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<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Maria Theresa</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/maria-theresa--6713705</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/6713705/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>History</category><copyright>Copyright Biographies 2.0</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg</url><title>Maria Theresa</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/maria-theresa--6713705</link></image><lastBuildDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:09:43 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Public Domain Books</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker11@adfreesounds.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="History"/><itunes:category text="News"><itunes:category text="Politics"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Government"/><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>e4accbe0-169e-5b08-b4e2-ca7c11b75897</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Autobiography of Goethe Volume 2-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/autobiography-of-goethe-volume-2-johann-wolfgang-von-goethe--74359504</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74359504</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:06:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74359504/8949_autobiography_of_goethe_volume_2_johann_wolfgang_von_goethe.mp3" length="250804946" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>29084</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Bismarck-Georges Lacour-Gayet</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/bismarck-georges-lacour-gayet--74109727</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9198</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Sir Titus Salt, Baronet, His Life and Its Lessons-Robert Balgarnie</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/sir-titus-salt-baronet-his-life-and-its-lessons-robert-balgarnie--73857572</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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Conant</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/alexander-hamilton-charles-a-conant--73782436</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. 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Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>23539</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Hawthorne-Henry James</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/hawthorne-henry-james--73685708</link><description><![CDATA["Hawthorne-Henry James" delves into the intricate literary relationship between two of America's most significant authors, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry James. This exploration reveals how their distinct styles and themes shaped the landscape of American literature, offering insights into their enduring influence on storytelling and character development. As contemporary readers grapple with questions of identity, morality, and the human experience, the timeless insights from Hawthorne and James resonate powerfully today. Their works invite reflection on the complexities of life and art, making this audiobook a compelling listen for anyone interested in the evolution of literary thought and the interplay between two masterful voices.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73685708</guid><pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:03:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73685708/hawthorne_henry_james.mp3" length="179864628" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Hawthorne-Henry James" delves into the intricate literary relationship between two of America's most significant authors, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry James. This exploration reveals how their distinct styles and themes shaped the landscape of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Hawthorne-Henry James" delves into the intricate literary relationship between two of America's most significant authors, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry James. This exploration reveals how their distinct styles and themes shaped the landscape of American literature, offering insights into their enduring influence on storytelling and character development. As contemporary readers grapple with questions of identity, morality, and the human experience, the timeless insights from Hawthorne and James resonate powerfully today. Their works invite reflection on the complexities of life and art, making this audiobook a compelling listen for anyone interested in the evolution of literary thought and the interplay between two masterful voices.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>22461</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>George Bernard Shaw-G. K. Chesterton</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/george-bernard-shaw-g-k-chesterton--73650270</link><description><![CDATA["George Bernard Shaw-G. K. Chesterton" delves into the interplay of ideas between two towering figures of literature and thought, showcasing their distinct yet complementary perspectives. This exploration highlights their influence on culture and philosophy, making it a compelling listen for those interested in the foundations of modern thought. The themes of wit, morality, and social critique resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the enduring relevance of their insights in our contemporary discussions about society and human nature. By engaging with their works, listeners can appreciate how these literary giants continue to shape our understanding of the world, making this audiobook a valuable addition to any intellectual journey.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73650270</guid><pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:02:39 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73650270/george_bernard_shaw_g_k_chesterton.mp3" length="166462670" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"George Bernard Shaw-G. K. Chesterton" delves into the interplay of ideas between two towering figures of literature and thought, showcasing their distinct yet complementary perspectives. This exploration highlights their influence on culture and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["George Bernard Shaw-G. K. Chesterton" delves into the interplay of ideas between two towering figures of literature and thought, showcasing their distinct yet complementary perspectives. This exploration highlights their influence on culture and philosophy, making it a compelling listen for those interested in the foundations of modern thought. The themes of wit, morality, and social critique resonate powerfully today, reminding us of the enduring relevance of their insights in our contemporary discussions about society and human nature. By engaging with their works, listeners can appreciate how these literary giants continue to shape our understanding of the world, making this audiobook a valuable addition to any intellectual journey.