PODCAST · arts
Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast
by Steve Koehler and Lyndal Scranton
Two regular guys talking to the biggest names in BBQ. Tips, techniques, recipes. We even cook against some of the best in the business in KCBS and SCA on occasion.
Episodes
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 378: Janice Smella of SmellaQue on winning 'The Jack' & more
Janice Smella and family celebrated their Grand Championship at the 37th annual Jack Daniels World BBQ Championship by spending the following weekend in Ottumwa, Iowa, checking off another box on their KCBS reps in training schedule. It was a unique feeling, indeed, as the high of winning The…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 377: Brian Kennish, B's Que Crew
What a ride it's been for Brian Kennish and the family team B's Que Crew based in Richmond, Virginia. On Episode 377 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Brian recaps back-to-back trips that found B's Que celebrate the American Royal World Series of BBQ Invitational Grand Championship and then…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 376: American Royal Open Champion Charles Winslow-Bey
There might not be more of a Rocky Balboa story in the history of competition BBQ than Charles Winslow-Bey. From adversity with vehicles six months ago that left his season in doubt to winning the world's largest BBQ contest last weekend, the 46th annual American Royal World Series of BBQ Open,...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 375: 'Under the Radar' with Sasquatch Smoke N Que
Episode 375 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is focused of the 46th annual American Royal World Series of BBQ, where we're headed later this week to judge after five years of on the competition side. We visit with not only a first-time American Royal team, but a foursome that has barely cooked...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 374: Kelly Wertz; Kevin Heese; Shawn Campbell
Kelly Wertz is one of the legends of competition BBQ, winning more than 40 KCBS Grand Championships during a 20-year career - including the American Royal World Series of BBQ and the Jack Daniel World BBQ Invitational. On Episode 374 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we catch up with Kelly about...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 373: American Royal info and Joel Fleetwood of Meat Rushmore BBQ
Episode 373 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is a preview of the 46th American Royal World Series of BBQ. It's a new venue after a decade at Kansas Speedway and Kayci Vincent, BBQ Manager of the American Royal, tells us that while it's a scaled-down version as construction continues on the new...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 372: Under the Radar with Team Cookie BBQ plus Richard Fergola
We enjoy talking to the biggest names in BBQ - and also shine some light on the up-and-comers. This week we go "Under the Radar" on Episode 372 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to visit with a fast learner from Ohio, Chris Reed of Team Cookie BBQ. Along with having a unique team name, Chris knows...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 371: Charles Winslow-Bey; Grill Guys of Missouri
On Episode 371 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, hear the story of Charles Winslow-Bey and Smokey Bey's Barbecue. It's been a rocket ride for a team that was introduced to competition cooking just 3 1/2 years ago, going from a free class offered by Josh and Ashton of OG Bandits to multiple 700s…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 370: RCOA founders Dirk Mullins and Jody Harris; Aaron Huentelman
Dirk Mullins and Jody Harris had been involved in competition cooking in various organizations for more than 20 years, walking the stage at The American Royal World Series of BBQ and Memphis in May among other big events. But looking to fill a void in December of 2023, they announced plans to...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 369: Tina Cannon; Jordan Kirkpatrick
Tina Cannon is one of the most-respected names in open-fire cooking, with numerous competition awards to her credit along with an array of television shows on various outlets. The classically trained chef joins us on Episode 369 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to discuss her career, a website...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 368: Talking steaks and other things with Dan Wright, John Lindsey
We dive into the world of steak cooking on Episode 368 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with a couple of big winner at last weekend's Hornersville Watermelon Festival in southeast Missouri. First up is Dan Wright of Take it Easy BBQ from St. Louis. While he's won big in KCBS and the Rib Cookoff...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 367: B's Que Crew; Grill Guys of Missouri
The current KCBS Team of the Year leader is not as well known as those giving close chase. On Episode 367 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Brian Kennish of B's Que Crew from Richmond, Va., via Philadelphia, tells us about his family team's long-time love of cooking and competition and why it's...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 366: Bill Purvis; Joel Fleetwood
