Welcome to the Calling in Sick, hosted by Alex Wildeson and produced by Just Media. On this podcast, Alex shares her unfiltered personal journey battling several autoimmune and chronic conditions including Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) Vasculitis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) / Lupus, Endometriosis, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). She also provides practical âhow-toâ guides, explores hot topics, and welcomes other warriors, medical professionals, advocates and creators on the show to shed light on the latest healing modalities, promising treatments, and myth bust popular misconceptions and trendy health hacks. Tune in for some laughs, tears, and growth⌠but stay for the camaraderie and community. You can engage with Alex and the community through social media @callinginsickpod. We promise, you donât need a doctorâs note for this one!
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Revisit: My Health Journey & Living with Chronic Illness
Monday, February 10, 2025 ⢠Duration 42:02
Hiiiiii my sweet fam! đ This episode is a revisit to Episode 1 as Iâm CALLING IN SICK this week with a flare-up from the pits of hell. đŠ Come hang out with me on my socials as I crush some Bravo đż, spill my duvet day tricks đď¸, and share all the food Saint Cooper is making me to get me back on my feet. đ˛ Donât worry, Iâm on some heavy prednisone, so Iâll be back next week! Love you guys and happy hearts week! â¤ď¸âđŠš
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Welcome to the REVISITED first episode of Calling in Sick! This podcast is all about navigating life with chronic illness and autoimmune disease. Join me, your host, Alex, as I make a long story long and dive deep into my health journey đ§Ź, which started at age 6. Iâll share how my diagnosesâPolyarteritis Nodosa (Vasculitis), Lupus / Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), Small Fiber Neuropathy // Dysautonomia, Endometriosis, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)âhave shaped who I am today. đŠşđŞ
This episode covers:
* đą What to expect on the Calling in Sick Podcast
* đĽ My personal health journey and living with chronic illness
* đŻ My goals and takeaways
It's time to submit your doctor's note because we are calling in sick together! đ Let's talk chronic illness support, self-care during flare-ups, and how to cope when life feels like it's too much.
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome to the FIRST episode of Calling in Sick!
00:02:30 What to expect on the Calling in Sick Podcast
00:07:30 My health journey
00:29:50 Goals & takeaways
00:36:35 THANK YOU for listening!!
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Stay connected and follow social:
⢠Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
⢠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
⢠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson â https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
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#ChronicIllnessPodcast #AutoimmuneDiseases #Lupus #Vasculitis #ComplexRegionalPainSyndrome #Dysautonomia #Endometriosis #HealthJourney #LivingWithChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessFlareUps #PrednisoneTreatment #LivingWithAutoimmuneDisease #HealthSupportPodcast #SelfCareForChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDiseaseAwareness
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Inside Your Mind: Chronic Illness & The Voices in Your Head
Season 1 ¡ Episode 22
Monday, February 3, 2025 ⢠Duration 45:31
This week on Calling in Sick, itâs just me, Alex, taking you inside my brainâliterally. Inspired by Inside Out, Iâm breaking down the real voices that fill the mind of a chronically ill personâthe ones that tell us weâre a burden, that every symptom is an emergency, or that weâre not doing âenoughâ to get better. Sound familiar? Youâre not alone.
In this episode, Iâm sharing:
đ§ How chronic illness fuels negative self-talk (and how to fight back)
đ¨ Why anxiety makes every symptom feel like a crisis
đ The truth about guilt & why you are NOT a burden
đĽ How anger can be both destructive and empowering
đ The unexpected superpowers chronic illness gives us (dark humor, anyone?)
If youâve ever felt trapped in your own mindâstuck in a cycle of fear, frustration, and self-doubtâthis episode is for you. Chronic illness already makes life hard. Letâs make sure our own thoughts arenât making it harder.
Which voice takes over your brain the most? Comment below or DM me on IG (@callinginsickpod)!
As always, sending love!
xx,
Alex
Timestamps:
00:00:00Â Welcome back to Calling in Sick!
