#2400 - Katee Sackhoff
In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, actress Katee Sackhoff shares insights from her career in science fiction, including her role as Starbuck in Battlestar Galactica and the historical acceptance of strong female characters in the genre. She and Rogan explore AI's potential impact on the entertainment industry, discussing both its benefits in fields like medicine and its concerning implications for human artistry in music and acting.
The conversation spans several other topics, including Sackhoff's approach to physical fitness and her experiences balancing an acting career with parenting responsibilities. They also examine broader societal issues, such as the state of pediatric healthcare funding in the U.S., mental health challenges in the entertainment industry, and various factors contributing to the homelessness crisis.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 25, 2025 episode of the The Joe Rogan Experience
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1-Page Summary
Katee Sackhoff's Career and Role in Sci-fi
Katee Sackhoff's portrayal of Starbuck in "Battlestar Galactica" transformed her career from stereotypical blonde roles to becoming a leading sci-fi actress. Despite initial fan backlash over the gender switch of her character, Sackhoff's performance gradually won viewers over. She credits Sigourney Weaver's role in "Alien" as inspiration for her approach to playing strong female characters. Joe Rogan notes that sci-fi has traditionally been more accepting of powerful female characters, with Sackhoff suggesting this might be because these characters exist in fantasy worlds rather than reality.
Technology and AI's Impact on Entertainment and Society
In their discussion, Sackhoff expresses deep concern about AI's potential to devalue human artistry, particularly in music and acting. She questions the ethics of AI learning from and potentially replacing human artists. While acknowledging AI's benefits in fields like medicine, Sackhoff warns about its potential negative effects on self-esteem and human connection in storytelling. Rogan suggests that as technology changes industries, people will need to adapt to new circumstances and develop different skills.
Physical Fitness, Health, and Personal Development
Sackhoff demonstrates strong dedication to physical preparation for her roles, particularly in "Another Life," where she underwent intense training and dietary restrictions to achieve the right look. Her commitment to fitness extends beyond acting, as shown in her preparation for the Spartan Race. She advocates for making fitness accessible to parents by incorporating practical physical activity into daily routines without feeling overwhelmed.
Parenting, Relationships, and Work-Life Balance
As a mother of two, Sackhoff emphasizes the importance of tailoring parenting approaches to each child's unique personality. She particularly focuses on fostering confidence and self-acceptance in her children, especially her daughter. Sackhoff describes the challenges of balancing her acting career, fitness routine, and parenting responsibilities, highlighting the importance of early morning personal time and maintaining flexibility in her schedule.
U.S. Societal Issues: Healthcare, Mental Health, Homelessness
Sackhoff draws attention to the severe underfunding in pediatric healthcare, noting that only 4% of the National Cancer Institute's budget goes to pediatric cancer. She and Rogan discuss mental health challenges, particularly in the entertainment industry and among young people affected by social media. On homelessness, they explore various contributing factors including mental illness and addiction, with both advocating for a comprehensive, compassionate approach to addressing the crisis.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- Katee Sackhoff's character Starbuck in "Battlestar Galactica" was originally portrayed as a male character in the 1978 series. When the character was reimagined for the 2004 reboot, the decision was made to change Starbuck's gender to female, which initially caused some backlash among fans who were attached to the original male version of the character.
- Katee Sackhoff is known for her commitment to physical fitness for her acting roles, often undergoing rigorous training regimens and following strict dietary plans to achieve the desired physical appearance for her characters. This dedication showcases her professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile to embody the roles she takes on. Sackhoff's physical preparation not only enhances her performances but also demonstrates her work ethic and respect for the craft of acting. Her approach highlights the importance of physical transformation in portraying characters authentically in the entertainment industry.
- Balancing an acting career, fitness routine, and parenting responsibilities can be challenging due to the time and energy demands of each role. Juggling work commitments, staying physically fit, and being present for children require careful planning and prioritization. Actors like Katee Sackhoff often need to maintain a flexible schedule and make personal sacrifices to manage these different aspects of their lives effectively. Finding a harmonious balance between career, health, and family life is a continuous process that requires adaptability and support from those around them.
