In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance engages renowned hunting writer Joseph von Benedikt in a wide-ranging conversation that reveals the guest's deep-rooted passion for the outdoors. Raised in remote southern Utah cowboy country—where he trailed cattle on horseback, carried firearms from a young age, and lived far from modern conveniences—von Benedikt inherited a love of guns and hunting from his grandfathers, began competitive shooting early, and later guided hunts before transitioning into a prolific writing career fueled by extensive reading and authentic experiences. The discussion explores the craft of hunting storytelling, emphasizing sensory details to immerse readers, the mental and spiritual renewal found in backcountry pursuits, and the value of preparation through training like their elk hunting boot camp to ensure ethical, successful shots in challenging terrain. Von Benedikt shares memorable adventures from Kodiak Island to Africa, offers practical gear advice favoring accurate, manageable rifles in potent cartridges like 6.8 Western or 7mm PRC with suppressors and dialing scopes, and highlights transferable skills between hunting pressure and defensive shooting—such as staying composed for follow-up shots—while promoting his long-running Backcountry Hunting Podcast as a rich resource for Western hunters.
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In this wide-ranging episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance reunites with his old friend Jeremy Stafford — former Marine Corps reservist (Bronze Star w/V), long-time LAPD officer, legendary Guns & Ammo handgun editor, and current Mossberg pro-staffer — for a candid, laugh-filled masterclass in real-world training and mindset. The two lifelong martial artists trace their journeys from chubby kids getting thrown around in judo dojos, through 1980s ninja-movie obsessions and Steven Seagal worship, to becoming career cops and combat veterans who helped drag law-enforcement firearms training out of the Weaver-era and into the red-dot age. Stafford pulls no punches on watered-down strip-mall martial arts, the evolution (and stubborn resistance) of police and military shooting doctrine, why red-dot optics are a literal game-changer for grip, trigger control, and hitting under stress, and the critical mindset shift every fighter must make: you have to already be okay with pulling the trigger before the fight starts. Packed with war stories, range truths, and hard-earned lessons from the streets of L.A., the sands of Iraq, and decades on the mat, and countless hours behind the gun, this is two old-school warriors passing the torch with zero filter and maximum respect.
Follow Jeremy on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/jestafford/?hl=enFollow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/
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In this powerful episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance sits down with retired four-star General Charles “Chuck” Swannack Jr., former commander of the legendary 82nd Airborne Division. Swannack takes us from his small-town North Carolina athletic roots and a blown-out knee that doctors said would keep him from ever going airborne, to ignoring that advice, becoming an Airborne Ranger, and ultimately leading the entire 82nd into combat in Iraq — proving that heart and determination can override even medical orders. He shares gripping war stories (including why he slung a 12-gauge shotgun in Al Anbar so snipers wouldn’t spot the general, and the day General Abizaid literally took the gun off his shoulder), credits Aimpoint red-dot sights for dramatically improving marksmanship and reducing collateral damage in the Global War on Terror, and explains the deeper reason the 82nd exists: not just rapid deployment, but to seed relentless discipline and standards across the entire Army. The conversation turns to servant leadership (“Soldiers first, mission always”), the danger of leaders who are “assholes 100% of the time,” and why harsh tyranny never earns lasting respect. Now retired, Swannack continues serving through Welcome Home Patriots (bringing veterans and their families to NASCAR races for VIP experiences) and the Patriot Military Family Foundation (providing PTSD treatment, service dogs, Gold Star family hunts, and holiday support). A candid, inspiring, and often funny masterclass in leadership, resilience, and giving back from one of the Army’s most respected paratrooper generals.
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In this relaxed episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance sits down with western Kentucky outdoors writer and lifelong hunter Will Brantley. The conversation covers Will’s family-centered hunting lifestyle (he, his wife Michelle, and their 11-year-old son live and breathe the outdoors), his career path from devouring 90s hunting magazines to becoming a full-time freelancer for Field & Stream, Petersen’s Hunting, Realtree, and Ducks Unlimited, his Level-2 Deer Steward certification with the National Deer Association, and the tongue-in-cheek “Total Redneck Manual” he co-authored. Richard shares two recent hunts with Will—a wildly fun squirrel hunt that turned him into a believer and a Winchester-sponsored Kentucky rifle deer hunt where he killed a solid rutting buck on the last afternoon with a Model 70 in 6.8 Western—while the pair wrap up praising red dots for thick-timber and turkey hunting. It’s an hour of authentic, zero-BS hunting culture that feels like eavesdropping on two buddies who genuinely live life.