One of our favorite BBQ people returns to the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to make Episode 366 a dandy. It's Bill Purvis from Chicken Fried BBQ out of Magnolia, Texas. Bill highlights his exciting weekend in Rhode Island where he pulled off BBQ's version of a buzzer-beater by winning the Grand...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 365: Rowdy Pig BBQ; Smokey D's Wannabees
On Episode 365 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with two of last weekend's big winners on the competition circuit. First up is Brad Bess of Rowdy Pig BBQ, who enjoyed a spectacular doubleheader at Smokin' on the Osage in Osceola, Missouri. He scored 707.3944 both days - a remarkable…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 364: Sanj Kirubakaran; new Butcher Shoppe owners
We've seen countless top-notch competition BBQ teams leave the sport over the last several years, but on Episode 364 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we tell you about one who's coming back after an extended break. Sanj Kirubakaran of Thump and Strum BBQ blazed to four Grand Championships and…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 363: Big Juicy BBQ; Steven Raichlen encore
Episode 363 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ podcast takes us to Las Vegas where we go "Under the Radar" with the up-and-coming competition team Big Juicy BBQ. Thomas and Michelle Bolling have found a passion for open-fire cooking and, less than two years after their first contest, they've been hitting...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 362: Bald Beauties BBQ; Grill Guys of Missouri
We're always looking for up-and-coming BBQ teams and this week on our "Under the Radar" segment we go to Kansas City. Episode 362 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast tells the story of Bald Beauties BBQ. Teammates Michael Bridges and Brian Studdard are making big strides on the circuit while also...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 361: Talking contests with Carl McBee
There's no question that team participation in BBQ competitions has been trending downward in recent years. There are no magical solutions as various factor come into play, with economics probably No. 1. On Episode 361 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we take a stab at examining - from a contest...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 360: John Lindsey; Richard Fergola
Episode 360 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast takes us to northeast Arkansas for a visit with one of the USA's most-respected, across-the-board pit masters. John Lindsey spent time on the KCBS circuit as All Q'ued Up BBQ before becoming a champion on the Steak Cookout Association for several…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 359: Mat Bonville, Joel Fleetwood
Mat Bonville hasn't been doing competition BBQ for long, but the pitmaster of Phantom Smoke & BBQ from Kipling, Saskatchewan had a memorable cook at one of the world's foremost contests a couple of weeks ago. Bonville scored a whopping 707.97 at the KCBS World Invitational in Lebanon, Tennessee -...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 358: Rough Cut Q and Grill Guys of Missouri
Living six hours apart as competition teammates can be a challenge. But brothers Joe and Jeff Rouse have been able to overcome the geographic challenge to become one of the nation's top KCBS Backyard teams in recent years and, this year, are making waves in the four-meat Masters series as well.…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 357: Chuck Simpson, HS BBQ coach; BBQ Pit Bros 'Under the Radar'
Episode 357 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast brings back our popular "Under the Radar" segment where we find out more about up-and-coming competition teams. Jordan Williams and Richard Smith comprise BBQ Pit Bros out of Des Moines, Iowa. They began cooking KCBS backyard comps in 2021 and, after...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 356: Heath Riles, Kevin Green
A few days after making history at one of the world's biggest BBQ competitions, Heath Riles joins us on Episode 356 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast to discuss his repeat Grand Championship at Memphis in May. It was the first time in 42 years that anyone has repeated their World Championship at...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 355: Nick & Shannon Holman of Burnt Trees BBQ; Grill Guys of Missouri
North Dakota is not the warmest open-fire cooking climate in the country, but Nick and Shannon Holman are doing their best to put the Minot, N.D. team Burnt Trees BBQ on the competition map. The husband-wife duo last week came away from the 77-team Minnesota in May with a Grand Championship…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 354: Tim Scheer of Blues Hog; Ryan Eftink from Smokin' Brothers
Memphis in May is just one week away and on Episode 354 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with one of the top contenders to take home the big trophy. Tim Scheer, whose Blues Hog team captured Whole Hog and overall Grand Championship honors in 2022, gives us a preview of the...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 353: American Royal CEO Pat Macy; Iola Underhogs coach Doug Kerr
