Épisodes

  • Episode 25: Reflection from The Oscars & Wicked Producer Marc Platt
    Mar 11 2025
    Hollywood and Broadway producing legend Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land, Legally Blonde) sits down with his son Jonah Platt for an intimate and powerful conversation on Jewish identity, Hollywood, and storytelling. In this special episode, Marc shares:📍 Growing up Jewish in segregated Baltimore and the values of justice, inclusivity, and giving back instilled by his parents 🎭 The Jewish themes in Wicked and what it’s like to produce a once-in-a-lifetime Broadway show 🎬 Developing the groundbreaking film Philadelphia and pushing for social change in Hollywood 🏆 His experience at the 97th Academy Awards and how the industry is evolving, and not always for the better 🎤 Why so many Hollywood Jews have been silent since October 7th—and his take on private vs. public responses to antisemitism🕊️ How trauma and loss deepened his connection to God and Jewish faith, shaping his outlook on lifeMarc’s legendary career in entertainment and deep-rooted Jewish values make for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation. If you love theater, film, Jewish culture, and honest discussions about Hollywood, this episode is for you!🔔 Like, comment & subscribe for more deep dives into Jewish life, history, and entertainment! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDHMkJLWNyQMS9HM9Y4N2bw?sub_confirmation=1Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellMentioned in Episode“Wicked” Novel by Gregory Maguire2021 Study Shows One-Quarter of LA’s Jews “Minimally Involved” with JudaismMonologue From Episode 23 of “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt” - “If You’re Still Silent About Antisemitism, Watch This!” Adam’s Sandler’s “Eight Crazy Nights”Adam Sandler’s “Zohan”Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song”You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah Jonah’s Article for VarietyKieran Culkin’s Acceptance SpeechAdrien Brody’s Acceptance Speech Acceptance Speech For Team Behind “No Other Land”Marc Platt’s 20 Year Road To “Wicked” MovieHebrew Free Loan Association in BaltimoreGwynn Oak Amusement Park Jewish Federations of North AmericaUPenn Hillel Lecha Dodi Prayer (Prayer for the Sabbath Bride) Watch “Philadelphia” Film AIDS & Job Discrimination Watch “We Will Dance Again” Marc Platt & Scooter Braun Host “We Will Dance Again” ScreeningsJonah’s video on Artists4CeasefireMarc Platt’s Favorite Yiddish Word: Sechel“The Fox Hunt” by Mohammed Al Samawi“How To Train Your Dragon” - Live Action Trailer
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    1 h et 16 min
  • Episode 24: 2000 Years of Jew Hatred & Australian Journalist Erin Molan
    Mar 4 2025
    In this powerful episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, Jonah sits down with Australian broadcaster Erin Molan, an award-winning journalist, television presenter, and outspoken advocate for Israel. Known for her fearless commentary and sharp insights, Erin shares her unexpected journey—from having no Jewish friends to becoming one of Israel’s strongest international allies. She opens up about her career transformation—from sports journalism, covering rugby and Australian football, to reporting on global affairs, terrorism, and the Israel-Gaza conflict. Erin discusses her decision to call out terrorism, challenge media bias against Israel, and stand in unapologetic support of the Jewish people when many others stayed silent. For the past 17 months, Molan has been an unwavering voice in the conversation on Israel and Gaza, driven by a deep sense of morality, her father’s influence, and her firsthand experience in Israel. She also shares insights from her recent meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, reflecting on the importance of allyship, media responsibility and combating misinformation. This must-watch interview explores the power of journalistic integrity, the challenges of speaking up in today’s media landscape, and what it truly means to stand against antisemitism and terrorism.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Our GuestErin Molan: https://www.instagram.com/erin_molan/Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeVery helpful timeline of Historical Jew HateMurder of Jews During Holocaust in Romania Erin’s Father General Jim MolanErin Molan Meets Israel’s President Isaac Herzog General Jim Molan, Erin’s Father, Visits Israel & Gaza in 2015Erin Molan’s Video: Hamas Are Responsible for Suffering of Innocent PalestiniansErin Molan unloads on UN official Francesca Albanese over 'insane' responseErin Molan’s Monologue on Sinwar’s Death A Timeline of Anti-Jewish Attacks in Australia Time Magazine: The Worst 45 MInute Film You Will Ever See (Raw Hamas Footage Screenings in Israel & Beyond)What is Erin’s Law? Molan Attributes Sky News Departure To “Budget”Erin Molan’s Trip to Israelhttps://blogs.timesofisrael.com/erin-the-magnificent/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMPBJDMRXckErin Molan’s X Post About Her Stance on Israel and Terrorism Erin Molan on 69X Minutes - News Program on X
