Eat Blog Talk

Eat Blog Talk is a supportive, practical podcast for food bloggers who want to build sustainable, profitable businesses without burning out. Each episode offers honest conversations, clear guidance, and real world strategies to help you grow with intention. You’ll hear from experienced food bloggers and trusted experts sharing what actually works right now, from traffic and monetization to systems, mindset, and long term growth. We cover topics like SEO, social media, Pinterest, keyword research, brand partnerships, and content strategy, while also diving into mindset and decision making. Because building a successful blog isn’t just about tactics, it’s about creating a business that supports your life, not the other way around. New episodes publish every Monday.

787: The Blogger’s Guide to YouTube - Traffic, Email Growth, and Income with Maria Lucey 02/02/2026

787: The Blogger’s Guide to YouTube - Traffic, Email Growth, and Income with Maria Lucey Megan chats with Maria Lucey about how she built a profitable food brand through YouTube alone and why long form video is one of the smartest growth moves food bloggers can make right now. Maria Lucey is a Registered Dietitian and content creator who launched her YouTube channel at the end of 2023 and grew it to over 44,000 subscribers in just over two years. Her channel focuses on long-form nutrition education and practical recipes that help people meet their health goals. Although she didn’t have a blog when she started YouTube, Maria quickly recognized how the two platforms could complement each other and began building her blog soon after. Today, YouTube is her second-largest traffic source after Google and has helped her grow an email list of more than 6,000 subscribers, primarily through YouTube opt-ins, despite her blog still being relatively small. She monetizes through brand partnerships, YouTube and Mediavine ad revenue, and digital products. Maria is passionate about showing that anyone can start from zero - she began with no SEO or camera experience and built her platform through consistency and learning along the way. She also emphasizes how well blogging skills transfer to YouTube, and recently was flown to Los Angeles to collaborate with some of the platform’s most established creators. What if you stopped chasing every platform and committed fully to one that actually builds trust, authority, and income? In this episode, Maria Lucey shares exactly how she grew a YouTube channel to nearly 50,000 subscribers in just over two years, monetized early, built a massive email list, and replaced her full time clinical job without relying on SEO or social media trends. This conversation breaks down what really works on YouTube for food creators and why consistency beats perfection every time. Key Topics Discussed: Future Consistency beats talent every time: Posting one video per week built momentum, skill, and confidence long before results showed up. YouTube rewards commitment not volume: Growth came from showing up weekly, not from posting more often or gaming the algorithm. Your first videos will be bad and that is the point: Improvement only happens through repetition and publishing before you feel ready. Monetization can happen faster than you think: Maria reached YouTube monetization within six months by focusing on watch time and value. Email lists convert extremely well from YouTube: Simple lead magnets tied directly to video topics drove consistent list growth. Packaging matters as much as content: Titles and thumbnails determine whether your video gets clicked at all. Curiosity outperforms keywords early on: Intrigue driven titles helped videos get discovered before shifting to SEO later. Connect with Maria Lucey | | /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/39851140

786: How to Keep Going When You're Not Seeing Results with Liz Pollio 01/26/2026

785: The Smarter Way to Grow in 2026 (That Has Nothing to Do with Google) with Zhen Zhou 01/19/2026

785: The Smarter Way to Grow in 2026 (That Has Nothing to Do with Google) with Zhen Zhou Megan chats with Zhen Zhou about surviving a massive traffic hit, rebuilding income through diversification, and rethinking what it really means to build a sustainable food blog. Zhen Zhou downshifted from a corporate track post-MBA to full-time content creation and is loving it. She currently runs three blogs: greedygirlgourmet.com, alovelettertoasia.com, and tjtakesthetrain.com. If your blog has felt like a roller coaster since the HCU, this episode will feel grounding. Zhen shares what happened when her traffic dropped by 70 percent, why she stopped obsessing over Google, and how systems, funnels, and brand clarity helped her move forward without burning out. This is not a silver bullet episode. It is an honest look at adapting in a landscape that keeps changing. Key Topics Discussed: Stop waiting for Google to save you: Relying on one traffic source is no longer realistic and waiting it out keeps you stuck. Diversification works but it is not simple: Running multiple sites helped offset losses but also revealed how much energy different niches require. Pinterest needs a system not hope: Random pinning creates noise while structured testing creates clarity and consistency. Your sub niche matters more than you think: Seasonality and trends behave differently depending on what type of food you actually publish. Traffic without a funnel is fragile: Fewer clicks can outperform big traffic when those clicks lead somewhere intentional. Email challenges outperform free downloads: Inviting people into an experience builds stronger engagement and fewer unsubscribes. Branding starts before colors and logos: A blog needs a reason to exist beyond recipes if you want people to seek you out. Hope is a better strategy than fear: Letting fear dictate decisions leads to paralysis while hope keeps you moving forward. Connect with Zhen Zhou | /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/39673165

