Best Counterfactual Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 261- The (Grover) Cleveland Show 1:05:19

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1h ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team looks at a different origin for the US holiday Labor Day. Panel: Evan, Chris, and Kai. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube Channel If you enjoy the podc…

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This One Skill Signifies Seniority For Software Engineers 14:28

2d ago14:28

14:28

This episode explains what is arguably the best career advice you'll hear this week: the one skill that signifies seniority in software engineers is the ability to synthesise and optimise for multiple factors at once. Instead of focusing on a single factor, such as performance or maintainability, senior engineers identify and weigh the various trad…

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Ep 260- A Pork In Time 47:21

4d ago47:21

47:21

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, we look at the possibilities if Henry Ford doesn't come up with the idea of selling a waste product (charcoal) as a cooking fuel. Team Warning- you probably don't want to listen to this episode hungry. Panel: Chris and Dylan. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.co…

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Ep 259- Hot Trotskies down at the Hammer and Sickle 1:11:14

9d ago1:11:14

1:11:14

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team explores the outcome of a successful assassination of Lenin just after taking power. Panel: Evan, Chris, and Dylan. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube …

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Ep 258- Labor Day Special Announcement 2:50

7d ago2:50

2:50

Send a Message to the Team Just a quick update from the team- a regular episode IS coming this Monday. Panel: Hank and Chris. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube Channel If you enjoy the podcast and want t…

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Backup Plans and Risk Reward Curves 13:50

9d ago13:50

13:50

This episode focuses on the critical importance of having a backup plan, not just for technical redundancies but especially for situations involving human error, which are highly prevalent in one's career. The core argument hinges on understanding risk and reward curves, highlighting the disproportionate impact of failures compared to incremental s…

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Ep 257- Cactus Jack Goes to Washington 1:05:17

14d ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team revisits (from episode #186) a successful assassination of FDR before his inauguration. Panel: Evan and Dylan. Original Episode-Here You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPod…

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Second Order Consequences and Forcing Functions 23:45

14d ago23:45

23:45

Todays episode delves into understanding and leveraging second and third-order consequences – the ripple effects that occur after an initial action – and introduces forcing functions, which are an inverted way of thinking about these consequences, designed to drive desired outcomes by first determining "what must be true" for them to occur. The epi…

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Don't Try to Solve Hyperobject Problems Once 15:46

23d ago15:46

15:46

This episode delves into the philosophical concept of hyperobjects – problems so vast and complex they lack clear boundaries and cannot be "solved" once and for all. It explores why attempting to permanently fix issues like technical debt, user experience, or performance management is often ineffective. Instead, it offers a new perspective: how to …

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Ep 256- Gibb or Take 1:03:27

21d ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team looks at a different fork if the Bee Gees don't record the soundtrack for a certain John Travolta Movie. Panel: Helena, Evan, Kai, Chris, and Dylan. Article referenced in the episode: Article referenced in the episode: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/12/saturday-night-fever Alternative Sound…

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Behavior Change 101: Trigger, Incentive, and Ability 20:16

27d ago20:16

20:16

This episode delves into a powerful model for encouraging behaviour change, applicable to both managing others and self-improvement, by focusing on three critical factors: Trigger, Incentive, and Ability. It challenges common, ineffective management approaches and provides insights into fostering new habits and desired actions by making the 'right'…

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Ep 255- Ford II- Paint it Black (Tuesday) 59:11

28d ago59:11

59:11

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team continues down the (Henry) Ford Presidency into an alternate Great Depression. Panel: Evan, Chris, and Dylan. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube Channe…

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Ep 254- Leges Condicionesque Applicare 1:07:36

1M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team looks at what would have happened if a famous medieval forgery was discovered as such much earlier. Panel: Evan and Dylan. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our Y…

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Goal of the Goal - Using Goals As A Prioritization Clarifying Tool 26:13