For more on Will and articles he’s written visit: https://www.ducks.org/contents/authors/will-brantley.html
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In this episode of the Taking Aim Podcast, host Richard Nance brings back legendary trainer Dave Spaulding – the show’s first repeat guest – for a candid, no-nonsense masterclass on real-world defensive handgun training. The now-retired Spaulding reflects on closing Handgun Combatives after 11 grueling years, explains why most square-range “go-fast” training creates fragile parlor tricks instead of anchored fighting skills, and stresses the absolute necessity of force-on-force work to overcome tunnel vision, auditory exclusion, and loss of dexterity under true duress. He defends his long-held techniques (inboard slide manipulation, purposeful explosive movement, and keeping the muzzle between you and the threat at all times), shares the origins of his famous 3×5-card and chest-cavity targets, recounts his early adoption of pistol red-dots and bright front sights, and urges new students to study actual gunfights (watch the video on mute first, then decide for themselves) rather than chasing split times, reminding everyone that the fight must be won before any legal aftermath even matters.
Follow Dave on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/handguncombatives/
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In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Travis Haley—Force Recon Marine, founder of Haley Strategic Partners, and newly named Guest of Honor at the Marine Corps’ 250th Anniversary Ball—delving into a lineage of warriors tracing back to the 1775 Revolution, with every male ancestor having fought in every major American conflict. Haley recounts growing up on blood-soaked WWII and Korea stories from his grandfather and father, fueling a lifelong sense of duty that led him to sneak into Force Recon despite orders, master every reconnaissance skill from free-fall to combat diving, and question rigid military instruction with a curiosity that often earned beatdowns but later defined his coaching philosophy: instructors parrot, coaches guide. Transitioning from contractor in Iraq to pioneering Magpul Dynamics’ revolutionary training videos (which sold millions and ignited “Gun Culture 2.0”), Haley evolved into a science-driven disruptor—leveraging biomechanics, ocular physiology, and deliberate slow-motion practice to teach red-dot mastery, stress sight pictures, and why “clear front sight” fails under duress. He champions cultural reform over stagnant systems, launching Warrior Zero in 2026 to rebuild compassion, vulnerability, and brotherhood in the gunfighting community, while his 120,000 sq ft facility churns out adaptive gear born from midnight sewing-machine break-ins and garage CNC experiments. Haley’s core message: culture eats strategy for breakfast—care harder, adapt faster, and never stop asking “why.”
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In this adrenaline-fueled late-night episode of the Taking Aim podcast—hosted by Richard Nance and recorded at in an Airbnb right after crushing the 2025 Tactical Games National Championships—guests Josh and Michelle “Karate Hottie” Waterson Gomez are joined by Team Aimpoint stars Katie (a physical therapist who started shooting just three years ago and took 5th in Women’s Intermediate) and Ivan Cortez (4th in Men’s Tactical) for a raw, hilarious breakdown of the weekend’s brutality. The crew dives into their wildly diverse backgrounds (UFC legend Michelle transitioning from 18 years of pro fighting to firearms, Katie’s rapid rise in the sport, Ivan’s law-enforcement roots and love for “stress shooting” with a gun in hand, and Josh’s Air Force/boxing-turned-competitive path), gear choices (Staccato and Walther pistols topped with Aimpoint Acro/C2 red dots), and the insane reality of combining CrossFit-level suffering with live-fire precision while wearing plate carriers and hauling 80–200 lb objects. From wind-ripped targets and rope climbs that wreck your grip to the mental trick of “you get to do this” that keeps smiles on faces through the pain, the conversation captures the addictive mix of camaraderie, problem-solving, and sheer exhaustion that makes the Tactical Games one of the most punishing—and rewarding—sports out there.
