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  • What if the most intelligent thing you could do today was nothing?

    Four conversations for a Sunday morning. On emptiness, time, hope, and the small step you've been putting off.

    Today: the Taoist concept of Xinzhai — the fasting of the heart — and why emptying your mind is not laziness but wisdom; Matthew McConaughey on the quiet art of sauntering through a world obsessed with speed; Robert F. Kennedy's extraordinary 1966 Cape Town address on the ripple of hope, woven with Ted Kennedy's eulogy; and Theo Von, Teen Titans, and Chazz Palminteri on the one truth we all know but rarely act on — nothing changes if nothing changes.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Who will you be on the other side of your hardest decision?

    Four conversations for a Sunday morning — on emptying the mind, transformative choices, the smell of memory, and the self-doubt that never quite goes away.

    This is Perfect Days — a morning podcast built around ideas worth carrying with you.

    Today: Dr. Gabor Maté and the ancient Taoist practice of Xinzhai — the fasting of the heart — as a prescription for the overcrowded modern mind; philosopher L.A. Paul on why the biggest decisions of our lives cannot be prepared for, only lived through; the extraordinary neuroscience behind why smell is the most honest archivist of memory we have; and Conan O'Brien's raw, honest answer to a question most high-achievers are afraid to ask out loud — when, if ever, does the self-doubt stop?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • What if the reason you can't find happiness is because you've been chasing it?

    Four conversations for a Sunday morning. On antifragility, connection, the courage to subtract, and twelve seconds of silence that might change everything.

    This is Perfect Days — a morning podcast built around ideas worth carrying with you.

    Today: Tal Ben-Shahar on why painful emotions aren't a malfunction but a proof of a life being lived fully; Nicholas Epley's extraordinary research on why human beings are far more open to connection than we ever believe; Matthew McConaughey on the radical, counterintuitive courage it takes to remove — not add — your way to a meaningful life; and Pablo Neruda's hauntingly beautiful invitation to stop the noise, count to twelve, and discover that stillness isn't the absence of life. It might be the very thing that saves it.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Do the people around you genuinely want you to grow — or do they need you to stay the same?

    Five conversations for a Sunday morning. On connection, reinvention, and the person you're afraid to become.


    This is Perfect Days — a morning podcast built around ideas worth carrying with you.

    Today: the psychology of why some friendships last and others quietly dissolve; Jordan Peterson's unsentimental guide to knowing who is truly in your corner; Roger Federer on the mathematics of failure and the long work of reinvention; Carl Jung's Shadow and what happens when we stop running from the parts of ourselves we'd rather not see; and a quiet, intimate message across time — from you, to the future self you're working so hard to become.


    💛 HOW SOME FRIENDSHIPS LAST — AND OTHERS DON'T — ISEULT GILLESPIE

    🧠 HOW TO KNOW YOUR TRUE FRIENDS — PROF. JORDAN PETERSON

    🎾 THE PAIN OF REINVENTING YOURSELF — ROGER FEDERER

    🌑 BECOME WHO YOU'RE AFRAID TO BE | THE PHILOSOPHY OF CARL JUNG

    💌 A MESSAGE TO MY FUTURE SELF — ILLNEAS

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This is Perfect Days — a morning podcast built around ideas worth carrying with you.


    Today we turn inward: into the science of inner speech and why talking to yourself is one of the most human things you do; into the psychology of chatter and why the inner voice turns cruel; into the neuroscience of expectation and how our past silently writes our present; and into a raw, bittersweet audio essay about the places and people that quietly hold the best pieces of us.

    🧠 IS IT NORMAL TO TALK TO YOURSELF?

    💬 WHAT TO DO IF YOUR INNER VOICE IS CRUEL — ETHAN KROSS

    🔮 HOW OUR EXPECTATIONS SHAPE WHAT WE SEE, HEAR, AND FEEL

    💛 TO THE PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT HAVE MY HEART — BRI ANORA


    MUSIC PLAYLIST — TODAY'S EPISODE ( on podcast app only )

    Sugar — Maroon 5

    Paradise — Coldplay

    Riptide — Vance Joy

    I Want It That Way — Backstreet Boys

    Human Touch — Bruce Springsteen

    I Will Survive — Gloria Gaynor

    All Night Long — Lionel Richie



    If this episode stayed with you — subscribe, leave a like, or share it with someone who needs a gentler morning.