1M ago26:13

26:13

This episode delves into the crucial role of well-positioned goals in a developer's career. It asserts that goals provide clarity, perspective, and purpose, particularly focusing on clarity as a primary benefit. The discussion challenges common struggles with goal setting, including the often-overlooked importance of relevance (the 'R' in SMART goa…

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Ep 253- A little less lead would go a long way 1:15:47

1M ago1:15:47

1:15:47

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team looks at what would have happened if the Franklin Expedition successfully finds the Northwest Passage. Panel: Dylan, Evan and Chris. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPod…

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Your Capacity for Growth Is Dependent on This Factor - Cognitive Load Theory 23:49

2M ago23:49

23:49

Today we explore Cognitive Load Theory. This concept can profoundly influence how you structure your workday, manage teams, and approach learning in your career. The episode highlights that much of professional work, particularly in knowledge-based roles like software engineering, is fundamentally about learning. You will discover that there is an …

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Ep 252- National Assembly's European Vacation 1:07:47

2M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team examines what would have happened if Louis XVI successfully flees Paris. Panel: Dylan and Chris. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube Channel If you enjo…

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Investigating Your Invisible Systems 16:20

2M ago16:20

16:20

This episode focuses again on the fundamental principle that your systems are perfectly designed for the outcomes you are experiencing, regardless of whether those systems were intentionally or accidentally created. Here are the key takeaways from the episode: Uncover how your systems, whether intentionally or accidentally designed, are perfectly c…

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Ep 251- National Assembly's Easter Vacation 1:04:06

2M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team looks at what would have happened if Louis XVI did not try to flee Paris. Panel: Dylan and Chris. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube Channel If you enj…

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Perfection Is Fragile, and You Should Avoid It 20:03

2M ago20:03

20:03

This episode discusses why perfection is a dangerous and fragile goal, explaining how striving for 100% leads to unsustainable outlier states. It highlights how setting perfection as a bar can cause commitments to break and plans to fail due to a lack of slack, and offers strategies like building redundancy and planning with slack to achieve goals …

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Ep 250- Mudhen's Muckup 1:13:04

2M ago1:13:04

1:13:04

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team examines an escelated conflict between Ohio and the territory of Michigan over their shared border. Panel: Evan and Chris. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our Y…

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Your System is Perfectly Designed for Your Current Outcomes 18:14

2M ago18:14

18:14

This episode introduces the potentially controversial principle that your system is perfectly designed for its current outcomes, urging listeners to embrace greater responsibility for systemic issues. It explores how to redefine system boundaries to holistically integrate all influencing factors, like talent and organisational processes, ensuring t…

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Episode 249- General (Secretary) Zhao's Chicken 57:32

2M ago57:32

57:32

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team looks at different machinations within the CCP during the Tiananmen Square protest. Panel: Evan, Dylan, and Chris. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube C…

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Using LLMs To Expand Your Working Vocabulary 13:26

2M ago13:26

13:26

This episode explores the fundamental mindset of building your vocabulary, extending beyond literal words to conceptual understanding and mental models, and how Large Language Models (LLMs) can be a powerful tool for expanding and refining this crucial skill for career growth, clarity, and navigating disruptions. Uncover why building your vocabular…

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Episode 248- There's Snow Business Like Show Business 57:46

3M ago57:46

57:46

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team explores the effect of a longer career for Lon Cheney, Sr. Panel: Helena Nash and Chris. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube Channel If you enjoy the po…

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Great Reviews and Terrible Tacos - Sharpening Substitute Questions with Counterfactuals 23:28

3M ago23:28

23:28

This episode delves into the use of substitute questions—simpler queries we use to answer more complex ones—and the crucial concept of cohesion between these substitutes and our true objectives. You'll learn how to leverage counterfactual thinking to scrutinize your assumptions and enhance the effectiveness of your decisions. Discover two powerful …

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Episode 247- Tea Drinking Surrender Monkies! 1:03:28

3M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team continues the Marshal Sanjurjo fork. Panel: Robert, Evan, Dylan, and Chris. You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube Channel If you enjoy the podcast and wan…

