People

Sam Altman

Mentioned in 659 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows

CEO of OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence company, who is frequently discussed across AI and tech podcasts regarding the company's competitive strategy, product developments (including ChatGPT, Codex, and Sora), and positioning against rivals like Anthropic and Google DeepMind. Podcasts reference his statements on industry challenges such as AI chip bottlenecks, energy requirements, and the potential for AI-powered single-person startups, as well as his public appearances including congressional testimony and responses to competitive advertising campaigns.

Episode Appearances

"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis

"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis · Jul 12, 2026

Alignment with Awakening: Davidad on Moral Realism, AI Wisdom, & why His p(Doom) is Down to 5%

Mentioned in context of relationship with Dario Amodei; competitive dynamics affecting AI development

AI Consciousness and Moral StatusConstitutional AI and Self-DPO TrainingFormal Verification and Safeguarded AI
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Big Technology Podcast

Big Technology Podcast · Jul 10, 2026

OpenAI Finally Ships Its Superapp, Meta’s AI Price War, ChatGPT Cheating At Brown

Mentioned for statements on token efficiency (54% improvement) and 'intelligence too cheap to meter' vision

AI Model Pricing WarsChatGPT Work vs Claude CoworkAI Super Apps and Convergence
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The AI Daily Brief: Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis

The AI Daily Brief: Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis · Jul 10, 2026

ChatGPT Just Became a Work Agent

Tweeted about GPT-5.6 as best model and blog post; emphasized cost improvements for enterprises

GPT-5.6 Model Family and Performance BenchmarksChatGPT Work Agent Harness and Knowledge Work AutomationCost-Efficiency Metrics and Dollars-Per-Task Economics
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Tech Brew Ride Home

Tech Brew Ride Home · Jul 10, 2026

The New GPT

Announced GPT 5.6 models are 54% more token-efficient for coding tasks; promised cost-effectiveness improvements

GPT 5.6 Model Release and VariantsChatGPT Work Enterprise Product LaunchOpenAI vs Anthropic Competitive Positioning
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Squawk Pod

Squawk Pod · Jul 10, 2026

SK Hynix Hits the Nasdaq & Talking FIFA with Men in Blazers 7/10/26

Leadership consolidating around Altman following Fiji Simo's departure; company preparing for IPO

SK Hynix Nasdaq IPO and HBM market dominanceAI chip supply chain and memory shortage dynamicsOpenAI executive departures and organizational restructuring
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Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson

Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson · Jul 10, 2026

(Preview) Meta and Its Messaging Problem, The XBOX Reset, Q&A on Token Costs, American Soccer, Starlink in Nature

Mentioned as example of leader with revolutionary ambitions, contrasted with Zuckerberg's approach

Meta's AI strategy and messagingMark Zuckerberg's leadership and communication styleAdvertising technology and AI applications
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All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Jul 10, 2026

Open Source Wins, AGI Is Here, and Scorsese's AI Toolkit with CEOs of Cerebras & Black Forest Labs

Referenced as an early visionary on AI reasoning and as a past All-In guest who predicted the reasoning paradigm shift.

AI Infrastructure Buildout Scale and Capital MobilizationCerebras Inference Chip Architecture vs GPU Moore's LawRecursive AI Reasoning and Loop Maxing
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Better Offline

Better Offline · Jul 8, 2026

Trashfuture x Better Offline: Goosed In The Shell

Discussed for his role in securing SoftBank's billions, IPO valuation stance, and AI timeline claims.

SoftBank investor presentation analysis and goose metaphor critiqueMasayoshi Son AI obsession and ChatGPT dependencyOpenAI IPO valuation challenges and $1 trillion target
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All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Jul 3, 2026

AI Sovereignty Wars, Palantir-Nvidia Deal, SCOTUS Birthright Ruling, Newsom's CA Budget Lie

Cited for offering free tokens to YC startups as a strategy to harvest innovation and for aggressive platform expansion.

AI Sovereignty and Enterprise Data ProtectionPalantir-Nvidia Sovereign AI Operating System PartnershipAnthropic Vertical Integration and Developer Trust Erosion
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Better Offline

Better Offline · Jul 3, 2026

Monologue: Meta Admits It Bought Too Many GPUs

Reported to be proposing giving 5% of OpenAI to the US government, framed as a potential bailout precursor.

Meta GPU overcapacity and cloud infrastructure monetisationNvidia financial backstops to GPU cloud providersGenerative AI business model viability
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TBPN

TBPN · Jun 29, 2026

Open-Source AI Battle, Google Throttles Meta, Micron Margins Moon | Edward Coristine & Tai Groot, Chad Rigetti, Pim de Witte, Yadin Soffer, Jack Morris, Neil Movva, Jakob Diepenbrock, Chris Altchek

Mentioned as having introduced Chad Rigetti to Y Combinator in 2014 when he took over as president.