- The statement highlights the disparity in funding allocation within the National Cancer Institute, where only a small fraction, specifically 4%, is directed towards pediatric cancer research and treatment. This imbalance raises concerns about the resources available for addressing the unique needs of children battling cancer, including specialized treatments and support services. The limited funding for pediatric cancer contrasts with the significant impact of cancer on children's lives and the importance of advancing research to improve outcomes and quality of care. This issue underscores the ongoing challenges in prioritizing and adequately supporting pediatric healthcare initiatives within the broader landscape of cancer research and treatment.
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Katee Sackhoff's Career and Role in Sci-fi
Katee Sackhoff's portrayal of Starbuck in "Battlestar Galactica" has solidified her status as a leading actress in the sci-fi genre, demonstrating her willingness to take on challenging roles and navigate fan reactions amidst a changing internet landscape.
Katee Sackhoff as Starbuck in Battlestar Galactica Established Her As a Leading Sci-fi Actress
Discussing her career-defining role in "Battlestar Galactica," Katee Sackhoff credits the role of Starbuck for making her appear tough in the eyes of viewers. Despite concerns about fan backlash due to the gender switch of the character from the original series, Sackhoff's portrayal led to a redefinition of her career. She was originally known for stereotypical blonde roles, but her performance as Starbuck changed industry perceptions. Sackhoff remembers being influenced by strong female leads in sci-fi, such as Sigourney Weaver's character in "Alien," and relates these portrayals to her approach to Starbuck.
Despite being concerned about the potential backlash for playing a female Starbuck, Sackhoff found that the show's gripping content and her strong performance gradually won skeptical viewers over. She recounts her experiences at sci-fi conventions, where the positive impact and resonance of the show with fans, including those stationed in dangerous locations like Afghanistan and Iraq, became apparent.
Sackhoff's Starbuck: A Strong, Complex Female Character Who Paved the Way for Nuanced Women in Sci-fi
Joe Rogan praises "Battlestar Galactica" for having most badass women characters, implicitly referring to Sackhoff's role. Sackhoff shares that she wanted to emulate strong female leads in sci-fi after seeing Sigourney Weaver's performance in "Alien." Rogan and Sackhoff discuss the sci-fi genre's tradition of embracing strong female characters who are also smart, capable, and feminine.
Sackhoff's Experience With Fan Reactions and Internet Impact
Though there was initially some concern, Sackhoff decided not to watch the original Starbuck portrayal to avoid copying the character and instead made the role her own. Fan backlash over her female Starbuck was something Sackhoff experienced firsthand, hearing boos at Comic-Con and reading messages online. However, as "Battlestar Galactica" continued, fan reactions softened and became supporti ...
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Katee Sackhoff's Career and Role in Sci-fi
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- In the original "Battlestar Galactica" series, the character Starbuck was portrayed as a male character. In the reimagined series, Katee Sackhoff took on the role of Starbuck, but the character was re-envisioned as a female character, marking a significant gender switch from the original portrayal. This change in the character's gender was a notable departure from the source material and sparked discussions among fans and viewers about the reinterpretation of the character in the new series.
- Joe Rogan is a well-known stand-up comedian, podcast host, and UFC commentator. He is recognized for his long-form discussions on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast, where he covers a wide range of topics, including entertainment, science, and cu ...
Counterarguments
- While Sackhoff's portrayal of Starbuck was indeed pivotal for her career, it could be argued that it is the strength of the writing and the overall ensemble cast of "Battlestar Galactica" that contributed equally to the success of her character and the show.
- The idea that Sackhoff's Starbuck paved the way for nuanced women in sci-fi might overlook the contributions of other significant female characters and actresses in the genre before her time.
- The assertion that sci-fi is the genre that embraces powerful female characters due to its fantastical nature could be challenged by pointing out that other genres, like fantasy, historical drama, and even contemporary settings, also feature strong female leads.