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Why Maintenance Matters Now - Construal Level Theory, Marshmallows, and Hyperbolic Discounting 22:57

3M ago22:57

22:57

This episode explores why maintenance tasks, despite their fundamental importance, are often neglected or deprioritised in our daily lives and professional work. It delves into the psychological biases that make consistent maintenance challenging, such as hyperbolic discounting, where immediate gratification is valued over future gains, and the con…

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Episode 246- NOW how is Billy Joel going to rhyme Malcom X? 1:09:25

3M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team reminds everyone that this week isn't just the anniversary of the release of Hearts of Iron IV (Chris and Dylan just genuflected), but also of the Profumo Affair! The actual episode discusses what might have happened if the Profumo Affair turned out differently. Panel: Robert, Chris, and (Long Ti…

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Follow This Principle - Establish Your Baselines 8:00

3M ago8:00

8:00

This episode introduces a profound yet simple principle: knowing your baselines. This concept is crucial for effectively detecting and measuring change in your life and career. Uncover the fundamental idea that to recognise when something has changed, you must first understand what things were like before the change occurred. Often, people haven't …

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Episode 245- To Loose Toulouse 1:13:39

3M ago1:13:39

1:13:39

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team explores a different outcome of the Moor invasion of France in the early 700's. Panel: Dylan, Robert, and Chris You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube Chan…

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Episode 244- A Ford in Time 1:00:19

4M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team looks at what happens if the Roaring Twenties sounded like a Model T- and Henry Ford becomes the Republican nominee and eventually President in 1924. Panel: Dylan, Robert, Evan, and Chris You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook:…

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Advice on Advice - Taking Everything with a Grain of Salt 13:54

4M ago13:54

13:54

This episode explores the complex landscape of receiving advice in your career, particularly during uncertain times. It offers insights on how to critically evaluate feedback and external information, prepare for potential negative outcomes outside of your control, and adapt your focus to thrive in a changing industry. Explore why the vast amount o…

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190 - Indefinite Leave 19:38

4M ago19:38

19:38

190 - Indefinite Leave After a very brief summary of the changing data science landscape, Hilary and Roger do not actually end the podcast but discuss taking an indefinite leave, leaving the door slightly ajar for future opportunities. Show notes: Roger Peng Hilary Parker List of NSSD Fellows Get the Not So Standard Deviations book Subscribe to the…

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Episode 243- Red Ron 1:00:12

4M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, Evan and Chris explore the possible outcomes of Ronald Reagan (yes, THAT Reagan)'s application for membership in the CPUSA being accepted. Panel: Evan and Chris You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintim…

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Criminal Matter Enforcement in Flux: Cross-Border Insights and Trends 32:09

4M ago32:09

32:09

In this episode of the Counterfactual Podcast, we hear from Bruce McCulloch from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Joe McGrade from Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP provide US and Canadian perspectives on the key highlights and additional insights from the panel discussion at the 2025 Annual Criminal Matters Committee Town Hall hosted by the CBA Crimi…

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Career Advice for Surviving AI Outsourcing 13:09

4M ago13:09

13:09

This episode addresses the fear surrounding industry changes, such as AI and potential outsourcing, and offers actionable advice for engineers, managers, and leaders to navigate these challenges. You'll learn why shifting your focus from just developing skills to embracing ownership and responsibility is crucial for long-term career resilience and …

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Episode 0242—SanjurWHO 1:01:47

4M ago1:01:47

1:01:47

Send a Message to the Team This episode, the team continues the fork of Marshal Sanjurjo surviving the opening of the Spanish Civil War...somehow without much mention of Sanjurjo himself... Panel: Dylan, Chris, Robert, and Evan You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.…

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Episode 0241—Star Wars, Splintered 37:11

4M ago37:11

37:11

Send a Message to the Team This episode, the team (Dylan) takes a look at a different production schedule for Star Wars. Panel: Dylan You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTube Channel If you enjoy the podcast an…

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Better Know the Bureau Series: Getting to Know Kristen McLean 31:07

