Best Brant And Andrew Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 152 - Villains in Geek Culture - Wild Bill's Root Beer in a Can 1:04:08

3d ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Today, we are once again joined by listener and geek culture expert Daniel to discuss his suggested topic of villains from some of the more popular sources. We discuss what makes a good villain, the why's and how's of how someone becomes a villain, and whether or not someone is a villain in their own story. Today's root beer is Wild Bill's in a can…

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Ep 151 - Christopher Reeve's Superman - Island Root Beer 47:03

10d ago47:03

47:03

Episode 151 - Christopher Reeve's Superman - Island Root Beer This week, we focus on the Reeve films, highlighting how, for many, he simply IS Superman, and the plots, villains, and even the musical score all will forever mean Superman. Today's root beer is Hawaiian-made Island Root Beer. Intro and Outro music by Stockmusic331 on Pond5 Send us a te…

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Episode 61 - 2003: John Adams, On the Transmigration of Souls 36:04

12d ago36:04

36:04

In this episode, Dave and Andrew go back to the events of 9/11 and listen to a piece memorializing the day. But will they find the piece moving or maudlin? And how does the piece hold up some 20+ years later? By this point, John Adams was a famous composer, but should this particular piece of his have won the prize? If you'd like more information a…

1
Ep 150 - Superman - Sodabeers Root Beer 1:05:17

17d ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Look up in the sky! It's a bird! It’s a plane! It's the original comic book superhero, whose name, characteristics, and even his vulnerability have transcended the comic book medium and have entered everyday vernacular. Seriously, I had to look up another word for “Kryptonite” just now while writing this summary because I wanted to say that Superma…

1
Ep 149 - Paradoxes - Dad's Old Fashioned Root Beer Float Ice Cream 1:02:22

24d ago1:02:22

1:02:22

This statement is false. Or is it? This week we geek out about the seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statements or propositions that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. It would have been better if we could have a Snickers bar as well, but….. whatever. Today we ate ice cream of Dad's Root Beer Float. Intro and …

1
Ep 148 - Jaws - Howie's Root Beer Floats 56:05

1M ago56:05

56:05

Two notes, people! Two notes kept people out of the water! We talk about the first summer blockbuster, the performances, that broken-down mechanical fish, and other aspects of a film that transcends even itself. Today's root beer is Howie's with vanilla ice cream. Intro and Outro music by Stockmusic331 on Pond5 Send us a text…

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Episode 60 - 2002: Henry Brant, Ice Field 31:39

1M ago31:39

31:39

In this episode, Dave and Andrew explore the first experimental composer to win the Pulitzer since Charles E. Ives. With that pedigree, what will they think of Henry Brant's Ice Field? And why is this piece called a "spatial" composition? If you'd like to learn more about Henry Brant and Ice Field, we recommend: This video of the work with commenta…

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Ep 147 - Living Things - Rocket Fizz Root Beer Float 1:06:17

1M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

The fifth in our year-long project to cover every Linkin Park album. Whereas “A Thousand Suns” was a heavily conceptual album, “Living Things” was a return to a more traditional Linkin Park sound, with excellent percussion, and strong aspects of nu-metal, industrial, synth, rap, and even some blues motifs, while still maintaining the strong lyrics …

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Ep 146 - Jagged Little Pill - Tyler The Kid Sarsaparilla 1:10:41

2M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

To commemorate the 30-year anniversary of the release of Alanis Morissette's watershed album, we deep dive into each of the songs, the unique sound, and the stigma of one of the most iconic albums of our teenage years. Today, we try Tyler The Kid Sarsaparilla. Intro and Outro music by Stockmusic331 on Pond5 Send us a text…

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Ep 145 - Slaughterhouse-Five - Abita Root Beer 58:20

2M ago58:20

58:20

Kurt Vonnegut's contribution to the anti-war novel views details of WWII, PTSD, and the firebombing of Dresden through the science fiction(?) lenses of time-travel, alien abduction, and clinging to a favorite sci-fi author. So it goes. Today's root beer is Abita. Intro and Outro music by Stockmusic331 on Pond5 Send us a text…

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Episode 59 - 2001: John Corigliano, Symphony No. 2 for String Orchestra 31:44