00:02:35Â Alexâs Catch-Up
00:07:30 Alexâs Picks of the Week (Sleep Crown, Anomia)
00:09:37 Chronic Illness & The Voices in Your Head
00:11:50 How chronic illness fuels negative self-talk (anger, guilt, anxiety, shame) and how to fight back
00:28:30 The unexpected superpowers chronic illness gives us (comedian, empathy, medical encyclopedia, pivoting)
00:37:30 Alexâs final takeawaysÂ
00:38:40Â Thank you for listening!Â
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Stay connected and follow social:
⢠Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
⢠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
⢠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson â https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
Alexâs Picks of the Week: UPDATE
⢠Sleep Crown Pillow: https://flagship.shop/alexandrawildeson/products-v2/231581
⢠Anomia: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12706973
#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #negativeselftalk #gaslighting #emotionalburnoutÂ
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Living Undiagnosed: Alex Grayâs Chronic Illness Journey
Season 1 ¡ Episode 13
Monday, December 2, 2024 ⢠Duration 01:47:31
This week on Calling in Sick, I sit down with Alex Gray (@alexogray), UK-based TV presenter, actress, and founder, to reflect on her journey with chronic illness. We unpack the toll of hustle culture on health, the disorienting feeling of being a stranger in your own body, and the challenges of navigating life without a clear diagnosis. We explore how chronic illness reshapes relationships - the weight of masking our reality, facing disbelief and misunderstanding, and learning to pick our battles while still finding compassion for ourselves and others. Our conversation also touches on how chronic illness transforms identity and mental health, from the exhaustion of constant perseverance to discovering strength in slowing down and living authentically. One Monday, double the Alex, triple the laughter â join for an honest conversation about life and relationships while being chronically ill. Sending everyone love and hugs - and thanks for Calling in Sick with me!
xx, Alex
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!Â
00:02:55 Alexâs Health/Life Update
00:13:05 Alexâs Wellness Picks of the Week
00:16:50 Introduction to Alex Gray (@alexogray), UK-based TV presenter, actress, and founder
00:25:30 Alexâs first symptoms
00:32:15 Alexâs journey to diagnosis
00:51:00 Alexâs feelings around her chronic illness diagnosis
01:02:45 Friendship & chronic illness
01:06:15 Family & chronic illness
01:15:00 Masking your chronic illness
01:24:04 Roses & Thorns of chronic illness
01:38:40 Thank you for listening!Â
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Stay connected and follow social:
⢠Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
⢠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
⢠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson â https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #celiacdisease #alexogray #alexgray
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How to Survive the Holiday Season with a Chronic Illness
Season 1 ¡ Episode 12
Monday, November 25, 2024 ⢠Duration 01:08:11
In this weekâs episode of Calling in Sick, I go into depth on how to navigate the holiday season with a chronic illness. It is *so* easy to over do it, when everyone around you is baking Pinterest worthy desserts and listing all the things theyâre thankful for⌠like their health. We have to think through the logistics of traveling (if you havenât, go watch episode 11 for more tips), socializing, and saving our spoons. We have to figure out how to effectively communicate boundaries with everything from our emotions to food sensitivities or allergies (keep that pecan pie AWAY!). Beyond that, this time of year is full of emotions, good and bad. We reflect on the year as a whole, how this season would be different if our health was better and comparing ourselves to peers and family that just donât struggle the same way. From my thoughts on why this joyful season can be challenging as a sick chick to my how-toâs on navigating gatherings and spoon usage, I talk about it ALL in this holiday survival guide. Sending everyone my love, hugs and a spare spoon this holiday season - thanks for Calling in Sick with me this Thanksgiving!Â
xx, Alex
Timestamps:Â
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!Â
00:02:25 Alexâs Health Update
00:13:45 Alexâs 21 Days to Less Anxiety ChallengeÂ
00:15:15 Alexâs Wellness Picks of the Week
00:18:22 Navigating the holiday season with a Chronic Illness
00:20:50 Combatting the energy toll of the holidays
00:25:30 Holiday-specific travel tips
00:27:55 Reflection during the holiday season
00:36:20 Internalized perception during the holiday season
00:46:30 Proactive communication with others
00:53:50 My #1 tip for thriving this holiday season
00:56:00 Recouping after the holidays
01:00:05 Thank you for listening!Â
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Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:Â
For a limited time, use the code âCallingInSickâ for 25% off your first session on Malla.co. Malla is here to help you thrive!
