Infectious IDeas
By: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)
Language: en-us
Categories: Science, Life, Natural
You are listening to Infectious IDeas, a podcast presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), that goes beyond the science to explore the personal stories behind the people doing the work. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with inspiring leaders and humble heroes making a powerful impact on public health. Through their experiences, we uncover the human side of infectious disease prevention and treatment—all driven by a shared vision of healthier lives for all.
Episodes
Science, Resilience, and the Road Ahead with Jeremy Farrar, FRS
Jan 07, 2026Send us a text
In this episode, Jeremy Farrar, FRS, of the World Health Organization (WHO), joins new hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, for an insightful conversation on the power of science, the importance of community, and the urgent need for trust and collaboration in an increasingly polarized world. Drawing on decades of experience—from the early days of HIV/AIDS to pandemic preparedness, vaccine development, and global health leadership—Dr. Farrar shares personal lessons on failure, leadership under pressure, and why optimism, humility, and inclusion are essential to shaping the...
Duration: 00:21:51Driving Impact Beyond the Bedside with Vin Gupta, MD, MPA
Dec 03, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Vin Gupta, MD, MPA, a pulmonary and critical care physician and medical analyst with NBC News and MSNBC, joins hosts Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a compelling conversation about his path from the intensive care unit to the national stage, and why creating impact beyond the bedside has become his mission. From confronting misinformation to advancing early detection and bridging health, technology, and policy, Gupta shares candid insights on leadership, effective communication, and the future of public health.
A fond farewell to our current hosts—Mar...
Duration: 00:25:37Listening, Learning, and Leading with Anne Schuchat, MD
Nov 05, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Anne Schuchat, MD, former US Assistant Surgeon General and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leader, joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a candid conversation about her extraordinary career in public health. From the AIDS crisis to leading CDC responses to anthrax, SARS, and H1N1, she reflects on the mentors and moments that shaped her leadership—and why communication, trust, and collaboration are more vital than ever.
Show Notes
A highly respected epidemiologist, physician, and public health leader, she off...
Duration: 00:15:46Fact vs. Fiction: Top Vaccine Myths Debunked
Oct 01, 2025Send us a text
Myths about infectious diseases can spread just as quickly as the viruses themselves. In this special compilation episode of Infectious IDeas, Marla Dalton, CAE and William Schaffner, MD, revisit some of the most common myths and misconceptions busted by past guests. Tune in as leading experts set the record straight and highlight why combating misinformation is essential to protecting public health.
Tune in for wisdom and inspiration from these thought leaders:
Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD Céline Gounder, MD, ScM Peter Marks, MD, PhD Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH Grace M. Lee... Duration: 00:10:09Hope, Healing, and Human Rights with Anne E. Goldfeld, MD
Sep 03, 2025Send us a text
In this inspiring episode, Anne E. Goldfeld, MD—physician-scientist, humanitarian, and recipient of the 2025 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award—joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, to reflect on a remarkable career in medicine, science, and global health. From treating patients in refugee camps along the Thai-Cambodian border to conducting groundbreaking research at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, Goldfeld shares the path that led her to a career that is tackling 2 of the greatest epidemics of our time: tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Show Notes
A...
Duration: 00:22:36How Passion and Purpose Drive Vaccine Innovation with Rino Rappuoli, PhD
Aug 06, 2025Send us a text
In this inspiring episode, Rino Rappuoli, PhD, a true pioneer in modern vaccinology and recipient of the 2025 Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement, joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, to explore his groundbreaking work in vaccinology. From his early days in Siena, Italy, to leading the development of life‑saving vaccines against meningitis, pertussis, and influenza, Rappuoli has transformed how vaccines are developed. He shares insights on mentorship, the origins of reverse vaccinology, climate change, and the future role of artificial intelligence in disease prevention. Tune in for a powerful conversation ab...