2M ago31:44

31:44

In this episode, Dave and Andrew explore the symphony of John Corigliano they don't know. After appreciating Corigliano's first and third symphonies, what will they think of the second? This piece, a rescoring and revision of Corigliano's String Quartet, is another in a recent stretch of winning works that began in a different form. If you'd like t…

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Ep 144 - Almost Famous (Untitled) - Fitz Root Beer 1:17:59

2M ago1:17:59

1:17:59

It's all happening! Today, we are once again joined by Brant's wife, Valerie, to talk about Cameron Crowe's cinematic love letter to classic rock. Journey into the world of 1970's rock n’ roll with William Miller, as he rides along amidst the band members, the roaring crowds, the girls, and the thriving counterculture of one of America's most nosta…

1
Ep 143 - Magicians and Illusionists - Frostie Root Beer 51:22

2M ago51:22

51:22

Pick a card, any card! This one says “It's all Geek to Me with Brett and Andrew”. Is that your card? Today we talk about some of our favorite magic tricks, some of the entertainment magicians, including Harry Houdini, David Copperfield and Penn and Teller, and how we simply like to be entertained by asking the question “How did they do that?!” Toda…

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Ep 142 - Star Wars: The Sith - Stewart's Root Beer 1:19:40

3M ago1:19:40

1:19:40

This year, in honor of May the 4th and Revenge of the Fifth, we are joined by Star Wars mega-geek Daniel. We get in touch with our dark side, explore some of the more fascinating Sith throughout Star Wars history, and even imagine how each of us may have turned to the dark side and become Sith lords, complete with names and backstories. Today's roo…

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Episode 58 - 2000: Lewis Spratlan, Life is a Dream, Opera in Three Acts: Act II, Concert Version 32:23

3M ago32:23

32:23

In this episode, Dave and Andrew talk about a curious winner for the year 2000 since it was originally composed 25 years earlier! What will they think about this blast from the past? It's also the first opera to win the Pulitzer Prize in many decades. If you'd like more information about Lewis Spratlan, we recommend: This video of Spratlan talking …

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Ep 141 - Monty Python (Holy Grail Not Included) - IBC Root Beer 1:07:40

3M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

This week, we're not dead, we're pining for Python! This episode emphasizes that if you only know “Holy Grail”, you are really missing out on the full history, spectrum, and scope of everything those Monty Python boys (and girls! Let's not forget Carol Cleveland and the lovely Aimi MacDonald!) gave us as outrageous comedy from before Flying Circus …

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Ep 140 - A Thousand Suns - Old Red Eye Root Beer 1:11:19

3M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

Continuing this year's music project, we go nuclear about Andrew's favorite Linkin Park album. The quasi-concept project deals with war, oppression, destruction, and rebirth, and includes quotes from and references to Lauryn Hill, JR Oppenheimer, the Notorious B.I.G., Martin Luther King, jr, and even Mario Savio. Today's root beer is Old Red Eye. I…

1
Ep 139 - A Goofy Movie - Red Arrow Root Beer 58:32

3M ago58:32

58:32

To commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the film and the release of the documentary about the film on Disney+, we join the millions of others who consider A Goofy Movie to be one of their favorite movies. We discuss how we related to Max when we were his age, and how now we can also better understand Goofy's point of view. Today's root beer is Red A…

1
Ep 138 - Adventures in Babysitting - Anchor Ginger Root Beer 57:14

4M ago57:14

57:14

If Ferris Bueller takes us on a tour of the fun and glamorous side of Chicago, Chris Parker and company show us it's dark underbelly, while still maintaining the comedy and silliness that 80's teen flicks are known for. Whether you are wondering if you should spike your Tab with Drano, nurture your crush on Thor, or if maybe you could sell Daryl, j…

1
Ep 137 - Soap Operas - Big K Root Beer 37:14

4M ago37:14

37:14

From Super-couples like Luke and Laura, the First Lady of daytime television Susan Lucci, and such intricate plot lines as the Ice Princess conspiracy, housewives have geeked out over daytime television programs, affectionately known as “my stories” for over 70 years. If you didn't know we love them too, then you probably fell down an elevator shaf…

