Shows
Unconventional MindsetGlobal Connections, Local Roots: Building the Global Bluenosers Community - Sean MeisterSean Meister is the founder of Global Bluenosers, a grassroots community of Nova Scotians coming together driving economic impact for the province.In this episode Sean shares how his upbringing, travels, and professional experiences have led to the creation of Global Bluenosers. We also dive into entrepreneurship, the power of community, and how identity can help shape purpose-driven careers.Follow Sean:🌐 Website 👉 https://globalbluenosers.ca/🎙️ Podcast (Spotify) 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/1BPKHrFrw8U5lS81E1C84y🎙️ Podcast (Apple) 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-bluenosers/id1682535772🎙️ Podcast YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@globalbluenos...
2025-08-051h 39
Blackout PodcastScott Ellis - Proud BluenoserScott Ellis is a proud Nova Scotian who currently lives in rural Nova Scotia with his partner Brogan Regier.Scott is set on making Nova Scotia the best place it can be. He has dedicated efforts to improving our environment, supporting small businesses, and enhancing our mental health system, all with the goal of creating a better place for Bluenosers.Scott Ellis is a community-oriented leader from Nova Scotia with extensive experience in advocating for mental health and supporting individuals with eating disorders. He currently serves as the Clinical and Operations Manager at Eating Disorders...
2024-08-1233 min
Afternoon PintSean Meister - How his passion for Nova Scotia helped foster a career and create a global online networking community (Founder of Global Bluenoser’s & Director of Strategic Partnership for Volta Labs Inc.)Sean Meister is a great guy to know if you’re eager to learn about what’s going on in the province of Nova Scotia. His love for his home province blossomed into founding a digital global community and podcast called Global Bluenosers. He also works with tech incubator Volta Labs Inc as Director of Strategic Partnership. If you would like to learn more about Global Bluenosers, you can link to his podcast by going to his website https://globalbluenosers.caYou can also learn more about Volta by going...
2024-07-0936 min
Global BluenosersThe friendliest of the friendlies I Elizabeth Italiano in Pickering, OntarioWhat's the easiest way to combat homesickness when starting your journey as a Global Bluenoser?
If you ask Baddeck's Elizabeth Italiano, she'll say you should book your first three trips Home before you even leave!
It's rarely a straight line for anyone leaving small town Cape Breton for a life in Canada's largest city. It comes with some bumps and lots of positives too.
New friends, new ways of doing things, and important discoveries about your homeland - such as the fact Halifax has far superior shawarma to that in Toronto!
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2024-05-0940 min
Global BluenosersUnknown Sea Monster I Al Tepper in Hertfordshire, UKHow does the love of American football lead to a lifelong connection to Nova Scotia?
The answer might not be obvious, but for born and raised Londoner, Al Tepper, one truly did lead to the other.
Al is what some would call a Bluenoser-by-choice, but it's more accurate to just call him a Nova Scotian. As you'll hear in our conversation today, he credits Nova Scotia for creating the foundation of his life now.
Nova Scotia has fully embedded itself into Al's heart and soul. And he is absolutely okay with that.
2024-02-0155 min
Global BluenosersThe Pizza Rivalry I Allie Mason in Los Angeles, CaliforniaHas your mom frozen a pizza from your favourite Nova Scotian pizza spot and shipped it to you across the country? If so, you’re probably a Bluenoser like Allie Mason!
But seriously, for any born-and-raised Bluenoser, today’s chat with Allie is going to leave you smiling, laughing, and feeling pretty darn homesick (in the nostalgic, nice way!)
Allie’s journey from New Glasgow to Los Angeles has been fascinating. And the best part of today’s episode really is the honesty in how she tells her story.
If you finish this episode...
2024-01-1848 min
Global BluenosersI'm a different person in Nova Scotia I Naomi Grega in Kosice, SlovakiaYou never know where life will take you.
That's a common theme for so many Global Bluenosers we speak with. But it's very accurate for Naomi Grega.
Growing up in Wellington, Nova Scotia, Naomi could have never imagined the majority of her adult life would be spent living, working and raising a family in Kosice, Slovakia.
