Click Tease: Weekly Digest of Branding, Marketing & Content that Converts
Hot takes, fresh insights, and strategies that actually work — served weekly.Click Tease is your unfiltered, real-time digest of what’s trending in personal branding, content creation, and marketing for coaches, creatives, and online service providers. Co-hosted by branding strategist Michelle Pualani and digital agency founder Joanna Newton, this show breaks down the latest tools, viral trends, creator moments, algorithm updates, and everything that’s making waves right now.If you want to stay ahead of the curve — and make content that clicks and converts — this is your weekly tea. 🎧 Listen in. ☕ Sip something. 💻 Take notes.→ Subscribe to our companion Substack to get each...
MORE ISN’T MORE — Pringles Rebrand, Cracker Barrel Bots, Instant Pot Collapse (Ep. 018)
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What Pringles, Cracker Barrel, and Instant Pot can teach you about marketing missteps, cultural backlash, and knowing when to stop scaling before it breaks your business.
What You’ll Learn:
Why “more” customers, followers, or products might be killing your brand faster than you thinkThe surprising story behind the...OUTAGES & OPPORTUNITIES: AWS Crash, Count Chocula Marketing, Coke Zero Strategy (Ep. 017)
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When the internet breaks, your customer service shows its true colors. Joanna and Michelle unpack how to turn outages into opportunities — and what Count Chocula, Coke Zero, and cinnamon rolls can teach you about seasonal offers and brand loyalty.
What You’ll Learn:
How to turn tech outages and customer frustration into trust-building momentsT...INFLUENCER INTEGRITY: Pastrygate, AI Trust, Storytelling Strategy (Ep. 016)
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What happens when influencer entitlement meets AI perfection? From “Pastrygate” to the comeback of messy, human marketing—Joanna and Michelle unpack why imperfection, honesty, and story-driven content are winning online.
What You’ll Learn:
How “Pastrygate” exposed the dark side of influencer culture—and what brands can learn from itWhy AI-polished content kill...STORYTELLING SHIFT: Email Marketing Decline, Taylor Swift Launch Lessons (Ep. 015)
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Is email marketing finally losing its edge? Joanna and Michelle unpack why social-first creators are outperforming inbox campaigns—and what Taylor Swift’s newest album rollout teaches us about storytelling, polarization, and pre-launch mismatches.
What You’ll Learn:
Why “storytelling content” now outperforms how-tos and tutorials—and how to shift your messaging to match.What Taylo...PIVOT PLAYBOOK: Platform Shifts, Podcast Guesting, Creator Longevity (Ep. 014)
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Pitching yourself, borrowing audiences, and staying ahead of platform drama — this episode shows you how to diversify your reach and protect your brand. Plus, the latest on TikTok’s uncertain future and Taylor Swift’s launch playbook.
What You’ll Learn:
How to use podcast guesting and collaborations to “borrow” authority and grow fasterWhy practicing pi...ALGORITHM SHAKE-UP: TikTok Update, Jimmy Kimmel, Branding Ethics (Ep. 013)
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What happens when TikTok’s magic algorithm gets rewritten in the U.S.—and Jimmy Kimmel gets yanked off air for poking fun at politicians? This week, we unpack how censorship, content, and creator strategy collide.
What You’ll Learn:
What TikTok’s U.S. algorithm split could mean for your reach, engagement, and salesHow th...CONTENT VS. CONVICTION: Showing Up When Culture Collides (Ep. 012)
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Not all traffic equals profit — and not all business models lead to freedom. Discover why choosing the wrong model can stall your growth (and sanity) and how to pivot with intention.
What You’ll Learn:
What you’ll learn about the hidden pitfalls of one-to-one, time-for-money business modelsWhat you’ll learn about how co...THE EMOTION ECONOMY: Why Selling Feelings Beats Selling Products (Ep. 011)
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What happens when pumpkin spice, reality TV, and psychographics collide? This episode dishes out spicy takes on positioning, brand triggers, and why authenticity converts faster than any “perfect” product launch.
What You’ll Learn:
How to use seasonal or cultural triggers (like pumpkin spice) to drive product demandWhy psychographi...CULTURE CLASH: Taylor + Travis, Summer I Turned Pretty, AI Strategy (Ep. 010)
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When Taylor and Travis broke the internet, brands couldn’t resist — but should they have? Plus: what “The Summer I Turned Pretty” teaches about episodic hype, and why AI still can’t kill your creativity.