    Perfect Days is here every day. Come back tomorrow.


    #PerfectDays #MorningPodcast #InnerVoice #EthanKross #Chatter #Psychology #Neuroscience #MindfulnessScience #SelfCompassion #ExpectationBias #BriAnora #LoFiMorning


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This is Perfect Days — a morning podcast built around ideas worth carrying with you.

    Today we go inside: inside the body clock science keeps telling us to respect, inside the philosophy of a man who made a billion dollars to prove money wouldn't fix him, inside the mechanics of where creative ideas actually live, and inside the most honest love letter ever written by a man who had seen everything except the one thing that mattered


    🕐 CAN YOU CHANGE YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE?

    🧠 THE TWO DECISIONS THAT SHAPE YOUR ENTIRE LIFE — NAVAL RAVIKANT

    💡 HOW TO GENERATE THE MOST CREATIVE IDEAS (EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT CREATIVE)

    💌 BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH READS A BEAUTIFUL LOVE LETTER


    MUSIC PLAYLIST ( for other podcast player version )

    Amado Mio — Pink Martini

    Man O To — NU

    Chandelier — Sia

    I Love You — Woodkid

    Sorte — Cesária Évora

    Could I Have This Kiss Forever — Whitney Houston ft. Enrique Iglesias

    Dove L'Amore — Cher


    If this episode stayed with you — subscribe, leave a like, or share it with someone who needs a better morning.

    Perfect Days is here every day. Come back tomorrow.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • What if Homer's monsters were real? What if the people most afraid of love want it more than anyone?

    Four conversations for a Wednesday morning. No screens required.

    This is Perfect Days — a morning podcast built around ideas worth carrying with you.

    Today we step outside the frame: outside the language you were born into, outside the mythology you inherited, and outside the story your nervous system has been quietly writing about love since you were small.


    TODAY'S SEGMENTS


    📖 DUA LIPA ON THE POWER OF TRANSLATED FICTION

    🏛️ THE SCIENCE BEHIND HOMER'S ODYSSEY — MATT KAPLAN

    🪤 THE DANGEROUS FANTASY OF "UNLIMITED POTENTIAL" — KATE BOWLER

    💔 THERE ARE PEOPLE AFRAID OF LOVE — ALAIN DE BOTTON


    MUSIC PLAYLIST — TODAY'S EPISODE ( On Podcast Version Only )


    Blurred Lines — Robin Thicke

    Training Season — Dua Lipa

    Levitating — Dua Lipa

    Remember Me — Josh Groban

    Back to Black — Amy Winehouse

    Die With a Smile — Bruno Mars ft. Lady Gaga

    A Sky Full of Stars — Coldplay



    If this episode stayed with you — subscribe, leave a like, or share it with someone who needs a better morning.

    Perfect Days is here every day. Come back tomorrow.


    #PerfectDays #MorningPodcast #DuaLipa #Homer #KateBowler #AlainDeBotton #TranslatedFiction #Mythology #SelfKnowledge #Philosophy

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Some mornings ask you to slow down and actually look at the wiring beneath your life. This is one of those mornings.

    In this episode of Perfect Days:

    🧠 Signs of a Highly Sensitive Person — with Dr. Julie Smith📖 Why Steve Jobs read Autobiography of a Yogi every single year🔄 How change actually spreads — Simon Sinek on finding your early believers🎤 What really separated Michael Jackson from everyone else

    🎵 Music in this episode: Take On Me — a-ha · Shape of You — Ed Sheeran · Diamante — Zucchero · Song of Butterfly — Estastone · Salut — Joe Dassin · The Way You Make Me Feel — Michael Jackson · Bella Ciao

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In a world that constantly demands us to move faster, compete harder, and constantly chase endless momentum, this episode is an invitation to look at the actual blueprint of how we survive and thrive. Today, we step away from the relentless noise to explore the hidden frameworks of strategic success, the heavy price of public perfection, and the radical act of designing a resilient future. Grab a warm drink, take a deep breath, and let the rhythm of these stories carry you.