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>20787</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Day With Great Poets-May Gillington Byron</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/day-with-great-poets-may-gillington-byron--73609459</link><description><![CDATA["Day With Great Poets-May Gillington Byron" invites listeners to immerse themselves in the world of one of literature's most celebrated figures, offering insights into the life and works of May Gillington Byron. This audiobook explores the enduring themes of creativity, passion, and the human experience that resonate across generations. By delving into Byron's poetic genius, listeners can appreciate the timeless nature of his art and the profound emotions it evokes. The exploration of such themes not only enriches our understanding of literary history but also encourages reflection on the power of poetry in our own lives today. Experience the beauty and depth of Byron's legacy through this captivating auditory journey.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73609459</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:30:27 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73609459/day_with_great_poets_may_gillington_byron.mp3" length="230372656" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Day With Great Poets-May Gillington Byron" invites listeners to immerse themselves in the world of one of literature's most celebrated figures, offering insights into the life and works of May Gillington Byron. This audiobook explores the enduring...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Day With Great Poets-May Gillington Byron" invites listeners to immerse themselves in the world of one of literature's most celebrated figures, offering insights into the life and works of May Gillington Byron. This audiobook explores the enduring themes of creativity, passion, and the human experience that resonate across generations. By delving into Byron's poetic genius, listeners can appreciate the timeless nature of his art and the profound emotions it evokes. The exploration of such themes not only enriches our understanding of literary history but also encourages reflection on the power of poetry in our own lives today. Experience the beauty and depth of Byron's legacy through this captivating auditory journey.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>28768</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Story of Pocahontas-Charles Dudley Warner</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/story-of-pocahontas-charles-dudley-warner--73565800</link><description><![CDATA[The "Story of Pocahontas" by Charles Dudley Warner delves into the life of the iconic Native American figure and her significant role in early American history. This narrative captures the essence of Pocahontas's bravery and her enduring legacy as a symbol of cultural exchange and reconciliation. Listening to this audiobook now offers a chance to reflect on themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, which remain relevant in today's discussions about heritage and understanding. Warner's storytelling brings to life a pivotal moment in history, reminding us of the impact one individual can have on the course of events and the importance of embracing diverse narratives.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73565800</guid><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:00:54 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73565800/story_of_pocahontas_charles_dudley_warner.mp3" length="51377584" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The "Story of Pocahontas" by Charles Dudley Warner delves into the life of the iconic Native American figure and her significant role in early American history. This narrative captures the essence of Pocahontas's bravery and her enduring legacy as a...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The "Story of Pocahontas" by Charles Dudley Warner delves into the life of the iconic Native American figure and her significant role in early American history. This narrative captures the essence of Pocahontas's bravery and her enduring legacy as a symbol of cultural exchange and reconciliation. Listening to this audiobook now offers a chance to reflect on themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, which remain relevant in today's discussions about heritage and understanding. Warner's storytelling brings to life a pivotal moment in history, reminding us of the impact one individual can have on the course of events and the importance of embracing diverse narratives.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>6416</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Orators-Elbert Hubbard</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/little-journeys-to-the-homes-of-eminent-orators-elbert-hubbard--73512899</link><description><![CDATA["Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Orators" by Elbert Hubbard takes listeners on an insightful exploration of the lives and philosophies of great speakers throughout history. This collection not only celebrates the art of oratory but also delves into the personal stories and environments that shaped these influential figures. Hearing this audiobook now serves as a reminder of the power of eloquence and the enduring impact of words in shaping ideas and movements. Hubbard's reflections on these orators resonate with today's quest for effective communication and the importance of understanding the context behind great speeches, making it a timeless journey worth embarking on.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73512899</guid><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:57:25 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73512899/little_journeys_to_the_homes_of_eminent_orators_elbert_hubbard.mp3" length="257972965" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Orators" by Elbert Hubbard takes listeners on an insightful exploration of the lives and philosophies of great speakers throughout history. This collection not only celebrates the art of oratory but also delves...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Orators" by Elbert Hubbard takes listeners on an insightful exploration of the lives and philosophies of great speakers throughout history. This collection not only celebrates the art of oratory but also delves into the personal stories and environments that shaped these influential figures. Hearing this audiobook now serves as a reminder of the power of eloquence and the enduring impact of words in shaping ideas and movements. Hubbard's reflections on these orators resonate with today's quest for effective communication and the importance of understanding the context behind great speeches, making it a timeless journey worth embarking on.