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In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance welcomes Mike Hernandez, CEO of Fieldcraft Survival, a company blending gear and training to foster everyday resilience rather than doomsday paranoia. Hernandez shares his 15-year background in behavioral health, working with Arizona’s 15,000–20,000 children in state custody through wraparound services, which deepened his gratitude for stable upbringings and fueled his focus on proactive preparedness. The duo emphasizes training over gear, defining preparedness as an ongoing, preemptive conversation tailored to location, budget, and family needs—spanning the core pillars of person (fitness, mindset, firearms), mobility (vehicles), and home. Real-world examples highlight simple fixes that save lives: keeping vehicles above a quarter-tank of fuel, carrying jumper packs and tire plug kits, securing seatbelt cutters/window breakers, and stocking go-bags with water, fire starters, trauma kits, and life-sustaining meds. Hunting mishaps, like a friend lost overnight in a storm or a hunter surviving 20 days in snow, underscore the need for situational awareness, while urban scenarios stress sourcing water from pools or treating chlorine. Hernandez advocates red dots for faster target acquisition, pistol-caliber carbines for ammo compatibility, and Field Craft’s core courses in pistol, carbine, medical, and vehicle mobility to build practical skills that turn potential disasters into manageable inconveniences.
Visit Fieldcraft Survival at: https://fieldcraftsurvival.com/Follow Fieldcraft Survival on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fieldcraftsurvival/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/
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In this engaging episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance welcomes longtime friend and former Delta Force veteran Kyle Lamb, whose 21-year military career included over 15 years in the elite unit, sparked by his rural South Dakota roots and a desire for adventure beyond farming. Lamb recounts joining the Army in 1986, progressing from the 82nd Airborne to Special Forces and Delta, where he honed skills in combat, leadership, and unconventional tactics during operations like the Battle of Mogadishu—viewing the Black Hawk Down film as entertaining fiction that highlighted family sacrifices back home more than battlefield heroics. Transitioning to civilian life, he co-founded Viking Tactics with his wife, developing innovative gear like adjustable slings, battle belts, and training targets born from real-world needs, while authoring books on marksmanship (Stay in the Fight, Green Eyes and Black Rifles), leadership (Leadership in the Shadows), and upcoming biblical war stories. Lamb emphasizes medical and driving training over pure shooting, learning from civilian champions like Jerry Barnhart and Rob Leatham, and now channels his creative side into knife forging, poetry with gallows humor for mental respite, NRL Hunter competition for long-range hunting confidence, and the Stay in the Fight Foundation—a 501(c)(3) aiding anyone with medical bills through direct payments and donation-driven custom blades. The conversation blends humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom, underscoring Lamb's ongoing mission to mentor, innovate, and give back.
Visit Viking Tactics at: https://www.vikingtactics.com/
Follow Kyle on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/vikingtactics/
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In this episode of Aimpoint’s Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Steve Fisher, a renowned firearms instructor and consultant from Sentinel Concepts. Fisher shares his journey from a hunting background in Michigan to becoming a key figure in the firearms industry, starting with trap and skeet shooting and progressing to product development with companies like EOTech and Magpul Dynamics. He discusses his consulting work, emphasizing the importance of early end-user feedback in product design, and reflects on his training philosophy, influenced by icons like Colonel Cooper and Pat Rogers, particularly Rogers' mantra of giving students what they need, not what they want. Fisher also highlights the challenges of the training lifestyle, the impact of Magpul Dynamics’ videos in mainstreaming tactical training, and his minimalist approach to gear, advocating for practical accessories like red dots while prioritizing skill development. The episode offers insights into Fisher’s extensive experience and the evolving firearms training landscape.
Visit Sentinel Concepts at: https://sentinelconcepts.com/Follow Steve on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sentinel_cncpts/?hl=enCheck out Gun Talk on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/guntalktvFollow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/
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In this episode of Aimpoint’s Taking Aim podcast, hosted by Richard Nance interviews Kelly McCann, a former Marine Corps infantry commander and special operations veteran known for his pioneering work in combatives and firearms training. McCann shares his journey from learning hand-to-hand combat from his military family to developing a reality-based combatives system that emphasizes gross motor skills, adaptability, and the "will to fight" over outdated, formulaic techniques. He discusses debunking myths like "muscle memory," his early adoption of red dot sights on pistols in the late 1980s, and his rigorous instructor certification process that tests candidates’ ability to perform under pressure. With a career spanning work with elite units, founding the multimillion-dollar Crucible training company, and media contributions under the alias Jim Grover, McCann’s insights into realistic self-defense, tactical innovation, and mental toughness resonate strongly with the podcast’s tactical audience.