Duration: 00:15:35Trust, Truth, and Translating Science with Katelyn K. Jetelina, PhD, MPH
Jul 02, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Katelyn K. Jetelina, PhD, MPH, epidemiologist, data scientist, and founder of Your Local Epidemiologist, joins Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, to share her journey from statistical curiosity to science communication powerhouse. The conversation explores the importance of listening over lecturing, engaging with vaccine skeptics, and why empathy—not just evidence—is key to restoring public trust. From bungee jumping in South Africa to navigating burnout and motherhood, she reflects on modernizing public health and where she hopes to make the biggest impact.
Show Notes
From Shark Dreams to Global Health with Craig Spencer, MD, MPH
Jun 04, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Craig Spencer, MD, MPH, emergency physician and global health expert, about what it takes to lead in times of crisis. From treating Ebola patients in Guinea to navigating COVID-19 in New York, he reflects on the power of empathy, the importance of cultural understanding, and the pursuit of health equity. He also shares the personal sacrifices behind public service—and why the lessons of past pandemics must not be forgotten.
Show notes
Associate professor at...
Duration: 00:35:27Keeping the Faith with Shavon Arline-Bradley, MPH, MDiv
May 07, 2025Send us a text
Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a powerful conversation with Shavon Arline-Bradley, MD, MDiv, president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), who shares her personal and professional journey as a public health leader, ordained minister, and advocate for equity. From her early days as a classically trained pianist and national sprinter to her current role leading an historic national organization, she discusses how faith, family, and community fuel her commitment to improving health outcomes.
Show notes
She earned a m...
Duration: 00:17:33Technology Enhancing Humanity with Eric Topol, MD
Apr 02, 2025Send us a text
Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a fascinating conversation with cardiologist and renowned biomedical researcher Eric Topol, MD, on the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and healthcare. Topol shares how AI can help strengthen the patient-doctor relationship, enhance diagnostics, and reduce medical errors.
Show notes
A practicing cardiologist, Topol is chair and professor of Translational Medicine at Scripps Research. One of the most cited researchers in medicine, he has published several bestselling books on the future of medicine, including a...
Duration: 00:22:15Empowering Patients and Caregivers with Elizabeth Cohen
Mar 05, 2025Send us a text
Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with medical journalist Elizabeth Cohen, who has dedicated her career to empowering patients and caregivers to be better advocates. A well-known author and former senior medical correspondent for CNN, she has made it her mission to help others navigate the often-complex US healthcare system. She shares personal insights, including her own journey from the NICU to the newsroom, and reflects on critical healthcare topics including access to care, maternal mortality, the polarization of public health, and the power of storytelling.<...
Duration: 00:15:03A Lifelong Champion of Vaccine Safety—Kathryn M. Edwards, MD
Feb 05, 2025Send us a text
Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, a renowned expert in childhood respiratory diseases and vaccine safety. Edwards shares her journey from a budding chemist to a trailblazer in the prevention of pediatric infectious diseases and an advocate for ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy in the US.
Show notes
While at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, her passion for disease prevention brought her to lead efforts evaluating vaccines against pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), influenza (flu), pn...
Voices of Public Health: Concerns and Hopes for the Future
Jan 01, 2025Send us a text
In this special compilation episode of Infectious IDeas, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, revisit some of the most compelling moments from past episodes. Hear from leading public health experts as they share their biggest concerns, hopes for the future, and strategies for tackling critical public health challenges. From addressing vaccine misinformation and health disparities to improving global collaboration, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of public health.
Tune in for wisdom and inspiration from these thought leaders:
Building Trust and Bridging Gaps with Reed V. Tuckson, MD
Dec 04, 2024Send us a text
Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with Reed V. Tuckson, MD, co-founder of the Black Coalition Against COVID and chair of the board of the Coalition for Trust in Health & Science. Tuckson explores the vital role of community-based public health initiatives and the urgent need to rebuild trust in science and health, particularly in underserved communities. From his early roots to his latest efforts tackling misinformation, he shares lessons in leadership, collaboration, and hope for the future.
Show notes
An a...