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>32215</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>De Profundis-Oscar Wilde</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/de-profundis-oscar-wilde--73462327</link><description><![CDATA["De Profundis" is a poignant letter written by Oscar Wilde during his imprisonment, reflecting on his life, love, and the profound insights gained through suffering. This deeply personal work explores themes of redemption, the nature of love, and the struggle for self-understanding, making it a timeless meditation on the human condition. Wilde's eloquent prose and emotional depth resonate powerfully today, inviting listeners to contemplate the complexities of their own experiences and relationships. Its enduring relevance lies in its exploration of resilience in the face of adversity, reminding us of the transformative power of suffering and the quest for meaning in our lives.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73462327</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 22:43:49 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73462327/de_profundis_oscar_wilde.mp3" length="52792523" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"De Profundis" is a poignant letter written by Oscar Wilde during his imprisonment, reflecting on his life, love, and the profound insights gained through suffering. This deeply personal work explores themes of redemption, the nature of love, and the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["De Profundis" is a poignant letter written by Oscar Wilde during his imprisonment, reflecting on his life, love, and the profound insights gained through suffering. This deeply personal work explores themes of redemption, the nature of love, and the struggle for self-understanding, making it a timeless meditation on the human condition. Wilde's eloquent prose and emotional depth resonate powerfully today, inviting listeners to contemplate the complexities of their own experiences and relationships. Its enduring relevance lies in its exploration of resilience in the face of adversity, reminding us of the transformative power of suffering and the quest for meaning in our lives.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>6593</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>16 - Maria Theresa by James Franck Bright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/16-maria-theresa-by-james-franck-bright--67422273</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422273</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:17:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422273/16_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="16763904" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5da63af9-3dcc-463c-ab49-0faf0e110155/5da63af9-3dcc-463c-ab49-0faf0e110155.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5da63af9-3dcc-463c-ab49-0faf0e110155/5da63af9-3dcc-463c-ab49-0faf0e110155.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5da63af9-3dcc-463c-ab49-0faf0e110155/5da63af9-3dcc-463c-ab49-0faf0e110155.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2096</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>austria,biography,diplomacy,history,leadership,monarchy,politics,realpolitik,succession,warfare</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>15 - Maria Theresa by James Franck Bright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/15-maria-theresa-by-james-franck-bright--67422271</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422271</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:17:31 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422271/15_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="15867392" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/62f7a6e5-072f-4481-b629-29531da0c6f4/62f7a6e5-072f-4481-b629-29531da0c6f4.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/62f7a6e5-072f-4481-b629-29531da0c6f4/62f7a6e5-072f-4481-b629-29531da0c6f4.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/62f7a6e5-072f-4481-b629-29531da0c6f4/62f7a6e5-072f-4481-b629-29531da0c6f4.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1984</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>austria,biography,diplomacy,history,leadership,monarchy,politics,realpolitik,succession,warfare</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>14 - Maria Theresa by James Franck Bright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/14-maria-theresa-by-james-franck-bright--67422266</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422266</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:17:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422266/14_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="11082240" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/aceb6c70-4c83-484b-98ea-075abda2bae5/aceb6c70-4c83-484b-98ea-075abda2bae5.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/aceb6c70-4c83-484b-98ea-075abda2bae5/aceb6c70-4c83-484b-98ea-075abda2bae5.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/aceb6c70-4c83-484b-98ea-075abda2bae5/aceb6c70-4c83-484b-98ea-075abda2bae5.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1386</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>austria,biography,diplomacy,history,leadership,monarchy,politics,realpolitik,succession,warfare</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>13 - Maria Theresa by James Franck Bright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/13-maria-theresa-by-james-franck-bright--67422262</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422262</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:17:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422262/13_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="10336256" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5d783e99-151f-4529-b178-f477d1997564/5d783e99-151f-4529-b178-f477d1997564.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5d783e99-151f-4529-b178-f477d1997564/5d783e99-151f-4529-b178-f477d1997564.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5d783e99-151f-4529-b178-f477d1997564/5d783e99-151f-4529-b178-f477d1997564.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1292</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>austria,biography,diplomacy,history,leadership,monarchy,politics,realpolitik,succession,warfare</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>12 - Maria Theresa by James Franck Bright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/12-maria-theresa-by-james-franck-bright--67422259</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422259</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:16:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422259/12_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="13916672" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d2935366-d9c1-45d7-8727-a195d933b861/d2935366-d9c1-45d7-8727-a195d933b861.