1
Ep 136 - Wreck-It Ralph - Liquid Death Rootbeer Wrath 49:53

4M ago49:53

49:53

Today we discussed the Disney animated film Wreck-It Ralph and its sequel, Ralph Wrecks…. I mean Breaks the Internet. Both films delve deeper than simple cartoons, with such life lessons as appreciation and the lack thereof, friendship, and letting yourself and your friends grow, even if it means growing distant. Today's root beer is Liquid Death’s…

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Episode 135 - Bond, James Bond - Virgil's Special Edition Bavarian Nutmeg 57:42

4M ago57:42

57:42

This week we offer a general overview of everything pertaining to 007, the songs, the girls, the cars, the gadgets, and the actors. Eventually we plan on deep diving into specific aspects of the Bond films, but we'll do that at a later date, because Tomorrow Never Dies! Today's root beer is Virgil's with Nutmeg. Intro and Outro music by Stockmusic3…

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Episode 57 - 1999: Melinda Wagner, Concerto for Flute, Strings and Percussion 25:22

4M ago25:22

25:22

In this episode, Dave and Andrew explore a concerto featuring an instrument not often put into a concerto setting: the flute. But its title also promises a balance among three forces instead of a featured soloist. What will they think of this contradictory piece? If you'd like more information about Melinda Wagner, we recommend: Frank Oteri's excel…

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Ep 134 - Oscars 2025 Recap - Boylan Root Beer 35:52

5M ago35:52

35:52

We give a short summary of our thoughts and feelings about the 97th Academy Awards, what we thought of the winners, lamenting some of the ones that didn't win, etc. Today's root beer is Boylan. Intro and Outro music by Stockmusic331 on Pond5 Send us a textBy Brant and Andrew

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Ep 133 - Oscars 2025 Pre-show - Dang! Root Beer 1:34:37

5M ago1:34:37

1:34:37

We recap this season's journey watching the film's nominated for the 97th Academy Awards, giving our final thoughts and predictions. Today's root beer is Dang! Intro and Outro music by Stockmusic331 on Pond5 Send us a textBy Brant and Andrew

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Ep 132 - "Minutes to Midnight" - Boot's Sarsaparilla Root Beer 59:17

5M ago59:17

59:17

Linkin Park's third album arrived after delays and side projects from members of the band, but arrived with “honed, metallic pop with a hip hop stride and a wake-up kick”. “Minutes” is a roller coaster of emotion, including vicious anger, political rants, forlorn musings on lost love, and a heartbreaking final request that came to pass far too soon…

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Ep 131 - The Power of Flight in Fiction - Sioux City Root Beer 48:07

5M ago48:07

48:07

For millennia, man has yearned to fly, and has attempted it with varying levels of success. Whether it be with homemade cardboard wings, or by detonating several kegs of TNT under our derriere. Regardless of how we finally took to the skies, our fantasies involving flight can be found in nearly every fantasy or science fiction narrative. From Icaru…

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Ep 130 - Songs Celebrating Yourself - Great Value Root Beer 1:01:32

5M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Valentine's Day is this week, and ya know what? You don't need to love anyone but yourself! Buy yourself some chocolates, take yourself to dinner, and listen to our playlist of songs to remind yourself that you can Roar with Katy Perry, Go the Distance with Hercules, and you can Raise Your Glass with P!nk. Today’s root beer is Walmart's Great Value…

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Episode 56 - 1998: Aaron Jay Kernis, String Quartet #2 (musica instrumentalis) 28:18

6M ago28:18

28:18

In this episode, Dave and Andrew return to the venerable string quartet for a piece that mixes tonality, modernist music, Baroque dances, and Medieval modality. But will this mixture work for them? If you'd like more information about Aaron Jay Kernis and the String Quartet #2, we recommend: Leta Miller's book Aaron Jay Kernis, the first biography …

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Ep 129 - Academy Award for Best Animated Feature - Kittywampus Soda 1:12:09

6M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

This year's Oscars spotlight is on the full length animated feature film. One thing this has shown us is that Disney is not the only studio to bring quality and memorable animated films. Over the last 24 years, we've celebrated the work from talented animators and filmmakers from Studio Ghibli, Pixar, DreamWorks, Sony, as well as Disney, including …

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Ep 128 - Airplane - 1919 Root Beer 57:43

