Advice, industry insights and an impartial view into the world of motorhomes, caravans, campervans and travel, with the motorhome nerd himself, Matt Sims. Sitting by his side asking all the right questions is his partner in crime, journalist Keith Gooden, deciphering the perplexing jargon. Listen in and learn everything you need to know about buying, owning and selling a leisure vehicle. Discover the industry trends, new developments and future plans for motorhomes and leisure vehicles in th ...
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What is IQ GO? Choosing a sim card for internet on the road
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This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith dive into a new SIM card tailored for motorhomers. We talk with James Kellock about IQ GO, a new SIM card designed for European travellers. With its flexible data bundles and unique billing features, IQ GO offers something different from the usual options. Find out how it stacks up against oth…
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Top 3 newbie motorhoming mistakes and how to avoid them
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🗳️ VOTE FOR US mhmp.info/vote This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith dive into common mistakes new motorhome owners make—and how to avoid them. From picking the wrong layouts to dealing with tricky toilet mishaps, Matt shares personal experiences and practical tips to enhance your motorhome adventures. Whether it’s understanding la…
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Ever wondered what "Thatcham Approval" really means for your motorhome’s safety and why your insurance provider might insist on it? This week, Matt and Keith dive into the world of motorhome and caravan trackers, exploring why choosing the right tracker could be a game-changer for you. Joining Matt is Guy Carter from GPSBob, a new brand in the moto…
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Is your motorhome insured when driving off-road?
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VOTE FOR US → mhmp.info/vote Are you insured when driving off a main highway? In this eye-opening episode, Matt and Keith dive into the complex world of off-road motorhome insurance after a shocking case where a rollover accident left a motorhome uninsured due to being classified as "off-road." This incident highlights a bigger issue: the disconnec…
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VOTE FOR US → mhmp.info/vote This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, join us as we delve into the pressing issues currently shaking up the motorhome industry. Matt and Keith explore the recent spate of dealers going into administration, including Broadlane Leisure and Robinsons Caravans, and examine the factors driving these changes and their impa…
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This week on the Motorhome Matt podcast, we hear a moving story from Clare Howell, who was defrauded by a motorhome dealership. We spoke with Clare a few months ago about "flipping" motorhomes, as Clare was in the process of selling her Etrusco motorhome. Fast forward to now and Clare sold her motorhome through what she believed was a reputable dea…
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In today’s episode, Matt and Keith investigate a recent incident where a Hymer MLT motorhome rolled over in the Gorafe desert. Despite the vehicle’s robust four-wheel drive, a failed hill climb led to the motorhome rolling onto its side. Thankfully, its owner, Michelle, her husband, and their dog emerged unscathed. Michelle sheds light on their exp…
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How to avoid water ingress in your motorhome
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This week, Motorhome Matt and Keith delve into the enemy of motorhome owners: water ingress. Matt and Keith offer practical advice on how to prevent motorhome water ingress. They discuss the importance of regular damp checks, smart parking choices, effective cleaning techniques, and diligent sealant maintenance to ensure your motorhome remains dry …
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This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Keith and Matt dive into the ins and outs of motorhome remapping. They explore whether boosting your motorhome's power, torque, and fuel efficiency through remapping is worth it, comparing the cost-effectiveness of this approach to purchasing a more powerful vehicle directly from the manufacturer. Joined by …
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What do dealers really think about motorhome shows?
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Join hosts Keith Gooden and Motorhome Matt Sims once more at the Southern Motorhome and Caravan Show 2024. This week, we're talking to the dealers to investigate what the future of motorhome shows might look like. We they delve into the post-pandemic challenges facing motorhome sales and gather insights from industry insiders. Discover the latest t…
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Are motorhome shows worth attending? What visitors say
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In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Keith and Matt take you on a live journey from the Southern Motorhome and Campervan Show 2024! Tune in as they delve into evolving industry trends, chat with show attendees like Moira, Jeremy, and Hazel about their fascinating adventures, and explore the allure of motorhome shows. Joining the discussio…
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The flat battery issue plaguing Ford Transit owners
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This week we're revealing the fix to a problem plaguing Ford Transit owners. Discover how condensation buildup on the windscreen can lead to an electrical fault in the ECU that causes a flat battery. Our very own Hire Fleet Manager at Motorhome Holiday Company has discovered the fix and gives a step-by-step demonstration for fixing the problem. Che…
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Is the Vanlife community full of judgment? Live from Campervan Campout
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This week Matt is live from Campervan Campout for a thought-provoking discussion on the perceptions and inclusivity within the van life community. With guests, The Roaming Radfords, Absolutely Lucy, Slowly Wilding, Built not Bought Campers, Vanlove Fest, Amy from Van Life Family and Iain Duff from Campervan Magazine, we explore the multifaceted nat…
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Why are motorhome insurance premiums rising?
