The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

Joe De Sena
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Jul 24, 2019 • 4min

Mini: When You're Overwhelmed / Spartan MIND 050

Let’s face it. We all experience being overwhelmed. It is a common human experience. But the thing is, there are ways to manage being overwhelmed if you turn your awareness inwards. First, think about how you can use the work of the breath to calm yourself down. Try using the box method. Next, set your priorities. Think about what requires your attention next and where would your energy would best be utilized. And lastly, try and plan for what comes next. These tools can help ground you and create space for you to manage the feeling and the experience. LESSONS: Being overwhelmed is part of the human experience so don’t beat yourself up when you feel it. Try these strategies to overcome feelings of being overwhelmed: Remember your breath. Set your priorities. Make a plan. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/ CREDITS: Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Dr. Lara Pence Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence © 2019 Spartan
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Jul 23, 2019 • 29min

Joe’s original “GRIT” mentor Mo Monaghan

Born in the fields of Ireland, Mo was a guide, teammate and mentor when Joe began adventure racing 20+ years ago. Her ethos are deeply steeped in the foundation and inspiration for Joe to build Spartan Race. Have you heard him say “if your not cold, your wearing too much. If you're tired, your sleeping too much. If you're not hungry, your eating too much.”? That and other great lines like “ Quit moanin & get goin!” originated with Mo. This is a great conversation, where we learn were many of Joe’s battle cries of grit hail from!   LESSONS Visualize the things you want to happen Have a point in the distance to go towards Quit your moanin & get goin! Learn & practice patience Try things - don’t get stuck! Use fear as fuel Be cold, tired & hungry Soak up life - don’t wait for another Help those around you LINKS This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Shady Rays Polarized shades you can afford to lose or break - because they’ll replace them for free. Go to www.Shadyrays.com and use code SPARTAN for 50% off 2 or more pairs. TIME STAMPS 0:00 Joe De Sena introduces Maureen’s interview 0:55 Shadyrays.com intro “Built for Adventure” 1:20 The women who inspired Spartan Race’s foundation 2:30 Growing up rugged in Ireland 4:00 Mountain biking to work and starting adventure racing 5:00 Don’t tell me not to do it- cause I’ll do it! 6:00 Joe’s adventure race “babysitters” 7:00 learning terrain of the World & every aspect of yourself 8:45 Joe visualizing the farm before it existed 9:45 Working with foster kids- surviving & adapting 12:00 Quit your moanin & get goin! 13:30 Shadyrays.com break “Built for Adventure” 15:00 Children are our future- dealing with “broken” children 17:00 Can you push kids too hard? 19:30 Joe’s Wall Street buddies joining races 21:00 Fear of entering the art world 22:50 Soaking up life 24:05 Joe reminisces about racing with Mau, that quitting is forever & being wired differently SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow Spotify https://spoti.fi/2UOLnQx Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Joe De Sena Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra | Seed Huntress Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2019 Spartan
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Jul 21, 2019 • 4min

Mini: Glutathione: the most powerful antioxidant in your body / Spartan HEALTH 037