6M ago57:43

57:43

Before the parody “Scary Movie”, before the parody “Galaxy Quest”, before the parody “Spaceballs”, came the parody of “Zero Hour!” Surely, we're talking about the film “Airport”. No, we're talking about the film “Airplane!”..... and don't call me Shirley. This classic lampoon of disaster flicks is ridiculous but funny and launched a plethora of waa…

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Ep 127 - Linkin Park's Meteora - Sun Sip Root Beer 1:31:42

7M ago1:31:42

1:31:42

We begin this year continuing our year-long project to listen to and review every Linkin Park album. Next up: Meteora. A second album can (should?) be a deciding factor in whether a band is a one-trick pony or a force to be reckoned with, and Meteora proved that Linkin Park were going to continue being a tour-de-force. Today's…. uh…. “root beer” is…

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Ep 126 - The Breathing Method - Hank's Birch Beer 51:47

7M ago51:47

51:47

Today we finish our year-long project of Stephen King's four novellas from the Different Seasons collection with “The Breathing Method”. Come to 249B East 35th, sit beside the roaring fire in the hearth, have Stevens bring you a drink, and listen to tales of the macabre. Today we drank Hank's Birch Beer. Intro and Outro music by PlayAgain on Pond5 …

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Ep 125 - A Christmas Story - TimTam Slams 47:46

7M ago47:46

47:46

Probably the best nostalgic Christmas movie ever! It took being an adult for us to recognize the magic as seen through the eyes of young Ralphie. The film showcases vignettes now classic in our minds: sticking your tongue to the frozen flagpole, fantasizing about just how to get your favorite Christmas present, and of course, getting your mouth was…

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Ep 124 - Evolution of Christmas - IBC Root Beer Float 1:11:44

7M ago1:11:44

1:11:44

We are both Christians who enjoy celebrating every aspect of Christmas, but we're also Ravenclaws who enjoy learning where many of these traditions came from. Our research included learning about Roman festivities for Saturnalia, Norse customs during Yule, a brief history of Saint Nicholas, the Dutch Sinterklaas, what Dickens brought to the table, …

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Episode 55 - 1997: Wynton Marsalis, Blood on the Fields 29:35

7M ago29:35

29:35

In this episode, Dave and Andrew go deep into the tangled history surrounding the first jazz piece to ever win the Pulitzer Prize in Music, Wynton Marsalis's Blood on the Fields. But what will they think of the changes to the Pulitzer that allowed a largely-improvised piece to win an award previously reserved for notated music? If you'd like more i…

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Ep 123 - While You Were Sleeping - A&W Spiked Southern Comfort Brand Eggnog 1:17:22

8M ago1:17:22

1:17:22

Okay, take a shot every time we use the word “adorable”! 🤪 This week we discuss one of our all-time favorite romantic comedies, perfect for the Holiday season with all its funny quotes, touching score, and relatable family goofiness. Today we mixed A&W root beer with Southern Comfort brand eggnog. (Non-alcoholic of course…. because the idea of us p…

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Ep 122 - Star Wars Holiday Special - Barq's Root Beer Floats 41:02

8M ago41:02

41:02

Naaagghhh! Aarngghhh Rnghh’Nghhhh! ……. Yeah, you said it, Chewie! To kick off this year's Geek-mas, I made us rewatch The Star Wars Holiday Special in all its underground bootleg glory! Come meet Chewbacca's family, see Boba Fett's first appearance, and hear Bea Arthur and Carrie Fisher sing! The best thing that can be said is that we never have to…

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Ep 121 - Black Books - A&W Root Beer Floats 1:08:16

8M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Whether you need the Little Book of Calm, advice on how to write a children's book, or a recommendation for a £7000.00 bottle of wine, Bernard, Manny, and Fran are up to the task. This British sitcom delivers laughs, quotable dialog, and a clinical outlook on life we all need! Today we made root beer floats with A&W. Intro and Outro music by Stockm…

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Episode 120 - Hybrid Theory - Henry Weinhard’s Root Beer…… again. 1:29:56

8M ago1:29:56

1:29:56

Linkin Park's first album perfectly showcases their sound and dynamic as Nu Metal/Rap and would go on to be the best selling inaugural album of the 21st century. Today's root beer is Henry Weinhard's again. Intro and Outro music by Stockmusic331 on Pond5 Send us a textBy Brant and Andrew