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In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith tackle what could be causing the rising costs of motorhome insurance premiums. We dive into key causes like supply chain issues, labour shortages, increased energy and fuel costs, and global events like the war in Ukraine, Brexit, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, we get insights from Rip…
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Can you get your motorhome deposit refunded?
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Welcome back to the Motorhome Matt Podcast, your go-to source for all things motorhome! In this episode, Keith and Matt dive into the hot topic of motorhome deposits. Have you ever wondered if you can reclaim your deposit after putting it down on a campervan, caravan or motorhome? Keith and Matt explore the ins and outs of this tricky subject, shar…
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Travelling the Outer Hebrides in a motorhome
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Matt's back from holiday! This week, we hear about his recent trip to the Outer Hebrides and what you need to know about travelling these islands in a motorhome. Matt shares his recent journey, including where he found breathtaking landscapes across Lewis, Harris and Skye. But was he welcome in a motorhome? After many stories of the locals' anger t…
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This week, Matt and Keith report on a shocking incident involving a family on the NC 500 route in Scotland. During Storm Kathleen, their hired motorhome was blown down a cliff by a freak gust of wind, sending them rolling down the hill inside the vehicle. We're joined by Peter Schmidt, the managing director of Luna Motorhome Hire, who provides firs…
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What's happening at Brit Stops? Brit Stops new app review
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This week, Matt and Keith delve into recent changes at Brit Stops and their transition from a printed book into an app. Tom Clark, UK General Manager of Brit Stops, shares insights into the functionality and advantages of the app, plus their business growth since joining the American-based business, Harvest Hosts. That's not the end of the developm…
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Can you tow with an A frame in mainland Europe?
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Get ready for the debate: can you tow with an A-frame in mainland Europe? For years, there's been a cloud of uncertainty hanging over this issue, so this week Matt and Keith are here to set the record straight... right? Tim Booth from the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service sheds light on the legal and safety concerns surrounding A frames i…
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In today's episode, comedian Brendan Riley joins us for a chat about his motorhome adventures. Brendan shares his experiences of travelling with his family, offering insights into planning epic trips and getting teenagers excited about hitting the road. In the news, we kick things off with our upcoming Motorhome Hire and Sales Open Event happening …
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WIMS: How overweight motorhomes could be easier to detect
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What are WIMS? This week, Matt and Keith discuss the potential impact of a new weight detection technology that could catch overweight motorhomes and campervans on the road. "WIMS", or Weight In Motion Sensors have been adapted from existing road analysis technology and weigh vehicles as they drive. We're joined by the Leisure Vehicles Officer at N…
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How to up-plate your motorhome and why you would want to
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This week, we're tackling a question we've been asked many times: how to up-plate your motorhome. That's right, we're talking payload and (crucially) how you can increase it. Join Matt as he chats with SvTech, renowned re-rating specialists in the UK, to explore the reasons behind wanting to uprate or downplate your leisure vehicle. Get insights in…
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Will you be paying for electric on campsites?