Chinese Open-Source AI Models and Geopolitical ImplicationsGLM 5.2 Benchmark Performance and Distillation ConcernsGoogle Throttling Meta's Gemini API Access Due to Capacity Constraints
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This Week in Startups

This Week in Startups · Jun 27, 2026

Why F1 Teams are Replacing Wind Tunnels with Smart Tape | E2305

Described as a deal-maker competing aggressively with all partners; building hardware and custom AI chips.

Real-world aerodynamic data collection via sensor tapeWind tunnel disruption in Formula 1 and motorsportOpenAI GPT-5.6 series government-delayed model release
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Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar · Jun 16, 2026

6/16/26: Anthropic CEO Pressed On AI In Military Use, Gas Prices Here To Stay, MAGA Grandma Turns On Trump

Positioned OpenAI as willing alternative to Anthropic for Pentagon autonomous military applications without ethical constraints

AI Military Applications and EthicsAnthropic Safety Claims vs. RealityIran Conflict Economic Fallout
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How I Invest with David Weisburd

How I Invest with David Weisburd · Jun 12, 2026

E389: The Future of Investing: Data Centers, AI & the Next Trillion-Dollar Companies

Referenced as mega-round founder who texts preferred VCs to set terms and valuation in fundraising

AI Infrastructure and Power ConstraintsVenture Capital Concentration and Mega-RoundsPrivate Markets Duration and IPO Timing
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Hard Fork

Hard Fork · Jun 12, 2026

‘Hard Fork’ Live, Part 1: Satya Nadella and Cindy Cohn

Rehired after 2023 board removal; advocated for privilege in chatbot conversations; mentioned as potential government AI investment advocate

AI Platform Strategy and Ecosystem DiffusionFrontier Model Economics and Token OptimizationAgent-First Hardware and Ambient Intelligence
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Pivot

Pivot · Jun 12, 2026

SpaceX IPO: Markets, Morals, and What It Means for You

Leading OpenAI IPO filing; competing with SpaceX and Anthropic in AI company IPO wave

SpaceX IPO Valuation and Pricing StrategySEC Rule Waivers and Regulatory CaptureElon Musk's Political Influence and Government Contracts
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The Bulwark Podcast

The Bulwark Podcast · Jun 9, 2026

Jason Calacanis: The Silicon Valley Vibes Are Still Pro-Trump

House firebombed and shot at; example of violence targeting wealthy tech leaders; discussed in context of character and judgment.

AI Job Displacement and Entry-Level Career CrisisSilicon Valley CEO Political Alignment and Business PragmatismTrump Administration Foreign Policy: Iran War Impact
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Pivot

Pivot · Jun 9, 2026

Trump's AI Stake, SpaceX's IPO Froth, and Apple's Siri Overhaul

Floating government stake proposal; meeting with Bernie Sanders and Trump administration on AI policy

Trump Administration Regulatory CaptureCBS 60 Minutes Editorial Purge and Media ConsolidationSpaceX IPO Valuation and AI Infrastructure Deals
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Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov · Jun 8, 2026

Trump's “Little Excursion" in Iran Becomes a 100-Day Disaster

Referenced regarding potential government ownership stakes in AI companies

Iran Nuclear Deal Negotiations and JCPOA RenegotiationU.S. Military Spending and Defense Budget EfficiencyAI Regulation vs. Government Ownership Stakes
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Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar · Jun 8, 2026

6/8/26: Chips Stocks Hammered, Trump Floats Gov Stake In AI Companies

Proposed government equity stake in OpenAI; confirmed discussing idea with Trump administration

AI Valuation Bubble RiskGovernment Equity Stakes in Private CompaniesInterest Rate Impact on Tech Profitability
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This Week in Startups

This Week in Startups · Jun 6, 2026

Anthropic wants to slow AI down and Bernie wants 50%: JCal Reacts | E2297

Conducted $14M UBI study showing people value work more with financial security

AI Development RegulationWealth Redistribution from AIUniversal Basic Income
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All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Jun 3, 2026

Bill Ackman: Investment Strategy, What the Market is Missing, How AI Breaks Businesses

Suggested as better suited for chairman role rather than CEO position

Investment Philosophy EvolutionAI Business Model DisruptionMarket Valuation Opportunities
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Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov · Jun 2, 2026

The Hidden Costs of Trump’s Hollowed-Out Foreign Policy

Referenced as showing 'abject terror' about ChatGPT's potential harms; company facing regulatory scrutiny

Iran Nuclear Negotiations and JCPOA CollapseU.S. Foreign Policy Competence and Diplomatic CorpsNational Security Leadership Qualifications
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Today, Explained

Today, Explained · Jun 2, 2026

AI goes IPO

Running OpenAI as scattered startup portfolio; involved in lawsuit with Musk; company planning September IPO