    What’s Inside This Episode:


    The Art of War & Modern Success: A deep dive into Sun Tzu’s ancient strategy with insights from Roger Martin, exploring how influential people bridge the gap between a great idea and flawless execution.

    The Crimson Void of Motivation: Tapping into the raw, cinematic energy of human drive inspired by the spirit of *Interstellar*, and learning why your internal energy is a battery you must actively charge everyday.

    The Hidden Scars of an Icon: Pulling back the velvet curtain on Frank Sinatra to explore the complex, human struggle with loneliness and mental endurance behind the untouchable public image.

    The 50-Year Blueprint: Stepping into Matthew McConaughey’s practical toolkit for life to discover how making intentional choices today sets up a future self you can actually be proud of.



    Today's Playlist (In Order of Appearance):


    Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode 

    Barcelona Gipsy Balkan Orchestra – Lule Lule 

    Eagles – Hotel California 

    Andrea Bocelli – Can't Help Falling in Love with You 

    Frank Sinatra – The Girl From Ipanema 

    Dou Gadjo – La Complainte De La Butte 

    Elton John – Sacrifice

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In a world that constantly demands us to move faster, document every second, and curate a flawless version of our past, this episode is a quiet invitation to do the exact opposite. Today, we step away from the relentless noise to explore the fragile beauty of human vulnerability, the art of letting go, and the radical act of just slowing down. Grab a warm drink, take a deep breath, and let the rhythm of these stories carry you.

    What’s Inside This Episode:Misremembering: A deep dive with Harvard psychologist Daniel Schacter into why our minds aren't perfect museums, but creative artists that constantly rewrite our history. The Biological Architecture of Fading: Understanding the fragile science of how memories form and why forgetting is actually a biological gift that allows the beautiful moments room to breathe. The Stoic and the Comic: Stepping into Jerry Seinfeld’s blueprint for survival at seventy to discover how ancient Roman philosophy can shield you from modern criticism and failure. The Dream Experiment: A radical thought experiment by Alan Watts that turns your daily anxieties upside down, revealing why your messy, unpredictable life might be the exact masterpiece you wanted to dream. Today's Playlist (In Order of Appearance):Frank Sinatra – Fly Me to the Moon Sam Smith – Stay with Me Adele – Don't You Remember Bryan Adams – Please Forgive Me Al Bano & Maria Power – Liberta Doris Day – Dream a Little Dream of Me Umberto Tozzi – Ti Amo 

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Hello and a very warm welcome to our daily edition. In a world that constantly demands us to move faster, hold tighter, and curate a perfect version of ourselves, this episode is a quiet invitation to do the exact opposite. Today, we step away from the relentless noise to explore the radical power of surrender, vulnerability, and dropping the nets of our own runaway ambitions. Grab a warm drink, take a deep breath, and let the rhythm of these stories carry you.

    What’s Inside This Episode:

    The Hidden Language of Sleep: Why your unconscious sleeping posture is a mechanical dialogue with gravity and a daily act of vulnerability. Kobe Bryant’s Stoic Framework: Redefining mistakes not as tragedies, but as pure data on the path to true mastery. The Reverse Bucket List: Why satisfaction is a matter of subtraction, not addition, and how to stop letting your desires own you. The Beauty of Imperfection: Stepping into the iconic therapist's office of Good Will Hunting to discover why real intimacy lives in our unpolished flaws.