784: Why Podcasting Is a Powerful Growth Channel for Food Bloggers with Traci DeForge 01/12/2026

784: Why Podcasting Is a Powerful Growth Channel for Food Bloggers with Traci DeForge Traci DeForge teaches us why podcasting can be one of the most sustainable ways to grow a food blog, create multiple revenue streams and build valuable relationships. Traci, founder of , an award-winning full-service production and audience growth marketing agency, is recognized as an international podcast expert, sought-after speaker, and media contributor. The creator of the , the industry’s only certified podcast manager training program, , and Co-Founder of the Traci hosts the , and co-hosts the popular in Los Angeles. She's been featured on all three major networks, including CNN, CTV, American Express Open, and RadioINK. She is also a member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council. Podcasting is often dismissed as too much work or not visual enough for food creators. In this episode, that assumption gets challenged. Traci breaks down why audio builds deeper trust, how podcasting supports SEO and AI discovery, and why consistency matters more than perfection. If you have ever thought “this sounds great but I don’t have the capacity,” this conversation will help you rethink what podcasting can actually look like. Key Topics Discussed: Clarity before creation: If you do not know why you are launching a podcast, it will never feel sustainable. Consistency beats frequency: One high quality episode you can maintain is more powerful than weekly content you resent producing. Guesting counts as a strategy: You can build authority and reach new audiences without running your own show. Audio builds deeper trust: People invite podcasts into their kitchens, cars, and daily routines and that matters. Podcasting supports SEO and AI discovery: Audio and video content increase repetition and visibility across search and AI platforms. Food content works without visuals: Storytelling, sensory language, and real life examples make recipes come alive in audio. You do not need fancy gear: A simple microphone and a phone are enough to get started. Connect with Traci DeForge | /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/39517155

783: Why Depth, Intention, and Real Strategy Matter More Than Ever with Christine Pittman, Meredith Kruse and Melissa Erdelac 01/05/2026

782: Mindset Management for Creators - Hustle Culture Worth It? with Chanda Coston 12/29/2025

782: Mindset Management for Creators - Hustle Culture Worth It? with Chanda Coston Megan chats with Chanda Coston about building real success without burnout and why hustle culture is not worth the price. Chanda Coston is a U.S. Navy Veteran, Business Strategist, and Founder of Chanda Co., where she helps entrepreneurs build profitable, purpose-driven businesses without sacrificing peace or passion. With over 20 years of leadership experience and a background in project management, she teaches systems, mindset, and strategy that enable creative professionals, like food bloggers, to grow sustainably, delegate effectively, and avoid burnout. Her coaching blends structure and soul, because clarity and calm are the ultimate success tools. Burnout is not a badge of honor. In this episode, Chanda breaks down what sustainable success actually looks like and why systems, boundaries, and self trust matter more than working harder. This conversation is a reset for anyone who feels overwhelmed, reactive, or constantly behind. Key Topics Discussed: Burnout is a warning, not a requirement: If your business only works when you are exhausted, something is broken and it is not you. Mindset comes before strategy: No system will stick if you believe rest equals failure or productivity defines your worth. Self awareness changes everything: Learning your personal burnout cues helps you intervene before things spiral. CEO themed days create clarity: Structuring your week around focus areas removes daily decision fatigue. Boundaries protect your energy: Time blocks only work when you are willing to turn things off and say no. Delegation is not optional for growth: If you are the single point of failure, your business cannot scale. Guilt is not a good decision maker: Especially for moms, choosing yourself now creates a better future for everyone. If You Loved This Episode… You’ll love Connect with Chanda Coston | /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/39493640

