Podcast
PicklePod
Hosted by The Dink Pickleball · EN
Pickleball's #1 Podcast with Top Pro Zane Navratil and Pickleball Creator, Nico The Lefty. Some would say it’s a “Picklers” dream podcast with the duo’s loud and unfiltered insights commentating on the good, the bad, and even the ugly sides of the sport as Pickleball undeniably rockets towards mainstream adoption. Weekly rotating topics, guests, tournament recaps, Pickleball pop-culture, player strategies, and more. No comment or topic can breach the PicklePod Non-Valley Zone, everything is in play. It’s on the PicklePod or it didn’t happen. Thomas Shields is the Founder Of “The Dink Pickleball” Media company and Zane Navratil is atop ranked pickleball pro who has won championships on the PPA Tour, APP Tour, and Major League Pickleball. RSSVERIFY
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
This Is What Happens When You Doubt Ben Johns
1w ago01:07:48Tap to summarizeMLP is BACK — and Week 1 in Dallas did not disappoint. The Mad Drops took the whole thing, Ben Johns reminded everyone he is NOT to be slept on, and Danny Townsend made the entire pickleball world do a double-take. Nico and Zane break it all down. Also this week: The Philippines tournament chaos (double gold, two balls, no final), Bao Duong absolutely owns Nico in a text exchange, Owl AI line-calling under the microscope, and Guess My Duper is back. Subscribe and let us know: Who has the highest ceiling in pickleball right now? 👇 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 1:25 Checking the comments section 6:39 Ball choice controversy in the Philippines 15:19 MLP Dallas recap 20:05 The Mad Drops took Dallas by storm 26:49 Columbus has a Dreambreaker problem 31:09 New look 5s struggle in Dallas 36:50 Nico's favorite team in 2026 40:27 Danni changed the women's doubles games 43:50 Zane missed birdwatch in Dallas 47:54 Not trusting AI line calls 50:42 Singles specialists are a real thing 55:04 Previewing MLP Columbus 1:03:11 Guess my DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →MLP Commissioner BREAKS DOWN Massive Changes
2w ago00:31:44Tap to summarizeMajor League Pickleball is back, and Commissioner Samin Odhwani joined PicklePod to explain all of the new changes heading into the season. We break down: - The new MLP tournament format - Super Sunday / Super Monday explained - Dreambreaker substitution strategy - MLP Asia plans - Why million-dollar player spending may not be sustainable - The biggest challenge facing MLP's future Samin also discusses where MLP is headed long term and what still needs to be fixed. Subscribe for more PicklePod episodes, pro interviews, and pickleball news. #pickleball #mlp #majorleaguepickleball #picklepod Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →No Sleep. No Rules. Just Winning. w/ Gabe Tardio + Hayden Patriquin
2w ago01:38:12Tap to summarizeFor this week’s PicklePod, we’re joined by two of the most exciting young stars in pickleball: Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio of the St. Louis Shock. We dive into everything from Shock team culture and MLP pressure to why Gabe ignored traditional pickleball advice and built his own game from scratch. Hayden also opens up about his on-court personality, social media backlash, and finding the balance between playing with emotion and staying under control. We also get into: - The “Shock are chokers” debate - Why Hayden might have the highest ceiling in pickleball - What makes Ben Johns so difficult to beat - Signature shots and unique techniques - The future of pickleball strategy - Gambling stories, trash talk, and complete chaos This episode goes all over the place in the best way possible. One minute we’re breaking down elite strategy and the next we’re talking baccarat, sleep habits, and why nobody actually knows the “right” way to play pickleball. Subscribe and let us know: Who has the highest ceiling in pickleball right now? 👇 Blue Cannatine from Troscriptions is designed to support the mental and physical flow state that pickleball players chase: focused, responsive, smooth, and adaptable — without jitters, crashes, or chaos. Try it today at https://troscriptions.com/dink Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:02 St Louis Shock culture 7:27 Dealing with lofty expectations 13:10 Gabe chooses baccarat over pickleball 17:52 Hayden’s baseball prowess and reaction time 21:50 Doubling down that Hayden is #1 25:26 What does it take to beat Ben & Gabe? 27:38 How Gabe partnered with Ben 32:58 Where Hayden found his swagger 39:59 Gabe stays calm under pressure 42:17 Gabe’s jump from Challenger back to Premier 51:57 The difference from left to right 56:27 Hayden’s flick is totally unique 57:71 Gabe convinces us to choke up 1:01:38 More on Hayden’s flick 1:05:38 Pros vs 5.0s ideas 1:13:04 Guess my DUPR 1:16:12 Skill vs athleticism 1:27:07 Zane’s Gamer Theory 1:29:02 Building your pickleball IQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
Emergency Pod: A Pickleball Brand Just Sold for MILLIONS
