Episodes

  • SFN Dad To Dad 424 - Pat Wire of Crystal Lake, IL High School Teacher, Varsity Baseball Coach & Father of 4, Including One With Autism
    Apr 3 2026
    Our guest this week is Pat Wire, of Crystal Lake, IL a social studies teacher at Barrington High School, long-time head coach of the Barrington Broncos High School varsity baseball team and father of four, including a son with autism.

    Pat and his wife, Leane, are the proud parents of four children: Gabrielle (19), Bobbi (17), Shaelyn (12) and Preston (11) who is autistic and non-verbal.

    Pat has been coaching for nearly three decades and at the high school level for more than two decades.

    Pat reflects on how much Preston has taught him about; parenting, patience, himself and what's important in life. The big take away? Parents of a child with special abilities need to use the child's yardstick to measure the child's progress vs. the one they might have used for themselves.

    We’ll hear all about Pat, his open and transparent views on parenting and life, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (847) 754-0138
    Email – PWire@barrington220.org

    Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv

    Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child’s diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st. Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.

    Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/
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    31 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 423 - Matt Might of Birmingham, AL Director Of Precision Medicine at UAB, Author, Father of Three, One With NGLY1 Deficiency
    Mar 27 2026
    Our guest this week is Matt Might of Birmingham, AL who is the director of the Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a researcher, author, TEDx presenter and perhaps most importantly, father of three, including a son with NGLY1 Deficiency.Matt and his x-wife, Cristina, are the proud parents of three children: Winston (10), Victoria (14) and Bertrand who was born in 2007 and very sadly passed away in in 2020 at age 12. Bertrand was born with an ultra-rare genetic disorder known as NGLY1 Deficiency, which prohibits the creation of the enzyme N-Glycanase 1. At the time of diagnosis, NGLY1 Deficiency was so rare, Bertrand was considered an N of 1, the only person known to have this particular condition. Matt was a tenured computer science professor. Motivated to find a cure for his son he pivoted into the world of precision medicine. Through a brilliant blog post entitled: 'Hunting Down My Killer' they were able to find seven more children with NGLY1. Matt also gave a gave a highly informative and well delivered TEDx Talk. We also learn about NORD (National Organization for Rare Disease), the Great Science Foundation and NCATS (National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences) within the National Health Institute. All on this epsiode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (404) 376-3204Email – matt@might.netWebsite – matt.might.netLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmight/TEDx Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_might_being_an_accidental_pioneer_in_precision_medicine Blog – blog.might.netOrder your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book. Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child’s diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st. Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home. Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/
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    30 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 422 - Justin DeVault of Algonquin, IL a Data Analyst, Father of Three Including One With Autism & Loss Of One At 15 Years Old
    Mar 20 2026
    Our guest this week is Justin DeVault of Algonquin, IL a data analyst and father of three including one with Autism and the loss of their oldest at 15 years of age two years ago. This is a follow up interview to the interview Justin did in June of 2022.

    Justin and his wife, Margaret, have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of three; Hazel (7), Alice (9) and Henry, who would be 17, but very sadly passed away two years ago. Hazel has Autism and Henry had a brain stroke shortly after birth, that lead to the loss of his sight and impaired his neurological development.

    Justin reflects on the loss of Henry, the value of therapy and the ongoing challenges of raising a daughter with autim, that lead to the difficult decision of a residential placement, for a pre-teen, at the Genesee Lake School in Oconomowoc, WI.

    Justin, thank you for sharing the update and sincere condolences to your family on the loss of Henry. All on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Email – pasteboardmask@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-devault-373043b9/
    Therapeutic Residential School - https://www.geneseelakeschool.com/
    Dream Riders TLC - https://www.dreamriderstlc.com
    Clearbrook Arlington Heights - https://www.clearbrook.org
    Thumbuddy Special - https://www.thumbuddyspecial.org
    June 2022 SFN Dad To Dad Podcast - https://21stcenturydads.org/205-justin-devault-of-algonquin-il-the-father-of-three-including-a-daughter-with-autism-son-who-suffered-a-brain-stroke/

    Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv

    Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child’s diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st. Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.

    Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/
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    30 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 421 - Dan Roth of San Diego, CA A Human Resource Consultant, Professional Speaker & Father of Autistic Twins
    Mar 13 2026
    Our guest this week is Dan Roth of San Diego, CA who is a seasoned human resource consultant, professional speaker and perhaps most importantly, father of twin girls, who are both autistic.

    Dan and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 8 years and are the proud parents of 6 ½ year old twin daughters Haley & Brooklyn, who are autistic.

    In addition to being the parent to young autistic twins daughters, Dan has become somewhat of an expert in the area of body dysmorphia, which he experienced as a child and young adult.

    On January 30, 2026, Dan was privileged to make a TEDx Talk at the Houston Dream To Dare event. The topic of his talk was: How We Can Shape our Children through Transparency.

    It's an authentic and upligting story that deserves more attention all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (619) 455-7484
    Email – dan.roth4@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrothstrategy/
    TEDx Talk How We Can Shape our Children through Transparency - https://www.tedxthirdward.com/

    Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv

    Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child’s diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st. Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.

    Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/
    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 420 - Rob Floyd of Franklin, TN A High Profile Mixologist, TV Personality & Father Of Five, Including One Moyamoya
    Mar 6 2026
    Our guest this week is Rob Floyd of Franklin, TN a master mixologist, TV host, author and father of five including a daughter who has Moyamoya.