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Stay connected and follow social:
⢠Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
⢠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
⢠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson â https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #traveltips #holidayseason
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to Travel with a Chronic Illness
Season 1 ¡ Episode 11
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 ⢠Duration 52:47
In this weekâs episode of Calling in Sick, I share my how-to guide on navigating travel with a chronic illness. Travel is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable break from âreal life,â but when youâre dealing with a chronic illness, it can be incredibly overwhelming. From anxiety about how âableâ you are, to internalized pressure on having the âperfectâ get away, and realizing the impact of brain fog on planning⌠you are not alone in these worries! Not to forget the mental gymnastics of battling guilt for being stressed! If you want your next trip to go a bit smoother, look no further! Tune in to this weekâs episode to hear what you need to pack in your suitcase versus your carry on and my top 5 most important things to travel with. Youâll leave this episode feeling more prepared and less anxious for your next trip. And as always, thanks for joining me for another Monday of Calling in Sick!
xx,
Alex
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!
00:01:02 Alexâs Health Update
00:04:45 Alexâs Wellness Picks of the Week
00:09:00 Traveling with a Chronic Illness is stressful
00:15:15 How to pack for your trip
00:34:30 How to enjoy your trip
00:40:15 How to manage anxiety while traveling
00:45:45 How to manage if you over do it
00:47:10 Thank you for listening!
Stay connected and follow social:
⢠Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
⢠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
⢠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson â https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #traveling #chronicillness
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Creativity Builds a Full Life for Chronic Illness Warriors
Monday, November 11, 2024 ⢠Duration 01:06:22
In this weekâs episode of Calling in Sick, Iâm joined by comedian and content creator, Joe Glasgow (@joeglasgowshow). We talk about his plunge into the chronic illness life and how leaning into creativity and comedy has shaped how he has processed and navigated the sick life. Tune in to hear about our symptom âupgrades,â how we navigate being âtwo facedâ and an enlightening discussion on what brings all these different disease profiles together into one community. Joe said it best during the episode, the world may not be curated for the chronically ill⌠but the chronic ill social media space is, and so is this episode. So get ready for your face to hurt from smiling and laughing so hard during this episode⌠and as always, thanks for joining me for another Monday of Calling in Sick! xx, Alex
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome back to another episode of Calling In Sick!Â
00:05:57 Alexâs Wellness Picks of the Week
00:08:08 This episode of Calling In Sick is sponsored by Malla
00:10:15 Introduction to Joe Glasgow (@joeglasgowshow)
00:12:00 Joeâs BC/AC (before Covid/after Covid)
00:17:45 Alex & Joeâs current headspace
00:25:40 Disease upgrades/downgrades
00:31:25 Living in the gray space
00:36:15 Social anxiety
00:39:07 Chronic illness content creation
00:48:45 Creating childrenâs books
00:53:00 How creativity builds a full life for those with chronic illness
00:57:18 Thank you for listening!Â
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Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:Â
For a limited time, use the code âCallingInSickâ for 25% off your first session on Malla.co. Malla is here to help you thrive!Â
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Stay connected and follow social:
⢠Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
⢠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
⢠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson â https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #darkhumorÂ
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Processing Your Chronic Illness and Redefining Your Identity
Season 1 ¡ Episode 9
Monday, November 4, 2024 ⢠Duration 59:21
In this weekâs solo episode of Calling in Sick, I dive into the reality of processing and shifting our identity due to a Chronic Illness, whether you have an official diagnosis or not. I talk about the struggles that come from comparing ourselves to others and how we define self-worth, especially relative to our life before getting sick. The discussion also sheds light on how often we feel misunderstood and feel like we have to âlook sickâ in a particular ways to get care. Most importantly though, I touch on how processing a chronic illness looks and feels a lot like the grief curve. As always, I offer anecdotes of my own journey with processing my new identity and share some tips and tricks that have helped me navigate these topics. My hopes are this episode has you nodding âme too!â and that you can walk away feeling comfort that you are not alone in this journey. Thanks for Calling in Sick with me again - xx, Alex
Timestamps:
Introduction
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick
00:03:40 Alexâs health update
00:07:40 Alexâs mental health update
00:11:20 Alexâs recent wins
00:14:00 Alexâs Wellness Picks
The Chronic Illness Identity Shift
00:17:50 Post-diagnosis prioritization
00:25:25 The challenges of the chronic illness identity shift
00:34:10 My tips for handling the identity shift
00:51:20 My NUMBER ONE TIP for handling the identity shift
Outro
00:53:30 Thank you for listening!
