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Sports Spectrum Podcast

Launched in 2017 and now with over 5 million downloads, Sports Spectrum's podcast features stories on the intersection of sports and faith. Hosted by former ESPN Senior Producer Jason Romano, new conversations drop multiple times each week.
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Now displaying: July, 2021
Jul 31, 2021

Matt Overton is a professional football long snapper who has played 8 NFL seasons with the Seahawks, Colts, Jaguars, Chargers and Titans. 

He's also a real estate agent licensed in Indiana and Tennessee but is hoping for another chance to play in the NFL. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Matt about his strange journey to the NFL, being named to the Pro Bowl in 2013, how his life has changed in becoming a dad in 2021, and why his faith has allowed him to stay ready at whatever life throws at him. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Matt Overton, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Carson Tinker - NFL Long Snapper

- Rich Wingo - Former Alabama Linebacker

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.

Jul 30, 2021

Gavin Peacock was born in England and is a former professional soccer player who spent 18 seasons representing Queens Park Rangers, Chelsea and Newcastle United amongst others over his 600 game career. 

After returning from soccer, Peacock worked for the BBC covering soccer on television and radio before entering into full-time ministry. He is  currently the Associate Pastor for Calvary Grace Church in Calgary, Alberta Canada and the director of international outreach for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

His new book "A Greater Glory: From Pitch to Pulpit" released in May of 2021. 

On today's podcast, Gavin shares how his identity went from being in soccer to being in Christ, how his new faith was received in the locker room with his soccer clubs, feeling the calling to enter full-time ministry and what he wants his legacy to be. 

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Gavin, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:

- Mo Isom-Aiken - Former LSU Soccer Goalkeeper/Bestselling Author

- Jesse Bradley - Former Pro Soccer Player turned Pastor

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 29, 2021

Pat Williams is a member of the Basketball Hall-of-Fame and co-founder of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. The author of over 100 books, Pat is a former NBA General Manager with the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers and help Philly to an NBA title in 1983.

His latest book “Revolutionary Leadership: Lessons from men and women of the Revolution War” is available now. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Pat about his time with the Orlando Magic, winning the draft lottery in 1992 and 1993, how the Revolutionary War provides many leadership lessons for us, why he started the first NBA Chapel back in the 1980's, meeting John Wooden and how Pat's faith in Jesus has guided him throughout his life. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Pat Williams, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

-Pat Williams from 2018

-Kristen Ledlow, NBA Host/Reporter

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up  here.

Jul 28, 2021

Colton Dixon is a singer/songwriter who placed seventh on season eleven of "American Idol." He began his singing career as a teenager where he also was a baseball player. Ultimately, Dixon chose music and is now one of the most successful artists in Christian music.

He is currently signed with Atlantic Records, and has released three albums including his debut "A Messenger" in 2013 and "Identity" in 2017. In 2020, Dixon and his wife welcomed twins into the world and in 2021, he released his latest single, "Made to Fly." 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Colton about his experience on American Idol, returning to performing in front of audiences, choosing to write music that glorifies God and his decision to walk away from baseball to pursue music. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Colton, we know you'll love these conversations as well: 

- Bart Millard - MercyMe Lead Singer

- Seth Morrison - Skillet Guitarist

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.

Jul 27, 2021

David Blough is entering his third year as an NFL quarterback with the Detroit Lions. His wife, Melissa Gonzalez, is preparing to compete at the 2021 Summer Olympics, representing Columbia in the 400 Meter Hurdles in Tokyo beginning July 31. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to David and Melissa about their excitement over Melissa qualifying for the Olympics, David preparing for another NFL season, and the unique lessons that Jesus has taught them both through their first few years of marriage.  

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If you enjoyed this conversation with David and Melissa, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:

- Andrew East and Shawn Johnson-East 

- Dave and Ann Wilson – Vertical Marriage

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.

Jul 26, 2021

Nate Solder is currently an offensive lineman with the New York Giants. He was selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots and played seven seasons with Tom Brady and Bill Belichik in Foxboro. In March 2018, he signed a four-year contract with the Giants that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL at the time.

A two-time Super Bowl champion, Nate and his wife, Lexi, have been walking through a difficult season of life with their son Hudson, who is battling cancer. They also share a passion to serve and help others, and are involved with Compassion International to help end the cycle of poverty with children around the world.