AI Company IPOs and ValuationsSpaceX Financial Structure and Mars AmbitionsOpenAI Business Model and Safety Issues
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All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Jun 2, 2026

OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar on IPO, AI Rivalries, New Device, and Spending $100B+ on Compute

Referenced as cutting ribbon on Michigan data center during the interview

AI Infrastructure InvestmentCompute Scarcity and Data CentersIPO Strategy and Market Timing
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This Week in Startups

This Week in Startups · May 29, 2026

How to Raise a Seed Round in 2026: Ask Jason | E2294

Criticized for allegedly betraying Elon Musk in OpenAI founding and governance

Seed round fundraising strategiesAI competition and differentiationHardware startup advantages
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The Bulwark Podcast

The Bulwark Podcast · May 28, 2026

Kara Swisher: The Tech Bros Should Just Shut Up

Criticized for excessive public speaking and media appearances that undermine company credibility

Elon Musk's Business Consolidation StrategySpaceX IPO Valuation and Financial StructureAI Company Valuations and Bubble Risk
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The Dan Bongino Show

The Dan Bongino Show · May 28, 2026

Big Changes at the Secret Service (Ep. 2524)

AI innovator discussed regarding GPT-7 development, universal basic income proposals, and AI economic displacement concerns

Secret Service personnel recruitment and counter-assault team operationsElection integrity and mail-in ballot fraud investigationMedia bias in political coverage and delayed reporting
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The Matt Walsh Show

The Matt Walsh Show · May 27, 2026

Ep. 1786 - Tech Billionaires Are Openly Announcing Their Plans. Are You Ready for What’s Coming?

Promotes AI as superhuman intelligence and future utility; claims kids born today will never be smarter than AI

AI Capability Limitations and HallucinationsCopyright Infringement in AI TrainingAI Job Displacement and Economic Disruption
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Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov · May 27, 2026

Trump Has “No Cards” in Iran as Deal Collapses and U.S. Continues Strikes

Criticized for tone-deaf statements about using ChatGPT for parenting and political alignment with Trump

Iran Nuclear Deal Negotiations and Trump Administration StrategyU.S. Military Leverage and Credibility in Middle EastPrivate Prison System and ICE Detention Conditions
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The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience · May 21, 2026

#2503 - Eric Weinstein

AI leader discussed as part of billionaire-dominated public intellectual class replacing scientists

String Theory Monopoly in PhysicsTheoretical Physics Funding and GatekeepingJeffrey Epstein as Intelligence Operation
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Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar · May 19, 2026

5/19/26: Trump $1.8 Billion Slush Fund For Allies, Students Boo AI At Graduation, Kars4Kids Scandal Erupts

Sued by Elon Musk for abandoning nonprofit mission and converting OpenAI to for-profit entity

Trump $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization FundExecutive Compensation Without Congressional OversightWhite-Collar Crime Prosecution Decline
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The Headlines

The Headlines · May 19, 2026

Trump’s New $1.8 Billion Pot of Money, and a Deadly Mosque Attack in California

Celebrated jury ruling dismissing Elon Musk's $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI

Trump Administration Compensation FundPresidential Slush Fund ConcernsIran-US Military Tensions
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Pivot

Pivot · May 19, 2026

Elon's Big Loss, Trump's Stock Trades, and OpenAI vs. Apple

Won lawsuit against Musk; facing Apple integration disputes; managing IPO preparations amid competition

Elon Musk OpenAI Lawsuit and VerdictApple-OpenAI Distribution and Integration DisputesData Center Opposition and Environmental Concerns
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The Daily

The Daily · May 18, 2026

The Courtroom Showdown Between Elon Musk and Sam Altman

Defendant in lawsuit; accused by Musk of bait-and-switch on company structure and profit motives

OpenAI Corporate Structure and GovernanceNonprofit to For-Profit Conversion in TechAI Safety and Existential Risk Concerns
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The Daily

The Daily · May 17, 2026

Can We Reverse Aging?

CEO of OpenAI who invested approximately $200 million in longevity biotech startup Retro Biosciences

Cellular Rejuvenation TechnologyYamanaka Factors and Gene TherapyLongevity Science Research
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The Journal.

The Journal. · May 15, 2026

Musk vs. Altman

Defendant and OpenAI CEO; testified as star witness; cross-examined on trustworthiness and whether he prioritized profit over mission.