So how did someone growing up in a small community next to Halifax's airport end up in Slovakia's second largest city?
Find out in today's episode!
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Join us for the next...
2024-01-0447 min
Global BluenosersIt's the people I Rachel Sumner in Toronto, OntarioHow can 48 hours change your life?
For Rachel Sumner, originally from England, it took only 48 hours to convince her family that Nova Scotia was the right next step in their journey.
The rest, as they say, is history!
Rachel's journey as a Canadian-by-choice all started by becoming a Bluenoser-by-choice!
Today, Rachel and I chat about the impact of Nova Scotia on her life and how those fours years in Canada's Ocean Playground have forever impacted her own identity.
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Global Bluenosers is a Some Good Media & Entertainment production. Find us...
2023-12-2158 min
Global Bluenosers4:00 a.m. at Pizza Corner I Heather Kernahan in San Francisco, CaliforniaCan someone from rural Nova Scotia become the CEO of a global company?
Silly question. Of course they can! And many have. Today's guest is one of them.
Heather Kernahan grew up in Truro and has gone on to become a tech executive, strategic advisor, and investor. She's also been recognized as one of the San Francisco Business Times’ 100 Most Influential Women.
She has recently added author to that list with her new business book, Unstuckable.
Heather and I got to sit down face-to-face less than 24 hours after she landed back ho...
2023-12-1429 min
Global BluenosersA place where everyone is so kind I Jeff MacCharles in Dallas, TexasGrowing up in Fairview, Jeff MacCharles wasn't spending much time travelling the globe.
But a loss early in life taught him that life is short. He has spend his life since then exploring the world, living in different countries and making the most out of every minute.
Today, Jeff joins us from his home in Dallas, Texas to talk about the importance of Nova Scotia in his story
(And to also explain why a Global Bluenosers meetup in Dallas was worth the risk of being late to a class he was lecturing!)
2023-11-3052 min
Global BluenosersNova Scotia: Consistently Great I KaraLynn Lewis in Amsterdam, The NetherlandsWhat comes to mind when I say Bedford, Nova Scotia?
A Traditional Stopping Place?
The Chicken Burger?
Well, after today, you can add proud Bedford native KaraLynn Lewis to the list!
KaraLynn joins the show from Amsterdam today to tell us all about her Global Bluenoser journey and what Nova Scotia means to her.
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Global Bluenosers is a Some Good Media & Entertainment production. Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Like what you heard? Give the show a 5-star rating and leave a review!
Our theme song is by Lunenburg-based band Black Matilda. Listen to their EP on Spotify and follow the band on Facebook.
Learn
2023-11-2350 min
Global BluenosersThe salt air is so special I Will Wong in Lincoln, NebraskaHow does a Halifax kid end up in Nebraska!?
Just like every expat journey, it's not a straight line from Home to your second home. And that's no different for Will Wong.
Today, Will fills us in on how life has taken him from the family restaurant business in downtown Halifax to a rapidly growing eCommerce accelerator in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Nova Scotia is never far from his mind - whether it's thinking about conquering The Wave on the Halifax waterfront or throwing on some Rankin Family tunes - Will is never far from...
2023-11-1644 min
Global BluenosersIn the land of Firefighter Breakfasts I Maria Gallo in County Donegal, IrelandWe all know someone who is a Bluenoser-by-choice. And each person has a unique story.
What has led them to fall in love with a place that isn't where they grew up - or even went to school?
On today's episode, we explore that question with proud Bluenoser-by-choice, Dr. Maria Gallo.
As an expert on alumni communities and diaporas, Maria is also the author of The Alumni Way, a book that I actually mentioned wayyyyy back in the pilot episode.
And yes. We definitely spend time talking about our shared love...
2023-11-0944 min
Global BluenosersDonair sauce is very polarizing I Stephanie Bateman in Toronto, OntarioWho doesn't love some friendly competition?
Season 2 launches with a "who can get more listeners" challenge by guest Stephanie Bateman to her good friend and Season 1 guest, Doug Brenton.
