エピソード

  • Navigating Palliative Care at Home: Funding, Advance Care & Support Feat. Karen Conte
    2026/08/26

    We are joined by Clinical Palliative Nurse Specialist Karen Conte to unpick the realities of palliative care, navigating end-of-life funding, and making informed choices for yourself and loved ones.

    In this episode, Karen discusses the difference between specialist palliative care and generalist in-home support, how to access up to $25,000 in End-of-Life Pathway funding over 12 weeks, and essential steps for Advance Care Planning in Victoria.

    ----more----

    Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey:

    🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com

    🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

    • The core differences between specialist palliative care and generalist home care.
    • How the Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway provides $25,000 across 12 weeks for in-home support.
    • Why early engagement with home care providers prevents family carer burnout.
    • Practical advice on completing Advance Care Directives and appointing a Medical Treatment Decision Maker in Victoria.
    • How to balance equipment approvals with care funding to ensure smooth hospital discharges.

    👥 Who is this episode for?

    • Family carers supporting ageing parents or partners through life-limiting illnesses.
    • Older Australians planning their future healthcare preferences.
    • Aged care workers, care managers, and health professionals seeking practical sector guidance.

    🌐 Learn more and trusted resources:

    • Palliative Care Victoria – Guidance on finding local services and navigating care. https://www.pallcarevic.asn.au
    • Department of Health & Aged Care Support at Home Program – Information on end-of-life funding and aged care reforms. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home
    • Advance Care Planning Australia: Official Victorian forms and legal planning advice. https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au

    ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G?

    Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We are a podcast and content hub focused on in-home aged care, carer wellbeing, allied health, and disability support. We share real stories, practical education, and evidence-informed insights from the caregiving community, especially in the Geelong/Victoria regional context. Our mission is to inform, support, and empower those navigating the aged care system.

    📺 What will you see?

    • Updates and insights on the Support at Home Program
    • Caregiver health and burnout prevention
    • Mental health support for carers in Australia
    • Fall prevention, mobility, and quality of life strategies
    • Practical steps for due diligence when choosing a quality provider in the Geelong/Ballarat regions.

    💬 LEAVE A COMMENT to share your experience: Have you had to navigate palliative care or advance care planning for a loved one? Share your experience below!

    🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL to stay up to date with new episodes supporting carers and the people they care for. New episodes are released monthly.

    📲 Follow our other platforms! Instagram: @Conversationswithgandg Facebook: Conversations with G&G Spotify: Listen Here https://open.spotify.com/show/0IF4ETk... Apple Podcasts: Listen Here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

    🔖 Hashtags: #ConversationsWithGandG #PalliativeCare #SupportAtHome #CarerSupport #AgedCareAustralia #AdvanceCarePlanning #GeelongCarers #InHomeCare