Navigating the Politics of Public Health with Michael T. Osterholm, PhD, MPH
Oct 30, 2024Send us a text
Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a provocative discussion with renowned epidemiologist Michael T. Osterholm, PhD, MPH, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota. Osterholm shares his vast experience in pandemic preparedness, reflecting on his work with HIV, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. He also voices concerns about the increasing politicization of public health and the potential implications of the 2024 US elections.
Show notes
An internationally recognized expert in infectious disease epidemiology who warned for y...
Duration: 00:25:08Leading with Passion and Purpose—Demetre C. Daskalakis, MD, MPH
Oct 02, 2024Send us a text
Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an inspiring conversation with Demetre C. Daskalakis, MD, MPH, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He shares his journey from HIV clinical practice to public health leadership, demonstrating his relentless passion and commitment to health equity, clear and transparent communication, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines for all children and adults.
Show notes
Daskalakis leads CDC efforts to detect, prevent, and respond to...
Vaccine Visionary, Pastor, and Public Health Provocateur—Gregory A. Poland, MD
Sep 04, 2024Send us a text
Join Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a thought-provoking discussion with Gregory A. Poland, MD, a distinguished physician-scientist and director of the Vaccine Research Group at Mayo Clinic. Poland shares his inspiring journey in vaccine research and his unique perspective as both a scientist and an ordained Presbyterian minister. Tune in as he discusses vaccine confidence, the future of vaccinology, and the deep-rooted connection between his theological beliefs and his scientific work.
Show notes
Poland is president of Atria Health Academy of Science and...
Medicine as a Tool for Good with Ighovwerha (Igho) Ofotokun, MD, MSc
Aug 07, 2024Send us a text
Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a compelling conversation with Ighovwerha (Igho) Ofotokun, MD, MSc, an internationally recognized clinician-scientist and professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. He shares his journey from growing up in Nigeria to becoming a leading HIV researcher, discussing the influences that shaped his career, challenges he faced, and his significant achievements in combating long-term impacts of HIV and promoting women’s health.
Show notes
Ofotokun is co-director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research Clinical Co...
Pharmacists on the Front Line of Prevention with Jeffery A. Goad, PharmD, MPH
Jul 03, 2024Send us a text
Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an engaging conversation with Jeffery A. Goad, PharmD, MPH, professor of pharmacy practice and associate dean of academic affairs at Chapman University School of Pharmacy, and the first pharmacist to serve as president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). Goad shares his insights on the critical role pharmacies play in vaccination, his expertise in travel medicine, and his top priorities as NFID President.
Show notes
A nationally recognized expert on travel medicine and immunization...
A Leader for Global Health Equity—Seth F. Berkley, MD
Jun 05, 2024Send us a text
Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an engaging conversation with Seth F. Berkley, MD, a global health pioneer and champion of equitable access to vaccines. He shares insights from his notable career, including his impactful work in Uganda rebuilding the immunization program and developing the national AIDS control program, his work with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and his trailblazing leadership of COVAX, which helped deliver more than 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines globally to 146 countries.
Show notes
An infectious disease physician and...
Leading through Uncertainty with Grace M. Lee, MD, MPH
May 01, 2024Send us a text
Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an insightful conversation with Grace Lee, MD, MPH, an infectious disease physician and dynamic leader who helped guide US vaccine policy making during the turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares insights into the complexities and challenges encountered, as well as the importance of vaccine safety during the COVID-19 deliberations and concerns that keep her awake at night.
Show notes
Lee served as chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)for the Centers for...
Journey to Patient Advocate and Public Health Champion with Leana Wen, MD, MSc
Apr 03, 2024Send us a text
Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a compelling discussion with patient advocate and public health champion Leana Wen, MD, MSc. Practicing physician and Washington Post columnist, Wen shares her remarkable journey, from her childhood as an immigrant to the US from China, to her experiences as Health Commissioner of Baltimore. Hear her thoughts on addressing health disparities, improving health outcomes, and the untold health stories that deserve more attention.