Glutathione is not a word that trips off the tongue, but it’s very much worth remembering. It’s a substance that combats the problems related to oxidative stress. Let’s learn more about it. First, let’s describe oxidative stress in a little more detail. This happens when substances called “free radicals” and “oxidants” start to grow in number in our bodies. We need some of these radicals because they can act as “signaling” molecules that trigger important processes (like the heart pumping more blood during stressful moments). But if you have too many free radicals, this results in an unhealthy imbalance leading to cell damage. “Free radicals” might be understood as roaming individual atoms of oxygen that are desperately looking to pair up with other atoms (because atoms like to exist in pairs). This means that they’re pretty indiscriminate about where they pair up (sort of like a person who is “on the rebound”), which results in a variety of bad outcomes when this “outsider” settles down with some random cell in the body. That settling causes damage to individual cells, eventually causing cell membranes to break and altering what a cell normally allows to enter and exit its boundaries. One way to understand glutathione’s benefits is that it helps to repair or counteract the breakage and unraveling of cells that free radicals and oxidants tend to cause. For instance, glutathione repairs the “caps” (known as telomeres) that are found at the end of chromosomes. If that cap is broken, DNA can unravel! And there are many other ways it keeps cells healthy – from fighting nerve damage caused by Lyme disease to repairing cell damage that happens during chemotherapy. Its broad usefulness in the repairing of damage caused by free radicals explains why it’s also referred to as the “master” antioxidant. One thing to know about this substance is that it’s hard to maintain healthy levels of glutathione through supplements. It’s mainly produced in the body. Unfortunately, with aging comes a reduction of the production of glutathione. When people reach 40, they produce around 30 % less glutathione. By age 65, that reduction can reach 50 %! You can help whatever levels of glutathione are in your body by what you’re eating. Eliminating sugar, grains and processed foods from your diet is a great way to lessen oxidative stress. And you can find ways to raise the levels of glutathione. Both aerobic training and weight training – individually and in combination – have been found to increase the body’s production of glutathione. So remember: keep your free radicals under control by reducing oxidants in your diet and by using exercise to keep the amount of glutathione in your body as high as possible. The positive impact on processes that contribute to aging and chronic diseases could be impressive! KEY TERMS & IDEAS Glutathione is a substance primarily produced in the body that helps to ward off the effects and potency of free radicals and oxidation in our body’s cells. It’s effectiveness across a broad spectrum of body processes that can be affected by free radicals has made it known as the “master” antioxidant. Oxidative Stress: “Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can lead to cell and tissue damage. Oxidative stress occurs naturally and plays a role in the aging process.” (Medical News Today) Free radicals: Free radicals might be understood as roaming individual atoms of oxygen that are desperately looking to pair up with other atoms (because atoms like to exist in pairs). LINKS & RESOURCES: Jamie Eske, “How does oxidative stress affect the body,” Medical News Today, April 2, 2019, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324863.php, accessed April 2019. Nicole Galan, “What are the benefits of glutathione?” Medical News Today, December 10, 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323936.php, accessed April 2019. “Free radicals may be good for you,” ScienceDaily, March 1, 2011, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228090404.htm, accessed April 2019. Terry Lemerond, “Fighting free radicals with glutathione,” Chiropractic Economics, June 2, 2016, https://www.chiroeco.com/glutathione-benefits/, accessed April 2019. Follow Dr. Nada on: Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milo... Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/ SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppo... Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD © 2019 Spartan
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Jul 18, 2019 • 5min

Mini: The First Two Minutes / Spartan WAY 047

The first 2 minutes of something new is often uncomfortable, perhaps scary! Waking up earlier than normal = uncomfortable. But it’s just those first 2 minutes you gotta get through! LESSONS: Comfort is the enemy The discomfort goes away after only a few minutes Remind yourself that you CAN build momentum that works in your favor. Make an internal deal with yourself to just do 1 thing moving forward. Remember, doing 1 thing is 100% more than zero! LINKS: More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host & Show Notes: Zach Even - Esh © 2019 Spartan
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Jul 17, 2019 • 4min

Mini: Why We Blame / Spartan MIND 049

We all blame. Your spouse gets an earful when you forgot your kids lunchbox, the customer service agent becomes the punching bag when you accidentally deleted your photos from your iPhone, or your supervisee gets a talking to when you forgot to check your schedule. Blaming is never really a useful tactic but we do it because we struggle with difficult feelings. So we offload them. Feelings of disappointment, especially in yourself, can spawn lots of blaming because we struggle to tolerate that feeling. Reminding yourself that even painful feelings can be tolerated and worked through can help you move away from blaming behaviors.    LESSONS:  Understand and remind yourself that blaming is one tactic that we use to offload difficult and painful feelings.  Build up some distress tolerance around those feelings by sitting when them, breathing, and using positive affirmations.    SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/   CREDITS:   Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Dr. Lara Pence Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence   © 2019 Spartan  
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Jul 16, 2019 • 34min

257: Don Devany | What Does it Take to Survive the Most Gruelling Race?