Steph grew up in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and moved to Toronto 10 years ago. In that time, she has benefitted from building a strong network of East Coasters who have become her closest friends. She keeps Nova Scotia close to her heart, finding ways big and small to stay connected to the province she loves.
Welcome back to Global Bluenosers, everyone!
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Today's episode is brought...
2023-11-0249 min
Global BluenosersReflections from a season of chatting with BluenosersOur Season One finale is just around the corner. And while we wait to record it, Sean takes some time to share reflections and lessons learned from this journey of speaking with Nova Scotians around the world.
What is it like to be a rookie podcaster? What did these conversations team him about himself? About Nova Scotia? And about his original assumptions when Global Bluenosers launched in April 2023?
Join Sean for a little bit of behind the scenes reflections - as he stalls the inevitable wrap of Season One!
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Come to...
2023-08-3123 min
Global BluenosersChezzetcook with an "N" I Toby Schwartz in Ottawa, OntarioNever has picking the title of an episode been more difficult.
"We're just chatty by nature" was a solid option. "The locals call it the old post office" is another great choice. But the story of how locals pronounce Chezzetcook had me laughing for days. It is just too rural Nova Scotia to leave out.
For Toby Schwartz of East Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, home is never far from her mind. Despite a life filled with adventure across Asia as a Canadian diplomat, there is no denying where Toby calls Home.
Add in a...
2023-08-2457 min
Global Bluenosers"Any chance to talk about Nova Scotia, I'm all over it!" I Mark Star in Calgary, AlbertaFor Cole Harbour native, Mark Star, his ideal day of eating is pretty simple.
Lobster Eggs Benedict for Breakfast. Lobster rolls for Lunch. Lobster again at supper. Then top it off with a late night Donair!
Life has taken Mark from Cole Harbour to Bermuda and now to Calgary, but one thing never changes. He is 100% proud Nova Scotian in every aspect of life.
Mark comes to the rescue this week after technical difficulties left us without an episode. With less than 48 hours notice, he made it happen.
Why shift schedules...
2023-08-1756 min
Global Bluenosers"I tend to reflect more when I'm here" I Doug Brenton in Toronto, OntarioDo you love the sound of the ocean breeze, seagulls and café background noise?
If so, you're in luck!
For today's episode, we took on the biggest challenge to-date. Recording an interview with Global Bluenosers, Doug Brenton, while sitting outside on a breezy summer day!
Both originally from the South Shore, Doug and Sean talk all things Nova Scotia while getting sunburned in Lunenburg.
An especially big thank you to Doug for using a very precious hour of your visit home to sit down for a chat.
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Come to o...
2023-08-1049 min
Global Bluenosers"I appreciate so much about Nova Scotia now that I'm away" I Kate Bray in London, UKVery early in life, Kate Bray developed a curiosity for the world and dreamt of exploring beyond Nova Scotia's borders.
The twists and turns of life led to Kate spending several years in Halifax after finishing University and a newfound appreciation for her home province took root.
But in January 2022, she made that big move, and she now calls London home. But her love for Nova Scotia has only deepened.
Kate tells us all about her journey to date and how Nova Scotia has helped shape her. And she also uses her deep...
2023-08-0354 min
Global Bluenosers"The ocean just calms people down." I Natalie Erb in Frankfurt, GermanyI often get asked what it takes to be a "Bluenosers". They'll talk about their connections to Nova Scotia and say they are Honourary Bluenosers. And that's something I talked with today's guest, Natalie Erb, about.
My net is cast pretty wide. If you'd relationship to Nova Scotia is tight enough to be "honourary" then you're a full-fledged Bluenoser in my books!
New Brunswicker, Natalie Erb, is someone who certainly counts Nova Scotia as having a large impact on her life. After you listen to the episode today, I'm sure you'll agree with me...
2023-07-2759 min
Global Bluenosers"It's just such a beautiful province!" I Neil MacKinnon in Augusta, GeorgiaCan you believe it? N. MacKinnon is joining the show!
Neil MacKinnon from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia!
Ohhhh, you thought I meant Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon? Whoops.