Show notes
An emergency physician, healthcare executive, adjunct associate professor at George Washington...
Cracking the Code: Health Communication Insights with Céline Gounder, MD, ScM
Mar 06, 2024Send us a text
Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for a compelling discussion with renowned infectious disease specialist and public health communicator, Céline Gounder, MD, ScM. Gounder shares her insights on the importance of trust in public health communication, the fight against misinformation, the future of infectious disease diagnostics, and her personal journey coping with her husband's tragic and untimely death.
Show notes
An internist and infectious disease specialist, Gounder is a CBS News medical contributor, a senior fellow at Kaiser Family Foundation(KFF), and e...
Pandemics, Prevention, and Progress with Tom Frieden, MD, MPH
Feb 07, 2024Send us a text
Join hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, as they dive into a candid discussion with Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, of Resolve to Save Lives, exploring his journey from philosophy to medicine and a distinguished career in public health, with a focus on building resilient communities. From limiting trans-fat to banning smoking, he has spent his career working to build a healthier future for all, based on lessons from the past.
Show notes
Throughout his career, Frieden has been a strong advocate for pandemic preparedness...
Building Trust Through Transparency with Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH
Jan 03, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about her perspectives on rebuilding trust in public health agencies. She shares what first influenced her to study medicine, what she is most proud of to date at CDC as well as barriers going forward, and what most keeps her awake at night.
Show notes
An internist, public health official, and healthcare executive, Cohen took over as director...
Building Global Vaccine Confidence through Diplomacy with Peter J. Hotez , MD, PhD
Dec 06, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Peter J. Hotez, MD, PhD, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. He shares insights from his influential career in vaccine science and diplomacy, from how the field has changed over time, how his experience as the father of an autistic daughter helped shape his career, and what we can all be doing to counter anti-science rhetoric and help build vaccine confidence.
Show notes
An internationally recognized...
Operation Warp Speed: Transforming Disease Prevention with Peter Marks, MD, PhD
Nov 01, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the US Food and Drug Administration. He shares his insights on the origin of Operation Warp Speed during the COVID-19 pandemic, his efforts to transform the way that FDA approaches approval and licensure of new vaccines and other prevention tools, and his thoughts on how artificial intelligence may improve future work.
Show notes
Before joining FDA, Dr. Marks...
A Career Dedicated to Protecting Pregnant Mothers and Infants with Carol J. Baker, MD
Oct 04, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Carol J. Baker, MD, a leader in group B Streptococcus prevention and a passionate advocate for maternal immunization to help protect mothers and infants. She shares her perspectives on the most significant changes throughout her career, including the development of vaccines and antivirals as well as the inclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials for vaccines and drugs.
As a former competitive swimmer and now a daily walker, she has brought her energy and drive to national l...
From HIV/AIDS to COVID - 19: Insights and Predictions with Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH
Sep 06, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who was deeply involved in the responses to some of the biggest public health threats of the past 5 decades including HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. She shares her perspectives on the most significant changes she has seen throughout her career, how the HIV/AIDS epidemic helped shaped her work, the importance of rebuilding trust in CDC and other government agencies, and predictions for the...
Duration: 00:21:34From Early Days Farming to Pandemic Preparedness with Barney S. Graham, MD, PhD
Aug 02, 2023Send us a text
In the season 2 premier episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Barney S. Graham, MD, PhD, professor and senior advisor for global health equity at Morehouse School of Medicine, and one of the true heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion ranges from his early experiences farming to industry challenges, big scientific changes in recent years, exciting new developments in preventing future pandemics, and his work to improve health equity.
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Duration: 00:18:54Speaking Up For Science with Bruce G. Gellin, MD, MPH
Jul 05, 2023Send us a text
Bruce G. Gellin, MD, MPH, senior vice president and chief of global public health strategy at The Rockefeller Foundation, was a source of science-based information about vaccines long before misinformation and disinformation became buzzwords. From developing the first pandemic influenza preparedness and response plan for the US in 2005, to decades spent working to promote public health, he has been a pivotal voice in shaping public health policy in the US and globally.