What You’ll Learn:
Why brands win (or lose) when they jump on cultural momentsWhat “The Summer I Turned Pretty” nailed about community engagement and content pacingHow AI shifts marketing jo...RE-BRAND DRAMA: Cracker Barrel Rebrand, Consumer Psychology, Audience Testing (Ep. 009)
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Update: Since filming this episode, Cracker Barrel has decided to revert back to it’s original logo.
What happens when a heritage brand strips away its soul? The Cracker Barrel rebrand sparks outrage, proving why listening to your audience is the ultimate marketing play.
What You’ll Learn:
Why rebrands flop when busi...TREND TAKERS: LinkedIn Shifts, TikTok Slip-ups, Viral brand plays (Ep. 008)
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What do Taco Bell, banana bread TikTok, and Alex Hormozi’s $150M book launch have in common? A masterclass in creating demand and turning “oops” moments into cultural buzz.
What You’ll Learn:
What you’ll learn from Taco Bell, KFC, and McDonald’s about creating product demand (without new products)What you’ll lea...
LAUNCH GENIUS: Taylor Swift, Marketing Blueprints, Referrals (Ep. 007)
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Spark curiosity with the juiciest takeaway, drama, or trend
Taylor Swift just sold out an album you can’t see, hear, or fully know about yet—and it’s a masterclass in hype every personal brand can steal.
What You’ll Learn:
How to borrow “surprise and delight” tactics from pop stars to keep your audience hookedWhy referrals and word of mouth might be your most und...DIGITAL MARKETING SYSTEMS: Sydney Sweeney Controversy, Creative Campaign Backlash, and Different Business Models (Ep. 006)
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Brands are getting roasted, creators are getting hate, and still your business needs systems to survive the chaos. We break down the latest drama and how to stay consistent when the internet feels like it’s on fire.
What You’ll Learn:
Why inspiration is overrated (and what your content actually needs instead)The real reason the Sydney Sweeney x American Eagle ad flopped — and what Abercrombie + Old Navy did rightA mindset shift that helps you handle hate, trolls, and online backlash without spiralingTimestamps:
03:20 – Why your bus...
BRAND BACKLASH: Sydney Sweeney, American Eagle, Viral Ad Fallout (Ep. 005)
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When American Eagle dropped their Sydney Sweeney “good genes” campaign, the internet exploded… but not just because of her looks. We break down the backlash, what went wrong, and the deeper marketing lessons you need to take from it.
What You’ll Learn:
Why brand pivots go wrong — and how to do it without losing your audienceThe neuromarketing strategy behind envy, attraction, and sales psychology in...SERIES STRATEGY: TikTok Hooks, K-Pop Star Power & Content that Converts (Ep. 004)
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Content series aren’t just a vibe — they’re a strategy. In this episode, we unpack why serialized content is outperforming static one-offs, how star quality trumps strategy when you're stuck in scroll-jail, and what K-Pop training camps and The Summer I Turned Pretty can teach you about building brand obsession.
If you’ve ever struggled with consistency, camera confidence, or content that actually drives sales — thi...
DEEPFAKE AI CONTENT: AI UGC, LinkedIn Video, and Grow a Garden’s $5M/Month Playbook (Ep. 003)
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The rage is real and the receipts are shocking. This week, we’re breaking down the dark side of AI-generated content—deepfake UGC, stolen influencer likenesses, and what the FTC should be doing but isn’t. Plus: why Substack is the new safe space, LinkedIn’s surprise Reels move, and what a farming game on Roblox can teach you about unhinged community marketing.
Learn how to prot...
ALGORITHM ARCHETYPES: AI Content Creation, TikTok’s US App, & Kesha’s Indie Comeback (Ep. 002)
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Wondering if robots will replace your reels — or if TikTok might vanish overnight? This episode spills the tea on AI tools, a potential U-S-only TikTok, and how Kesha just turned label drama into a branding masterclass.
You’ll learn how to protect your audience if platforms shift, why quantity still beats perfection, and the sweet spot where “strategic unhinged” content outperforms polished feeds.
Timestamp...