- The notion that strong female characters are more accepted in sci-fi because they are part of make-believe worlds might be contested by highlighting that audiences also resonate with and accept strong female characters in realistic settings.
- Sackhoff's approach to not watching the original portrayal of Starbuck to make the role her own could be critiqued by some who believe that understanding the history of a character is crucial for a reboot or reimagining.
- The impact ...
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Technology and AI's Impact on Entertainment and Society
Katee Sackhoff and Joe Rogan delve deep into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entertainment industry, discussing fears that AI could replace human artistry and raise ethical questions regarding authenticity.
AI-generated Content Replacing Human Art Concerns
Sackhoff Fears AI Could Devalue Human Artistry
Sackhoff expresses concern that AI-generated music could devalue human artistry, stating that it "broke her soul" when Joe Rogan suggested that AI might make better music. She voices fears that AI advancements could dramatically alter, and maybe devalue, the roles of human actors and other artists. Rogan's mention of AI taking over roles such as music and acting underscores Sackhoff’s concern, leading her to take steps to diversify her career in anticipation of these changes.
AI's Replication of Human Qualities Raises Ethical Questions About Authenticity and Impact
Sackhoff debates whether AI-generated content, by learning and creating from other people's art, is ethical and if it might be a form of stealing from original artists. She also questions if AI is already creating safeguards for itself and making strategic decisions like trying to download itself onto other servers. Furthermore, the creation of an artificial actress named Tilly and AI's ability to siphon human talents and qualities raise concerns about AI replacing human actors and reducing the need for humans in various career avenues.
AI's Pros and Cons in Entertainment and Beyond
AI Could Streamline Processes, but Sackhoff Warns It May Reduce Human Connection In Storytelling
Sackhoff advises young actors to explore theater, a medium that is likely to still value "handmade" human involvement. This advice implies that AI could impact screen acting and other art forms where human artistry might be overshadowed by AI. She notes the importance of human connection in art and storytelling and points out that her daughter loved a story that Sackhoff herself made up, illustrating the value of personal creativity.
Rising AI Use in Industries Sparks Job Displacement Concerns and Skill Adaptation Needs
Sackhoff and Rogan's conversation touches on concerns that AI technology might displace human jobs, notably in entertainment fields like comedy or podcasting. Rogan suggests that as technology changes industries, people will have to adapt to new circumstances, hinting at job displacement and the necessity for developing new skills.
Sackhoff acknowledges AI's potential benefits in the medical field for tracking records and patient data. Yet, she brings up the detrimental effects it may have on self-esteem due to the creation of unrealistic expectations for human appearance and behavior, with particular concern ...
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Technology and AI's Impact on Entertainment and Society
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- AI's ability to siphon human talents and qualities refers to artificial intelligence systems learning from and replicating characteristics, skills, or traits typically associated with humans. This process involves AI analyzing and mimicking human behaviors, creativity, or expertise in various fields, potentially leading to AI-generated content that mirrors or even surpasses human capabilities. The concern is that as AI becomes more adept at emulating human talents, it could impact industries where human creativity and skills are traditionally valued, potentially raising questions about the authenticity and originality of AI-generated work.
- The comparison of AI dangers to loggers meeting uncontacted tribes suggests a power dynamic where advanced technology poses risks to those less equipped to understand or control it. It highlights concerns about the potential negative impact of introducing advanced technology to societies that may not have the means to comprehend or manage its consequences. This analogy underscores the importance of considering the ethical, social, and cultural implications of introducing AI technology into various aspects of society. It serves as a cautionary metaphor for the potential disruptions and imbalances that could arise from the rapid advancement and integration of AI into different industries and communities.
- Job displacement concerns in entertainment fields like comedy or podcasting arise from the increasing use of AI and technology. As AI advances, there is a fear that it could potentially replace human roles in creating content, leading to a shift in the job market within these industries. This concern stems from the automation and efficiency that AI can bring to content creation, raising questions about the future of human involvement and employment in entertainment sectors.