Stay connected and follow social:
⢠Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
⢠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
⢠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson â https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #chronicillnessidentity
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Using Comedy to Cope with Chronic Illness
Season 1 ¡ Episode 8
Monday, October 28, 2024 ⢠Duration 01:27:24
In this episode of Calling in Sick, I sat down with the incredibly funny and sweet Alexandra Kopko. You may know her from her TikTok @alexandrawideeyes, where she uses her incredibly relatable sense of humor to create educational and absolutely hysterical content about living and thriving with a chronic illness. We talk about navigating your way to a diagnosis in your 20s and the funny-not-funny snafus that arose along the way - like doctors that donât believe you and grieving your precious healthy self. I hope you this Mondayâs episode makes you laugh as much as I did â my face actually hurt from smiling and laughing so much.Â
Timestamps:Â
00:00:00 Welcome back to another episode of Calling In Sick!
00:01:30 Alexâs Catch Up and Health Status
00:08:00 Alexâs Wellness Picks
00:11:45 Introducing Alexandra Kopka (@alexandrawideeyes)
00:16:30 Alexâs Diagnosis Story
00:36:30 Getting doctors to take you seriouslyÂ
00:45:20 Using comedy to cope with chronic illness
00:49:30 Health anxiety
00:55:40 Chronic illness on social media
01:09:50 The âSpoon-ionâ
01:13:00 Are their negative repercussions to joking about chronic illness?
01:18:30 Thank you for listening!Â
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Thank you to our sponsors this week:
Malla - Go to Malla.co and use code âCallingInSickâ for 25% off your first session. Malla is here to help you thrive!Â
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Stay connected and follow social:
⢠Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
⢠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
⢠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson â https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnesscomedy #flareup #darkhumor #comedypodcast
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The Chronic Illness ER and Hospital Stay Guide (My Top 5 Tips)
Season 1 ¡ Episode 7
Monday, October 21, 2024 ⢠Duration 47:38
In this episode of Calling in Sick, Iâm sharing my tips and tricks for navigating a hospital stay or ER visit, which we all know can be an overwhelming experience. I wanted to make a practical guide for anyone with chronic illness faced with a trip to the ER or hospital after I spent 72 hours in the hospital last week getting IVIG for an autoimmune flare up. I share my top 5 tips, which cover everything from what to wear and bring, to how to advocate for yourself and what to say to friends and family who want to help during and after your hospital stay. Get ready for a real conversation on how to navigate the system like a pro. Plus, Iâll teach you how to give your medical history like an elevator pitch so youâre taken seriously and get the care you need. Whether youâre packing your go bag, preparing for a surprise stay, or helping someone in your life through the experience, this episode will help you feel more prepared, supported, and less alone. Iâm hoping you have a high spoon and low symptom week - thanks for calling in sick with me again this week!
Timestamps:Â
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!
00:02:00 My recent ER trip/hospitalization
00:15:00 Intro to my top 5 tips for ER & hospital trips
00:15:42 1 - How to present yourselfÂ
00:17:00 2 - What to bring (ER)
00:25:50 2.5 -What to bring (hospital)
00:28:30 3 -What to say (medical history elevator pitch)
00:35:15 4 - How to pull in your care circle
00:39:40 5- How to care for yourself after
00:41:45 Thank you for listening!
Stay connected and follow social:
⢠Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
⢠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
⢠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson â https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #emergencyroomtips #hospitalstaytips #hospitalization #chronicillnessflareup #navigatingyourhospitalstayÂ
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Myth Busting Supplement Culture with Functional Nurse Practitioner, Aubree Steen
Season 1 ¡ Episode 6
Monday, October 14, 2024 ⢠Duration 01:26:52
This week I got to sit down with my friend, and personal Functional Practitioner, Aubree Steen! We got to chat about the foundational elements of Functional medicine - everything from how providers get their credentials to the hand map analogy that describes the key pillars of functional medicine. We also discussed todayâs supplement culture⌠who actually needs supplements, why functional medicine uses them, how to safely navigate buying and taking supplements, and of course, we myth bust some misconceptions along the way. I hope yâall enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed making it. Happy Monday - hope youâre having a good sick day ;)Â
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!Â
00:06:20 Introduction to Functional Nurse Practitioner, Aubree Steen & Functional Medicine
00:18:30 The Hand Metaphor
00:29:30 Myth Busting Supplement CultureÂ
01:09:00 Where to buy your supplements
01:13:00 Lifestyle: you cannot out-supplement a bad lifestyle
01:22:00 Thank you for listening!Â
Stay connected and follow social:
⢠Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
⢠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
⢠Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
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#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #functionalmedicine #supplementculture #biohacking #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclipsÂ
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20/08/2026
#39
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20/08/2026
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