Best Torch Technologies Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 52: Artificial Intelligence with Joe Pierce 10:20

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5d ago10:20

10:20

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Joe Pierce of Starfish Holdings to break down what artificial intelligence really is and why it has become such a major part of everyday life. Joe explains the differences between AI, machine learning, and deep learning, along with common ways we all use AI without even realizing it. We a…

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Rebuilding Trust in Systems of Care 35:16

24d ago35:16

35:16

Every system of care — whether it’s education, health, or justice — is built on trust. Trust that when we reach out for help, we’ll be treated with respect and fairness. But for too many Texans, that hasn’t always been the case. People with disabilities and those living in poverty have too often been left out or let down by systems that were meant …

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Episode 51: Air Force Weapons Group with Sam Burkett 16:05

2M ago16:05

16:05

In this episode, Sam shares his journey from starting his career at Eglin Air Force Base to joining Torch in 2016, where he helped launch and grow Torch’s first Armament contract. We also dive into the future of the Air Force Weapons Group and the talented leadership team Sam has built to continue Torch’s mission of serving the warfighter. Torch Te…

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From the Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar: Humanly Possible 37:03

2M ago37:03

37:03

Today’s episode was recorded as part of the Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar, an event the Hogg Foundation hosts every two years to explore urgent issues in mental health and well-being. This year’s seminar included a screening of Humanly Possible, a new documentary produced with support from the Hogg Foundation. The film shares deeply personal storie…

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Episode 50: Breakthrough T1D Walk with Jennifer Bentley & Lee Holland 7:39

2M ago7:39

7:39

In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Bentley, Alabama Chapter Director for Breakthrough T1D, and Lee Holland, President of Freedom Real Estate & Capital, to spotlight the upcoming Huntsville Breakthrough T1D Walk. Jennifer shares the mission of Breakthrough T1D, the world’s leading organization funding Type 1 Diabetes research. From raising aw…

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Small Changes, Big Impact: How Simon Marcil Uses Continuous Improvement to Scale 43:14

3M ago43:14

43:14

What does it take to build a $20M MSP without a traditional sales team? In this episode of Now That’s IT: Stories of MSP Success, Chris Massey sits down with Simon Marcil, co-founder of S3 Technologies and creator of Propel Your MSP, to explore the power of retention, strategy, and AI-driven innovation. Simon shares how S3 grew by focusing on clien…

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Episode 49: Freedom Advisory Services with Tyce Hudson 12:50

3M ago12:50

12:50

On this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we’re joined by Tyce Hudson of Freedom Real Estate & Capital. With more than two decades of experience at Turner Construction and nearly four years at Freedom, Tyce shares his career journey and why he wishes he had made the move to Freedom sooner. We dive into Freedom’s advisory services—what they are, w…

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Passing the Torch: How James Thompson Turned a Family Business into a Thriving MSP 30:25

3M ago30:25

30:25

What happens when a family-owned computer repair shop faces the recession, changing technology, and the challenges of scaling? James Thompson of ECS Technology Solutions shares how he transformed his father’s local IT business into a thriving managed service provider (MSP). In this episode of Now That’s IT: Stories of MSP Success, host Chris Massey…

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Episode 48: Allocation & Distribution with Cindy Walz 11:36

3M ago11:36

11:36

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we welcome back Cindy Walz, CFO of Torch Technologies and Starfish Holdings, for a deeper dive into the financial side of employee ownership. Building on her previous conversation about vesting and diversification, Cindy explains key concepts around ESOP allocations, distributions, and share price. She br…

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Chasing Cyber Crisis: Bart Lageweg on Thriving in High-Stakes IT 24:19

4M ago24:19

24:19

When the stakes are high, and the systems are down, who do governments and enterprises in the Netherlands call? Bart Lageweg, founder of Bizway, has built one of Europe’s most trusted MSPs by running toward the toughest IT challenges—cyberattacks, ransomware recovery, and compliance-critical crises. In this episode of Now That’s IT: Stories of MSP …