Yes, Neil and Sean broke out the Dad jokes early in this conversation!
In a first for Global Bluenosers, this was an on-site interview. Recorded in-person at the amazing LaHave Bakery on Nova Scotia's South Shore, Neil and Sean finally met face-to-face for the first time.
The caffeine and sugar fuelled café visit surprisingly stays on track as we dig in on w...
2023-07-1348 min
Global Bluenosers"It's Home! That's my Home!" I Steve Mason in Cheltenham, United KingdomWhat do you do when you absolutely love your Nova Scotian homeland? Obviously, you name your company after it. And that's exactly what Steve Mason, founder and CEO of Nova Blue Technologies did!
Steve grew up just outside of Halifax in a Navy family. From neighbourhood kitchen parties to regular trips to Pizza Corner, he lived the Bluenoser life. Then opportunity knocked and kickstarted his 20+ year journey as a Nova Scotian living outside the province.
Sean and Steve get deep into the expat experience in this episode. They hit on everything from what creates the...
2023-07-0659 min
Global BluenosersIt's the chats... I Kaleigh MacMaster in London, UKHave you ever seen a decor that's described as "Nova Scotia forward"?
That's what you'll find in Kaleigh MacMaster's new flat in London as she surrounds herself with Home while embarking on her latest expat journey.
Originally from Dartmouth, Kaleigh first moved to Toronto in 2015 and then made the jump across the pond to London in 2022. As someone who has been heavily involved in the East Coast expat community for years, she believes wholeheartedly in the power of our Nova Scotia community abroad.
This week, she joins the show to tell us all...
2023-06-2946 min
Global Bluenosers"You've got the perfect mix in Nova Scotia" I Michael Burke in Washington, DCSeveral years ago, Mike Burke set out to give back to a part of Canada that he has never actually lived in. But that didn't make it any less special.
Mike's connection to Nova Scotia stretches back multiple generations and a few hundred years. But regular family road trips to Nova Scotia from New Jersey in the 1980s helped cement it as part of his identity.
Being a Global Bluenosers has more than one definition. Mike is part of a very special group - ancestral diaspora - that represents a whole other frontier when it...
2023-06-2247 min
Global BluenosersBonus Episode! I The WelshmenWhat's it like to leave your homeland and come to Nova Scotia? It's unique for every person, but just like for Nova Scotians who leave to experience life somewhere else, there are common threads across every story.
In today's bonus episode, we explore the experience of making Nova Scotia your second home with three Welshmen who have become a big part of the Nova Scotia community.
Will Sean get a word in with this group? You'll have listen to find out!
(The answer is no....)
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An extra special thanks to Rhys...
2023-06-2056 min
Global Bluenosers"I want to smell the ocean again" I Christina Copp in Gold Coast, AustraliaSome people just have "Nova Scotia" written all over them. Their personality, their perspectives, and their approach to life.
Haligonian Christina Copp falls directly into that category.
From a first (and short-lived) attempt at expat life in Toronto to a chance meeting on a Contiki tour that kickstarted an eight-year journey to the UK and now Australia, she has experienced the full range of emotions that come with leaving your homeland.
Christina joins the show this week to talk about what Home means to her, why the Pacific Ocean just doesn't cut it...
2023-06-1554 min
Global BluenosersShow updates and announcements!We're taking a break from new episodes this week to make sure you go back and listen to our special episode from a couple days ago about the Nova Scotia wildfires.
Sean lets you in a little secret in today's update and also announces our new website - globalbluenosers.ca - so check it out and then go right to our bonus episode to start your day.
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Please donate what you can to the organizations helping people and pets in this horrible situation.
United Way of Halifax's Wildfire Recovery Appeal
Canadian Red...
2023-06-0804 min
Global BluenosersGut-wrenching I Global Bluenosers respond to the wildfiresHomesickness is awful. But when helplessness is combined with homesickness, the feeling is indescribable.
The wildfires that have shocked Nova Scotia over the last week are nothing less than record-breaking for the province - in all the worst ways.