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d2935366-d9c1-45d7-8727-a195d933b861/d2935366-d9c1-45d7-8727-a195d933b861.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/d2935366-d9c1-45d7-8727-a195d933b861/d2935366-d9c1-45d7-8727-a195d933b861.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1740</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>austria,biography,diplomacy,history,leadership,monarchy,politics,realpolitik,succession,warfare</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>11 - Maria Theresa by James Franck Bright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/11-maria-theresa-by-james-franck-bright--67422255</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422255</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:16:47 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422255/11_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="14198784" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/807bb380-e168-4d84-bc44-1f13c728a19d/807bb380-e168-4d84-bc44-1f13c728a19d.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/807bb380-e168-4d84-bc44-1f13c728a19d/807bb380-e168-4d84-bc44-1f13c728a19d.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/807bb380-e168-4d84-bc44-1f13c728a19d/807bb380-e168-4d84-bc44-1f13c728a19d.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1775</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>austria,biography,diplomacy,history,leadership,monarchy,politics,realpolitik,succession,warfare</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>10 - Maria Theresa by James Franck Bright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/10-maria-theresa-by-james-franck-bright--67422254</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422254</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:16:35 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422254/10_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="17908736" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/3928362b-935d-48d2-862a-eadb8dcfdc01/3928362b-935d-48d2-862a-eadb8dcfdc01.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/3928362b-935d-48d2-862a-eadb8dcfdc01/3928362b-935d-48d2-862a-eadb8dcfdc01.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/3928362b-935d-48d2-862a-eadb8dcfdc01/3928362b-935d-48d2-862a-eadb8dcfdc01.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2239</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>austria,biography,diplomacy,history,leadership,monarchy,politics,realpolitik,succession,warfare</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>09 - Maria Theresa by James Franck Bright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/09-maria-theresa-by-james-franck-bright--67422251</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422251</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:16:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422251/09_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="18206208" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/fceea17b-313f-493e-9b87-9fa947246a5f/fceea17b-313f-493e-9b87-9fa947246a5f.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/fceea17b-313f-493e-9b87-9fa947246a5f/fceea17b-313f-493e-9b87-9fa947246a5f.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/fceea17b-313f-493e-9b87-9fa947246a5f/fceea17b-313f-493e-9b87-9fa947246a5f.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2276</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>austria,biography,diplomacy,history,leadership,monarchy,politics,realpolitik,succession,warfare</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>08 - Maria Theresa by James Franck Bright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/08-maria-theresa-by-james-franck-bright--67422248</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422248</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:16:05 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422248/08_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="9873920" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/c6049fdd-396e-4ee8-8295-307f4f8bb6f8/c6049fdd-396e-4ee8-8295-307f4f8bb6f8.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/c6049fdd-396e-4ee8-8295-307f4f8bb6f8/c6049fdd-396e-4ee8-8295-307f4f8bb6f8.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/c6049fdd-396e-4ee8-8295-307f4f8bb6f8/c6049fdd-396e-4ee8-8295-307f4f8bb6f8.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422247</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:15:56 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422247/07_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="19125760" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/602d73ec-5141-4a08-a62d-2a56ce8cbb1f/602d73ec-5141-4a08-a62d-2a56ce8cbb1f.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/602d73ec-5141-4a08-a62d-2a56ce8cbb1f/602d73ec-5141-4a08-a62d-2a56ce8cbb1f.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/602d73ec-5141-4a08-a62d-2a56ce8cbb1f/602d73ec-5141-4a08-a62d-2a56ce8cbb1f.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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Despite this, Maria Theresas blend of common sense, charisma, and strategic counsel enabled her to navigate a tumultuous forty-year reign filled with secret diplomacy, shifting alliances, relentless conflict, and ruthless realpolitik. This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67422235</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:15:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67422235/03_maria_theresa_by_james_franck_bright.mp3" length="12552192" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>James Franck Bright</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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This engaging biography by Oxford historian James Franck Bright delves into her first thirty years on the throne.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1569</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>austria,biography,diplomacy,history,leadership,monarchy,politics,realpolitik,succession,warfare</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/794b0277b1b30f3e0c6814b8f4235698.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>02 - Maria Theresa by James Franck Bright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/02-maria-theresa-by-james-franck-bright--67422234</link><description><![CDATA[By the time of his death in 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI had taken extensive measures to secure the throne for his daughter, Maria Theresa, yet he left her woefully unprepared for the challenges of rule. 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