    Today's Playlist (In Order of Appearance):

    Sting – Desert RoseDuo Gadjo and their Hot Friends – La FouleJames Bay – Let It GoR. Kelly – I Believe I Can FlyFismoll – Look at ThisEric Clapton – Tears In HeavenSophie Hunger – Cafe de flore

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In today’s chaotic world, with a million different choices and distractions constantly dancing right in front of our eyes, it is incredibly easy to get pulled off course. Today, we are turning down the external noise, putting on our headphones, and taking a step-by-step inner journey. This episode is all about finding that personal "internal compass" that helps us navigate our deepest anxieties and look for the personal answers we carry around every day.


    What We Pack for This Journey:


    - The Compass of Meaning:A deep dive into Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and how having a core sense of meaning acts as a guide to staring down and overcoming our fears.


    - Hacking the Default Brain:** Connecting Frankl’s thoughts to modern mindfulness, exploring Dan Harris's practical approach to conquering anxiety through meditation.


    - The Ambitious But Lazy Paradox:** Why we build empires in our minds late at night or while driving, only to face morning guilt—and why this feeling is completely natural.


    - Right Before It Falls Into Place:** A moment of genuine empathy for life's exhausting highs and lows, reminding us that clarity often finds us right when everything feels like it's fracturing.


    A Quick Suggestion:

    If a particular idea hooks you or makes you look up and think, hit pause. Go take a quick walk, stretch your legs, and come right back to us when you're ready. There are no prizes for rushing through life—this isn't a race.


    We hope you enjoy this episode and find a bit of fuel for your own journey. Happy listening!

    Full Tracklist:

    To accompany you on this reflective headspace, we have curated a beautiful lineup of tracks:


    Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony


    Saraiman – Ladaniva


    Fasateen – Mashrou Leila


    Forever and Ever – Demis Roussos


    You I Nobody in the World – John Legend


    If You Go Away – Patricia Kaas


    Better Man – Beth Hart 

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode, we dissect the hidden mechanics behind how we learn, how we judge character, and why our expectations of modern relationships have reached an impossible peak in 2026. From the neuroscience of effective practice to the cinematic wisdom of Dead Poets Society, we are breaking down what it truly takes to connect with the world around us.


    [In This Episode]

    - The Science of Practice: Mastering Skills Through Brain Insulation

    - Alain de Botton: Why 2026 Relationships Carry Impossible Expectations

    - Robert Greene: The Art of Judging and Reading People Around You

    - Dead Poets Society & Walt Whitman: Seizing the Day Through Poetry


    [Episode Playlist]

    Madonna – La Isla BonitaLaura Branigan – Self ControlAmedeo Tommasi – Madam LuluBackstreet Boys – Show Me the Meaning of Being LonelyBuika – No Habrá Nadie en el MundoJim Croce – Time in a BottleHarry Styles – As It Was

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Hello and welcome! In this episode, we are embarking on a journey inward and outward to explore how we connect with ourselves, each other, and the hidden threads of the world. From the radical gratitude of a global coffee trail to the timeless, soul-shaking depths of Rumi's poetry, we’re unpacking what it truly means to love, to be alone, and to appreciate the everyday magic around us.

    📌 In This Episode:

    Greeting & The Perfect Energy: Choosing a mindset of appreciation and setting the day's vibe.

    The Art of Being Alone: Breaking down the 4 healthy ways to embrace solitude without feeling lonely.

    The Gratitude Trail: The incredible story of a man who traveled the world to thank everyone behind his morning coffee.

    Rumi’s Physics of Love: Decoding how a 13th-century mystic completely redefines modern romance.

    The Myth of Orpheus: A tragic Greek myth exploring how far human devotion can carry us.

    Outro: Radical appreciation and finding a reason to say "thank you" every single day.

    🎵 Playlist & Music Credits:

    Diamonds and Rust – Joan Baez

    Dreams – Fleetwood Mac

    Heart of Gold – Neil Young

    Thank You – Dido

    Mashough (معشوق) – Googoosh

    Any Story – Hindi Zahra

    Final Days – Michael Kiwanuka

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In today’s episode, we explore the delicate and often paradoxical architecture of human connection. We begin by confronting the modern tyranny of toxic positivity alongside writer and historian Kate Bowler, uncovering why the relentless cultural drive for "good vibes only" might actually be making us miserable and isolating us from genuine healing.