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    36 分
  • Care That Feels Personal: Inside the Care Management Approach Feat. Uma
    2026/07/29
    In this month's podcast episode, we are joined by the Head of Care at Dovida Geelong, Uma, who is diving deep into what an effective care management approach actually looks like and why it is the ultimate tool to protect you from severe caregiver burnout. ----more---- This episode of Conversations with G&G is sponsored by @dovidageelongandsurrounds Dovid Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast. Dovida is a trusted local provider of in-home aged care, supporting adults across Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast to live safely, independently and confidently at home. To learn more, head to www.dovida.com.au/local-office/geelong or call the local Geelong office on 03 5201 9090. Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey: 🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com 🎙️ In this episode, we discuss: What proactive care management means and why waiting for a health crisis to happen before taking action falls short.How a dedicated care partner acts as a subject matter expert to simplify, humanise, and personalise a complex aged care system.Why a "circle of care" built as a partnership between the client, the family, and the care partner keeps the individual at the heart of everything.The reality of the Support at Home program's flat 10% cap on care management fees across the board.Why choosing a local provider who can visit the home in person provides critical insights that a phone assessment completely misses.How to evaluate self-management options and decide if it is truly worth the immense time and coordination stress.What to look for beyond a cheap hourly rate—including after-hours services, trained staff monitoring, and reliable roster backup. 👥 Who is this episode for? Family carers balancing busy personal lives while coordinating support for an ageing parent or relative.Older Australians wanting to understand how a Home Care Package can be tailored to their exact daily routines and lifestyle goals.Frontline aged care workers and referrer networks seeking a deeper understanding of person-centred care practices. 🌐 Learn more and trusted resources: Learn more about the program or access resources to support your caregiving journey through the following links: My Aged Care — practical guidance on services, assessments, and finding providers. 👉 https://www.myagedcare.gov.auCarer Gateway — support, counselling, and respite options for family carers. 👉 https://www.carergateway.gov.auAged Care Quality & Safety Commission — standards, feedback, and provider compliance. 👉 https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G? Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We focus on mental health, physical wellbeing, carer education, and real-life stories from the caregiving community in Australia. Our content is designed for carers, aged care workers, disability support professionals, and families navigating the responsibilities of caregiving. 📺 What will you see? Uma sharing her five-year journey in aged care—from care manager to team leader, and now Head of Care.Expert insights on maintaining minimum monthly touchpoints to keep care plans completely up to date.Real-world discussions on the limitations of package budgets and how to navigate structural aged care reforms.Honest comparisons between value-driven local providers and cheaper, transactional alternatives. 💬 LEAVE A COMMENT to share your experience: Have you found it difficult to navigate package rules? What has helped your family build a strong partnership with your provider? 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL to stay up to date with new episodes supporting carers and the people they care for. New episodes are released monthly. 📲 Follow our other platforms! Instagram: @ConversationswithgandgFacebook: Conversations with G&GSpotify: Listen HereApple Podcast: Listen Here 🔖 Hashtags: #conversationswithgandg #inhomecare #caregiversupport #CarerStories #supportathomeprogram #agedcareaustralia #CareProviderFeedback #carerwellbeing #dignityincare #FamilyCarers #carerresources #AgedCareQuality #PersonCentredCare #Geelong
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    27 分
  • The Healthy Ageing Playbook: Revision Episode with Conversations with G&G
    2026/06/24
    Missed some of our recent episodes or just need a quick refresher on navigating the complex world of in-home aged care? We’ve got you covered! In this revision episode, we are stripping away the jargon and bringing you the absolute best, highest-value breakthroughs from our last five conversations. ----more----

    Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey: 🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com

    🎙️ About This Episode:

    Missed some of our recent episodes or just need a quick refresher on navigating the complex world of in-home aged care? We’ve got you covered! In this special Revision Episode, Giovanni and Giselle are stripping away the jargon and bringing you the absolute best, highest-value clips from our recent expert conversations. Whether you are a care partner, a family decision-maker, or looking at support for yourself, this episode serves as your ultimate tactical guide for safe, independent living at home.

    📋 In this revision episode, you will review:

    • Nutrition & Healthy Ageing: How to spot the subtle, hidden signs of malnutrition (like loose jewellery or ill-fitting dentures) and the real daily protein targets for seniors.
    • Your Voice, Your Care: Why fully managed care beats the stress and legal liability of self-management, and why you should register with My Aged Care long before a health crisis hits.
    • Proactive Physiotherapy: How to identify "near-misses" at home (like furniture surfing) and how the power of "reablement" can actively reverse physical decline.
    • Smarter Medication Management: The truth about preventable medication-related harm and how a free Home Medicines Review (HMR) keeps your loved one safe.

    👥 Who is this episode for?

    • Family carers balancing busy lives while managing an ageing parent's package.
    • Older Australians wanting to understand their legal rights and preserve their care budgets.
    • GPs and allied health professionals needing up-to-date policy resources for their patients.
    • Employed care workers looking to optimise client outcomes.

    🌐 Learn more and trusted resources:

    • My Aged Care — practical guidance on services, assessments, and finding providers. Call: 1800 200 422 Website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au
    • Carer Gateway — support, counselling and respite options for family carers. Website: https://www.carergateway.gov.au
    • Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission — feedback, complaints and quality standards for providers. Website: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au
    • Support at Home program — official info and program details. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/su...

    ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G?

    Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We are a podcast and content hub focused on in-home aged care, carer wellbeing, allied health, and disability support. We share real stories, practical education, and evidence-informed insights from the caregiving community, especially in the Geelong/Victoria regional context. Our mission is to inform, support, and empower those navigating the aged care system.

    📺 What will you see?