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    1 h et 1 min
  • Episode 23: The Sound of Silence & Shoe Legend Stuart Weitzman
    Feb 25 2025
    He’s a mogul, he’s a “macher” and most importantly … a mensch. Fashion designer and Jewish philanthropist Stuart Weitzman will steal your heart as he joins Jonah to discuss the two things most dear to his heart: Shoes and Jews. Beginning with an insightful conversation around career lessons and principles, Weitzman shares paramount advice on what it takes to be successful in nearly any industry or pursuit. Additionally, he shares his deep and unbreakable connection to Israel and the Jewish community worldwide. “When it comes to Israel, I laugh for them and I cry for them,” Weitzman says. “And I feel bad for anyone who doesn’t feel the same.” From participating in the Maccabiah games to speaking out against antisemitism on college campuses and building a Jewish museum in Spain, Weitzman’s connections and commitment to the Jewish cause is undeniable, and an inspiration to all. Kick off your shoes, grab a seat and check out this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah BellDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeMask & Wig (UPenn Musical Improv Group) History of the I. Miller Shoe Store Hahn ShoesU.S. Shoe (Which Jonah’s Grandpa Ran)“The Origins of The Inquisition in Fifteenth Century Spain” by B. Netenyahu Stuart Weitzman’s Productions in Spain Jonah Platt Interviews Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Drew Weissman Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy (PBS Documentary Weitzman Produced)The Hamas Charter/CovenantPLO CharterThe Weitzman Museum Soon-to-Open Hispanic Jewish Museum in Madrid (March 2026)The Spanish Inquisition Jews in the Revolutionary PeriodJews in Moorish Spain Fuego Dance ShoesStuart Weitzman’s Collectibles Maccabi Games with Stuart Weitzman Stuart Weitzman named Maccabi USA Flag Bearer at 21st Maccabiah Opening Ceremonies Penn Lecturer Behind Grotesque Antisemitic CartoonsControversy Behind Palestine Writes Festival At UPennLiz Magill’s Downfall At UPennGigi Hadid & Stuart Weitzman’s Footwear Collaborations What is Shemini Atzeret?Stuart’s Cinderella Slippers
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    1 h et 5 min
  • Episode 22: The Normalization of Jew Hatred & Presidential Speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz
    Feb 18 2025
    Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast Like many American Jews, formal religious education for Sarah Hurwitz ended with her Bat Mitzvah at age 13. But after an unbelievable career as a Speechwriter for some of the nation’s most influential Democratic leaders (including Hilary Clinton, President Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama), she found herself searching for a deeper meaning in life, only to discover that Judaism held all the wisdom for which she was looking– It was Here All Along, which is what Hurwitz named her brilliant book about her Jewish journey, the focus of her deep and thought provoking conversation with Jonah in this week's episode. They tackle the problems with modern Jewish education, the disappointing internalized self-hate of some American Jews, and the miraculous power of Jewish textual study. Hurwitz also opens up about her current college speaking tour, launched just days after the October 7th Hamas attacks, and shares invaluable advice for Jewish students and parents navigating the horrific anti-Jew climate on American campuses today. Rich with valuable insight, humor, and introspection, Sarah and Jonah bring their passion for the beauty of all things Jewish to this very special episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comHost & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in Episode“Here All Along” - Sarah HurwitzPre-order “As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame and Try to Erase Us” by Sarah Hurwitz“Nazi Germany & The Jews: Volume 1: The Years of Persecution” by Saul Friedlander“Nazi Germany & The Jews: Volume 2: The Years of Extermination” by Saul Friedlander“A Letter in the Scroll: Understanding Our Jewish Identity and Exploring the Legacy of the World’s Oldest Religion” by Rabbi Jonathan SacksThe British White Paper of 1939 & How it Halted Jewish Migration to IsraelFDR & The Evian Conference Regarding JewsJewish Enrollment At Harvard at Historic LowA Jewish Value: Argument For The Sake of HeavenHillel International Al Gore’s “Lockbox” SpeechHadar Institute (For Torah Study)“The Heart of Torah: Volume 1” by Rabbi Shai Held Mijal BittonHashkiveinu PrayerSvara YeshivaRabbi Isaiah Rothstein Sefaria (Free Online Jewish Texts & Teachings)
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    1 h et 6 min
  • Episode 21: Going “Full Jew” & Covid Vaccine Inventor Dr. Drew Weissman
    Feb 11 2025