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Rhythms of Resilience: An Early Look at the Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar 42:41

4M ago42:41

42:41

Since 1978, The Hogg Foundation’s biennial Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar (RLS) has been held to increase awareness about mental health concepts such as recovery, integrated health, and barriers to well-being. This year’s event offers a chance for Texans to promote innovation and collaboration among mental health care providers, advocates, consumers…

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Episode 47: Vesting & Diversification with Cindy Walz 10:48

4M ago10:48

10:48

In this episode of The Keeping The Dream Alive Podcast, we sit down with Cindy Walz, CFO of Torch Technologies and Starfish Holdings, to dive into the intricacies of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans), vesting, and diversification. Cindy shares valuable insights into how ESOPs work, the vesting schedule, and the importance of diversification fo…

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Community-Based Solutions: Grassroots Mental Health Innovations That Work 1:12:16

4M ago1:12:16

1:12:16

When it comes to supporting rural communities, especially around mental health, success often starts not with answers, but with questions—and a deep commitment to listening. In our latest episode of Into the Fold, host Ike Evans speaks with Tammy Heinz, senior program officer and consumer and family liaison at the Hogg Foundation, Rick Ybarra, seni…

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From Burnout to Believer: Why Aaron Betts Came Back Stronger 21:54

4M ago21:54

21:54

In this episode of Now That’s IT, Aaron Betts shares his remarkable journey—from launching his first MSP in 2005 and losing it all during the financial crisis, to taking a corporate detour, burning out, and ultimately returning to lead Intelesys as President. Aaron opens up about the hard-earned lessons of entrepreneurship, the shift from break/fix…

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Episode 46: Understanding ESOP Valuation with Bill Roark 12:27

5M ago12:27

12:27

In this episode of The Keeping The Dream Alive Podcast, we sit down with Bill Roark, co-founder of Torch Technologies, for a deep dive into what valuation means in an employee-owned company. Bill explains the annual ESOP valuation process—why it matters, how it’s calculated, and how every employee plays a role in growing the value of the company. W…

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Deepfakes, Disguises, and Deliveries: How Rob Shapland Hacks Human Weakness to Build Stronger Security 34:56

5M ago34:56

34:56

Modern cyberattacks aren’t just technical—they’re personal. And Rob Shapland knows how to exploit the human element better than anyone. In this episode, Chris Massey sits down with Rob to unpack the wild world of social engineering—from sneaking into corporate offices disguised as a delivery driver to using AI voice clones to bypass MFA. With over …

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Episode 45: STEPs with Virginia McCrary 12:18

5M ago12:18

12:18

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we’re joined by Virginia McCrary of Torch Technologies to dive into the STEPs program—Society of Torch Emerging Professionals. As one of the program’s founding organizers, Virginia shares how STEPS has evolved into a key part of preserving and growing Torch’s unique employee-owner culture. From trivia nig…

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Freelancer to Founder: How Barinder Hans Built Red Rhino 33:35

5M ago33:35

33:35

What does it take to grow from a solo IT freelancer to the founder of a thriving Managed Services Provider with a 25-person team and a bold vision for the future? In this episode of Now That’s IT: Stories of MSP Success, we sit down with Barinder Hans, founder and CEO of Red Rhino, to explore his journey from building PCs at his dining table to lea…

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Passing the Torch: Leadership, Peace, and a Changing World Order 27:47

5M ago27:47

27:47

After nearly a decade as PRIO Director, Henrik Urdal has wrapped up his tenure. Taking over is Nina Græger, who returns to PRIO after leading the Department of Political Science at the University of Copenhagen. In this special episode of PRIO’s Peace in a Pod, host Arnaud Siad sits down with both leaders for a wide-ranging conversation about what i…

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Children of Change: Supporting Youth Mental Health in an Uncertain World 38:45