Follow Kembatvitz at: https://www.instagram.com/kembativz/?hl=enCheck out Kembatvitz at: kembativz.com
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In this episode of Aimpoint’s Taking Aim podcast, hosted by Richard Nance, guest Ryan Gresham of Gun Talk Media shares his unique journey in the firearms media industry, influenced by his grandfather Grits Gresham, a host on ABC’s American Sportsman, and his father Tom, a pioneer in firearms radio. Ryan recounts his early exposure to guns and media, his career path through radio, advertising, and television, and how Hurricane Katrina in 2005 led him to join Gun Talk, expanding it from 52 to 270 radio stations, adding podcasts, and producing TV shows like First Person Defender. The discussion explores the evolution of firearms media, the importance of force-on-force training for concealed carry, and emerging trends like social media-driven gun customization. Ryan’s insights highlight the blend of education, entertainment, and accessibility in the firearms industry, with a nod to practical training at Gun Talk’s Range Ready facility.
Visit Gun Talk Media at: https://www.guntalk.com/Check out Gun Talk on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/guntalktvFollow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/
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In this episode of Aimpoint’s Taking Aim podcast, hosted by Richard Nance, guest John Correia, founder of Active Self Protection, shares his journey from a Navy veteran and pastor to a leading voice in evidence-based self-defense education. Correia discusses how his realization that self-defense must be grounded in logic and real-world principles, rather than outdated traditions, led to the creation of ASP’s massive YouTube platform, boasting 3.5 million subscribers and 1.9 billion views. He emphasizes the importance of studying real attack videos to develop practical, principle-based strategies, recounts his transition into video content creation after learning editing skills to enhance viewer engagement, and highlights the effectiveness of red dot sights, like Aimpoint’s, for faster and more accurate shooting. Correia also contrasts the civilian mission of breaking contact with threats against law enforcement’s approach, advocating for less-lethal tools like OC spray when appropriate, while underscoring the need for preparedness against deadly threats.
Check out Active Self Protection on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsE_m2z1NrvF2ImeNWh84mwVisit Active Self Protection at: https://activeselfprotection.com/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/
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In this episode of Aimpoint’s Taking Aim podcast, hosted by Richard Nance, guest Eric Poole, the 14th editor-in-chief of Guns & Ammo magazine, shares his journey into gun writing and his deep connection to firearms. Nance recounts meeting Poole 17 years ago at a Black Hawk gun writers’ event, which sparked his own career in writing after Poole encouraged him to contribute to gun magazines. Poole details his path, from a Marine Corps veteran and designated marksman during the 2003 Iraq invasion to becoming an armorer at the NRA and Blackwater, where his technical expertise shaped his writing. He discusses his passion for historical firearms, inspired by his VMI rifle team experience, and his role in launching the Guns & Ammo Buzz podcast to reach new audiences. Poole also highlights Aimpoint’s optics, praising the Acro’s innovative mounting and the RDS-MR’s versatile reticle, emphasizing their reliability for tactical and civilian use. The episode blends personal anecdotes, professional insights, and practical advice for aspiring gun writers, underscoring the importance of teamwork and multimedia platforms in the firearms industry.Check out the Guns and Ammo website at: https://www.gunsandammo.com/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/
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In this episode of the Taking Aim Podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Rick Hogg, a retired Special Operations veteran with 29 years of military service, including 13 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and the founder of War HOGG Tactical. The discussion explores Hogg’s extensive military background, starting with the 82nd Airborne and transitioning to Special Forces, and how his real-world combat experience shapes his training philosophy. Hogg shares how a pivotal moment in 2002, when soldiers credited his training for saving their lives, inspired the creation of War HOGG Tactical, which provides firearms training for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel. The episode delves into War HOGG Tactical’s offerings, including pistol, carbine, K9, and low-light training, with a focus on practical skills like red dot usage and proper light application. Hogg emphasizes the importance of robust equipment, realistic training (e.g., Project Officer Survival for law enforcement), and a mindset focused on survivability in deadly force encounters. Key topics include the transition from iron sights to red dots, the value of a firearms training notebook for tracking progress, and the need for well-rounded skills, including empty-hand techniques and legal knowledge, to prepare for real-world threats. The episode underscores Hogg’s passion for enhancing marksmanship and tactical proficiency across all levels, driven by his commitment to saving lives through training.