781: Stop Forcing Creativity - How To Plan And Manage a Repeatable Workflow To Prevent Burnout with Vinny DelGuidice 12/25/2025

780: “I Decided I Was Going to Be the Driver” - Leaving a 9-to-5 for Full-Time Blogging with Cheryl Norris 12/22/2025

780: “I Decided I Was Going to Be the Driver” - Leaving a 9-to-5 for Full-Time Blogging with Cheryl Norris Megan chats with Cheryl Norris about what the transition from corporate employee to full time blogger really looks like and how to navigate it with purpose. Cheryl Norris is the founder of the Bakes by Brown Sugar baking blog, where she specializes in baked goods for the homebaker. She combines her technical background as a mechanical engineer and self-taught baker to write detailed recipes and explain the baking science behind her recipes. She lives in Porltand, OR with her husband. She recently left her full time job and now operates her food blog full time. In addition to her business, Cheryl loves to travel. Her favorite city is Paris, but her favorite food country is Japan. She also loves to read and is always up to learning something new. Cheryl’s story is raw, honest, and deeply helpful for anyone dreaming of going full time. She walks through the emotional and logistical challenges of leaving a 37 year career, the mindset shift that changed everything, and the systems that helped her step into entrepreneurship with clarity instead of chaos. This conversation is a roadmap for anyone craving freedom but unsure how to get there. Key points discussed include: Be the driver in your own transition: Learn how Cheryl reclaimed control during layoffs and turned fear into clarity. Know your numbers before you leap: She breaks down the financial reality that helped her make a confident decision. Plan your first 90 days intentionally: Hear how a transition roadmap reduces stress and brings direction. Write your own job description: Understand your role, hours, and expectations the same way you would in any company. Create an ideal week you can stick to: Build structure so your time expands your work rather than swallows it. Expect the emotional dip: Cheryl names the “pit of incompetence” and why it is a normal part of leveling up. Use systems that support your brain: Learn why tools like ClickUp or a simple planner can be the difference between drifting and momentum. Remember why you started: Returning to the love of baking helped Cheryl find joy and energy again. Connect with Cheryl Norris | /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/39249395

779: The Instagram Strategy Behind 200K Followers (In 5 Minutes) with Natalie Battaglia 12/18/2025

779: The Instagram Strategy Behind 200K Followers (In 5 Minutes) with Natalie Battaglia Natalie Battaglia teaches us simple and sustainable Instagram growth strategies that attract loyal followers without burnout. Natalie Battaglia is the founder of The Mindful Mocktail, a blog and Instagram community dedicated to helping people celebrate without alcohol. What began as a way to share simple, beautiful mocktails has grown into a global destination for wellness-inspired drinks that anyone can make at home. Through her website, social channels, and book The Mindful Mocktail, Nat inspires people to drink mindfully, explore new flavors, and find joy in the ritual of making a beautiful drink. If you are tired of shouting into the Instagram void, this conversation will feel like oxygen. Natalie breaks down the exact behaviors that helped her build a global brand, including the five minute reel that brought in more than two hundred thousand followers. She offers clear, doable strategies for retention, repurposing, analytics, and building true community so you can grow with intention instead of pressure. Key points discussed include: Create for the people already watching: Learn how to connect deeply with your audience so your content lands and keeps landing. Use compilations to attract new followers: Discover why short, punchy highlight reels are powerful growth machines. Retention drives the algorithm: You will understand exactly why watch time outweighs likes and how to optimize for it. Repurpose with intention: Save your best visuals, build quick compilations, and grow without reinventing the wheel. Analytics are your creative compass: Let your retention and skip rates tell you what to make next instead of guessing. Trending audio still matters: Use audio strategically and early to ride momentum rather than chase it. Caption writing is storytelling: Craft a strong first line that acts like a hook and earns the next tap. Quality beats quantity: Posting frequency and why two solid pieces a week can outperform daily content. Connect with Natalie Battaglia | /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/39249350

778: Is Your Blog Ready for AI Search? The AEO Strategy You Need Now with Hanelore Dumitrache 12/15/2025

