I know. He's had me laughing so hard I had to get partially undressed. We talk about magic and comedy and their intersection before landing on a long explorations of how to select and manage audience volunteers. Nick is an expert at handling volunteers and gets SO much out of the people he gets u…

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112 - How Play Manifests in the World pt 2 of 2 (Showmanship & Play 12) 1:04:35

10M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

In this episode I continue describing the ways we find the play impulse, or the activity of play, manifesting in the world. I start by talking about learning. -The next way play emerges is through Imagination. -Then we look at how, quite obviously, play manifest thorugh actual playfulness. -We procede to Sociality. -Then I find in Rutger Bregman's …

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111 - How Play Manifests in the World pt 1 of 2 (Showmanship & Play 11) 43:22

10M ago43:22

43:22

Adults and children spend their days differently - we work, babies play. Play is the signature of childhood. It’s a living, visible manifestation of imagination and learning I action. Allison Gopnik If play is a constant and a genuine human drive, how do we recognise it when we see it in the world? Or more specifically; in which kind of behaviours …

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110 - the Play Instinct (Showmanship & Play 10) 47:03

11M ago47:03

47:03

"Instincts are the whispers of our ancestors." - Quote by yours truly. In this episode we explore whether our inclination to play might actually be an innate human drive. Do we human beings possess an instinct to play? If so, how and why would something like that evolve? By understanding how something came into being we often learn valuable lessons…

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109 - Unpacking Play pt 2 (Showmanship & Play 9) 56:00

11M ago56:00

56:00

In this episode I finish up the unpacking of the five criteria of play. As we go on these five points will be the backbone of our inquiry. Much like how using Showman - Audience & Show as a symbol or mnemonic picture which affords us a lot of understanding, these five criteria will expand our understanding of play, and by transferral how it connect…

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108 - Memoirs of a Coney Island Clown w Jellyboy the Clown 2:05:00

11M ago2:05:00

2:05:00

In this episode I talk to Jellyboy the Clown about his book Memoirs of a Coney Island Clown. I learn a lot about him and how closely our experiences mirror eachother. There are some tragic details about suicide in this episode - be warned, if you need such a warning. "Embark on an unforgettable journey alongside Jelly Boy in "Memoirs of a Coney Isl…

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107 - Unpacking Play pt 1 (Showmanship & Play 8 of 30) 40:03

11M ago40:03

40:03

In this episode I continue to unpack the five criterias of play. The five are as follows: 1 - Play is fun. It’s intensely pleasurable and enjoyable. So when we play we don’t want it to stop. 2 - Play is self motivated, which means it has to be entered into voluntarily. 3 - Play is apparently purposeless. We play for the sake of playing not to achie…

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106 - Active Practice w Jay Gilligan (unpacking episode 96 & 98) 1:32:39

12M ago1:32:39

1:32:39

In this episode Jay Gilligan brings up a few questions relating to episodes 3 & 4 in my exploration of Showmanship and Play (number 96 & 98). -We talk about what its like to talk to people about something which does not have an easy answer. A fortune cookie once told me "to every complex problem there is always a simple answer - and its usually wro…

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105 - Don't Be Afraid to be Modern with the Birdmann Trent Baumann 2:02:43

12M ago2:02:43

2:02:43

In this episode I catch up with an old friend, a unique and philosophically inclined comedian and clown Mr Trent Birdmann. We talk about our shows together, our thoughts on our past, present and the uncertainties about the future. We share stories and insights about our lives as Showmen trying to make it in the modern world. You can find Trent Baum…

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104 - Play in 5 Easy Steps (Showmanship & Play 7 of 30) 35:54

1y ago35:54

35:54

In this episode I unpack the five criterias of play. The five are as follows: 1 - Play is fun. It’s intensely pleasurable and enjoyable. So when we play we don’t want it to stop. 2 - Play is self motivated, which means it has to be entered into voluntarily. 3 - Play is apparently purposeless. We play for the sake of playing not to achieve some furt…

1
103 - What is Play (Showmanship & Play 6 of 30) 36:23

1y ago36:23

36:23

In this episode I take you on a walk with my little dog Teddy and along the Way we encounter play in a very direct way. Then I let you take a sneak peak at my daughter and her kind of play. Then we look at trying to define play is like pinning a butterfly. From all these examples I distill the nature of play down to five criteria which will be the …

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102 - Jay Gilligan Questions Showmanship & Play episode by 2 (Unpacking episode 95) 1:41:09

1y ago1:41:09

1:41:09

In this episode Jay Gilligan asks me to explain and elaborate some details about a previous episode. The main part of this season (4) is the 30 episodes that explores and makes my argument for how the very deepest origins of Showmanship can be found in human play as well as building a powerful argument for this dual trait of Showmanship & Play lies…

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101 - Connect & Play - (Showmanship & Play 5 of 30) 41:42