    What’s Inside This Episode:


    The Tyranny of the Bright Side: Why Kate Bowler believes forcing a motivational veneer over genuine suffering stops us from being human.


    Closer from a Distance: A look into the growing trend of couples who find that maintaining separate households is the secret to a thriving relationship.


    The Sanctuary of Solitude: Alain de Botton explains why being alone is required to decompress from the world and rediscover your own voice.


    The Weight of the Written Word: A moving poetry reading by Kit Harington that captures the unfiltered vulnerability of classic letters.


    The Room to Breathe: Why the strongest, healthiest emotional bonds are always flexible enough to allow for intentional distance.


    Featured Music:


    Michael Bolton - When A Man Loves A Woman


    Petit Pays & Cesaria Evora - Cesaria Evora


    Carmen Goett - La Llorona


    Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You


    Andrea Bocelli - L'Appuntamento


    Christina Perri - A Thousand Years


    Berlin - Take My Breath Away

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In today’s episode, we explore the profound questions that shape our daily reality. We begin with the ancient wisdom of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, discovering how his philosophy on perspective and mental resilience is the ultimate tool for navigating modern stress.


    We then look through the lens of cinematic legend Sir Anthony Hopkins to uncover the deeper meaning of life , followed by a powerful, timeless reading of Rudyard Kipling’s "If" by Sir Michael Caine. Our journey continues with philosopher Alan Watts, who boldly challenges the modern world's obsession with chasing happiness.


    Finally, we wrap up with the heartwarming wisdom of Rabbi Abraham Twerski on the true essence of love, reminding us of the importance of how we treat one another.


    What’s Inside This Episode:


    *

    The Marcus Aurelius Mindset: Why you have the power to decide what hurts you.


    *

    The Meaning of Life: A legendary and moving perspective from Sir Anthony Hopkins.


    *

    Rudyard Kipling’s "If": The ultimate blueprint for resilience, read by Sir Michael Caine.


    *

    The Happiness Trap: Alan Watts explains why chasing happiness might be the wrong goal entirely.


    *

    True Love Explained: Rabbi Abraham Twerski’s beautiful breakdown of genuine human connection.



    Featured Music:


    * Sıla - Yabanci


    * Prince Royce - Carita De Inocente


    * Lewis Capaldi - Someone You Loved


    * John Legend - All Of Me


    * Hozier - Take Me to Church


    * Mercedes Sosa - Gracias a la Vida


    * Chris Rea - Looking for the Summer

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Why do we feel a deep sense of belonging with certain people? Why does the human brain constantly try to turn random events into a coherent narrative? In today’s episode of Perfect Days, we explore the invisible threads that connect us all:

    We dive into the science of why words occasionally get stuck on the tip of our tongues and how our brains are biologically hardwired for fiction. From the warmth of true friendship to the legendary life advice of Sir Christopher Lee, this episode is a journey through the memories and narratives that make us who we are. Join John and Mary for a morning of thoughtful conversation and timeless insights.


    ---


    In This Episode, You’ll Discover:


    * The Glitch in the Brain:** Understanding the "Tip of the Tongue" phenomenon and why your brain struggles to recall certain words.


    * The Art of Belonging:** A reflection on friendship and the beauty of being known despite our imperfections.


    * The Storytelling Animal:** Why neuroscience says we need fiction to navigate reality and connect with others.


    * Legends and Lessons:** A brief look at the extraordinary life of Sir Christopher Lee and his advice on living a whole life.



    Playlist


    Volare – Dean Martin


    Casablanca – Bertie Higgins


    Follow the River – Roni Alter


    Don't You Remember – Adele


    At Seventeen – Janos Ian


    May It Be – Enya


    When I Dream at Night – Marc Anthony

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In today’s episode, we explore ideas that refuse to grow old. We begin 800 years ago in a small Japanese hut with the philosophy of Hōjōki, discovering how ancient lessons in simplicity might be the ultimate cure for modern burnout.