Follow Rick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warhoggtactical/Check out Rick’s website at: https://www.warhogg.com/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/
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On this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance sat down with Tom Beckstrand, Guns & Ammo Rifle and Optics Editor, tracing his journey from plinking beer bottles in Nevada to serving as a West Point graduate, Ranger School alum, Special Forces team leader in Afghanistan, and sniper team leader in Iraq with the Commanders In-Extremis Force, enhanced by Marine Corps Scout Sniper training. Tom shares his combat-informed perspective on selecting reliable bolt-action rifles for precision, debunking cheap scope myths, and praising Aimpoint red dots for ruggedness, while highlighting NRL Hunter competitions for practical marksmanship skills. He reflects on his 2020 Bill McRae Lifetime Achievement Award for educating shooters and his passion for sharing knowledge through Guns & Ammo TV, emphasizing learning from failure and choosing dependable gear for critical tasks.
Check out Guns & Ammo at: https://www.gunsandammo.com/
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On this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance sat down with Jared Reston, a seasoned SWAT veteran from Jacksonville, shares his journey from an athletic youth inspired by his law enforcement brother to a decorated officer with 17 years of full-time SWAT experience. He recounts a harrowing 2008 shootout at a mall, where a routine shoplifting call escalated into a life-or-death gunfight, leaving him severely wounded but victorious due to his training and mindset. Jared emphasizes the critical role of mental preparation, reliable gear, and rigorous training in surviving deadly encounters, offering insights from his extensive career, including over a thousand SWAT operations and leadership roles. Now retired, he trains both law enforcement and civilians through his company, stressing the importance of humility, teamwork, and preparation for high-stakes situations, while also working with Safariland to promote quality duty gear.
Follow Jared on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reston_group/?hl=enCheck out Jared’s website at: https://www.restongrouptraining.com/default.aspxFollow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/
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On this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance sat down with “The Collector,” to dive into his passion for acquiring everything from cars and pinball machines to firearms and rare collectibles. One highlight of their conversation was 'The Colletor's' acquisition of a rare John Wick-themed safe—one of only four in existence—originally intended to be part of a ten-unit run before legal issues shut production down. The safe, fully stocked with screen-accurate firearms and ornate details like real marble and a velvet couch, became a centerpiece of his collection and a staple of his YouTube content. The Collector also discussed his firearm preferences, noting a strong leaning toward carbines over pistols and a near-obsessive love for red dot optics, especially Aimpoint’s P-2 and C-2 models. He estimates owning around 600 firearms and an uncountable number of optics. Despite the scale of his collection, he emphasized that each piece—especially the John Wick safe—was acquired with enthusiasm (and full support from his equally passionate wife), blending functionality, storytelling, and cinematic nostalgia.
Follow “The Collector”’ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_collector_yt/
Subscribe to “The Collector’s” YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCollectorOfFirepowerCheck out “The Collector’s” website at: https://thecollectorsapparel.com/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/
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On this episode of the The Taking Aim Podcast, On this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, Duane Liptak dives deep into the technical evolution and practical application of rifle setups, optics, and shooting fundamentals. He explores the balance between low power variable optics (LPVOs) and red dot sights, highlighting their strengths in different engagement scenarios—from rapid target acquisition at close range to precision identification at distance. Liptak also breaks down the anatomy of a truly versatile AR platform, emphasizing the importance of properly tuned components like the barrel, bolt carrier group, buffer system, and rail rigidity. Throughout the conversation, he underscores how advancements in lighting systems and optics have significantly enhanced shooter performance and efficiency, especially in real-world environments.
Follow Duane Liptak on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duaneliptak/
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On The Taking Aim Podcast, former Navy SEAL and world-record-holding skydiver Andy Stumpf opened up about his remarkable journey from combat injury to pushing physical and mental limits for a greater cause. After taking a round to the hip in combat, Stumpf faced a long and grueling recovery, dealing with nerve damage that still affects him today. Despite the setback, he found purpose beyond the battlefield, setting a world record wingsuit jump in 2015 to raise money for the Navy SEAL Foundation. He also shared insights on red dot optics, stressing that effectiveness outweighs dogma, and that training—regardless of equipment—is what truly matters. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and adapting to life’s hardest transitions while continuing to serve a mission bigger than himself.
Follow Andy Stumpf on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andystumpf212/?hl=en
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