Today on the podcast, Nate joins us to share how he's preparing for the 2021 NFL season with the Giants after sitting out last season. He also shares how he grew spiritually during his time away from football, rediscovering his true identity and growing in his trust with the Lord. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Nate, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Nate and Lexi Solder from 2019

- Devin and Jason McCourty, Super Bowl-Champion Twin Brothers

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.

Jul 24, 2021

Pastor Chris Hodges is a New York Times Bestselling Author and leads Church of the Highlands, with campuses across Alabama and more than 60,000 in weekly attendance. 

Today on the podcast, Chris shares about his love for LSU football, achieving a hole-in-one playing golf with Nick Saban, creating a space for famous athletes to come to church and why Chris wrote his new book "Out of the Cave." 

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Chris Hodges, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:

- Author/Pastor Dean Inserra

- Earl Smith, Warriors and 49ers Team Chaplain

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.

Jul 22, 2021

Tommy Bowden is the son of legendary football coach Bobby Bowden and the former head football coach at Clemson University. His coaching career began at his alma mater of West Virginia in the mid 1970's. He's had assistant coaching jobs at Florida State, Duke, Alabama, Kentucky and Auburn.

In 1997, he became the head coach of Tulane's football club and after leading them to an 11-0 record in 1998, he departed for Clemson, where he would coach for 10 seasons from 1999-2008. He led the Tigers to a 72-45 record and eight bowl games. He also is the person responsible for bringing now current coach Dabo Swinney to Clemson. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Tommy Bowden about the legacy of the Bowden coaching family, his desire to lead people to Jesus, what he learned from watching his dad coach with purpose, and what he saw in Dabo Swinney to bring him to Clemson as a coach.

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Tommy Bowden, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Dabo Swinney on Sports Spectrum's Draft Special

- Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up  here.

Jul 21, 2021

The Milwaukee Bucks are NBA champions and a big part of their run to a title has been the addition of point guard Jrue Holiday. In their Game 6 clincher against the Suns, Holiday almost had a triple-double, finishing with 12 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds in helping Milwaukee to their first NBA title in 50 years. 

Today on the podcast, we bring back to you a conversation we had with Jrue Holiday from 2018, when he shared his testimony of faith in Christ and how the importance of God in his life. 

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Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.

Jul 21, 2021

Grace Norman is a 2016 Paralympic Gold Medalist. Grace was born with congenital constriction band syndrome in her left leg at birth, which resulted in the amputation of her left leg and right big toe below the knee when she was young. Norman competed in track & field and cross country in high school, where she became the first female amputee to finish on the podium at a high school track & field state championship.

Norman competed in both track & field and paratriathlon at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, becoming the first U.S. athlete to win gold in paratriathlon’s debut as a Paralympic medal event. She currently holds the world records for the 800-meter and 1,500-meter in the T44 classification for track & field. 

In June, the Cedarville University graduate qualified for the Tokyo Paralympics, where Norman will compete in August of 2021. 

On today's podcast, Norman shares how she's preparing for the 2021 Paralympics, her faith journey, how God has revealed himself to her over the past year, and how she was able to handle celebrity at the age of 18 when she won her first Gold Medal.

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Grace Norman, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Jessica Long - Paralympic Gold Medalist

- David Prince – U.S. Paralympic Sprinter

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 20, 2021

Dr. Shahrzad Slater is the wife to New England Patriots Pro Bowler Matthew Slater and mom to three kids.

Today on the podcast, we talk to Shahrzad about her passion for justice, why she and her husband Matthew are involved with IJM (International Justice Mission) and her desire to represent Jesus by serving others.

Go to IJM.com/Slavery to learn more about the International Justice Mission, the reality of slavery and human trafficking and how you can join the fight.

Jul 19, 2021

Bethany Hamilton was thrust in the spotlight at just 13 years old, when she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark and lost her arm. The traumatic injury seemingly ended her dream career as a professional surfer.

However, one month after the attack, Hamilton returned to surfing, and within two years had won her first national surfing title. At 17 years old, she realized her dream of surfing professionally and she is still an active surf competitor to this day.

Today on the podcast, Sports Spectrum contributor Jade McCarthy talks to Bethany about her life as a mom, whether she will get back in the water to surf professionally again, finding her identity in something bigger than herself and how God has brought her to a place to serve and mentor others. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Bethany, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Bethany Hamilton in 2019

- Christian Yeager, TV Host/Surfer

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 17, 2021

Inside the Chapel is a new show on the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. 