The Death Race. Its name alone can be enough to undermine your confidence. An old friend of the podcast, Don Devany has taken the nickname of the Death Race “Taskmaster.” A decade long veteran of the infamous Death Race, he has inspired legions while they perspired to heroic feats of greatness. Joe De Sena sat down to talk with Don days after he cycled cross country east to west & back again! 9145.5 miles of riding to raise funds for DECA Journey for the One Step Ahead Foundation for kids with mobility issues. What is it that makes one athlete complete the Death Race and another fail? Did those lessons influence Don in his cross country journey? He shares lessons learned from not quitting and falling into the proverbial ditch. Is there a secret to success? Is it “burning the boats”?. To Joe Don is a “testament to what resilience is all about and understands what makes people tick & what makes them break!” There are some people that are simply from another era. Don oozes from every pore the archetype of a medieval knight / renaissance henchman with the mind of a grand philosopher. As Don is famous for saying: GET IT DONE! LESSONS Feed the engine Food / shelter/ water is what truly matters Maintain your “machine” Reduce your options- don’t have a plan B Burn the obstacles in your mind before you begin Reframe your points of reference Don't go into challenges with preconceived notions Pedal On! LINKS https://onestepaheadfoundation.wordpress.com/2019/02/04/deca-journey/ The Death Race https://life.spartan.com/post/worlds-toughest-race   This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Shady Rays Polarized shades you can afford to lose or break - because they’ll replace them for free. Go to www.Shadyrays.com and use code SPARTAN for 50% off 2 or more pairs. TIME STAMPS 0:00 Joe De Sena introducing the one and only Don Devany 0:57 Shadyrays.com intro “Built for Adventure” 1:20 Interview begins as Death Race is about to start 3:25 “Feeding the engine” to be on the bike 12+ hours a day 4:30 A thousand reasons to fall in the “ditch” 6:15 Being grateful and appreciative for “anything more” 7:15 The bottom of Maslow’s pyramid 8:25 Biking across America… both ways! “tasting & drifting the Country” 10:15 An I-Beam in the icy river- just move forward! 13:00 Masonry and getting it DONe. 14:30 Teaching kids to earn their dollars & “learn life” 15:47 Shadyrays.com break “Built for Adventure” 17:08 Interview continues with “maintaining your machine” 18:05 Lessons from a decade as a Taskmaster 20:00 Challenges to overcome on the road 22:00 Perspective and frame of reference of the struggle 27:00 Taking away the option of a Plan B 28:50 Survive the here & now: “pedal on 29:30 Joe De Sena reflects on the interview with Don the Taskmaster 33:55 Shadyrays.com close “Built for Adventure” - special offer for Spartans! SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow Spotify https://spoti.fi/2UOLnQx Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Joe De Sena Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra | Seed Huntress Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2019 Spartan
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Jul 14, 2019 • 4min

The Benefits of Zinc // Spartan HEALTH 035

Like magnesium, zinc is a mineral that’s present in many of the body’s functions. We talked about Magnesium in another episode and if you remember it’s important because it’s involved in many different ways in your body’s cellular activity. Well zinc is another much needed mineral and let’s talk about why! EPISODE SCRIPT Zinc might not be as ubiquitous as magnesium, but it’s still very important to pay attention to in your diet. Why? Because the body lacks a specialized zinc storage system! Zinc has a lot of benefits, but three in particular can have a big impact on your daily health. First, zinc supports your immune system. While you only need a little zinc to have your immune system work well, a deficiency could have dire consequences. That’s because zinc is the ingredient necessary to activate T-cells, which are important for two reasons: 1) T-cells attack infected and cancerous cells and 2) they help to control and regulate immune responses. A measure of how important T-cells are for the immune system is that some of the worst aspects of HIV result from the virus’s attack on T-cells. Second, zinc has an impact in the process of healing wounds. Specifically, it’s important because of the way it interacts with collagen. Collagen is a protein that maintains the structure in skin and other kinds of connective tissue. Zinc, in turn, helps in the production and remodeling of collagen, which is a key property that boosts tissue growth in and around a “wound bed,” thus promoting healing. Third, zinc has great properties that can help you with the common cold. Many people find that zinc lozenges can help cut down on the severity and duration of a cold. One study found this zinc remedy could cut down on the length of a cold by 40 percent! The theory is that zinc helps to reduce inflammation in and around the mouth and throat, where much of the cold virus resides. So, now that you know that you need zinc, where can you find it? Oysters are a great source, so if you’re at happy hour, have a few to make up for that beer! Red meat, lobster and poultry are also good sources. For vegetarians, beans, nuts, dairy products and especially whole grains help with zinc intake. Since zinc isn’t stored in the body, people who are prone to zinc deficiencies either have trouble absorbing it, take in too little, or use up too much. In the first case you’ll find people with digestive disorders or diseases associated with metabolism, like liver disease. In the second case, vegetarians who aren’t eating oysters and red meat could become zinc deficient without some compensating strategies. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding use a lot of zinc for their baby’s needs and may also run low. Remember, because your body can’t store this important mineral, don’t take it for granted. Think zinc. Key Terms and Ideas: The only source of zinc comes from what we eat (either from food or supplements) because the body lacks a specialized zinc storage system. T-cells are a “type of white blood cell that is of key importance to the immune system and is at the core of adaptive immunity, the system that tailors the body's immune response to specific pathogens. The T cells are like soldiers who search out and destroy the targeted invaders.” (MedicineNet) Collagen is a protein that maintains the structure in skin and other kinds of connective tissue. LINKS & RESOURCES: Cathy Thomas Hess, "Monitoring laboratory values: zinc, copper, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E," Advances in skin & wound care 22.5 (2009): 240, https://journals.lww.com/aswcjournal/Citation/2009/05000/Monitoring_Laboratory_Values__Zinc,_Copper,.12.aspx, accessed April 2019. Joseph Nordqvist, “What are the health benefits of Zinc?” Medical News Today, December 5, 2017, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263176.php, accessed April 2019. William S. Shiel, “Medical Definition of T Cell,” MedicineNet, https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11300, accessed April 2019. “Zinc: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals,” National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements, March 13, 2019, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/, accessed April 2019. Follow Dr. Nada on: Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milo... Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/ SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppo... Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD © 2019 Spartan
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Jul 11, 2019 • 4min