3w ago00:36:25Tap to summarizeEmergency pod time. Bread & Butter has officially been acquired by Selkirk, and the pickleball world immediately exploded with questions. So Zane and Nico brought Doug Sapusek on the podcast immediately to talk about the deal, the future of Bread & Butter, and whether the brand is about to change forever. Doug breaks down: - Why he said yes to Selkirk - Whether Bread & Butter will keep its identity - The future of Bread & Butter paddles and apparel - What Selkirk actually wanted from the acquisition - The realities of scaling a pickleball company - Why more acquisitions could be coming Plus: - Doug joins shirtless from a hot tub - Paddle nerd tournament leaks - Malaysia pickleball talk - Nico gets invited to Florida - Zane talks pickleball drama and growing the game Let us know what YOU think in the comments 👇 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Pickleball Finals Are Season 8 of Game of Thrones
3w ago01:09:47Tap to summarizeZane and Nico break down the new “Partners” pickleball documentary series and debate whether it lived up to the hype. From Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio stealing the show, to the Anna Leigh Waters spotlight, the Jaume/Hunter/Paris drama, and the biggest winners and losers of the series — nothing is off limits. The guys also dive into: - Why Championship Sunday feels broken - Zane’s proposal to completely redesign Tour Finals - Whether pickleball needs MORE drama - UPAA rule changes and the serve controversy - Why fans should be allowed to heckle during matches - The future of pro pickleball entertainment Plus: bachelor party Mount Rushmores, Toys R Us nostalgia, and listener comments. Let us know what YOU think in the comments 👇 Listeners get 20% off their entire order at https://www.120life.com/ Just use code: DINK One simple code. A perfect time to refocus—or help someone you care about take their heart health seriously. Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://www.zocdoc.com/THEDINK to find and instantly book a doctor you love today. Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 4:44 Mount Rushmore of bachelor parties 9:02 Grading the Partners doc -- Hayden & Gabe unfiltered 14:29 Winners & Losers of the Partners doc 18:55 Zane & Nico's favorite part of the doc 21:02 The Ricky Bobby Mentality 25:01 Zane fixes the PPA Finals 35:37 PPA Malaysia preview 38:00 Best of 3 or best of 5 on Sundays 43:00 New UPA-A Rulebook no more blowing 50:59 Unsportmanlike penalties and fan behavior 58:02 The new 5s logo drop 59:32 Guess my DUPR 1:02:34 Listener comments -- Nico's proposal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Jack Sock Gets the Last Laugh after BRUTAL Bodybag
May 501:07:29Tap to summarizeThis might have been the WILDEST week in pickleball… and we’re breaking it all down. From Nico’s pro debut at APP Sacramento to nonstop line calling controversy, a controversial body bag on Jack Sock, and a massive $225 MILLION investment shaking up the sport… this episode has EVERYTHING. We dive into: - Nico’s first pro tournament (and what went wrong 😅) - The ongoing line calling drama… and when “mistakes” become cheating - Zane vs Jack Sock 👀 (and the body bag heard around pickleball) - The rise of Tamashima Mukuro and what makes him so dangerous - Why championship Sunday felt… kinda boring - And what the $225M investment means for the future of pickleball Is pickleball growing too fast? Do we need AI line calls ASAP? And is dominance at the top making the sport less exciting? Let us know what YOU think in the comments 👇 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 3:06 Nico's first pro pickleball attempt 8:25 More from APP - Duong Bros in Sacramento 14:02 Bad line calls are becoming a reputation 21:13 Pickleball Inc’s $225 Million investment 28:24 Waiting on the right TV Deal 32:59 Zane gives Jack a 'Welcome to Pickleball' moment 41:18 Nico floored by Danni Townsend's erne 45:54 Number 1 seeds are 162-1 in 2026 52:35 Tama's breakout weekend in Atlanta 1:00:23 Partners show earns a B+ from Zane 1:03:18 Guess my DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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She Thought Pickleball Was a Drinking Game Now She's a Top Pro
Apr 2901:16:13Tap to summarizeDanni Elle Townsend didn’t plan on becoming a pro pickleball player… Now she’s the #3 overall pick in MLP, playing for the defending champion Columbus Sliders. We sat down with Danni LIVE at the Atlanta National Pickleball Club to talk about her journey from Australia to the biggest stage in pickleball—and what it’s actually like stepping into Major League Pickleball as a rookie. In this episode, we get into: How Danni went from casually playing to going pro Making the move from Australia to the U.S. Getting drafted to the Columbus Sliders The pressure of joining a championship team What surprised her most about MLP Rookie life, team dynamics, and behind-the-scenes moments Plus plenty of classic PicklePod chaos If you want to understand where the next wave of pro talent is coming from—this is the episode. Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 1:12 Australian roots 4:42 An illustrious table tennis career 9:05 Training for table tennis in Japan 12:59 How does table tennis convert to pickleball 23:04 Pro pickleball decathlon 27:52 Players in Asia living on moneyball tournaments 31:16 Does pickleball require more skill or athleticism? 35:47 Should blowing the ball be legal? 39:33 Danni + Zane challenge the rules 43:19 Known for playing loud and trash-talking 47:42 How Danni deals with pressure 45:10 Working with a coach 1:01:27 Nerding out on Star Wars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Andre Agassi & James Blake Beat Anna Leigh Waters. Is that a Problem for Pickleball?
