Episodes
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Rishi Sunak spoke at his last PMQs. But George Osborne reveals why it may not be the last time we see him in No 10... He and Ed Balls discuss whether perceptions of politicians can ever change.
Former cabinet member Caroline Spelman asks if a spoiled ballot is a waste of time. And Laura Trevelyan, co-host of the podcast Heirs of Enslavement asks whether countries should apologise for their role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Plus - Love the pod? We thought so. Ed and George clarify whether a declaration of love at the top of your question is a prerequisite for getting a spot on the show...
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Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty
Producers: Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The dust has settled on Rachel Reeves’ budget, and despite a strong performance from the Chancellor, George Osborne and Ed Balls have noticed a few glaring omissions. Child poverty? Didn’t really rate a mention. How about some of the New Labour classics like getting people back to work? Pensioners? Nope. So how did this crucial economic pitch to the nation stack up? Ed and George consider how the fallout might impact Labour all the way to the next election.
Meanwhile, the polls are telling us the historic US election is set to be a squeaker, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in a dead heat. The betting platforms and markets are telling a different story, however. George has the latest on who the world’s major financiers are expecting to be in the White House come January …
And speaking of going to the polls, Japan’s snap election just backfired – did anyone in the UK notice? Ed and George question if we should be paying more attention to this major world economy.
Remember, you can catch up on our Budget Hot Take here: tr.ee/pc-live
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty
Producers: Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Missing episodes?
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Has Rachel Reeves done enough to get away with announcing £40 billion of new taxes?
In a special YouTube LIVE episode, Ed Balls and George Osborne give their immediate reaction to the Chancellor's first budget. Was it “big and bold and historic” or a “cross your fingers and hope for the best" moment?
Who wins and loses from the budget? And how big a gamble is it for Labour's fortunes?
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty
Producers: Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Has the reaction to the Winter Fuel Payment cut scared Labour from making more big budget moves on welfare? And what ever happened to the tradition of the Chancellor knocking back a brandy while delivering the Budget? Ed and George discuss the best drinks of choice when outlining an economic plan to the nation… and what other Treasury traditions are in place.
Plus, is it a brief, is it a leak or is it just a plain old trail? The pair breakdown the terms and mull some of the most famous, career-ending leaks in British political history.
And with the US election just over a week away, what is the level of support for Donald Trump amongst the UK population? Do more Brits than we think secretly admire the Republican nominee’s approach?
Finally, for all you listeners desperate to join our Record Club, Ed has followed up his first suggestion of Kuunnelmia by Jukka Perko with another Scandi recommendation: Hoven Droven.
You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producer: Rosie Stopher, Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Drumroll, please. After keeping his cards pretty close to his chest throughout the Tory leadership campaign, George Osborne is ready to name who he thinks should seize the Tory crown. With the race now whittled down to just two people – Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick – George explains why a possible exit from the European Convention on Human Rights has swayed his choice and what might put him off voting Conservative at all...
Meanwhile, members of the Labour party are in hot water after Donald Trump accused them of election interference. Ed Balls thinks the party’s decision to get involved in a foreign country’s election could be described in a few ways (mainly as naive, gauche and definitely a mistake.)
And, less than a week away from the first Labour budget in 14 years, has the party done enough to convince voters, the markets and business leaders there’s a plan for economic growth?
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty
Producers: Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Frenemies George Osborne and Ed Balls talk about great political friendships and rivalries. What was the unspoken understanding between former Prime Minister David Cameron and George that made their allegiance last? And which Conservative friendships were soured by Brexit?
They answer the question: Are economists just making it up as they go along? How can Rachel Reeves just change the definition of fiscal rules? And with questions from all over the world this week, Ed and George ponder: should we be rethinking about how we teach second languages?
You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producer: Rosie Stopher, Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How can Rachel Reeves solve her £40 billion budget gap without breaking Labour’s manifesto promise? Ed Balls and George Osborne take a deep dive into the tax hikes she has and hasn’t ruled out - and whether she can fairly class raising employer National Insurance contributions as manifesto-friendly.