5M ago38:45

38:45

In this timely and heartfelt episode of Into the Fold, co-hosts Vicky Coffee and Ike Evans sit down with Shawn Kent, therapist and director at the Amala Foundation, to explore the mental health challenges—and sources of resilience—facing youth in today’s rapidly shifting world. Together, they unpack the pressures of social media, family stress, sch…

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Episode 44: What is a Public Benefit Corporation with Clay Hagan 20:00

6M ago20:00

20:00

In this episode, we’re joined once again by Clay Hagan of Torch Technologies to talk about a major milestone in the company’s journey—becoming a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in early 2024. Clay breaks down what it means to be a PBC, why Torch pursued this rare designation, and how it aligns with their long-term commitment to employee ownership,…

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From Pentagon to Product Leader: Robert Johnston’s Mission to Transform Cybersecurity 37:08

6M ago37:08

37:08

What does it take to go from defending national secrets to defending MSPs? In this episode of Now That’s IT: Stories of MSP Success, Robert Johnston—former Pentagon cyber operator, DNC breach responder, and co-founder of Adlumin—shares his journey from military red teams to building one of today’s fastest-growing cybersecurity platforms. We unpack …

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From Gaza to Sudan: What the Rise in Global Conflict Means for Children 33:02

6M ago33:02

33:02

2024 marked one of the most violent years since the end of the Cold War, with 61 armed conflicts recorded across 36 countries. This sobering tally comes from PRIO’s latest Conflict Trends: A Global Overview report, drawing on data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. But behind the numbers lies a deeper human toll. From Gaza to Sudan, children a…

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Episode 43: Alabama A&M with Aaron Thompson 13:20

6M ago13:20

13:20

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we sit down with Aaron Thompson, Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Branding at Alabama A&M University, to explore the university’s 150-year legacy and its bold vision for the future. Aaron shares how Alabama A&M is evolving through record-breaking enrollment, transformative campus projects, and…

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It Takes Two: The Story of Technica’s Transformation 37:16

6M ago37:16

37:16

In this episode of Now That’s IT: Stories of MSP Success, host Chris Massey sits down with Craig Fisher and David Izen of Technica Solutions to uncover how a chance meeting—and a well-timed kebab—sparked a complete transformation of their MSP business. Craig and David share how they moved beyond the limitations of a technical-first approach to buil…

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Episode 42: ESOP Culture with Bill Roark 16:17

6M ago16:17

16:17

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we sit down with Bill Roark, co-founder of Torch Technologies, for a deep dive into the company's unique ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) culture. Bill shares how employee ownership isn't just a structure—it's a mindset that transforms how people show up to work, collaborate across departments, and in…

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Why Focus Wins: Vinod Paul on Align’s MSP Success 37:34

7M ago37:34

37:34

In this episode of Now That’s IT: Stories of MSP Success, we sit down with Vinod Paul, President of Managed Services at Align, to explore how a bold decision to focus exclusively on one vertical—financial services—transformed the company from a solid MSP into a global leader. Vinod shares the behind-the-scenes story of walking away from millions in…

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AI and Beyond: Technology Shaping Mental Health 49:38

7M ago49:38

49:38

Today’s conversation is about the promises—and the pitfalls—of technology. Specifically, we’re exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping mental health care and what it means for equity, access, and privacy. While AI has the potential to increase access to mental health tools and improve outcomes, it also raises urgent ethical questions: Wh…

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Episode 41: Food Bank of North Alabama & Family Services Center 18:43

7M ago18:43

18:43

In this episode, we sit down with two leaders making a powerful impact in the Huntsville community—Darren Geiger, President & CEO of Family Services Center, and Shirley Schofield, CEO of the Food Bank of North Alabama. They share how their organizations are addressing core issues like food insecurity, homelessness, mental health, and family support…

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Built on Trust: Kevin Stock on Leading a Family-Run MSP That Lasts 40:54