778: Is Your Blog Ready for AI Search? The AEO Strategy You Need Now with Hanelore Dumitrache Hanelore Dumitrache explains Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and what bloggers must change now to stay visible in an AI driven search world. Hanelore is a food blogger, AI strategist, and founder of the tech startup Whimzi AI. She helps creators and businesses future-proof their work through innovative, human-centered AI solutions. Hanelore is also the creator of AEO Audits, a pioneering framework that teaches bloggers how to stay visible in AI-driven search. Her mission is to make AI approachable, practical, and genuinely exciting for everyone. Search has transformed and AI engines no longer rely on rigid keyword matching. Instead, they understand intent, context and entities in a way traditional SEO cannot cover alone. Hanelore breaks down AEO, the new optimization approach that helps search engines correctly interpret your content and surface it inside AI answers. She explains why bloggers are losing traffic, what AEO does differently, and the exact shifts you can begin making today to prepare your blog for the future of search. Key points discussed include: Search is now semantic and AI engines match meaning and intent, not keyword density. AEO complements SEO because you still need technical foundations, but now you must add clarity and entity based structure. Authority matters more than ever so your author profile, expertise and topical focus must be consistent across the web. Topic clusters build credibility and prevent AI from seeing your blog as scattered or unfocused. Clear structure fuels visibility because AI engines need concise definitions, strong headings and anchored explanations. FAQ blocks strengthen retrieval and short, direct answers boost your chances of being cited. Internal linking reinforces meaning and helps AI connect your content into a coherent knowledge graph. Early adopters win because AI models learn historically, rewarding blogs that begin optimizing now. Connect with Hanelore Dumitrache | /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/39210615

777: The Framework That Helped Build a 7-Figure Brand (And Can Work for You, Too) with Lindsay Pinchuk 12/11/2025

777: The Framework That Helped Build a 7-Figure Brand (And Can Work for You, Too) with Lindsay Pinchuk Megan chats with Lindsay Pinchuk about simplifying your marketing through her SWEEP framework so you can finally stay consistent without burning out. Lindsay is an award-winning entrepreneur, consultant, and small business mentor who’s among the less than 1% of female founders to successfully lead her company through an acquisition. She built her first company, Bump Club and Beyond, from just $500 into a 7-figure brand with partnerships that included Target, Nordstrom, Huggies, and Unilever, reaching over 3 million people every month before selling the business to a large agency holding company. Today, Lindsay is the founder of Dear FoundHer..., a top 0.5% podcast and community supporting women business owners over 40. Through her podcast, newsletter, mentorship program, and her signature SWEEP framework, she helps entrepreneurs simplify their marketing, grow their businesses, and build long-term success. She built a seven figure business without an ad budget, and the strategy behind it is surprisingly simple. In this episode she breaks down SWEEP, the system she created to help entrepreneurs amplify content through social media, their website, email, events and partnerships. You will hear why repurposing is non-negotiable, why consistency beats complexity, and how food bloggers can use SWEEP to grow without feeling like they have to be everywhere at once. Key points discussed include: Consistency drives everything and most creators struggle because they overcomplicate their marketing. Repurposing is a power move and one blog post can fuel days of content across multiple platforms. Social media is free awareness so choose two platforms you can commit to and post intentionally. Email is your conversion engine and it will always outperform social media for clicks and sales. Events accelerate trust whether in person or virtual, because your audience gets direct access to you. Partnerships expand your reach by borrowing other people’s audiences and creating mutual value. Publicity builds authority and podcast guesting is one of the fastest, most overlooked ways to grow. A simple process wins so map out your sweep for each blog post and repeat it every time. Connect with Lindsay Pinchuk | /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/39210575

776: Hormone Cycles, Focus, and Doing Less for Bigger Results with Megan Flatt 12/08/2025

775: How to Build A Mindset That Makes You Unstoppable With Tasheena Womack 12/04/2025

774: Best Organic Traffic Strategies That Help Food Bloggers Grow With Kat Duncan 12/01/2025