For the Nova Scotians living elsewhere in the world, this has been a unique experience. Being away means being both deeply connected and disconnected at the same time. Watching things unfold online and through ongoing messages from family / friends, while also needing to live their lives in their new homes where things are just normal is...
2023-06-0627 min
Global Bluenosers"Eat too much and have a lot of fun" I Peter Harnish in San Diego, CaliforniaIf you're a Nova Scotian with young children, how do you get them to fall asleep? Obviously, you convert the Stan Rogers' classic Barrett's Privateers into a lullaby! At least that's what you do if you're Peter (PJ) Harnish!
PJ might be a tech entrepreneur in San Diego now, but his roots as a kid in Mill Cove, Nova Scotia will always be there - just below the surface.
PJ joins the show only a couple days after a recent trip home, so with some fresh blackfly bites, the smell of ocean air still in...
2023-06-0155 min
Global Bluenosers"A son of Nova Scotia" I Kwame Watkins in Dallas, TexasBecoming an expat can be difficult enough, but what if you've had to do it twice?
Kwame Watkins knows the feeling of leaving Nova Scotia for new adventures very well, having left the province as a kid, who then returned for university, only to leave again to launch a successful career in the United States.
Kwame was the first person to every reach out asking to be on the show and his passion for Nova Scotia comes across very clearly as he chats with Sean from an airport lounge.
And stick around to...
2023-05-2551 min
Global Bluenosers"Like I need an excuse to visit Nova Scotia" I Lynn Calder in Pincher Creek, AlbertaOriginally from Quebec, with a Maritimer father, Lynn Calder quickly found a second home in Nova Scotia when she came to Acadia University in 1977.
After a career that has taken her around Canada, Lynn now lives in Pincher Creek, Alberta. But a piece of her heart remains here in Nova Scotia. Today, Lynn joins the podcast to tell Sean not just about that connection, but also the things that keep her coming back to Nova Scotia all these years later.
And one of those things is her involvement in community campaigns in a part of...
2023-05-1847 min
Global Bluenosers"Let's talk about the weather" I Mike Kennedy in Rossland, British ColumbiaThere's something about being from the East Coast that motivates people to a life of service.
Mike Kennedy exemplifies this in how he has lived his life both in Nova Scotia and now in his new home of Rossland, British Columbia. Born in Kentville, raised in Porters Lake, with his formative years at Acadia University and now using everything he has learned from those experiences to give back to his community.
It's been more years than we'd want to admit since Sean and Mike were at Acadia, but it seems like yesterday once they get...
2023-05-1148 min
Global Bluenosers"It means New Scotland" I Olivia McDonald in London, UKThe first time I ever exchanged messages with Olivia McDonald, she asked how she could help promote Nova Scotia and products made here in her new home of London. If you speak with her for any amount of time, you soon realize just how genuine she is in that offer to help.
On this week's episode, we learn more about the relationship Olivia has with her home province and why Nova Scotia will always be close to her heart even after eight years of living overseas. Like most expats, the list of reasons is long.
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2023-05-0451 min
Global Bluenosers"We aren't a have-not. We're the underdog" I Emma Robertson in London, UKThere was a time in Emma Robertson's life that she dreamed of a life away from Nova Scotia. Oh, how things have changed!
Now living in London, Emma could easily compete for the title of unofficial tourism ambassador for Nova Scotia in her new home. Considering she once worked on the campaign to develop the original Halifax Visitor Guide, she's probably closer to being an official ambassador.
Emma takes some time out of her busy life as a marketer to chat with Sean about everything she loves and misses about her home province. In classic...
2023-04-2736 min
Global Bluenosers"Everywheres, Anywheres, Somewheres" I Nick Scrymgeour in Toronto, OntarioNick Scrymgeour is someone who doesn't easily forget his roots. Originally from Lower Sackville, he drew inspiration from his grandparents' hard work and determination to become a successful entrepreneur in the highly competitive industry of technology recruitment.
On today's episode of Global Bluenosers, we get to know more about why Nick continues to give back to his home community in every way possible. And why he'll never stop being a Bluenoser, no matter how long he is away.