    • Updates and insights on the Support at Home Program
    • Caregiver health and burnout prevention
    • Mental health support for carers in Australia
    • Fall prevention, mobility, and quality of life strategies
    • Practical steps for due diligence when choosing a quality provider in the Geelong/Ballarat regions.

    📲 Follow our other platforms!

    • Instagram: @Conversationswithgandg
    • Facebook: Conversations with G&G
    • Spotify: Listen Here https://open.spotify.com/show/0IF4ETk...
    • Apple Podcast: Listen Here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🔖

    Hashtags: #ConversationswithGandG #AgedCareAustralia #CaregiverSupport #CarerWellbeing #SupportAtHome #FamilyCarers #DignityInCare #CarerStories #Geelong #Ballarat #HomeMedicinesReview #MedicationManagement

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    15 分
  • Home Medicine Reviews: Smarter Medication Management as We Age Feat. Giselle Siano
    2026/05/27
    In this episode of Conversations with G&G, we’re talking directly to older Australians about a simple, free service that helps you stay in control of your wellbeing: the Home Medicines Review (HMR). Think of it as a friendly "health check-up" for your medicine cabinet, conducted by a professional pharmacist right in the comfort of your own home. No rushed appointments, no confusing jargon, just clear, practical advice tailored to you. ----more---- Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey: 🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com 🎙️ In this episode, you will learn: What a Home Medicines Review (HMR) is and why it's completely government-funded. The unexpected statistics surrounding preventable medication harm and hospitalisations in Australia. Key clinical triggers that mean you or a loved one are eligible for a review. How a Webster-pak works and whether it can assist your daily routine. Tailoring reviews for individuals living with dementia or communication challenges. The critical role of local GPs, family carers, and frontline care partners in managing health safety. 👥 Who is this episode for? Older Australians seeking to stay independent and safe in their own homes. Family carers managing complex health and prescription routines for parents or spouses. Aged care workers, care managers, and allied health referrers. 🌐 Learn more and trusted resources: My Aged Care — practical guidance on services, assessments, and finding providers. Call: 1800 200 422 Website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.auCarer Gateway — support, counselling and respite options for family carers. Website: https://www.carergateway.gov.auAged Care Quality & Safety Commission — feedback, complaints and quality standards for providers. Website: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.auSupport at Home program — official info and program details. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/su... ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G? Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We are a podcast and content hub focused on in-home aged care, carer wellbeing, allied health, and disability support. We share real stories, practical education, and evidence-informed insights from the caregiving community, especially in the Geelong/Victoria regional context. Our mission is to inform, support, and empower those navigating the aged care system. 📺 What will you see? Updates and insights on the Support at Home Program, caregiver health and burnout prevention Mental health support for carers in Australia Fall prevention, mobility, and quality of life strategies Practical steps for due diligence when choosing a quality provider in the Geelong/Ballarat regions. 💬 LEAVE A COMMENT Have you ever used a Webster-pak or had a pharmacist visit your home? Let’s talk below! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL to stay up to date with new episodes supporting carers and the people they care for. New episodes are released monthly. 📲 Follow our other platforms! Instagram: @Conversationswithgandg Facebook: Conversations with G&GYouTubeWebsite
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    17 分
  • Safe at Home: Using Physiotherapy Support to Prevent Falls at Home Feat. Meghan Dean
    2026/04/29

    In honour of Falls Prevention Awareness Month, we welcome back expert pain physiotherapist Meghan Dean to discuss a proactive approach to ageing well at home.

    Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey: 🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com

    🎙️ In this episode, you will learn:

    • The hidden cognitive and physical factors that increase fall risks in older Australians.
    • What to expect during a home-based physiotherapy clinical assessment.
    • The difference between Occupational Therapy (home mods) and physiotherapy (physical capacity).
    • How to access allied health services through the Support at Home program without a co-contribution.
    • Why "reablement" is the gold standard for staying independent.

    👥 Who is this episode for?

    • Family carers supporting ageing parents.
    • Older Australians navigating the Support at Home program.
    • Health professionals interested in a multidisciplinary approach.

    🌐 Learn more and trusted resources:

    • My Aged Care — practical guidance on services, assessments, and finding providers. Call: 1800 200 422 Website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au
    • Carer Gateway — support, counselling and respite options for family carers. Website: https://www.carergateway.gov.au
    • Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission — feedback, complaints and quality standards for providers. Website: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au
    • Support at Home program — official info and program details. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/su...

    ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G?

    Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We are a podcast and content hub focused on in-home aged care, carer wellbeing, allied health, and disability support. We share real stories, practical education, and evidence-informed insights from the caregiving community, especially in the Geelong/Victoria regional context. Our mission is to inform, support, and empower those navigating the aged care system.

    📺 What will you see?

    • Updates and insights on the Support at Home Program Caregiver health and burnout prevention
    • Mental health support for carers in Australia
    • Fall prevention, mobility, and quality of life strategies
    • Practical steps for due diligence when choosing a quality provider in the Geelong/Ballarat regions.

    💬 LEAVE A COMMENT to share your experience: Have you noticed any of the "near-miss" signs Meghan mentioned—like "furniture walking" or stumbling while turning your head?

    🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL to stay up to date with new episodes supporting carers and the people they care for. New episodes are released monthly.

    📲 Follow our other platforms!

    • Instagram: @Conversationswithgandg
    • Facebook: Conversations with G&G
    • YouTube
    • Website

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    21 分
  • A True Partner in Care: Finding a Consultant Who Navigates Aged Care For You Feat. Michelle
    2026/03/25
    Feeling overwhelmed by the new Support at Home changes? You aren't alone. This week, Giselle and Giovanni are joined by Michelle, a Client Care Consultant at Dovida Geelong with 25 years of experience in the Geelong region. ----more---- This episode of Conversations with G&G is sponsored by Dovida Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast. Dovida is a trusted local provider of in-home aged care, supporting adults across Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast to live safely, independently and confidently at home. To learn more, head to www.dovida.com.au/local-office/geelong or call the local Geelong office on 03 5201 9090. Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey: 🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com 🎙️ In this episode, you will learn: The Power of Rapport: Why building a trusting relationship with a consultant is the first step to feeling comfortable with care in your home. Deciphering the "Support at Home" Program: Understanding the new reforms, including the 10% cap on care management fees. Managed vs. Self-Managed Care: Why professional oversight can relieve the administrative burden and safety concerns for family carers. Navigating Contributions: How individual co-contributions work for "Grandfathered" and "Hybrid" clients. Local Impact: The benefit of working with providers who have deep roots in Geelong, the Bellarine, and Torquay. 👥 Who is this episode for? Family carers balancing life while making decisions for parents or partners. Older Australians looking for independence while navigating the complexities of aged care. Referrer networks (GPs and Allied Health) seeking resources to humanise the system for patients. Care professionals wanting to understand the client journey from the first consultation. 🌐 Learn more and trusted resources: My Aged Care — practical guidance on services, assessments, and finding providers. Call: 1800 200 422 Website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au Carer Gateway — support, counselling and respite options for family carers. Website: https://www.carergateway.gov.au Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission — feedback, complaints and quality standards for providers. Website: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au Support at Home program — official info and program details. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/su... ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G? Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We are a podcast and content hub focused on in-home aged care, carer wellbeing, allied health, and disability support. We share real stories, practical education, and evidence-informed insights from the caregiving community, especially in the Geelong/Victoria regional context. Our mission is to inform, support, and empower those navigating the aged care system. 📺 What will you see? Updates and insights on the Support at Home Program Caregiver health and burnout prevention Mental health support for carers in Australia Fall prevention, mobility, and quality of life strategies Practical steps for due diligence when choosing a quality provider in the Geelong/Ballarat regions. 💬 LEAVE A COMMENT to share your experience: Have you found it difficult to navigate the new aged care reforms? What questions do you have for a care consultant? 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL to stay up to date with new episodes supporting carers and the people they care for. New episodes are released monthly. 📲 Follow our other platforms! Instagram: @ConversationswithgandgFacebook: Conversations with G&GYouTubeWebsite
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    29 分
  • Your Voice, Your Care: How Clients Shape the Future of In-Home Aged Care Feat. Margaret
    2026/02/25
    In this essential episode of Conversations with G & G, we hear directly from home care client and client advocate, Margaret. She dives deep into the aged care journey, sharing her critical advice: why you must register with My Aged Care NOW—long before a crisis hits. Whether you're a family carer trying to navigate system complexity , or an older Australian considering support, this empowering conversation will show you how client groups (CABs) are transforming feedback into real, practical change. ----more---- This episode of Conversations with G&G is sponsored by Dovida Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast. Dovida is a trusted local provider of in-home aged care, supporting adults across Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast to live safely, independently and confidently at home. To learn more, head to www.dovida.com.au/local-office/geelong or call the local Geelong office on 03 5201 9090. Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey: 🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com 🎙️ In this episode, you will learn: How a Consumer Advisory Body (CAB) creates a non-judgemental link between clients and management to drive real change. The critical advice for older Australians: why you should register with My Aged Care before a crisis hits. How simple feedback can lead to essential, practical changes for all clients. Margaret's insights on choosing a quality provider that is transparent and prioritises a supportive, "family feel" environment. The value of not having to organise your own care, and the relief of letting a trusted provider handle the management. 👥 Who is this episode for? Family carers balancing life with care responsibilities. Older Australians considering or starting their in-home care journey. Aged care professionals seeking honest client perspectives on service quality and feedback mechanisms. Anyone needing clear guidance on navigating the complex aged care system. 🌐 Learn more and trusted resources: My Aged Care — practical guidance on services, assessments, and finding providers. Call: 1800 200 422 Website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au Carer Gateway — support, counselling and respite options for family carers. Website: https://www.carergateway.gov.au Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission — feedback, complaints and quality standards for providers. Website: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G? Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We are a podcast and content hub focused on in-home aged care, carer wellbeing, allied health, and disability support. We share real stories, practical education, and evidence-informed insights from the caregiving community, especially in the Geelong/Victoria regional context. Our mission is to inform, support, and empower those navigating the aged care system. 📺 What will you see? Updates and insights on the Support at Home Program Caregiver health and burnout prevention Mental health support for carers in Australia Fall prevention, mobility, and quality of life strategies Practical steps for due diligence when choosing a quality provider in the Geelong/Ballarat regions. 💬 LEAVE A COMMENT to share your experience: What is the most important thing you look for in a care provider? 🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL to stay up to date with new episodes supporting carers and the people they care for. New episodes are released monthly. 📲 Follow our other platforms! Instagram: @ConversationswithgandgFacebook: Conversations with G&GYouTubeWebsite
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    31 分
  • Nourishing Independence: How Nutrition Shapes Healthy Ageing Feat. Phillipa Spense
    2026/01/28
    In this essential episode of Conversations with G & G, we sit down with Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Pip Spence to dive deep into how the right diet can unlock better health, strength, and independence for older Australians. Pip reveals the critical difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist and the 3 vital red flags carers must watch for to spot early malnutrition. She provides practical, evidence-informed advice on boosting protein and calcium to prevent falls, manage conditions like diabetes, and ensure your loved one is eating for enjoyment and well-being.