Hosted by Reza Zadeh (Denver Broncos NFL Chaplain) and Ikki Soma (Houston Rockets NBA Chaplain), this podcast features sports chaplains sharing message of faith and hope.

Today you'll get to hear a sample of this new podcast that is now available everywhere podcasts are found. 

Subscribe/Follow:

APPLE: https://apple.co/3ynfvGZ 

SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3wfZdxU

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Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 16, 2021

Justin Simmons is a Pro Bowl safety with the Denver Broncos. He was selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by Denver out of Boston College.

In college, Simmons was named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) second team by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association and ACC head coaches. He was named to Phil Steele’s All-American fourth team and ProFootballFocus.com’s All-America honorable mention.

Since arriving in Denver, Simmons has solidified himself as the starting free safety and was rewarded with a four-year contract in March of 2021. This past season, he was named to his first Pro Bowl in a season that saw him reach a career-high five interceptions. Pro Football Focus named Simmons as a First-Team All-Pro in 2019 and Second-Team All-Pro in 2020.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Simmons about signing the new contract with Denver, trusting in God to guide his path, starting his foundation, standing up for justice and how becoming a dad has helped him grow closer to God the Father.

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Justin, we know you'll love these conversations as well: 

- Justin Simmons conversation from 2019

- Mark Schlereth, 3-time Super Bowl Champion

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 14, 2021

Hunter Dozier is a Major League Baseball player with the Kansas City Royals. He was selected in the first round of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft (8th overall) by Kansas City out of Stephen F. Austin. In 2016, Dozier made his MLB debut against the Oakland A's. 

In 2019, Dozier hit 26 home runs, drove in 84 runs and led the American League with 10 triples. In February of 2021, Dozier signed a new four year deal to remain with the Royals. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Hunter Dozier about how he finds joy when he's struggling on the field, how his faith guides him each day, playing for an audience of one, and his MLB debut story. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Hunter Dozier, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Royals Manager Mike Matheny and his wife Kristin 

- Gene Watson - Former Royals Director of Pro Scouting

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 13, 2021

Demi-Leigh Tebow is the 2017 Miss Universe winner and the wife to Tim Tebow. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Demi about her passion for justice, her powerful story that led her to become involved in the fight against human trafficking, what the pandemic taught her about marriage and her thoughts on now being the wife of a current NFL player. 

Go to IJM.com/Slavery to learn more about the International Justice Mission, the reality of slavery and human trafficking and how you can join the fight.

Jul 12, 2021

Since 2012, John Mosley has been the head basketball coach at East Los Angeles College. Mosley’s ELAC Huskies are currently featured in the 2021 season of the Netflix Emmy Award-winning sports documentary series: Last Chance U. The team is the first basketball program to be covered in the critically-acclaimed series.

Mosley is a former college basketball player at the JUCO and NAIA level, led the state in assists per game while playing for East LA. After his playing career, he pursued a job in coaching and spent five seasons as an assistant coach with Cal-Bakersfield from 2006-2011. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Mosley about being featured on Last Chance U, the platform that he's been given to share his about Christ, his one big concern with saying yes to Netflix and why he sees coaching as a ministry. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with John Mosley, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

– Tony Bennett – Virginia Men’s Basketball Coach

Michael Porter Sr – Coach and NBA Father

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 10, 2021

Zac Lowther was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the second round of of the 2017 MLB Draft after a successful college baseball career at Xavier University. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Zac about making his MLB debut on April 25, 2021 and what that experience was like for him. He shares how his faith in the Lord has evolved and grown since becoming a father and what life is like on the road as a pro baseball player working his way up through the minors. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Zac, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher

– Darryl Strawberry, 4-Time MLB Champion

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

 

Jul 9, 2021

Nicole Mendes is a two-time softball national champion with the Oklahoma Sooners. As the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2017, she led the Sooners in batting average and stolen bases on the way to a Women's College World Series title. After her junior year in 2019, Nicole had knee surgery and missed most of the 2020 season. This year, she returned to the Sooners lineup as a redshirt senior and led OU to the 2021 Women's College World Series title.

During the 2021 WCWS, she hit .318 with 5 extra-base hits and stored a team-high eight runs. For her efforts, she was named to the all-WCWS tournament team. Nicole is also a member of the Mexican Olympic Softball team and will be competing for a Gold Medal starting in July in Tokyo, Japan.