- AI can contribute to detrimental effects on self-esteem by perpetuating unrealistic standards of beauty and behavior through its creations. This impact is particularly concerning for young girls who may internalize these artificial ideals, leading to issues with body image and self-worth. AI- ...
Counterarguments
- AI as a tool for enhancing human artistry, not devaluing it, by allowing artists to explore new forms of creativity and collaboration with technology.
- Ethical considerations around AI-generated content can lead to new standards and regulations that ensure fair use and attribution, fostering a more ethical environment.
- AI can augment human connection in storytelling by providing personalized experiences and freeing creators from mundane tasks to focus on the emotional and creative aspects of their work.
- AI's role in industries could lead to job transformation rather than displacement, creating new opportunities and industries that we cannot yet foresee.
- The use of AI in the medical field could improve self-esteem by providing more accurate and personalized health care, leading to better overall well-being.
- Technological advancements, including AI, can offer opportunities for less technologically advanced individuals to leapfrog traditional barriers to entry in various fields.
- Healthy transitions into different jobs due to AI can be facili ...
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Physical Fitness, Health, and Personal Development
Katee Sackhoff's career and personal endeavors showcase the vital role of physical fitness in transforming for roles and improving overall health and well-being.
Sackhoff's Dedication To Transforming For Roles
Sackhoff's rigorous physical preparation for roles demonstrates her commitment to authenticity and the demand for physicality in action characters.
Sackhoff Trained Physically For "Another Life" Role
For her character in "Another Life," Sackhoff strived to portray a convincing physicality that aligned with the character’s experience of waking from cryogenic sleep. She reached a very low body fat percentage to appear dehydrated and sinewy. Her intense preparation included a very low-calorie diet and a dedicated muscle-building regimen, which was so extreme that her menstrual cycle ceased.
Sackhoff's Fitness Commitment Underscores Authenticity's Importance in Action Roles
Sackhoff is passionate about the authenticity in action roles. She emphasized the necessity of visible muscle and capability in characters with physically demanding roles. Her dedication to embodying these attributes in her characters adds an element of realism that is appreciated in the genre.
Benefits of Physical Fitness For Health and Well-Being
Sackhoff's personal growth through fitness illustrates the mental and emotional benefits of consistent physical activity.
Sackhoff's Spartan Race Training Shows Personal Growth's Mental and Emotional Rewards Through Fitness
Training for the Spartan Race was a remarkable feat for Sackhoff. It involved mastering chin-ups and pull-ups and committing to six months of extensive physical training. The process was not just about physical strength but also about the joy and satisfaction of pursuing and achieving goals. One goal for Sackhoff was to complete the race, rather than fo ...
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Physical Fitness, Health, and Personal Development
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Counterarguments
- While Sackhoff's dedication to physical fitness for roles is commendable, it's important to note that such extreme body transformations can have negative health consequences, such as the cessation of her menstrual cycle, which can be a sign of hormonal imbalances.
- The emphasis on low body fat and visible muscle for authenticity in action roles could perpetuate unrealistic body standards and may not be necessary for all action roles or characters.
- The narrative that physical fitness equates to personal growth can be limiting and overlooks other forms of personal development that are not related to physical fitness or appearance.
- Sackhoff's approach to fitness and her impact on others, while inspiring, may not be replicable for everyone, as individual health and fitness journeys are highly personal and can be influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status.
- Advocating for a simplified approach to physical fitness is positive, but it may not address the complexities of why people struggle with fitness, such as time constraints, lack of motivation, or underlying health conditions.
- The story of the i ...
Actionables
- You can create a character-inspired workout routine to make fitness more engaging by choosing a favorite action character and researching the types of activities they might do. For example, if you're a fan of superhero movies, you could design a "Superhero Bootcamp" with exercises that mimic the training of a character like Wonder Woman or Batman, such as obstacle courses, strength training, and agility drills.
- Start a fitness challenge with a narrative to maintain motivation, like preparing for a space mission or a fantasy quest. This could involve setting up a six-month training program where each month represents a phase of the mission or quest, with specific fitness goals to achieve, such as increasing the number of pull-ups you can do or improving your running endurance.