Challenge Others // Spartan WAY 046

We’re afraid to tell others what they need to do. We’re afraid to tell others to step up and stop being lazy, stop being a clock puncher, stop being average! LESSONS: There is nothing wrong with telling others that the standard of excellence is NOT being met by them. Tell them to step it up and tell them how to do it! Challenging others might be scary at first, but you will be helping the individual and yourself by expressing why you are demanding excellence. You have achieved more in your life by pushing yourself. Perhaps a Coach or mentor pushed you as well. Someone is waiting for you to push them! LINKS: More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host & Show Notes: Zach Even - Esh © 2019 Spartan
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Jul 10, 2019 • 5min

The Right Way to Plan / Spartan MIND 048

Yes! There actually is a right way to plan! Whether you are planning to run errands, planning to change your relationship with food, or planning to start a new workout routine, knowing what works and what doesn’t can help. A phenomenon called the planning fallacy can get us into trouble when it comes to planning because here we tend to overestimate our abilities because we assume perfect conditions and ignore past data. When we assume perfect conditions, we disregard all of the things that could make the road more rocky and the path more of a struggle. And when we ignore past data, we take the approach of this being the ‘first time’ and leave all of the great wisdom from past failures in the past. How do you get around this? First, assume imperfect conditions. Assume struggles and mud will slow you down and plan for it! And next, take wisdom that you’ve gained from the past in regards to what you’re planning for and use it in the present. LESSONS: Understand the planning fallacy: the tendency to overestimate your abilities because you assume perfect conditions on your route and you ignore data from the past. When you start out, consider what struggles and roadblocks you might encounter and plan accordingly. Bring with you data from the past in terms of what’s worked and wasn’t hasn’t, and use it in the present. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/ CREDITS: Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Dr. Lara Pence Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence © 2019 Spartan
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Jul 9, 2019 • 38min

256: Vince Nance | The Waffle Anarchist

What do cage fighting and gluten free waffles have in common? Vince Nance. Vince and Joe De Sena cook up a great interview that discusses operational leadership, the rigors and rewards of Brasilian Jiu Jitsu and the importance of women’s self defense. Anarchy has never tasted so good!    LESSONS Don’t punch unless you mean it (always act with full intention Start where you are! Adjust as needs change  Leave deep tracks  Designate mental real estate to your commitments  Legacy = people, love and action  You can’t make excuses and learn at the same time LINKS https://anarchywaffles.com This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Duke Cannon. Visit Dukecannon.com right now to get 15% off your first order with the promo code SPARTAN. Free shipping on orders over $35   TIME STAMPS  0:00 The Col, Johnny & Dr. L introduce episode 1:15 Dukecannon.com sponsor intro 1:40 Vince & Joe De Sena begin by making waffles 4:30 Battling with the pancake tycoons   5:30 Growing up with martial arts  8:30 Lessons from the cage 11:30 Dukecannon.com sponsor break 15:00 Efficiency of living where you work  16:00 Women’s self defense training  18:15 Leaving your tracks  19:00 The illusion of starting at the end 21:00 The keys to Brasilian Jiu Jitsu  23:00 Letting go of your own preconceived notions  25:00 Importance of women learning self defense 26:00 Organizational leadership  27:00 Keeping the ego in check  30:15 The Colonel, Johnny & Dr. L discuss how to apply these lessons to your life  37:55 Dukecannon.com sponsor close   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow Spotify https://spoti.fi/2UOLnQx Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena, Col. Nye, Johnny Waite & guest host Dr. Lara Pence Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra | Seed Huntress  Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty   © 2019 Spartan  

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