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Duration: 00:19:39Achieving the Promise of Health Equity with Richard E. Besser, MD
Jun 07, 2023Send us a text
As President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Richard E. Besser, MD, former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and former ABC News chief health and medical editor, is now a leading champion for health equity urging the US to embrace its potential and provide opportunities for all to thrive …
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Duration: 00:21:33Championing Global Health Equity with Katherine L. O’Brien, MD, MPH
May 03, 2023Send us a text
An international leader who played a key role in shaping the global COVID-19 vaccine strategy, Katherine L. O’Brien, MD, MPH, is now focused on bringing communities around the world up to date on immunizations and creating an accord to improve the global response to the next pandemic …
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Duration: 00:28:35Breaking the Cycle of Crisis to Complacency with Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH
Apr 05, 2023Send us a text
As the first female director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, led the agency through 40 public health crises, including SARS-CoV-1. As CEO of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, she now advocates for change to strengthen US health security and break the cycle of crisis to complacency …
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Duration: 00:23:58From Baseball To Epidemiology with Walter A. Orenstein, MD
Mar 01, 2023Send us a text
An avid baseball fan who has played a pivotal role in shaping vaccine policy in the US and globally, Walter A. Orenstein, MD, reflects on lessons learned from smallpox, measles, polio, and how his love of baseball influenced a remarkable career in epidemiology and public health …
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Duration: 00:20:56Eradicating Smallpox with William H. Foege, MD, MPH
Feb 01, 2023Send us a text
Scientist, philosopher, and public health hero, William H. Foege, MD, MPH, tells the remarkable story of the eradication of smallpox, a disease that killed more than 300 million people in the 20th century, and reflects on the lessons learned that are still relevant today …
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Duration: 00:27:47Recalling the Past and Predicting the Future with Stanley A. Plotkin, MD
Jan 04, 2023Send us a text
A preeminent scientist who literally wrote the book on vaccines, Stanley A. Plotkin, MD, recalls the history of his work on life-saving vaccines for rubella and rotavirus, and discusses his predictions for the future …
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Duration: 00:27:08Building Trust with Anthony S. Fauci, MD
Dec 07, 2022Send us a text
Renowned scientist, advisor to 7 US Presidents, and widely known as “the nation’s top infectious disease doctor,” Anthony S. Fauci, MD, reflects on his decades-long career overseeing US research efforts from HIV/AIDS to COVID-19...
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Duration: 00:26:59Mixing Politics and Public Health with Paul A. Offit, MD
Nov 02, 2022Send us a text
Internationally renowned scientist and public health advisor Paul A. Offit, MD, talks about the humble heroes who inspired him, and shares his insights on mixing politics and public health—for better or for worse. His favorite myth may surprise you…
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Duration: 00:17:18Flu Season Predictions with Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH
Oct 04, 2022Send us a text
NFID Vice President Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, shares predictions for the upcoming influenza (flu) season, describes how the COVID-19 pandemic catapulted new vaccine technologies, and shares her thoughts about the politicization of vaccine science…
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Duration: 00:13:55Building Vaccine Confidence among Patients and Parents with Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP
Aug 31, 2022Send us a text
NFID President Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, shares insights on storytelling and effectively responding to parent and patient concerns about vaccines to protect against COVID-19, measles, and other preventable diseases...
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Duration: 00:14:44Health Disparities and Vaccine Hesitancy with Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD
Jul 31, 2022Send us a text
August 3, 2022 SEASON 1 EPISODE 1
Hosts: Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, NFID Executive Director and CEO, and William Schaffner, MD, NFID Medical Director
In this inaugural episode of Infectious IDeas, Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD, talks about the life-saving benefits of vaccines, public health challenges that keep her awake at night, and the vaccine-related myth that she most wants to bust…
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Duration: 00:14:19