BRAND STORYTELLING: RYZE Coffee, Alex Cooper, & Instagram’s Edits App (Ep. 001)
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When was the last time you saw a mushroom mascot make a better ad than your favorite brand? In this episode, we break down what marketing really is in 2025 — and why “being yourself” isn’t enough unless you’re strategic about how you show up.
If your content feels bland, the algorithm agrees. You’ll learn why storytelling is dominating the feed, how to create a character-driven brand that gets remembered, and the reason new Instagram features (like Edits) might be your biggest growth hack.
Timestamps:
08:15 – Wh...
Gabs Hayes & Growing Your Business with the Productivity Quickie
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Transform your productivity by focusing on what matters most—without burning out. Discover how to prioritize the tasks that actually move your business forward, break free from endless to-do lists, and leverage time-saving methods like the 80/20 principle and content batching. Whether you’re overwhelmed or just ready to work smarter, you’ll find actionable strategies for balancing business, personal life, and your own well-being.
After losing her son seven years ago, Gabs’ priorities fundamentally shifted: time over money, doing over dreaming, and memories over material things. Today, this entrepreneurial mom is building...
Agnes Maas & Gamifying Your Digital Product with Jiffy Courses
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Joanna Newton sits down with Agnes Maas of Jiffy Courses Online to explore how she and her husband transformed a niche digital product into an international sensation. Agnes shares actionable insights on solving real-world problems in online education, the power of staying focused on a niche, and proven strategies for scaling a digital business worldwide. If you’re looking to take your digital offer global—or want to learn from a founder who’s done it—this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for female entrepreneurs, coaches, and creators.
Website: Jiffycoursesonline.com
<...Leveraging Resilience: Spotlighting the Melanie Perkins & Canva Success Story
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Every rejection is a step closer to revolutionizing your industry—just look at Melanie Perkins’s story.
In this episode, we unpack the remarkable journey of Melanie Perkins, the female tech CEO who got over 100 rejections before launching Canva, a revolutionary design platform now used by more than 100 million people worldwide. Tune in for actionable insights on handling setbacks, the importance of consistency, building a winning team, and daring to dream big. This episode is a must-listen for female entrepreneurs, coaches, and creatives ready to turn obstacles into oppo...
Her First Update: Sabrina Carpenter & Man's Best Friend
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Join Joanna solo as she unpacks the heated conversation surrounding Sabrina Carpenter’s new album cover for “Man’s Best Friend.” Is it empowering, satirical, or setting women back? Joanna explores the double standards female artists face, why provocative content gets people talking, and how bold creative choices can fuel both controversy and visibility. Whether you agree or not, this episode challenges you to consider how your own brand can make an impact by sparking real conversation.
Time Stamps:
01:00 Sabrina Carpenter’s Brand Evolution
02:00 “Man’s Best Friend” Album Cover Cont...
Embrace Innovation & Big Ideas: Jamie Kern Lima’s Journey from Rejection to Billion-Dollar Success
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Unpack the incredible story of Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics. From facing repeated rejection to building a billion-dollar brand, Jamie’s journey is a masterclass in staying true to your vision, innovating boldly, and persevering when the odds are stacked against you. If you’re ready to embrace big ideas and lead with authenticity, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered to keep going—no matter the setbacks.
Time Stamps:
02:11 Jamie Kern Lima's Early Career
02:45 The Birth of IT Cosmetics
04:5...
Should You Use AI for Content Creation? What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
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We break down the real pros and cons of using AI for content creation, and why originality and creativity matter more than ever. Get honest insight on the ethical and environmental impact of AI, plus practical tips for using these tools without losing your unique voice. If you want to stay innovative while keeping your brand authentic, listen now.
Time Stamps
00:54 The Debate on AI in Content Creation
04:18 The Ethical and Creative Concerns of AI
11:44 AI's Environmental Impact
14:19...
How Nervous System Regulation Creates Business Growth with Guest Trish Lynn
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We’re diving deep into how nervous system regulation can transform not just your personal well-being, but your entire brand presence and business growth. We sit down with Trish Lynn to uncover why past traumas can make your content invisible—and how practical healing strategies can help you finally show up, share your story, and build real authority online. If you’re ready to move from survival to self-expression in your business, this episode is for you.