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Ep 119 - Robert Zemeckis - Earp's Original Sarsaparilla 1:19:10

9M ago1:19:10

1:19:10

He has been heralded for pushing the envelope of cinematic technology for almost 40 years, most of his films have been box office smashes, and his new film “Here” resonated with our nostalgic hearts! Today's root beer is NOT root beer, but Earp's Sarsaparilla. Intro and Outro music by Stockmusic331 on Pond5 Send us a text…

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Ep 118 - Chess - Hosmer Mountain Sarsparilla Root Beer 1:29:58

9M ago1:29:58

1:29:58

The game has been called “a model of decorum and tranquility”, and “religion plus finesse”, both quotes from Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Bjorn Ulvaeus’ musical “Chess”. So we talk about both. From the opening moves in Merano, Italy, to the Endgame in Bangkok, we find the game and the musical both mysterious and intriguing. Today's root beer is H…

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Sam Black - Healing the Church: Overcoming Pornography and Redefining Discipleship 1:05:32

9M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

"Pornography is undermining every ministry of the local church. From young to old, men and women are struggling." — Sam Black Sam Black, of Covenant Eyes, takes on the critical issue of pornography within the church, discussing its impact on men, women, children, and even pastors and ministry leaders. With over 17 years of experience helping men ov…

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Ep 117 - Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho - Route 66 Root Beer 1:15:37

9M ago1:15:37

1:15:37

This week, we read the novel by Robert Bloch and then rewatched the timeless classic horror film, chocolate syrup and all! From the nail biting suspense of Miss Crane's flight with the stolen money, to Norman's assurance that “a boy's best friend is his mother”, the film transcends the horror genre as practically a perfect picture. Today's root bee…

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Ep 116 - Johnny Depp - Strap Tank Root Beer 1:15:38

9M ago1:15:38

1:15:38

At one point during the recording of this episode, we said that someone could do well by opening a Halloween store that exclusively sells costumes of characters portrayed by Johnny Depp. What more can I say? That is why we geek out about the guy! Today's root beer is a second sampling of Strap Tank. Intro and Outro music by Stereoalex on Pond5 Send…

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Steve Cleary – The Gospel Mission: Using Media to Reach the World 55:08

9M ago55:08

55:08

"We're reaching people through the power of storytelling." — Steve ClearyWatch this full interview on our YouTube ChannelGarritt Hampton sits down with Steve Cleary, the founder of Revelation Media and the groundbreaking iBible project. Discover how Steve’s early experiences with Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand and working with Voice of the Martyrs sh…

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Episode 54 - 1996: George Walker, Lilacs for Voice and Orchestra 27:35

9M ago27:35

27:35

In this episode, Dave and Andrew discuss a song cycle in all but name, George Walker's Lilacs. From the outside, this win looks like another lifetime achievement award, but is it? And does Lilacs remind them of music from an earlier period in the Pulitzer's history? If you'd like more information about George Walker or Lilacs, we recommend: Ginger …

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Ep 115 - The Black Parade - Tower Root Beer 1:13:49

9M ago1:13:49

1:13:49

The concept album from My Chemical Romance tells the story of “The Patient”, and his journey through the Afterlife. This album was of that really spoke to many of a certain generation, with its plethora of intriguing lines, direct and metaphorical imagery, and powerful musical mastery. “If life's not a joke, then why are we laughing?” Today's root …

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Ep 114 - Over The Garden Wall - Sprecher Maple Root Beer 1:01:07

10M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

As she recommended this topic to us, our friend Shauna joins us in discussing the beloved children's animated series. We talk about the cosplay we've seen at FanX, as well as the panel commemorating the 10 year anniversary of the show. Also, with the music, the Americana setting, the depth of the characters, and how the show perfectly captures the …

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Davis Carman - Four Roles of a Modern Man 1:09:40

10M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

"A father is a shepherd, responsible for the safety, provision, and godly upbringing of his children." — Davis Carman Davis Carman joins Garritt Hampton to discuss the foundational aspects of being a modern husband and father. Learn how to instill strong Christian values in your children, the significance of sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulnes…

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