Elsewhere, Labour continues to woo the business community - this time at its International Investment summit. But can an event like this overcome the very real barriers to growth that the UK faces?
And, with the passing of controversial SNP titan Alex Salmond, Ed and George look back on his legacy, and the state of his former party.
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty
Producers: Rosie Stopher, Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The killing of HS2 was one of the defining features of the former government’s final days but there’s now talk the high speed rail line to Manchester might happen after all. Northern Powerhouse Chief Executive Henri Murison asks what Ed Balls and George Osborne make of the chatter that it could be revived, in the form of the so-called ‘HS2 light’.
How should we truly define a “pensioner”? Does it just mean someone who is actually receiving a pension, or someone who is of pension earning age? And should pensioners with wealth be treated in the same way as those without?
Plus, Ed and George share their favourite moments of political barb and banter. What was George’s scariest moment as a politician?
You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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James Cleverly has made a stunning exit from the Tory leadership race, leaving Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick as the final two to duke it out. George Osborne and Ed Balls consider if that’s thanks to some cunning political strategising or just a good old-fashioned cock up. Now, of the two who is more likely to take the crown? George thinks Jenrick is more “malleable” – is that what an opposition leader needs to be? Is Badenoch Mrs T(hatcher) or T(russ)?
Meanwhile, the lead up to the budget is intensifying with the IFS Green Budget being published this week. Can Rachel Reeves change her fiscal rules without spooking the markets?
Finally, what is the role of Downing Street’s Chief of Staff? With Sue Gray's departure, what can Morgan McSweeney learn from his predecessors to right her wrongs and rebuild the government’s image?
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ed Balls and George Osborne consider their biggest political mistakes and their proudest moments in office with a question from former Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey. What tax move did George make – against all prevailing advice, mind you – that he remains pleased with to this day? And what would Ed have done differently in the handling of the Baby P tragedy?
Speaking of mistakes, some of our attentive listeners have sent in a few corrections for Ed and George to face. In a move unfamiliar to most politicians, they’re willing to admit when they are wrong, judiciously of course…
And live from the Tory party conference this week, the Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley Ben Houchen asks if Rachel Reeves is really supportive of devolution? Sounds like the jury is still out as to whether or not the Treasury is really behind it…
You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Keir Starmer has caved and returned thousands of pounds in freebies given to him by a Labour donor, in an attempt to close a rather embarrassing chapter for the government. But has he successfully hosed it down? Ed Balls and George Osborne consider whether it's a textbook case of what not to do when you have a PR snafu on your hands.
Meanwhile, tensions are escalating in the Middle East. Is there a risk of the conflict intensifying, or is the situation under control? And what does it mean for the West?
And with the highly anticipated budget now merely weeks away, they take a look at what Rachel Reeves has on her plate. Is this shaping up to be the “relaunch” budget Labour needs, or are we on the verge of a new era of anti-growth…
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Has the Tory leadership contest just been decided? Our man on the ground George Osborne is reporting directly back to Ed Balls from today’s Conservative Party Conference leadership hustings. Is the crown James Cleverly’s for the taking after a storming speech?
Plus, George is joined by Tory watchers-extraordinaire, Michael Gove and Danny Finkelstein, for their post-hustings analysis.
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Video Producer: Mikey Nissenbaum
Producer: Rosie Stopher
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ed Balls and George Osborne open up this week on their most ardent, contrarian views. Is reincarnation real? Political reincarnation, perhaps. George shares how his thoughts have moved with the times and how he has reached some fresh conclusions on cannabis – conclusions with which, it turns out, Ed completely disagrees.
And, they field questions straight from the Labour party conference. Tips for the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones? Ed and George are happy to oblige. And what do they make of the demands for food security and environmental improvements amid rumours about cuts to the agricultural budget?
You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall
Technical producer: Ollie Geraghty
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Who’s hungry enough to seize the Tory crown? As the Conservative Party Conference nears, the leadership contest is heating up. Of the four hopefuls, who will get the backing of the party’s elder statesmen Michael Gove and Boris Johnson? George knows who Boris wants as leader, and that person isn’t currently in the race…
Labour’s wrapped up its party conference, which was light on announcements and heavy on gloom. Both George Osborne and Ed Balls are wondering why so sad? A trip to the UN seems like a break at this point for Keir Starmer, so what can they do to turn those frowns upside down?