    Watch the Podcast @BeingJewishPodcast

    One of the fundamental values in Judaism is Tikkun Olam, or “Repairing the world.” On this week’s episode, Jonah sits down with Dr. Drew Weissman, co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his creation of the life-saving Covid vaccine - talk about repairing the world, literally! Dr. Weissman teaches Jonah the basics of mRNA, the truth about RFK Jr., and the intersection of anti-vaxxers and antisemitism. Finally, a science class that definitely doesn’t feel like homework! Don’t miss hearing from humanity’s hero in this exclusive conversation, only on BEING JEWISH WITH JONAH PLATT.

    Stay Connected

    • Subscribe to the video podcast
    • Follow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt
    • Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcast
    • Join the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish
    • Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplatt

    All things Jonah:

    www.JonahPlatt.com


    Host & Production Team

    Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and


    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!


    Mentioned in Episode

    • Jewish Nobel Prize Winners
    • Drew Weissman & Katalin Karikó Win The Nobel Prize in Medicine
    • Dr. Drew Weissman Calls His Parents After Winning Nobel Prize
    • Dr. Drew Weissman Receives The Harvey Prize in Israel
    • RFK Junior’s Lawsuits Against Drug Companies
    • What Is The National Institute of Health?
    • Liz McGill Resigns From UPenn
    • UPenn President Larry Jameson Calls For Anti-Israel Protestors to Disband
    • Anti-Vaxxers and Antisemitism
    • Dr. Drew Weissman Describes Himself As “More of a Daoist”
    • Piers Morgan’s Interview with Neil DeGrasse Tyson