Guest: Trish Lynn, CEO The Trish Lynn – Business Therapist & Content Strategist
Instagram: @thetrishlynn
“Whe...
Navigating Public Scrutiny: Lessons from the Blake Lively Controversy
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We break down the recent controversy involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni—and how it relates to building and protecting a personal brand. From public perception to media backlash, we talk about navigating online heat while staying rooted in your values and voice. If you’re a female entrepreneur or creator building a platform, this one’s for you.
Time Stamps:
01:30 Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Allegations
03:25 Impact on Personal Brands
06:40 Public Perception and Media Influence
07:30 The Role of Authenticity in Per...
Launch Strategies & 3 Non-Negotiables for a Successful Digital Launch
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We’re getting into the real must-haves for a profitable and aligned digital launch. Whether you’re selling a course, membership, or resource—these are the three things that can’t be skipped if you want sales (and sanity). We share examples, mistakes we’ve seen, and give you a behind-the-scenes peek at Joanna’s client’s $20K pre-launch that didn’t involve a single email or Instagram post.
Join Joanna’s Waitlist: https://www.millennialmktr.com/launch-flow
Time Stamps:
00:00 – $20K Pre-Launch Without Emails or Posts
00:59 –...
Mastering Podcast Guesting: Positioning Yourself as an Expert and Authority
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Learn how to position yourself as a must-have podcast guest and turn interviews into powerful tools for building trust, authority, and your personal brand.
Time Stamps:
00:55 Pitching Yourself to Podcasts
01:50 Positioning Yourself as an Expert
03:31 Building Confidence and Authority
05:15 Sharing Stories and Case Studies
20:56 Technical Tips for Being a Great Guest
25:40 Effective Calls to Action
Join the list, get the tea, tips & tools that convert: https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atw...
Podcast Pitching & Positioning: How to Get Booked as an Expert Guest
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We’re breaking down how to pitch yourself as an expert podcast guest—even if you’re not sure what makes you “the expert.” From crafting a pitch that gets a yes to building a credible digital presence, we’re sharing everything you need to land and leverage podcast features for your brand.
Time Stamps:
01:07 The Power of Podcasting for Creators
03:09 Building Trust and Credibility Through Podcasts
04:46 Maximizing Podcast Appearances for Your Brand
06:21 Crafting the Perfect Podcast Pitch
13:18 Finding the Right Podcasts for Your Niche
22:32...
Sue Richey & Building a Local Brand That Scales Online with Courses
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We sit down with Sue Richey to dive into how she built a thriving local property management brand, scaled her business through smart marketing, and expanded her reach nationally with digital education.
Learn More About Sue:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RicheyPropertyMgtWebsite: www.RicheyPM.comGetting Great Tenants CourseProperty Management Mastery CourseTime Stamps:
00:28 Sue Richey's Background and Expertise
02:54 Business Growth and Evolution
09:26 Building a Local Brand
22:04 Marketing Strategies and Future Plans
Join the list, get the tea, tips & tools that...
Sara Blakely & Failing Your Way to a Billion-Dollar Brand
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We’re talking about what it really takes to succeed — and why failure is part of the process.
Sara Blakely went from selling fax machines to building Spanx into a billion-dollar brand. Her story is a reminder that rejection and missteps are fuel, not flaws. 💥
We unpack how failing early builds resilience, why perfection is a myth, and how to keep going when the world says no. Plus, her new venture Sneaks is giving “Sneakers meets stiletto” energy 👟✨
Time Stamps:
00:45 Sara Blakely: From Humble Beginning...
Overcoming Ageism & Perfectionism in Business: Lessons from Netflix Shows ‘Younger’ & ‘Running Point’
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We’re tackling the unspoken rules women face—straight from the storylines of Younger and Running Point on Netflix. Michelle and Joanna dive into the double standards around age, credibility, and perfectionism that hold women to impossible standards while men get more room to stumble and grow.
Time Stamps:
02:06 Deep Dive into 'Younger'
04:16 Ageism in the Workplace
07:37 Exploring 'Running Point'
09:30 Women in Sports and Media
09:57 Age Bias and Internal Narratives
16:36 Double Standards and Perfectionism
22:00 Appe...
Reese Witherspoon & The Perfect Book Club Funnel
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🔥 How Reese Witherspoon went from Hollywood A-lister to powerhouse entrepreneur—rewriting the script for women in media & business.