    We then dive into the brilliant mind of Richard Feynman, "The Great Explainer," to learn why true understanding starts with simplicity. Our journey continues with an exploration of the "Curiosity Gene"—that restless human spark that drives us into the unknown.


    Finally, we feature a deeply moving conversation between a boy and a man, 57 years apart, reflecting on the "irony of time": where youth has the energy and age has the wisdom. We wrap up with the soul-stirring poetry of Khalil Gibran, reminding us to never live a "half-life."


    What’s Inside This Episode:


    The Hōjōki Philosophy: Why an 8th-century "tiny house" mindset still works in 2026.


    The Feynman Technique: How to master any subject by keeping it simple.


    The Curiosity Gene: A tribute to the drive that makes us human.


    57 Years Apart: A cross-generational talk on energy, experience, and the passage of time.


    Khalil Gibran’s Wisdom: A reading of "Do Not Love Half Lovers."


    Featured Music:


    Al Bano & Romina Power - Felicita


    ColdPlay - Yellow


    ZAZ - La Vie En Rose


    Abba - The Winner Takes It All


    Johnny Cash - I Walk The Line


    Yuma - Bghir Alik


    Baila Nova - Chega de Saudade

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode of Perfect Days, we deconstruct the machinery of high-level thinking and the philosophy of deep living. We start with the "Cloud to Ground" approach—a masterclass in Strategic Thinking with Michael Watkins, exploring how the sharpest minds filter signal from noise.


    From there, we transition into the metaphysical with Alan Watts, challenging the "spotlight" of the ego to reveal the "floodlight" of our true, interconnected selves. We also feature a rare, epiphanic moment from David Foster Wallace on the terrifying beauty of being "entirely yourself," and revisit the two hauntingly simple questions from The Bucket List that define a legacy.


    In this episode:


    The 6 Disciplines: How to train your brain for pattern recognition and systems analysis.


    The Ego Trap: Why Alan Watts thinks you’re a "wave," not a stranger in the world.


    The Authenticity Pivot: Moving past "adolescent delusions" to find your true voice.


    The Egyptian Entrance: Measuring life through joy and the joy we leave behind.


    Musical Playlist

    Eric Clapton – Layla


    Dire Straits – Sultans of Swing


    Joan Baez – Brothers in Arms


    Leonard Cohen & Julie Felix – Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye


    Stromae – Papaoutai


    Charles Aznavour / Roy Clark – Yesterday When I Was Young

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • How much of what we carry—both in our hands and in our hearts—is actually serving us? Today, we explore the liberating power of simplification and the radical freedom found in choosing "less." We’re moving beyond the surface of minimalism to look at the internal shifts that happen when we stop filling the gaps with things and start filling them with intention.


    We dive into the psychology of modern consumption to understand why the next "big buy" never quite delivers, and we shift into a deep reflection on the "skill" of being a good person. From the empathetic wisdom of Alain de Botton to the Dalai Lama’s transformative take on forgiveness, this episode is about lightening the load. Whether you’re starting your commute or finding a moment of quiet before the day accelerates, join John and Mary for a conversation on making space for what truly matters.


    ---


    [ In This Episode ]


    - The Consumption Trap: Why "buying more" fails us and how narrowing our focus leads to broader contentment.

    - The Skill of Goodness: Alain de Botton on why being a "good person" isn't a trait, but a practice of patience and perspective.

    - Reclaiming Peace: A look at the Dalai Lama’s philosophy on forgiveness as a tool for personal freedom rather than a favor to others.

    - The Unknowable Time: Reflecting on the haunting beauty of W.H. Auden’s poetry and the mystery of the human experience.

    - Small Novelties: Why changing your daily route or learning a minor skill is the ultimate fuel for a curious brain.


    ---


    Music Playlist


    - Zaz – Les Passants

    - Buena Vista Social Club – Chan Chan

    - SYML – Where is My Love

    - Yasmin Levy – Adio Kerida

    - Souad Massi – Le Bien et le Mal

    - Gypsy Queen – l'Americano (Outro)

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.