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    45 min
  • Episode 20: Bringing Back The Hostages & Social Media Megastar Baby Ariel Martin
    Feb 4 2025
    Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast With over 50 million followers across platforms, “Baby” Ariel Martin is one TikTok’s first homegrown stars. Known for her high energy lip-sync videos and youthful antics, Ariel’s career took a sharp turn after October 7th, when she witnessed the explosion of anti-Jew hate around the world and the silence from friends she’d so often stood by in the past. In today’s conversation, Ariel sits down with Jonah to discuss her newfound advocacy, her unique Israeli/Latin American Jewish heritage, and her decision to double-tap into her Jewish identity and use her enormous platform to inspire and empower others every day. Providing both practical tools and personal anecdotes, Ariel proves herself to be a modern day Maccabee, embracing the responsibility of standing up for her people where so many others with similar careers have not. Tune in for this inspiring and insightful conversation you won’t hear anywhere, on BEING JEWISH WITH JONAH PLATT. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah + Subscribe to Newsletterwww.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Ariel Martin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babyariel/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@babyariel?lang=en Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeRomi Gonen (Along with other Israeli hostages) Return Home to Israel Kobe Bryant’s “Job’s Not Finished” InterviewFemale Hostages Forced to Wave To Crowds When Released Jerusalem Bus Bombing in 2003Palestinian Prisoners Released in Exchange for Hostages Eight of the Hostages Set for Release in Phase One Already Dead Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: Fleur Hassan-Nahoon“Dreaming Out Loud” - Book by Ariel Martin What is Musical.ly?Baby Ariel’s “Stupid Hoe” Lip Sync Video (2025)Baby Ariel’s “Stupid Hoe” Lip Sync Video (2017)Nova Exhibition “Jews Don’t Count” by David Baddiel “People Love Dead Jews” by Dara Horn “Israel: A Simple Guide To The Most Misunderstood Country on Earth” by Noa Tishby“Here All Along” by Sarah HurwitzTel Aviv Institute HaNaor HaTzioni (Ariel’s Grandpa’s Zionist Youth Org)Baby Ariel’s Childhood Photo of her lighting candlesBaby Ariel’s Childhood Photo of her with a Kiddush cupTrisha Paytas Trisha Paytas’ Israeli Husband
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    57 min
  • Episode 19: Redefining Zionism & Canada's Anti-Israel Problem with Liberal MP Anthony Housefather
    Jan 28 2025
    Watch this episode on YouTube @BeingJewishPodcast Last year, Canadian Liberal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather, a loud and proud Jewish political leader for many years, passionately denounced a virulently anti-Israel House resolution and even voted against his own party on it. His defiant and eloquent oration was the “speech heard ‘round the Jewish world,” inspiring others to take similar stands in their own communities. Today, Housefather joins Jonah to discuss the shocking challenges that face the Canadian Jewish community, while offering expert insights and genuine hope on how to move forward towards a safer, more stable future. Together, they discuss the importance of holding political parties accountable, pushing for change from within, and always being proud of who you are. They also chat about the truth behind Trudeau’s ouster, Montreal’s rich Jewish history, and bagels! Tune in for this eye-opening and enlightening conversation you won’t hear anywhere else than on BEING JEWISH WITH JONAH PLATT.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/anthony.housefather/ https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/parliamentary-secretaries/anthony-housefather Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Creative Associate: Rachel Stern; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeEpisode 3 of “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt”Boundless Israel Survey: Zionism in FocusEpisode 8 of “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt”Etymology of Anti-Jewish Slurs Israeli Independence Publicly Traded Israeli Companies Episode 12 of “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt” Guest Patricia Heaton Jeopardy (Season 34, Episode 121)Ritchie Torres on “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt”Anthony Housefather Campaign Sign Vandalized with Nazi SignTrudeau Announces Plans To Resign Who is Canadian Parliament Member Marco Mendicino?Anthony Housefather’s Speech on Jewish Hate in CanadaWho is Canadian Parliament Member Ben Carr?Which Candidates Might Replace Justin Trudeau? Canadian Parliament Member Michael LevittSchwartz’s Deli Montreal The ADL Global 100: Index of Antisemitism Maccabi Sports USACote St. Luc BagelFairmount Bagel Montreal Dizz’s Bagels - MontrealSt. Viateur Bagel Shop - Montreal
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    48 min
  • Episode 18: Preserving Jewish Unity & NBA Champion Metta Sandiford-Artest
    Jan 21 2025
    Watch the episode @BeingJewishPodcast Former NBA Defensive Player of the Year and NBA champion Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly known as both Ron Artest and Metta World Peace) joins Jonah to delve into the complexities of what it means to be misunderstood, as Metta has been for much of his life, and as the Jewish community has been for centuries. Together, they explore Metta’s incredible personal growth journey, his desire to spread happiness, and his mission to better understand different cultures. Jonah also sheds light on Metta’s strong support for the Jewish community after October 7th, his tumultuous childhood, and the meaning behind each of his public name changes. And of course, we celebrate many of Metta’s most iconic basketball moments: from being drafted to the NBA right out of the Queensbridge projects, to the infamous "Malice at the Palace" to championship sealing game winners, this conversation has all your favorite hoop highlights. Tune in for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation with the one and only Metta Sandiford-Artest.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the video podcastFollow Jonah on Instagram @jonahplatt Follow the Show on Instagram @beingjewishpodcastJoin the conversation on Twitter: https://x.com/JonahPlatt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beingjewish Threads: www.threads.net/@jonahplattAll things Jonah:www.JonahPlatt.comConnect with Metta: https://www.instagram.com/mettaworldpeace37/ https://x.com/MettaWorld37?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards and Mike O Brien); Consulting Producer: Bethany Mandel; Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald; Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Graphic Designer Noah Bell, and Executive Assistant, Josie Rothschild.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish!Mentioned in EpisodeOrigin of Jewish slurMetta’s Article in the New York Post: Peace Can Only Come By Freeing Gaza From HamasGulf War in Iraq/Middle East in the Early 1990sJews Talk Justice/Tel Aviv InstituteMetta’s documentary - Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story2009 NBA Playoff Highlights: Ron Artest vs the LakersMcDonald’s All American 1997Long Island Lutheran Defeats LaSelleMetta tells the Circuit City story on Podcast P with Paul GeorgeTahitian TreatsAllegro Pizza Eliminates Late Night HoursMalice At The PalaceUntold: Malice At The Palace - DocumentaryGame 5 2010 WCF- Ron Artest Game Winner v Phoenix SunsRon Artest wins Kennedy Citizenship Award: ​​https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6431861
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    48 min