774: Best Organic Traffic Strategies That Help Food Bloggers Grow With Kat Duncan Megan chats to Kat Duncan about sustainable organic traffic and why intentional content, email strategy and high volume output matter more than chasing trends. Kat is the CEO of Honeycomb Media, a women-owned and operated marketing agency that works primarily with food bloggers. Passionate about marketing and social media from a young age, Kat has spent the past five years helping bloggers grow their online presence. Under her leadership, Honeycomb Media has become especially strong at driving organic traffic for food bloggers. She lives on the coast of South Carolina with her husband and their two kids. Kat loves that her work revolves around food and is dedicated to giving bloggers the tools and support they need to succeed in such a competitive space. She breaks down the platforms that actually move the needle right now and why food bloggers should lean into email, Pinterest, social search and consistent publishing. She shares what is working for clients across Honeycomb Media, how to approach Newsbreak and MSN, and what it really takes to stay visible in a competitive landscape. If you want long term, steady traffic instead of algorithm anxiety, this is your roadmap. Key points discussed include: Email is your easiest win and a simple popup can grow your list fast. Roundups drive reliable traffic especially when you keep them clear and helpful. Pinterest is resurging and rewards high volume, real imagery and authentic recipes. Social media is now a search engine and people want real food from real creators. Newsbreak and MSN still matter and can be lucrative for high output creators. Google is rewarding connection so write for humans and skip the keyword stuffing. Interlinking builds authority and keeps readers exploring your site. You cannot do everything alone so output eventually requires support and strategy. If You Loved This Episode… You’ll love Connect with Kat Duncan | /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/39076120

773: Starting a Food Blog Today - What You Actually Need to Succeed with Hannah Holzum 11/27/2025

772: How to Grow On Instagram Using Stories (Without Overthinking It) with Shannon McKinstrie 11/24/2025

771: No Ads, No Gimmicks - How to Build a Purpose-Driven Business That Lasts with Molly Patrick 11/20/2025

770: Ways To Plan Ahead And Protect Your Energy (Especially in Q4) with Zoe Forestier 11/17/2025

769: How to Know When It's Time to Redesign Your Food Blog With Rachel Cunliffe 11/13/2025

769: How to Know When It's Time to Redesign Your Food Blog With Rachel Cunliffe Rachel Cunliffe teaches us about transforming a cluttered website into a calm, focused space that serves both you and your readers. Rachel is the founder of Cre8d Design, a web design and development studio that helps creators and businesses build websites that are beautiful, clean, user-friendly, and fast. Cre8d has worked in the space for over two decades, specializing in custom WordPress design, audience experience, and content strategy. At Cre8d, the team partners closely with clients to clarify their goals, organize their content, and create websites that genuinely reflect who they are and that people love to use. Their work blends thoughtful design, modern tech, and a deep respect for the people behind the websites. Over time, even the best food blogs start to feel like overstuffed pantries: too many ingredients, not enough order. Web designer Rachel Cunliffe joins us to explain how to know when it’s time for a redesign and how to approach it with clarity, calm, and intention. She breaks down the process of simplifying your site, creating a distraction-free reader experience, and reclaiming the joy in your digital space. This is your invitation to pause, tidy up, and let your creativity breathe again. Key points discussed include: Trust your gut: If your site feels messy, your readers feel it too. Design for calm: People crave clarity, not chaos - keep it simple and focused. Your website is your pantry: Take everything out, organize what matters, toss what’s expired. Pop-ups aren’t the enemy, but timing matters: Be intentional about when and where you use them. Write like a human again: Authentic stories connect faster than optimized fluff. Your brand should evolve: Outdated design can quietly hold you back. Simplify the tech: A site that’s easy to update keeps you consistent and confident. Distraction-free = trust: The cleaner the experience, the stronger the connection. Connect with Rachel Cunliffe | /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/38797520

768: Called to Love - Finding Purpose, Healing, and Humanity in a Chaotic World With Diane Woodford 11/10/2025