Apr 2101:35:46Tap to summarizePicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ This week on the PicklePod, everything goes off the rails. From controversial line calls at the US Open to a shocking paddle-toss disqualification in Sacramento, this might be the most chaotic week in pro pickleball yet. We break down: - The “hooking” controversy everyone is talking about - Why some calls went viral… and others didn’t - The paddle toss DQ that has players divided - Anna Leigh Waters & the Pickleball Slam fallout - Jack Sock’s rise (and what’s next) - Federico’s dominance in men’s singles - Nico’s silver medal run (and what went wrong 👀) Plus: fan roasts, hot takes, and a LOT of opinions. Let us know in the comments: 👉 Was that ball IN or OUT? 👉 Should players still call their own lines? 👉 Was the DQ justified? Blue Cannatine from Troscriptions is designed to support the mental and physical flow state that pickleball players chase: focused, responsive, smooth, and adaptable — without jitters, crashes, or chaos. Try it today at https://troscriptions.com/dink Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:23 Struggles from the US Open 6:35 Hook of the week in women’s doubles 19:10 Can ALW win with every male in the top 10? 24:28 Nico’s bday and Zane ‘loves’ Sacramento 29:58 Eating crow at the PB Slam 32:50 Could Nico win the PB Slam with ALW? 34:45 Jim Kloss delivers a hot take 39:27 Zane lost in the Costa Rica jungle 41:07 Nico’s Sacramento experience 46:23 A new unethical hack unlocked 49:57 Nico vs Zane and the next gen of senior pros 52:02 Lea loses on a technicality 1:00:56 Hunter Johnson defaulted on paddle toss 1:08:40 Jack Sock upsets Chris Haworth 1:10:55 Fahey swims again + Johns/Tardio stay undefeated 1:13:39 First time winners Black/Oncins + Todd/Rohrabacher 1:20:36 We read your comments 1:24:08 College pickleball goals 1:31:33 Guess my DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →The JOOLA Lawsuit, Ben's Impossible Draw, and the $1M Slam
Apr 1401:24:20Tap to summarizePicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ The PicklePod is BACK and this one is loaded. We’re breaking down everything happening in pickleball right now — from the massive US Open Pickleball Championships to the $1,000,000 Pickleball Slam, plus some serious controversy around the JOOLA lawsuit. We also debate one of the hottest takes in the sport right now… 👉 Is pickleball actually MORE demanding than tennis? And to top it off, we attempt to rank the top 10 best pickleball players in the world (pound-for-pound) — and things go off the rails quickly. In this episode: - US Open pickleball = biggest amateur tournament ever? - $1M Pickleball Slam (Annali vs Agassi 👀) - JOOLA lawsuit explained (and why it might not matter) - College pickleball is blowing up - PPA Sacramento preview + new partnerships - INSANE Ben Johns singles draw - “Guess My DUPR” returns - Our chaotic Top 10 player rankings 👇 Drop your takes in the comments: - Who wins the Pickleball Slam? - Is pickleball harder than tennis? - Who’s YOUR top 10? Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 1:46 Do you miss playing in the US Open? 6:34 Could ALW win with a 5.5 partner? 9:49 Pickleball Slam 4 should be a blow out 19:37 JOOLA sues 11 companies 34:35 FAU wins DUPR Nationals 40:54 Changing PPA’s Race to the Finals 46:59 New partnerships on display in Sacramento 49:31 Why lefties struggle in mixed 53:42 The PPA hates Ben Johns 56:51 Nico’s hot singles take 1:01:57 Guess my DUPR revenge 1:05:00 Zane and Nico debate pound for pound 1:20:51 Zane alphas airport nemesis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Zane Defends the Most Hated Man in Pickleball
Apr 701:19:51Tap to summarizePicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ Pickleball just had one of its most controversial moments ever… This week on the PicklePod, Nico and Zane break down the viral line call from PPA Hanoi that has the entire pickleball world debating: 👉 Was it in or out? 👉 Was it cheating… or just inconclusive? Plus: - What it was REALLY like at PPA Hanoi 🇻🇳 - Why pickleball is exploding internationally - The biggest differences between US vs Asia pickleball - Crowd, production, and event takeaways - Why pickleball still doesn’t have line judges And yes… we also talk about fake Easter eggs and brutal April Fools jokes. 👇 Sound off in the comments: Was the ball IN or OUT? Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: https://discord.gg/wzNVADmZb #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 April Fools and Easter eggs 5:36 Fantasy pickleball options 9:08 Controversial line calls in Hanoi 19:59 PPA Asia having a huge inaugural year 31:03 Vietnam spawning men’s singles players 35:43 JOOLA ball playing slow in the heat 46:50 Instant classic in women’s singles 49:59 Oncins blows one over the net 57:10 Zane begging for change in Vietnam 1:09:58 Is 6 body bags too many? 1:13:24 Ring camera drama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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