4M ago31:07

31:07

In this episode of the Counterfactual podcast, we hear from Kristen McLean, a Senior Competition Law Officer in the Monopolistic Practices Branch about her background and role within the Competition Bureau. This is the latest episode of the new “Better Know the Bureau” series where we “demystify” the Competition Bureau and better get to know the pe…

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Take Back Your Time - Volatility, Pliability, and Agency and Your Obligations.mp3 14:30

4M ago14:30

14:30

This episode provides tactical ways to own your time, reduce meeting load and obligations, and regain agency, especially when feeling burnt out. You'll learn how to use a simple two-part model focusing on Pliability and Volatility to evaluate your tasks and meetings and make intentional choices about how you spend your time. Learn how owning your t…

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Episode 0240—AFIT Spring Break Message 2:13

5M ago2:13

2:13

Send a Message to the Team This episode is a quick update on a future initiative of the team, as well as a little lighthearted fundraising plug... Panel: Robert and Chris You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @AFITPodcast Our YouTub…

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Iteration or Target State Planning 15:29

5M ago15:29

15:29

This episode explores the dichotomy between iterative planning and target state planning in software development, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each approach and providing decision factors to help you choose the most appropriate method for your situation. Understand the core difference between iterative planning, which emphasises agility…

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Episode 0239—Crassus Catfished II 44:23

5M ago44:23

44:23

Send a Message to the Team This episode, the team continues to explore what happens in the late Roman Republic era if Crassus survives being captured in Parthia. Panel: Dylan, Chris, and Evan You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aforkintime Twitter: @A…

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Treatment of Foreign Investment in the Critical Minerals Sector Under the Investment Canada Act: In Conversation with Globe & Mail mining reporter Niall McGee 28:49

5M ago28:49

28:49

The government’s approach to foreign investment in the critical minerals sector, including in circumstances where the target minerals are located outside of Canada, has evolved significantly over the last three years. Niall McGee shares his perspectives based on first hand experience reporting on key developments in this area, including, among othe…

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Three Principles of Preparedness - Mitigate Risks and Capitalize On Opportunities 15:02

5M ago15:02

15:02

This episode delves into practical principles for navigating the unexpected in your life and career. Rather than attempting to predict specific events, the focus is on cultivating resilience and optionality by identifying vulnerabilities in your systems and adopting a proactive mindset to transform potential challenges into strategic advantages. • …

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Episode 0238—Basque Pro Shop 1:14:16

5M ago1:14:16

1:14:16

Send a Message to the Team In this episode, the team explores a fork if Gen. Jose Sanjurjo survives his flight at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War and takes leadership of the Nationalist cause. Panel: Dylan, Chris, and Evan You can follow and interact with A Fork In Time on…. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/xhZEmZMKFS Facebook: https://ww…

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Did I Get That Right? - A High Leverage Habit that Requires Virtually Zero Skill 13:28

5M ago13:28

13:28

This episode introduces a simple yet highly effective communication habit that can be adopted by anyone to significantly reduce the risk of misunderstandings and enhance connection. It explores how this practice, which requires thoughtful communication but no special skills, can benefit individuals at all career levels. Discover why misunderstandin…

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Episode 0237—The Little Brother's Club Part VI- Return of the Constitutional Convention 1:18:20

5M ago1:18:20

1:18:20

Send a Message to the Team The Little Brother's Club: The Team looks at the results of the young United States deciding to invite a European prince to be the kind of the new nation. Return of the...Constitutional Convention: In the sixth (and we promise final) episode of the American Monarchy arc, the delayed Civil War plays out, as well as a Const…

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Compliance Compass: Guiding Your Business Through Canada's Competition Laws 49:46

5M ago49:46

49:46

In this episode, host Kirsten Cirella and guests Majid Charania, Director of Competition Compliance and Outreach with the Competition Bureau, and Beth Riley, partner in the Competition and Foreign Investment Group at McMillan LLP dive into the world of competition law compliance. This episode kicks off our compliance series, providing timely insigh…