768: Called to Love - Finding Purpose, Healing, and Humanity in a Chaotic World With Diane Woodford Megan chats with Diane Woodford about living a life led by love, embracing purpose in uncertainty, and why the most powerful thing food bloggers can do right now is be deeply human. Diane Woodford is a retired critical healthcare professional and educator. She is also a published author, speaker, philanthropist, co-host of Love Drops Podcast, creator of Paths2transformation website, and world traveler. With a deep commitment to serving humanity, Diane focuses on mentoring young women and raising the energy wherever she goes. Diane is currently traveling around Europe with her husband Charles on a remarkable journey, embodying love in action as One Love Ambassadors spreading love at every stop while making incredible human connections. Diane Woodford shares her journey of traveling the world with her husband, Charles, spreading compassion and human connection wherever they go. From overcoming near tragedy to offering hope through storytelling, Diane reminds us that love is the ultimate creative force and the one energy that crosses all barriers. She challenges us to quiet the noise, trust the nudge, and create from the heart, because that’s where real impact begins. Key points discussed include: Say yes to the adventure: When you follow the quiet nudge inside, your path unfolds with purpose. Lead with love, not fear: Your energy changes a room long before your words do. Human connection beats AI every time: No algorithm can taste your food, feel your story, or replicate your presence. Let it come, let it be, let it go: A simple mantra to move through chaos with grace. Turn pain into purpose: Even life’s hardest storms can become spaces for healing others. Stay present: Joy and clarity live in the “now,” not in the what-ifs or should-haves. Forgive to free yourself: Love isn’t weakness, it’s the boldest form of strength. Be here now: When you stop forcing outcomes, everything you need finds you. Connect with Diane Woodford /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/38797155

767: How Food Bloggers Can Drive Traffic and Sales Through Human-Focused Email Marketing With Melissa Seideman 11/06/2025

766: The Myth of Someday (Mindset & Self-Care) 11/05/2025

765: Turn Your Expertise into Income - Building a Profitable Digital Product Strategy With Destini Copp 11/03/2025

764: What’s Working (and Not) in Food Blogging and a Big Eat Blog Talk Announcement with Megan Porta & Taryn Solie 10/30/2025

763: When Fear Keeps You Stuck (Mindset & Self-Care) 10/29/2025

762: Stop Learning. Start Doing - A Formula for Real Growth With Pat Flynn 10/27/2025

761: The Truth About Bestsellers And How To Write a Book That Matters With MIchael Drew 10/23/2025

760: Longing for Aliveness (Mindset & Self-Care) 10/22/2025

759: How To Start Over - The Mindset Shifts That Turn Setbacks into Strength With Julie Gaeta 10/20/2025

758: How To Rebuild Your Blog After Hacks, Hijacks, and Heartbreak With Laura Ashley Johnson 10/16/2025

758: How To Rebuild Your Blog After Hacks, Hijacks, and Heartbreak With Laura Ashley Johnson Laura Ashley Johnson teaches us what it takes to push through massive setbacks and rebuild a thriving food blog with grit, faith, and community. Dinner in 321 is a place for food and nutrition inspiration for cooks of all levels, busy families and food lovers! It’s Laura Ashley’s mission to make cooking fun, share delicious and nutritious recipes (comfort food, crockpot meals, casseroles, southern cooking, and nostalgic recipes), and spread joy! She’s a Kentucky girl now Texan, married, with two kids (one graduate from A&M now a chemical engineer and the other graduating in May in Computer Science from Texas Tech), and a dog named Butter and cat named Newman. She LOVES cooking, trying new restaurants, traveling to NYC, camping in their Airstream, everything Fall and Christmas, and simply spending time at home with her family. Laura Ashley Johnson faced every blogger’s nightmare twice: her website was hijacked for illegal activity and her Facebook audience of nearly half a million was stolen by hackers. Instead of quitting, she rebuilt, monetized, and grew stronger than ever. In this conversation, you’ll hear what kept her going, how she rebuilt from scratch, and why connection and faith are the foundations of her success. Key points discussed include: Vet everything: Protect yourself by carefully verifying every opportunity and brand approach. Ask for help: Trusted peers and mentors can open doors and provide the right contacts when you need them most. Lean on community: Strong relationships inside the blogging world can turn obstacles into growth opportunities. Protect your platforms: Use strong passwords, verification tools, and be wary of fake collaborations. Handle trolls wisely: Don’t feed negativity, focus on loyal supporters instead. Turn off notifications: Boundaries around social media help you protect mental health and joy in your work. Hire with discernment: Build your team from trusted recommendations, not random portals. Connect with Laura Ashley Johnson | - Discover more about her first non-cookbook book! /episode/index/show/eatblogtalk/id/38440195

Eat Blog Talk

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