After lots of anticipation and patience, it's official. The American Royal World Series of BBQ has new dates (Oct. 1-4) and a new home (the under construction American Royal Association complex in Kansas City, Kansas). On Episode 353 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with American Royal...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 352: High on the Hog STL; Smokin' Aces BBQ
On Episode 352 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we talk it over with two big winners from last weekend. First up is the story of fast-rising High on the Hog BBQ out of St. Louis, which won its first KCBS GC in Edina, Missouri, in just its sixth KCBS competition. Shawn Campbell and Rich Alexander...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 351: Blind Fox BBQ; Aaron Huentelman
The guys from Blind Fox BBQ haven't been doing competition cooking for long, but it's clear they rise to the occasion in big contests. Two years after finishing sixth at their first American Royal World Series of BBQ Open (444 teams) Joe Rickfels and Adam Burch won their first Grand Championship…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 350: Bill Toth with Dawg's BBQ
There are many tremendous cooks in the Backyard Division of the KCBS who often are overlooked in a competition world in which the Masters division gets most of the attention for master all four meats. On Episode 350 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we talk it over with one of the best in the...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 349: Paul Russell; Skyler Spartan & Charlie Wallace
Everywhere Paul Russell goes in competition BBQ from his home base in Conway, Arkansas, he consistently gets the question about his team's unique name. But Kermit's Ex BBQ is more than a neat name and logo, it's also a consistent contender on the KCBS circuit. On Episode 349 of the Tailgate Guys...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 348: Drew Davis, Craig Verhage
Think you need a fancy toy hauler or trailer to succeed in competition BBQ? To that, we present Drew Davis, the king of canopy cooking. On Episode 348 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Davis and his simple approach with Razorracks BBQ proved again last weekend - winning the 125-team KCBS Smoke on...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 347: Chase Muninger; Richard Fergola
It's fun to talk it over with one of America's top up-and-coming competition pit masters on Episode 347 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast. Chase Muninger of Munny's Stove BBQ in Wichita, Kansas, has won five KCBS Grand Championships since 2024 with his latest in a stacked 37-team field at Boots,...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 346: Brad Leighninger; Ryan McCoy (overall Show No. 500)
It's fitting that on Episode 346 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast - our 500th show when combined with three years on local radio - that our long-time friend Brad Leighninger joins us. Brad came on the show often in 2016 when we started the show and those who follow competition BBQ will enjoy the...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 345: JP Parran; Grill Guys of Missouri
We've met J.P. Parran on the competition circuit and he's truly one of the most enthusiastic people out there, guaranteed to bring a smile to all and some great BBQ to the judges. On Episode 345 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, JP stops by to talk about his BBQ journey and how he and wife…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 344: Smokin' Aces BBQ; Meat Rushmore BBQ
On Episode 344 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we take a trip to Texas to learn about up-and-coming team Smokin' Aces BBQ. Led by friends Matthew Frazier and Justin Payne, Smokin' Aces is fresh off a Champions BBQ Alliance Grand Championship in Giddings, Texas, boosting the team to second in…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 343: Jason Halterman
As the 2026 competition season gets rolling, a team to watch is Can Country Outlaw led by Jason Halterman. After a breakthrough 2025 season, which saw Can Country Outlaw win three KCBS Grand Championships plus a first-place 180 brisket at the American Royal World Series of BBQ Invitational, Jason...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 341: Jason Hester (Seahawks), Bill Gillespie (Patriots) talk football and food
Call this one the bonus show! Unplanned, but here we are! Episode 341 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is our annual Super Bowl preview edition, from both football and foot angles. Representing the Seattle Seahawks out of the Pacific Northwest is Seattle Food Truck owner Jason Hester, Rolling…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 340: Chris Salsberry; Skyler Spartan & Charlie Wallace
Episode 340 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast features Chris Salsberry, whose Fred Vegas Smokers captured the Grand Championship at last weekend's 63-team Lakeland Pig Festival. That earned Chris an auto bid into the inaugural BBQ World Cup in 2027, an event that he says is getting people excited…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 339: Richard Fergola, Mitch Heath