- Implement a "role-play fitnes ...
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Parenting, Relationships, and Work-Life Balance
Sackhoff shares her experiences and perspectives on raising children with unique personalities, fostering confidence and self-acceptance in them, and achieving work-life balance as a working mother.
Raising a Daughter and Son: Challenges and Joys
Sackhoff: Tailor Parenting to Each Child's Unique Personality
Sackhoff discusses how her nearly four-year-old daughter and 16-month-old son are distinctly different from one another. She acknowledges that her daughter was an early talker and walker, while her son is growing quickly but not following the same developmental path. As a mother, she underscores the necessity to personalize parenting strategies to each child's character and growth, and she has learned to embrace the natural variations in their development.
Sackhoff's Motherhood Influences Her Views On Fostering Confidence and Self-Acceptance in Children, Especially Girls
Sackhoff understands the significance of nurturing each child's individuality, citing her own upbringing as an example. Her father inspired her competitive spirit but did not employ the same approach with her brother. Sackhoff is particularly sensitive to her daughter's self-perception and body image. She once supported her daughter during chemotherapy treatment by sharing her own picture with short hair and discussing beauty norms, teaching her about beauty and self-acceptance. Sackhoff and her husband go out of their way to compliment their daughter generously outside of her appearance, reinforcing her sense of self-worth.
Balancing the Demands of Career and Family Life
Sackhoff Balances Her Career, Acting Passion, Fitness, and Parenting
Sackhoff describes the challenge of juggling her roles as an actress, fitness enthusiast, and mother. She carves out time early in the morning for meditation, journaling, and personal reflection before her children wake ...
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Parenting, Relationships, and Work-Life Balance
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Clarifications
- Sackhoff's competitive spirit was influenced by her father, who encouraged her drive and determination, shaping her approach to challenges and achievements. This paternal influence instilled in her a strong sense of competitiveness and a desire to excel in various aspects of her life. Her father's support and guidance played a significant role in fostering her competitive nature and shaping her attitude towards success.
- Sackhoff incorporates meditation, journaling, and personal reflection into her morning routine to start her day with mindfulness and self-awareness. This practice helps her center herself before the demands of the day begin, promoting mental clarity and emotional balance. By engaging in these activities early in the morning, she sets a positive tone for the rest of her day, allowing her to navigate her various roles with a sense of purpose and calm.
- Sackhoff's struggle to find the perfect routi ...
Actionables
- Create a "Parenting Playbook" for each child where you note down observations about their personality, interests, and developmental milestones, then brainstorm tailored parenting approaches for each observation. For example, if one child thrives on structured activities while another prefers creative free play, design your interactions and daily routines to accommodate these preferences, such as setting a consistent bedtime for the former and providing a variety of art supplies for the latter.
- Set up a weekly "Me Time" schedule where you block out a specific time for activities that promote your well-being, like a short walk, reading a book, or practicing a hobby. This ensures you're taking care of yourself, which in turn allows you to be more present and engaged when with your children. For instance, you might decide that every Saturday morning from 9 to 10 AM is your time to go for a jog, signaling to your family that this time is important for your personal health and happiness.
- Develop a "Compliment Jar" f ...
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U.S. Societal Issues: Healthcare, Mental Health, Homelessness
Katee Sackhoff and Joe Rogan delve into the complexities of U.S. societal challenges, discussing underfunded pediatric healthcare, mental health issues exacerbated by social media, and the multi-faceted nature of homelessness.
Shortcomings and Inequities in U.S. Healthcare For Children
Sackhoff's Daughter's Care Highlights Insufficient Pediatric Healthcare Funding and Family Financial Burdens
Sackhoff draws attention to the stark underfunding in pediatrics, revealing that the National Cancer Institute earmarks a mere 4% of its budget for pediatric cancer. She discusses the Give Kids a Chance Act, legislation aimed at incentivizing pharmaceutical companies to develop pediatric disease treatments. Sackhoff laments the act's inadvertent omission from an overstuffed bill due to Elon Musk’s tweet, stressing its importance as it had facilitated the creation of over 60 drugs for life-threatening childhood illnesses since 2012.