Nonprofit to For-Profit ConversionAI Company GovernanceFiduciary Duty and Mission Alignment
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Pivot

Pivot · May 15, 2026

Trump’s China Summit, Inflation Shock, and Silicon Valley’s Midterm Money

Testified in Musk lawsuit; denied stealing charity; defended for-profit conversion decision

Trump China Summit and Taiwan Security RiskAI Addiction and Male Social IsolationInflation and Corporate Consolidation
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Prof G Markets

Prof G Markets · May 15, 2026

The AI Boom Is Headed For A Reckoning — ft. Aswath Damodaran

Subject of lawsuit discussion regarding nonprofit-to-for-profit conversion and corporate governance concerns

AI Business Model ViabilityMarket Concentration RiskChip Sector Valuations
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Galaxy Brain

Galaxy Brain · May 15, 2026

Chris Hayes on Calibrating Your AI Anxiety

Referenced as billionaire AI leader making claims about job displacement and economic disruption

AI Anxiety and Psychological ImpactJagged Frontier ConceptAI Regulation and Institutional Design
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Better Offline

Better Offline · May 15, 2026

Monologue: AI Is Making The Tech Industry Weak

Criticized for raising $160B+ without clear profitability path; described as having 'AI psychosis' and unclear financial accountability

AI Industry Financial Transparency and Accounting PracticesData Center Construction and Capacity BottlenecksLLM Code Generation Quality and Software Engineering Impact
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ThursdAI - The top AI news from the past week

ThursdAI - The top AI news from the past week · May 15, 2026

📅 ThursdAI - May 14 - I’m Back! + Agents get /goals, Meta gets Voice AI, Krea 2 w/ Vic, Codex Mobile & why we all quit OpenClaw

Testified in Musk v. Altman trial; owns 30% of Helion Energy; disclosed financial stakes and board conflicts

OpenClaw vs. Hermes vs. Codex: Agentic framework comparison and migration patterns/goal commands and Ralph loops for autonomous agent task completionFull-duplex real-time AI interaction models (TML, Meta MuseSpark, OpenAI GPT Real-time)
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TBPN

TBPN · May 15, 2026

Cerebras IPO, Warsh Confirmed Fed Chair, Musk-OpenAI Trial Nears End | Diet TBPN

Defendant in Musk trial; photoshopped unfavorably by Musk's legal team; defended in closing arguments

Cerebras IPO and wafer-scale chip architectureAI inference speed vs. model capability trade-offsFederal Reserve chair confirmation and stagflation policy
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Tech News Weekly (Audio)

Tech News Weekly (Audio) · May 14, 2026

TNW 437: What To Expect at Google I/O - The Preamble to Google I/O 2026

Defendant in Musk lawsuit; testimony revealed pattern of dishonesty; described as manipulative and untrustworthy

Musk v. Altman lawsuit and OpenAI governanceSam Altman credibility and pattern of dishonesty allegationsGoogle I/O 2026 announcements and expectations
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All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)

All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) · May 14, 2026

Tech News Weekly 437: What To Expect at Google I/O

Defendant in Musk lawsuit; testified about dishonesty allegations and governance disputes

Musk vs. Altman lawsuit and OpenAI governanceSam Altman credibility and pattern of dishonesty allegationsIlya Sutskever's role as chief scientist and moral authority
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The Information's TITV

The Information's TITV · May 14, 2026

Apple Explores Ways to Welcome AI Agents in App Store, Cerebras IPO Winners, Modals’ Raise

OpenAI co-founder with tens of thousands of Cerebras shares worth $16M; subject of Musk trial testimony

Apple App Store AI Agent PolicyAgentic AI and Autonomous AgentsAI Chip Design and Infrastructure
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The Tech Report

The Tech Report · May 14, 2026

Musk vs Altman: There were no grownups in the room | Chris Stokel-Walker

Defendant; testimony revealed deceptive practices, divide-and-conquer tactics, and contradictory statements damaging his credibility

Musk-Altman lawsuit and OpenAI founding principles disputeSam Altman's 2023 brief CEO deposition and reinstatementOpenAI board governance and executive accountability
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Macrodosing: Arian Foster and PFT Commenter

Macrodosing: Arian Foster and PFT Commenter · May 14, 2026

Elon Musk Vs. OpenAI (ft. Zac) | May 14, 2026

Co-founder and current leader of OpenAI; testified in court that Musk wanted total control and didn't understand running research labs

OpenAI Lawsuit: Musk vs. AltmanArtificial General Intelligence (AGI) Development RaceAI Regulation and Policy
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Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Deep Questions with Cal Newport · May 14, 2026

Is AI About to “Eat Everything”? | AI Reality Check

Mentioned as AI leader who should distance company from transhumanist and ex-risk communities

METR AI Time Horizon Chart AnalysisAI Post-Training Optimization TechniquesCoding Harnesses and Scaffolding Systems
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Uncanny Valley | WIRED

Uncanny Valley | WIRED · May 14, 2026

Trump’s Tech Posse in China; Who’s Winning in Musk v. Altman?; Hantavirus Conspiracy Theories

Testified in Musk v. Altman trial; described himself as honest and trustworthy business person

Musk v. Altman Trial - OpenAI GovernanceSam Altman Testimony and CredibilityOpenAI For-Profit Conversion Dispute
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