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This week we're back at Petruth Paddocks to investigate something new appearing in campsites across the UK: Pay-as-you-go hookup meters. These systems are changing the camping experience by requiring campers to pay for their electricity usage on top of their pitch fee. But is this a fair distribution of costs or just another way to squeeze more mon…
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Rising costs and supply chain issues: The challenges behind the motorhome industry
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This week we're taking an honest look at the challenges faced by the motorhome industry in both recent years and into the future. In a candid conversation with the Co-Director of Fiamma, Charles Pozzi, we discuss the rising cost of products and the supply chain issues that brands are grappling with. From navigating shipping costs to planning produc…
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Are driving licences changing? 4th Directive on Driving Licences
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In today's episode, Matt and Keith are diving into the 4th Directive on Driving Licences; what the potential driving licence changes could be and what they would mean for motorhome enthusiasts in the UK and abroad. We explore updates in driving license regulations, including potential weight limit adjustments, re-tests, cross-border enforcement and…
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Matt's Recovery: From a cough to heart surgery
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37:36
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In today's episode, we're veering off our usual motorhome topics to discuss something a little closer to home: Matt's recent major health scare. Matt leads you through his journey, from those initial warning signs to the heart surgery that saved the day. But more importantly, we're here to remind you of the importance of listening to your body and …
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In today's episode, Matt talks with environmental activist Martin Dorey to unpack how the motorhome industry is doing in the move to greener travel. As a passionate advocate for sustainable camping practices, Martin discussed his upcoming release, The Green Camping Book, aimed at inspiring environmentally conscious camping. Plus, he reveals details…
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New products at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2024
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What was new at the Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show 2024? In this episode, Matt leaves Keith in the studio and heads to Birmingham in search of new products, new brands and innovation hitting the motorhome industry. Safe to say, we weren’t disappointed. From new-to-the-UK cutting-edge motorhomes by Globe Traveller to the debut of Project Yonde…
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How I got my teenager to enjoy a camping holiday
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Should you pack your kids' bags and send them off camping with their friends? This week, Matt and Keith delve into the world of Petruth Paddocks, a unique campsite near Cheddar that offers young campers both independence and the joy of outdoor experiences. Jules Sayer, the campsite owner, shares insights into their mission to foster independence an…
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How is motorhome finance changing and what do you need to know?
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This week, Matt and Keith explore the evolving landscape of motorhome finance. With leisure vehicle prices soaring and the impact of the cost of living crisis affecting many, how have finance companies adapted their offerings to ensure customers can still afford their dream motorhome? Joined by Steve Blake, Sales Manager at Creative Funding Solutio…
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With backlash to the 2023 announcement of a discontinuation of their smaller bottles, Calor Gas began 2024 with a huge u-turn: the small bottles will be reintroduced this year. But that's not the only big changes happening at Calor Gas... This week, Matt and Keith are diving into the recent changes to Calor's line up and their exciting investment i…
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What is reverse polarity and how do you fix it?
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What is reverse polarity? Why is it crucial to address it? And how do you fix it to ensure you and your motorhome's safety? This week, Matt and Keith dive into your motorhome electrical systems to unpack the often misunderstood reverse polarity. Matt breaks down the complexities of alternating current and the potential pitfalls of incorrectly wired…
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Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show 2024 Highlights
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This week, Matt leaves Keith to hold down the fort in the studio as they take you up to Manchester for the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show. Discover the latest trends, customer insights, and highlights from the event, as Matt investigates predictions for 2024 in the motorhome industry. From the buzz of the latest motorhome models to the hidden …
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A destroyed campervan. Every owner's nightmare. This week, Motorhome Matt and Keith delve into the safety of lithium batteries in motorhomes, sharing a firsthand account from a listener whose motorhome tragically caught fire due to a lithium battery fault. Matt discusses the crucial aspects of lithium battery installations, the dangers and best pra…
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Etrusco motorhomes: A brand on the rise in the UK
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This week, Matt and Keith delve into the rising presence of European brand Etrusco in the UK's motorhome market. Discover the allure behind Etrusco's expanding popularity, featuring a detailed breakdown of their standout models and intriguing layout options. We're pleased to be joined by Christian and Sandra from Estrusco, to unpack the unique feat…
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Travel cookbooks with Fell Foodie and 2024 predictions