On Episode 339 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we welcome our friend Richard Fergola back to the show. The pitmaster of Fergolicious BBQ already has had an eventful 2026 with a vacation to Kenya before teaching a full-on competition BBQ class in Louisville. Now "Fergie" is off for a 10-day BBQ...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 338: Bill Purvis, Joel Fleetwood
Season 8 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast begins and we're thrilled to be back, looking to bring open-fire cooking knowledge to our listeners. That's best done by having great guests and we kick off the new year with two of the best. Leading off Episode 338 is Bill Purvis of Chicken Fried BBQ,...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 337: Best of with Brad Leighninger, Darren Warth
While we're on a holiday break before starting Season 8 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, it's a special edition with two of our most-listened-to guests from 2025. First up is Brad Leighninger of Gettin' Basted with a recap of his runner-up finish on the Food Network show BBQ Brawl. The July...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 336: Janice Smella; Carl Davis
We wrap up Season 7 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast with champion guests from from far north and south of the competition spectrum. First up at the 8:30 mark on Episode 336 of the show is Janice Smella, head cook of SmellaQue out of Calgary, Alberta. Smellaque recently was crowned Team of the…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 335: Dan Wright of Take It Easy BBQ
Not to toot our own horn, but the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast has a pretty good track record when spotting upcoming talent in our "Under the Radar" segment. This week's featured guest, Dan Wright of Take it Easy BBQ, is the latest example. Since appearing on the show in March, Dan posted his first...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 334: Dave and Shirin Mara of Meat Candy Q
On Episode 334 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we visit with the husband-wife due of Dave and Shirin Mara of Meat Candy Q out of San Diego. It was a banner 2025 season as Meat Candy Q won California BBQ Association Team of the Year honors for the third time in four years and also wound up…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 333: Chase Willard; Charlie Wallace
Before getting to the preview of Episode 333 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, we send wishes for a "Happy Thanksgiving" to all. May your feast be plentiful and your family time blessed, not only on Turkey Day but every day as we head down the home stretch of 2025. Leading off the guest lineup…
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 332: Bill Heyen
The 2025 competition BBQ season was another great one for Bill Heyen and wife Andrea of Triple H BBQ from Gillespie, Illinois. But beyond three grand championships and four RGCs, with a scoring average a fraction under 700, Bill uses the word "blessed" to describe a season that concluded with a...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Epsiode 331: Jason Wagner, American Royal review
We came, we cooked, we survived. On Episode 331 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, it's a review of the 45th American Royal World Series of BBQ where conditions were challenging for Sunday's 401-team Open. The Tailgate Guys team didn't come away with any coveted ribbons, as we had done in three of...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 330: Christie Vanover; Skyler Spartan
With Thanksgiving knocking on the door, it's time to plan a menu and possibly incorporate the grill or smoker to make the big feast even better. On Episode 330 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, award-winning pitmaster, judge and BBQ promoter Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill offers some ideas...
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Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 329: American Royal preview
Episode 329 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is our 45th American Royal World Series of BBQ preview. First up is a conversation, beginning at the 6:30 mark, with American Royal BBQ Manager Kayci Vincent and director of communications Allyssa King about what teams and spectators can expect from…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast have?
Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast about?
Two regular guys talking to the biggest names in BBQ. Tips, techniques, recipes. We even cook against some of the best in the business in KCBS and SCA on occasion.
How often does Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast release new episodes?
Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast?
You can listen to Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast?
Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast is created and hosted by Steve Koehler and Lyndal Scranton.
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