Time Stamps:
01:10 Breaking Stereotypes and Empowering Women
03:01 The Impact of Media on Female Representation
08:32 Reese Witherspoon's Strategic Business Moves
10:40 Lessons for Digital Business Owners
20:25 The Importance of Mission-Driven Business
25:09 Thinking Big and Long-Term Strategies
Join the list, get the tea, tips & tools that convert: https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork
📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com
🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr...
Zaria Parvez & How Duolingo’s Viral Strategy Redefined Branding
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We’re breaking down how Duolingo went from a language app to a social media powerhouse—all thanks to some seriously unhinged (and genius) marketing. Dig into the bold, chaotic, and wildly effective strategy that turned Duo the Owl into an internet icon. Learn about the mastermind behind it all, Zaria Parvez, and how her fearless approach skyrocketed engagement, daily active users, and revenue. From the power of creative risk-taking to why authenticity wins every time, we’re unpacking what personal brands can steal from Duolingo’s success to stand out and scale.
How Successful Women Plan Their Weeks for Maximum Productivity
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This week on Her First, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we actually manage our time as business owners, because let’s be real—if your schedule is running you, you’re already losing. We’re breaking down our exact weekly planning process, daily workflows, and the tools that keep us sane (shoutout to Google Workspace, Motion AI, and monday.com). We’re also tackling the sneaky productivity killers—context switching, never-ending to-do lists, and not protecting your energy. Whether you’re a founder, a creator, or just trying to get your life togeth...
Personal Branding & Gallup CliftonStrengths: Play to Your Talents in Business with Sara Harvey
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We’re diving into the magic of CliftonStrengths with none other than Sara Harvey—a Gallup-certified strengths coach and team trainer. We’re breaking down how this tool helps you identify your natural talents, boost productivity, and actually enjoy how you work. We even put ourselves under the microscope, sharing our own strengths profiles and how they shape our personal brands and business moves. This episode is packed with insights to help you lean into your strengths and work smarter, not harder.
In addition to being a former C-suite executive and now bu...
Beyoncé & Crafting Ownership Over Your Assets
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We’re talking all things Beyoncé—because who does branding better? We break down how Queen Bey went from a Houston girl with big dreams to a global icon running her own empire. We’re diving into the genius behind her brand: owning her intellectual property, navigating industry bias like a pro, and balancing mystery with authenticity to keep fans (and the internet) on their toes. Plus, we’re pulling out the best lessons entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners can steal from her playbook—because if Beyoncé can do it, so can we.
Avoiding Burnout: Essential Strategies for Entrepreneurs with Sue McLachlan
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In this episode of the Her First Podcast, Joanna is joined by Sue McLoughlin, a Kajabi expert and digital nomad, to discuss the pressing issue of burnout among entrepreneurs. Sue shares her personal experiences with burnout, the importance of setting boundaries, and tailoring business strategies to one's own nature. The episode underscores the necessity of self-care, setting up sustainable business practices, and the pitfalls of trying to imitate others' success.
Sue is a Kajabi expert and strategist who’s been helping creators build and grow their online businesses since 2019. Sue’s all...
Leila Hormozi & Building a Personal Brand Around a $200M Empire
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On this episode of Her First, we’re getting into the powerhouse that is Leila Hormozi. If you don’t know her, she’s the co-founder of Acquisition.com and, alongside her husband Alex Hormozi, has built multiple businesses into absolute beasts. We’re breaking down her no-BS approach to personal branding—think trust over clout, engagement over vanity metrics, and why consistency is the real flex. Plus, we’re diving into her mindset strategies: handling criticism like a boss, embracing discomfort, and playing the long game when it comes to scaling a business. If...
Personal Brand Building Part Two & Actionable Steps to Influence
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On this week's Her First, we're talking personal branding – the real deal. We're breaking down how to actually build and grow your brand, not just exist online. Think auditing your current vibe, creating a visual identity that pops, developing a content strategy that isn't snooze-worthy, and, of course, networking like a pro. We even pulled inspo from the big leagues – Tim Ferriss, Taylor Swift, Amy Porterfield – you know, the works. We're getting into what makes content actually engaging, how to chat with your audience (and have them actually listen!), and how to use those plat...