7M ago40:54

40:54

What happens when your business partners are also your brothers? For Kevin Stock, CEO of RCR Technology Group, it meant building a managed service provider grounded in trust, clear roles, and shared values. In this episode, Kevin shares how a side hustle fixing computers became a full-scale MSP—powered by family dynamics, small-town reputation, and…

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After America: Can Europe Defend Itself? 33:35

7M ago33:35

33:35

The European Commission has unveiled a bold 800 billion euro plan to ramp up defense spending - marking what many are calling a historic shift in Europe’s security architecture. With the United States signaling a more distant role under the Trump administration, Europe is under growing pressure to stand on its own. Is this a turning point for NATO?…

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Episode 40: What is an ESOP with Clay Hagan 21:13

7M ago21:13

21:13

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we're excited to welcome back Clay Hagan for an in-depth conversation about one of the foundational elements of Torch Technologies: the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Clay breaks down what an ESOP is, why it’s such a crucial part of Torch’s culture, and how employee ownership impacts career growth,…

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Funding Mental Health: Innovations and Opportunities 46:40

7M ago46:40

46:40

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s both essential and often behind the scenes—funding. Who funds mental health work? How do organizations access support for the critical services they provide? And what does innovation in mental health funding look like? This conversation takes us into the heart of collaboration, innovation, and oppor…

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A Mission to Protect: John McCoy’s Path to MSP Ownership 28:12

8M ago28:12

28:12

When John McCoy walked away from a high-paying corporate job, he wasn’t chasing freedom—he was answering a calling. In this episode, John shares how his commitment to helping others led him to launch MidSolv, an MSP rooted in community and built on trust. But it wasn’t until he caught a ransomware attack in real time that his purpose fully crystall…

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Episode 39: Huntsville Hospital & SIMVANA Partnership 15:05

8M ago15:05

15:05

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we dive into the cutting-edge partnership between SIMVANA and Huntsville Hospital, exploring how virtual reality training is transforming the way nurses are onboarded and trained. Our guests, Alexis Spalding, Director of Clinical Nursing Practice at Huntsville Hospital, and Nathan Faught, Program Manager …

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From Help Desk to Headliner: How Tim Barton-Wines Earned the MSP Spotlight 54:58

8M ago54:58

54:58

What happens when the right product meets the right moment—and the right voice? In this episode of Now That’s IT: Stories of MSP Success, we sit down with Tim Barton-Wines, the dynamic force behind Halo PSA’s meteoric rise. Tim shares his unexpected journey from selling vodka in a wine shop to transforming Halo from a little-known help desk tool in…

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Episode 38: Free 2 Teach & The Downtown Rescue Mission 17:09

8M ago17:09

17:09

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Overholt from the Downtown Rescue Mission and Alison Kling from Free 2 Teach—two nonprofit leaders making a powerful impact in Huntsville. Keith shares how the mission is expanding its efforts to support a growing population of young people experiencing homelessness, while Alison dives into how Free 2 Teach eq…

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The Heart of Healing: Social Workers and Their Role in Mental Health Care 22:40

8M ago22:40

22:40

March is National Social Work Month, and here at the Hogg Foundation, we see firsthand the major role social workers play in the upkeep of mental health. For Episode 172, we are joined today by Catherine Wilsnack, a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Catherine earned her B.S. in Psychology from the Univer…

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Scaling from Setbacks: How Chris Kraiss Built a Thriving MSP 34:20

9M ago34:20

34:20

What if getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to your career? In this episode of Now That’s IT: Stories of MSP Success, host Chris Massey sits down with Chris Kraiss, founder of ClearPath Technology, to discuss his journey from corporate IT to building a thriving MSP—and the setbacks that shaped his success. Chris shares: ✅ How gettin…

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Could a Breakthrough Technology Transform the War in Ukraine? 37:14

9M ago37:14

37:14

Negotiations around a ceasefire in Ukraine have dominated headlines ever since Donald Trump returned to the White House. From bilateral talks in Saudi Arabia to direct talks between Trump and Vladimir Putin, discussions are intensifying over what a potential ceasefire could look like. But on the ground, the fighting continues. Ukraine’s energy infr…