**Warning** - this episode includes "best" garlic finger and pizza recommendations, so we know it will spark...
2023-04-2042 min
Global Bluenosers"Imagine if we had donairs everywhere" I Charles Gillis in Dallas, TexasBorn and raised Texan Charles Gillis, is one of the most passionate Nova Scotians a person can find.
That's right, we're starting the Global Bluenosers journey right at what some would consider the outer edge of the Bluenoser definition. The "Friend of Nova Scotia".
Charles didn't lay eyes on Nova Scotia until into adulthood, but he quickly made up for lost time. Now a self-described Bluenoser by choice, Charles has been spreading the news about Nova Scotia to anyone who will listen across the southern United States for years.
He promotes tourism, he e...
2023-04-1339 min
Global Bluenosers"And so began an obsession"What is a Global Bluenoser? And why is there a podcast dedicated to them!?
Host Sean Meister kicks off this new Nova Scotia-themed podcast with answers to those questions and so many more. Well, a few more.
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Promises made, promises kept. Here are links mentioned in today's episode.
Join the Global Bluenosers community on LinkedIn for exclusive content.
Maria Gallo's book, The Alumni Way.
Our theme song is by Lunenburg-based band Black Matilda. Listen to their EP on Spotify and follow the band on Facebook.
If you're a Global Bluenoser who wants to be featured on a future episode, drop...
2023-04-1323 min
The Nations of CanadaEpisode 137: BluenosersIn Nova Scotia, distinctions between Planters, Loyalists, and British migrants begin to disappear as a new, shared identity emerges.
2023-04-1237 min
Matter of 'FaxEpisode 11: Exploring Nova Scotia’s CharmIn episode 11 of Matter of 'Fax, Alec and James were thrilled to have Sean Meister join them as their guest. Sean provided a compelling case for why Nova Scotia is unequivocally the best place to live on the planet and also introduced his latest project, Global Bluenosers - a digital community that aims to connect Nova Scotians around the world. During the course of the episode, Alec and James explored a range of fascinating topics. They started by discussing the unfortunate incident of a Bedford church falling victim to mass fraud. Next, they tackled the recent blunder...
2023-03-311h 26
Network = NetworthJohn Swain - Helping Small Businesses SucceedJohn once lived in Bermuda. For some reason sun and sand just didn’t appeal to him the same way as the cold, harsh, Nova Scotia winters. Despite this quirk John is, last time we checked, perfectly sane. So we’ll have to suppose his love of Bridgewater comes from family ties and long standing community connections. When not pursuing his dream of being the president of an accounting firm founded on the/principles/of providing anxiety reduction and personalized support for small business owners, he’s cooking, playing/old-time/rock& roll, and fussing just a little too much over h...
2021-10-2530 min
Keep It CuriousEp 24: Izzy & Moe, the Funeral of John Barleycorn, & Meredith’s Lying Wiggly ToesWatch out for those Anti-Saloon League bluenosers, it’s Prohibition time. Fill up your hip flasks as we recount and reflect on the death of John Barleycorn - what a wild night it must have been in the hours before Prohibition went into effect! We hope you’ve seen your man about a dog in time for us to fill you in on the underdog, master of disguise revenue agents that everyone loved to hate, and hated to love. Grab your nickels, pickles, and paper mache noses for the unreal tale of this quirky duo, Izzy and Moe.
Gi...
2021-03-161h 44
Dark Poutine - True Crime and Dark HistoryConnections: Nova Scotian Heartbreak (NS)Episode 122 - This is for or the deceased victims, the injured, the families, the friends and Bluenosers everywhere who are hurting after the shooting rampage that shook the little province of Nova Scotia to its core on April 18 and 19, 2020.
This is not who Nova Scotians are. This will not define us. #NovaScotiaStrong
The deceased are:Lisa McCullyGreg Blair & Jamie BlairPeter Bond & Joy BondJohn Zahl & Elizabeth Joanne ThomasDawn Madsen & Frank GulenchynJolene Oliver, Aaron Tuck & Emily TuckCorrie EllisonSean McLeod & Alanna Jenkins
2020-04-271h 29