And across the Atlantic, it's a story of Trump’s tariffs and Kamala’s capitalism – with the US presidential race reaching the pointy end, how much is the economy playing a role in the campaign?
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall
Technical producer: Ollie Geraghty
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Rachel Reeves took to the stage at the Labour Party Conference in a wet and gloomy Liverpool, hoping to brighten her party’s fortunes. After a tumultuous few weeks for the new government with rows over ‘Keir’s gear’, Sue Gray and the Winter Fuel Payment, the new chancellor hoped to prove that after 14 years of the Tories, Labour were all set to deliver a bright new future. But it was a speech that was heavy on rhetoric, light on policy and disrupted by a pro-Palestine protestor.
Has she done enough to shake off accusations that she’s the next ‘austerity chancellor’? Ed Balls and George Osborne pick over her speech and ask whether she’s managed to convince voters they’ve made the right choice…
Our next episode of EMQs will be a Labour Party Conference special - Political Currency Gold subscribers get first dibs on questions. Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Producer: Rosie Stopher
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Rachel Reeves takes to the Labour party conference stage today, but hopefully not before she has chance to listen to Ed Balls and George Osborne’s sage advice on how to give a great conference speech. We take a stroll down memory lane and reflect on some of the most rousing speeches in British party conference political history – from the funny to the formative.
Which MPs have tattoos? Ed and George list out the candidates most likely, bu have either of them got a decorative dolphin or butterfly somewhere discreet?!
And does anyone in the Treasury actually read budget representations? Or is it a huge waste of time and effort?
You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall
Technical producer: Danny Pape
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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As Labour feels the heat over Keir Starmer’s freebies scandal, there's a sense of glee in Tory party circles now the "holier-than-thou" party has something of a mess to clean up. Ed Balls and George Osborne mull how the government can reset their image, especially now the Sue Gray pay row is also threatening to rain on Starmer's conference parade ....
Across the benches they reflect on the celebratory Liberal Democrat conference and whether the party has finally gotten over Nick Clegg. Could they be a thorn in the side for Labour and the Conservatives?
Plus, amid the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery they examine the dilemma Energy Secretary Ed Miliband faces in appeasing Labour’s Scottish vote and upholding their climate pledges.
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall
Technical producer: Danny Pape
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Are eloquent middle class people hogging valuable public service resources? Ed Balls and George Osborne debate the case for co-payments to ease the burden. How can both Ed and George be correct on their analyses of the 2010 financial situation? And why do politicians continue to trot out their media spin lines when it’s clear to everyone that they’re not answering the question?
Plus, Ed and George share their favourite conference memories as party conferences get underway.
You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall
Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The NHS must “reform or die”, says Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Is he channelling his “inner Tony Blair” in a gutsy move on our health service or is this another policy which will end in controversy, much like the winter fuel allowance or early prison releases?
Across the pond, the US Presidential TV debate gave Kamala Harris an edge as she took on Donald Trump for the first time. But perhaps even more of a win was Taylor Swift’s endorsement, which soon followed. But do celebrity supporters make any real difference in politics?
And, back in Europe, George gives us the inside track on the effect his former counterpart, France’s new Prime Minister Michel Barnier, will have on future relations with our neighbours across the Channel.
Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall
Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Booking an appointment with your GP can feel harder than getting your hands on Oasis tickets. So should those who miss their slots be made to pay? Would it create a barrier to entry for vulnerable people in society, or could it open the door to millions more people who are sick of getting stuck in the queue?
Ed and George also bring you inside the world of becoming an MP and they top up their summer reading list with some international big-hitters.
Plus - now back from holiday - Ed reveals whether he caused any diplomatic incidents over a sun lounger…
You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency
Production support: Caillin McDaid
Producer: James Shield and Miriam Hall
Technical producer: Will Gibson Smith
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Subscribe now on PatreonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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