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Episode 37: Alzheimer’s Association & The Heart Association 16:12

9M ago16:12

16:12

In this episode, we sit down with Abigail Mercer of the Alzheimer’s Association and Stephanie Cline of the Heart Association to discuss two major health challenges affecting our communities. Abigail sheds light on the widespread impact of Alzheimer’s, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting the staggering number of those affected, including youn…

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Episode 36: Veterans Program with Christopher Finley & Stephan Stidfole 12:26

9M ago12:26

12:26

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Stidfole and Chris Finley of Torch Technologies to discuss how their Veterans Program is creating meaningful career transitions for service members through initiatives like DoD SkillBridge and Hiring Our Heroes. They share how Torch fosters a strong sense of community, provides mentorship, and supports vete…

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Learning to Love: Dr. Leo Buscaglia on The Human Condition 1:04:25

10M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Love is a profound and multifaceted concept that has fascinated people for centuries. But do we really understand it? This question is at the center of our most recent episode of Into the Fold, which features an archived recording of the Hogg Foundation radio show, The Human Condition, with commentary by present day staff members, Mary Capps, Eliza…

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Episode 35: Torch's New Core Values with Charlie Crowe 20:51

10M ago20:51

20:51

In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Crowe to discuss the process of defining and formalizing the core values at Torch— values that had long been ingrained in the company’s culture. Charlie shares how leadership recognized these principles through years of experience and simply put them into words. We also explore the mindset of ownership at T…

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UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese on Gaza, Trump, and Genocide 46:49

10M ago46:49

46:49

President Donald Trump’s call for the U.S. to take control of Gaza and displace its population marks a stark break from decades of American policy—one that could destabilize the entire Middle East. This comes at a critical moment, as the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire hangs in the balance and families await the return of hostages from Gaza. For Pal…

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Building a Resilient Future: What’s Next for Mental Health Advocacy 28:00

10M ago28:00

28:00

This is Part 2 of the conversation we began with last month's Episode 169, Navigating Systemic Shifts: Policy Changes That Impact Mental Health Care. We want to know, from those doing the work, what feels different about doing mental health policy in 2025. For this episode, we bring back our guests Mandi Zapata of Texas Civil Rights Project, Noah J…

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What’s Next for Syrian Refugees After Assad’s Fall? 47:41

10M ago47:41

47:41

December 8th. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is reported to have fled the country his family ruled for 50 years—a political earthquake that sends shockwaves across the globe. Miles away in Europe, thousands of Syrians in the diaspora gather spontaneously to mark this historic moment. Governments react swiftly—many freezing asylum claims, while so…

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Episode 34: Breakthrough T1D & New Hope Children's Clinic 12:56

10M ago12:56

12:56

In this episode of the Keeping the Dream Alive podcast, we talk with Cindy Williamson, Executive Director of New Hope Children's Clinic, and Jennifer Bentley, State Director for Breakthrough T1D. They discuss the missions of their organizations: providing accessible healthcare for children in New Hope and advancing support and research for individu…

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Navigating Systemic Shifts: Policy Changes That Impact Mental Health Care 36:52

10M ago36:52

36:52

We are coming to you from Austin, Texas, site of the Texas Legislature an epicenter of the changes that are impacting people, as well as concerted efforts to address those changes. We thought it would be fitting to kick off this new season of Into the Fold with a look into the bustling world of public policy – and how policy changes impact mental h…

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Episode 33: 2024 Recap with Torch President Brad Walker 21:38

11M ago21:38

21:38

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Brad Walker, President of Torch Technologies, to reflect on 2024 and discuss plans for 2025. Brad shares insights into Torch's growth, driven by strategic planning, employee ownership, and a focus on customer satisfaction. He highlights the company’s six focus areas, including maintaining…