Today on the podcast, we talk to Nicole about her faith in Christ, getting baptized and growing in her walk with the Lord. She also shares her emotions in winning a second national title with OU and preparing for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Nicole Mendes, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Patty Gasso, Oklahoma Sooners Softball Coach

- Sydney Romero, Former Oklahoma Sooners Softball Champion

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 7, 2021

Max Garcia is entering his 7th season in the NFL as an offensive lineman. He was selected in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. In his first professional season, Max was a part of a Super Bowl winning team when the Broncos beat the Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50.

In college, Max played was a starter at the University of Maryland for two years and then transferred to the University of Florida, where he was a team captain. After playing four NFL seasons with the Broncos, Max signed with Arizona in 2019 and is entering his third season with the Cardinals. 

On today's podcast, Max Garcia shares what it was like to be a part of a Super Bowl winning team in his rookie season, the excitement surrounding the 2021 Cardinals, the phone call he received from Peyton Manning after being drafted, how a moment in college turned his journey of faith around and the importance of building community with other believers. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Max Garcia, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

– Geremy Davis - NFL Wide Receiver

Justin Forsett and Matt Forte – Life After the NFL

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 6, 2021

Danielle Herzlich is an Army veteran, fitness expert and survivor of abuse. She is also the wife of former NFL linebacker Mark Herzlich.

Today on the podcast, we talk to Danielle about her story of overcoming sexual abuse, her passion for justice, why she and her husband are involved with IJM (International Justice Mission) and her desire to represent Jesus by serving others.

Go to IJM.com/Slavery to learn more about the International Justice Mission, the reality of slavery and human trafficking and how you can join the fight.

 

 

Jul 5, 2021

The Phoenix Suns are the 2021 Western Conference champions and in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. Today, we bring to you a conversation with their head coach Monty Williams as he shares his testimony of faith in Christ and how God has guided him during the highs and lows of life. 

**Interview originally recorded September 2019**

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 4, 2021

Ricky Pierce played 16 NBA seasons from 1982-1998 with nine different teams including the Milwaukee Bucks and Seattle Supersonics. He was originally selected 18th overall in the first round of the 1982 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. In 1984, he joined the Bucks and was named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year twice in 1987 and 1990. 

In 1991, he was named to the NBA's Eastern Conference All-Star team and five days after playing in the All-Star Game,he was traded from Milwaukee to Seattle for Dale Ellis.  Pierce was known as one of the best mid-range shooters in the NBA and averaged 14.9 points per game in his 16 year career. In 1989-90, he averaged 23.0 ppg without starting a single game, an NBA record.

Today on the podcast, Ricky takes us back to playing in the NBA's golden eras of the 80's and 90's, what it was like to play against Michael Jordan, who he thinks the best shooter in NBA history is, how is faith in the Lord has evolved since his playing days and why God is now the most important thing in his life. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Ricky Pierce, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Avery Johnson - Former NBA Player/Coach

- Kristen Ledlow, NBA Host/Reporter

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 3, 2021

Ebo Elder is a former professional boxer with a career record of 22-3 including 14 by knockout. 

Today the former WBO NABO Lightweight champion talks about his boxing journey, praying for his opponent after knocking him out, walking away from boxing, writing a book and pursuing ministry.

You can learn more about Ebo by checking out his website here.

You can purchase his new book "The Great Comeback" here

Watch Ebo knockout his opponent and then pray for him here.

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

Jul 2, 2021

Ashley Brewer is a host for ESPN’s newly reimagined SportsNation as well as anchoring SportsCenter and contributing to other studio shows and programming.  

Prior to joining ESPN in March 2020, Brewer served as weekend anchor and host for ABC7 in Los Angeles, covering the Dodgers in the World Series, Rams in the Super Bowl, and other major sporting events, in addition to co-hosting The Bachelor Winter Games on ABC. She began her career as a college football sideline reporter for Cox 7 and weekend sports anchor at KGUN-9, the ABC affiliate in Tucson, Ariz.

She attended the University of Southern California, where she was a member of the varsity women’s swimming team. She was a standout swimmer at Chaparral High School in her native Scottsdale, Az., and her brothers and sisters were college athletes as well. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Ashley about her new role at ESPN, how God worked through her during a personal dark time in life in 2020, covering Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles and why she devotes time to mentoring young women in the broadcasting business. 

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Ashley Brewer, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:

- Ashley Brewer from 2018

- Dan Orlovsky – ESPN Football Analyst

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here. 

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