    Rob and his wife, Megan, have married for 20 years and are the proud parents of five children: Joseph (29), Robbie (28), Ella (14), Indego (11) and Anges (5). Indego is the one with Moyamoya, a rare progressive brain disease.

    The older two are from Rob's first marriage, which resulted in him becoming a single custodial father.

    Professionally, Rob is a mixologist (yes he makes drinks for a living). He does this on TV as part of the Bar Rescue franchise and aboard dozens of Princess Cruises on an annual basis.

    Rob is also author of the book, Sip At Sea: A Princess Cruises Cocktail Collection From Celebrity Mixologist Rob Floyd.

    Rob also shares some terrific stories, including how he became good freinds with people like Brad Pitt when they were both very early in their careers doing commercials for Mountain Dew.

    It's a very uplifting story and one that should be enjoyed with a cocktail or mocktail, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Email – robfloyd@robfloydent.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drinkwithrob/
    Instagram – @drinkwithrob
    Book – Sip At Sea - https://tinyurl.com/2pw8eunx
    Moyamoya World Alliance - https://www.moyamoya.org/living-with-moyamoya
    Mountain Dew Commercial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9miyq8nutM

    Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv

    Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child’s diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st. Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.

    Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

    Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..
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    30 mins
  • SFN Dad to Dad 419 - Matt Shepherd of Emporia, KS, Owner of Midwest Evaluation & Research, Father Of Twins, One With Developmental Delays
    Feb 27 2026
    Our guest this week is Matt Shepherd of Emporia, KS who is President and CEO of Midwest Evaluation & Research and father of two adopted children including one with developmental delays.

    Matt and his wife, Brenda, have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of two adopted children; Jeremy (26) and Bonnie (25) who has high emotional intelligence as well as development delays.

    Professionally, Matt is owner of Midwest Evaluations and Research, a consulting firm that helps community-based organizations, foundations, schools, and governments evaluate and improve their programs. Along the way he has developed a high level of experience and expertise doing research for and evaluation of fatherhood programs.

    Matt is also to the founder and former board chair of Social Innovation Labratory, a non-profit that drives community-led change through partnerships and research to build equitable, innovative, and sustainable systems.

    Matt also founded Caerus Place for Woman, based in Souix Falls, SD to provide safe housing, compassionate support, and pathways to stability and independence for women in crisis.

    We’ll hear all about Matt’s work and family on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (620) 757-9101
    Email – Matt.Shepherd@Midwestevaluation.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-shepherd-86594056/
    Company – https://midwestevaluation.com/
    Social Innovation Labs – https://www.socialinnovationlab.org/

    Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child’s diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st. Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.

    Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

    Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..
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    30 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 418 - Mike Griffiths of San Francisco, CA Exec. VP at CBRE & Father Of Two Including A Son With KCNB1 A Rare Genetic Disorder
    Feb 20 2026
    Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv

    Our guest this week is Mike Griffiths of San Francisco, CA an Executive Vice-President at CBRE, a real estate management firm and father of two children including one with KCNB1, a very rare genetic disorder.

    Mike and his wife, Julia, have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of two children, daughter Rowe (9) and son, Hall (14) who has KCNB1, a very rare genetic disorder associated with severe developmental delays, intellectual disability, and various types of seizures.

    Hall and the family have benefited from a number of organizations including; the KCNB1 Foundation, Support for Families with Disabilities, and Best Buddies to name a few. Mike has also participated in some endurance cycling events to raise funds for charity.

    Mike is very authentic about parenting a child with a wide range of physical, intellectual and emotional challenges.

    We’ll hear about that and more on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (415) 407-7782
    Email – michael.w.griffiths@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-griffiths-63a87/
    KCNB1 Foundation – http://www.kcnb1.org/
    Best Buddies - https://www.bestbuddies.org/

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child’s diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv

    Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st. Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

    Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..
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    29 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 417 - Patton Dodd of San Antonio, TX, Executive Director of the H.E. Butt Foundation, Author & Father of Three.
    Feb 13 2026
    Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv

    Our guest this week is Patton Dodd, of San Antonio,TX who is the Executive Director of the H.E. Butt Foundation, author and father of three.

    Patton and his wife, Michaela, have married for 26 years and are the proud parents of three children: Isabell (22), Henry (18) and Luisa (15).

    Occupationally, Patton is the executive director of the H.E. Butt Foundation. Since the 1930s, the foundation has served people in Texas and beyond in various ways according to the needs of the time, including improving literacy and mental health care, funding recreation and camps, hosting ecumenical Christian retreats at Laity Lodge, at Laity Lodge, and partnering with other organizations that serve families and children.

    Patton a longtime journalist and essayist is also author of the book: The Father You Get And The Ones You Make, Believe In And Become, a reflective and deeply personal exploration of how men inherit, reinterpret, and ultimately choose the models of fatherhood that shape their own identity as dads.

    It's an enlightening and houghtful conversation about fathering all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (719) 325-6965
    Email – pattondodd@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattondodd/
    Substack – https://pattondodd.substack.com/
    H.E. Butt Foundation - https://hebfdn.org/
    The Father You Get And The Ones You Make, Believe In And Become - https://tinyurl.com/293wx6ur

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child’s diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

    Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..
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    29 mins