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Happy New Year! We're kicking off 2024 with a buffet of topics. Matt and Keith serve a platter of tips, citing ongoing sales and potential deals in the market, plus predictions on campsite bookings amidst a surge in demand. That's not the only surge we've noticed. Cookbooks are on the rise and this week we are excited to feature the wonderful Harri…
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Merry Christmas! Join Matt and Keith in our special festive episode, as they delve into the highlights and challenges of 2023 in the world of motorhomes, campervans, and caravans. Beyond the festivities, we dive deep into the news that matters, including game-changing developments from Calor Gas and your questions on batteries, driving licenses and…
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Join Matt and Keith this week as they learn about the story behind motorhome security and entertainment specialists, Falcon Technology. Delve behind the scenes with Chris Williams, the driving force behind Falcon Technology, and learn about their range of products designed specifically for motorhomes. Uncover Chris's vision for Falcon's future in t…
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Is a motorhome warranty worth the paper it's written on? It's a sentence we've heard time and time again. So, this week Matt and Keith unpack motorhome warranties and if it's necessary when buying a motorhome or caravan. Featuring an interview from MB&G Insurance, we unravel warranty coverage, types of warranties, claim limits, rising premium costs…
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How to prepare your motorhome for winter travel
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In this week's episode, Matt and Keith unravel the intricacies of preparing your caravan or motorhome for winter travel. From essential preparations for harsh weather to tips for a cosy trip, they share expert insights for a safe and enjoyable winter adventure. Discover the crucial items to pack, key checks to do before your journey, motorhome feat…
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How to prepare your motorhome for winter storage
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Winter is knocking on our doors, so this week Motorhome Matt and Keith tackle the essential steps to prepare your motorhome or caravan for winter storage. In the face of persistent wet and cold weather, properly preparing your leisure vehicle for winter is crucial to ensure it stays well-maintained and safe. Covering everything from security tools …
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What is Solbio natural toilet fluid and does it work?
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Our favourite topic is back! Matt and Keith are talking toilets once again and unpacking an innovative product changing the way we think about one of our most fundamental products: toilet chemical. Solbio organic toilet fluid is an eco-friendly, 100% natural solution that has turned traditional chemicals and fluids on its head - and is even safe en…
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We don't need to inform you that new and used motorhome prices have jumped massively in the last few years... unless you've been living under a rock. But this week, Matt and Keith are looking into the future. Could the price of motorhomes keep going up? Back at the Motorhome and Caravan Show last month, we spoke with Paul Kirby, aka The Electric Va…
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Park ups in urban areas and travelling solo with Darran The Urban Motorhome
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Matt and Keith are joined this week by The Urban Motorhome himself, Darran, sharing his experience of living in a motorhome in cities and urban areas as a solo traveller. Darran discusses the challenges and safety concerns associated with urban parking, as well as the importance of being respectful and discreet when choosing parking spots. Whilst e…
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Are motorhomes welcome on the NC500? With highlands2hammocks
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By Matt Sims and Keith Gooden
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Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023 Highlights
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We're thrilled to be coming to you once again from the exciting Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham, with Matt's highlights from the week. The show was an absolute hit, with both Saturday and Sunday completely selling out, bringing in a staggering 26,000 enthusiastic visitors on both days. Over 1,000 motorhomes, campervans, and…
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The Motorhome and Caravan Show Bonus: Audience Q&A
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In this bonus episode, join us live from the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023! Matt and Keith dive into the latest trends, visitor feedback and top products. Matt shares his experience of the show so far, including participating in the Ask the Experts panel each day and exploring some new manufacturer launches. We speak to show attendees, including …
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How Motorhome Happiness began - Facebook’s largest motorhome community
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This week Matt and Keith explore Facebook's largest community of passionate motorhome enthusiasts. With an impressive community of 82,000 members who all share a love for motorhomes and travel, we sit down with none other than the founder of Motorhome Happiness, James Riley. Discover the inspiration behind James's remarkable journey in creating and…
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Tour the new all-electric campervan from Bailey: The Endeavour EV
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Explore the prototype setting the stage for the next generation of motorhomes. Take an exclusive tour of the Endeavour EV, Bailey of Bristol's groundbreaking EV campervan conversion — the first fully electric campervan from a mainstream UK manufacturer. Teaming up with Ford Pro and built on the eTransit platform, this electric concept panel van con…
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We're 100! 🎉 🎂 🥳 Before we start, Keith and I would just like to thank all of you for listening and supporting the podcast so far. Here's a toast to you all – cheers to a hundred more episodes! 🍻 Now, onto today's subject: what is Vanlife? Can you believe it's our 100th episode and we're still exploring the depths of this global phenomenon? From a …
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