1y ago41:42

41:42

In this episode I seek general features of what happens in the Area of Interest, or in Shows. I talk about Nalle Laanela's book the Clown Manifesto and how it helped me understand that two key features of performance and Shows are Connection and Playfulness. links: Nalle's wonderful book the Clown Manifesto Support the show ... Now you can get t-sh…

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100 - the Clown and the New World - epic poem audio extravaganza 41:35

1y ago41:35

41:35

This is a celebratory episode along the lines of my previous audio poetic endeavours in episode 21 and 42. This is an epic poem which initially was called The Rime of the Ancient Merrier. Merrier |ˈmerēər| noun (mer•ri•er) 1 one who brings happiness to others. 2 a simple or special person, trad. considered blessed or touched by God. 3 a fool or a c…

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99 - Jay Gilligan Questions Showmanship & Play episode 1 (Unpacking episode 94) 1:04:47

1y ago1:04:47

1:04:47

In this episode we try something new. Jay Gilligan has listened to my new season about Play & Showmanship and he found that there were several points in the episode he wanted to know more about. He recorded some snippets with some AI app that he has and he reads me the unedited transcriptions of these and we have a great and DEEP conversation about…

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98 - the Nature of Shows & Geometry - (Showmanship & Play 4 of 30) 50:22

1y ago50:22

50:22

In this episode I make one more example of a metaphor of my own making. I believe this to be a particularly fertile example, by which I mean a deep and powerful metaphor. Using the uncanny similarity of the geometry of triangles with the process of Showmanship. Looking at the two side by side I belive we can get insights into the nature of our Craf…

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97 - Back in Las Vegas, now with Cirque du Soleil - Birthday Ramble 31:21

1y ago31:21

31:21

I didn't think it would happen. Not this birtday ramble nor that I would be back in Las Vegas, nor that I would be here with Cirque du Soleil! But I am back on all those fronts and yet again I am humbled by my own lack of ability to accurately predict the unfolding events of my life. BUT I am beyond grateful that it all conspired to be this Way. Su…

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96 - How to See through the Lens of Showmanship - (Showmanship & Play 3 of 30) 35:59

1y ago35:59

35:59

In this episode I talk about viewing the world through the lens of Showmanship. This is something I say at the beginning of each episode and it is what this podcast is all about. I talk about how to look and what the lens is. So, this episode has as its aim to allow you a clearer idea of what it means and to be able to look at the world in the same…

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95 - the Inner Ear Bone of Showmanship - (Showmanship & Play 2 of 30) 47:19

1+ y ago47:19

47:19

In this episode I lay how what Showmanship is, as I see it. If we are to work out what the origins of something is, particularly if the origins lay deep in prehistory, then chances are there has been a great deal of change to the thing. Sometimes so much that it is hard to recognice it. SO, to be able to know what the origins are we must know what …

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94 - Showmanship & Play - Introduction (S&P 1 of 30) 56:14

1+ y ago56:14

56:14

In this episode we start a whole new project. We revert back to the format of the first 60, or so, episodes where I share my own ideas with you. The subject for this 4th season will be Showmanship & Play. Or, how Showmanship is like Play and what we can learn from seeing it as such. links: Here is a link to the whole season of PBS series about evol…

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93 - Clarity of Expression makes you a better Artist - Jay Gilligan and Frodo - pt 2 of 2 47:03

1+ y ago47:03

47:03

In this conversation we talk further about making choices and how learning to understand why we take the choices we do about what we do on stage we develop clarity of expression which is the foundation stone of a good artist. some of the things we talk about: -Why did you do that? I dont know is not a good enough answer. -Concretise your choices an…

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92 - Making Ideas Concrete by Making Choices - Jay Gilligan and Frodo - pt 1 of 2.m4a 40:59

1+ y ago40:59

40:59

In this episode I ask Jay Gilligan to tell me about how he makes his ideas concrete to his students at the circus school in Stockholm. -How this relates to performance abstract and concrete or narrative -Circus appears frivolous when seen in most cases, academic thought in universities might make contributions to unpacking how its not, but this aca…

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91 - The Importance of Intention - Ivar Hacksher, Jay Gilligan & Frodo -pt 2 of 2 1:04:06

1+ y ago1:04:06

1:04:06

In this episoe I try to get Ivar Hackscher and Jay Gilligan to help me further my understanding about the difference between concrete and abstract performance. The topic is complex and our routes into its terrain circuitous. Some of the topics touched on: -Necessity, freedom and play. Arthus Zajonc's book Meditation as contemplative inquiry -How do…

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90 - Freedom to Make Choices - Ivar Hacksher, Jay Gilligan & Frodo - pt 1 of 2 51:31

1+ y ago51:31

51:31

In this episode Jay Gilligan and I talk to the wonderful teacher and artist Ivar Hacksher in his house. We talk about many things, but the underlying flavour is about making choices in art and life. some of the things we talk about: - the importance of not knowing. -making things and ideas concrete too soon. -Olle and Sarah from the stockholm galle…

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Circademics Podcasts

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