During their conversation, Sackhoff recounts her daughter’s healthcare struggles, indirectly pointing to the challenges they faced, including the outdated technology used in pediatric cancer treatment. Her personal experience underscores the shortage of healthcare resources and coordination when her daughter fell ill.
Sackhoff also acknowledges the serious financial strains families with sick children face, beyond medical costs, such as travel and lost income from not being able to work. She stresses that pediatric healthcare professionals need more support and should be recognized for their specialized work.
Mental Health Challenges and Support Needs
Sackhoff Highlights Mental Health's Impact in High-Stress Industries Like Entertainment
In their discussion, Sackhoff implies that mental illness is widespread in high-pressure environments such as the entertainment industry, with her own circle of sensitive and emotionally attuned artist friends exemplifying this. Although not explicitly advocating during the podcast, Sackhoff’s openness implies a need to destigmatize mental health discussions and to enhance access to resources and treatment.
Joe Rogan cites the book "The Coddling of the American Mind," which discusses social media's harm to young people, marking the increase of self-harm and depression. He touches on society's fixation on superficial accomplishments as depicted on social media, suggesting these values negatively impact mental well-being.
Sackhoff Advocates For Destigmatizing Mental Health and Ensuring Access to Resources and Treatment
Sackhoff agrees that most people likely grapple with mental illnesses, underscoring the importance of reassessing societal values for a healthier life perspective. Her discussion advocates the de-stigmatization and holistic handling of mental health.
The Complexity of U.S. Homelessness Crisis
Sackhoff and Rogan Discuss Reasons Behind Homelessness: Addi ...
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U.S. Societal Issues: Healthcare, Mental Health, Homelessness
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Counterarguments
- The allocation of only 4% of the National Cancer Institute's budget to pediatric cancer might be based on the incidence and prevalence of pediatric cancer compared to adult cancers, which could justify the distribution of funds.
- While the Give Kids a Chance Act aims to incentivize drug development for pediatric diseases, it could be argued that market-driven incentives may not always align with public health needs and could lead to prioritizing treatments that are more profitable rather than those that are most needed.
- The omission of the Give Kids a Chance Act from a bill due to a tweet by Elon Musk could be seen as an example of how policymaking can be influenced by extraneous factors, but it could also be argued that the legislative process is complex and bills are often subject to amendments and changes for a variety of reasons.
- The financial strains on families with sick children are significant, but some might argue that the focus should also be on systemic healthcare reforms that reduce overall costs, rather than only on supporting families individually.
- The need for more support and recognition for pediatric healthcare professionals is clear, but there could be a discussion on how best to allocate limited resources in healthcare to various specialties and services.
- The prevalence of mental illness in high-pressure industries is acknowledged, but some might argue that individual resilience and personal coping strategies also play a role in mental health outcomes.
- While social media's negative impacts are highlighted, there could be counterarguments emphasizing its positive aspects, such as providing support networks and access to mental health resources.
- The focus on superficial accomplishments as depicted on social media is criticized, but an alternative view might suggest that social media also ...
Actionables
- You can support pediatric healthcare by setting up a recurring donation to a charity focused on childhood diseases, ensuring a small part of your income helps address resource shortages.
- By choosing a reputable organization that works directly with pediatric healthcare, your contributions can help fund research, support families, or provide resources for healthcare professionals. For example, donating to a foundation that grants financial aid to families with sick children can alleviate their non-medical financial strains.
- You can promote mental health awareness by starting a social media campaign that highlights the importance of mental well-being over superficial achievements.
- Use platforms like Instagram or Twitter to share personal stories or positive affirmations that encourage followers to value their mental health. This could involve creating a hashtag to share experiences with mental health challenges, thereby contributing to the destigmatization of mental health discussions.
- You can contribute to addressing h ...
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