    ----more----

    Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey: 🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com

    🎙️In this episode, you will learn:

    • Why nutrition has been an "under the radar" issue in aged care and the impact of the new aged care standards on food and nutrition
    • The top challenge for older Australians: not eating enough, and why they actually need higher amounts of nutrients like protein and calcium
    • The difference between a regulated Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and an unregulated nutritionist, and why an APD is essential for clinical care
    • The crucial signs of malnutrition for carers to look for: loose clothes, ill-fitting jewellery, and chewing or swallowing difficulties
    • How dietetic services are covered under the Home Care Support Plan and typically require no core contribution from participants (falling under clinical services)
    • Why the APD assessment is holistic, involving a review of the fridge, medical history, medications, and linking clients to other allied health support (Physio, OT)
    • The recommended protein target for older people and why dairy products are a 'superfood' for protein and calcium

    👥 Who is this episode for?

    • Family carers trying to make the best choices for their parent or partner
    • Older Australians navigating significant life changes who want to maintain their independence and dignity at home
    • Referrer networks (GPs and allied health professionals) needing resources to guide families toward safe and necessary services
    • Employed carers and aged care workers seeking practical knowledge and better ways to support client wellbeing.

    🌐 Learn more and trusted resources

    • My Aged Care — practical guidance on services, assessments and finding providers: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/
    • Carer Gateway — support, counselling and respite options for family carers: https://www.carergateway.gov.au

    ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G?

    Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We are a podcast and content hub focused on in-home aged care, carer wellbeing, allied health, and disability support. We share real stories, practical education, and evidence-informed insights from the caregiving community, especially in the Geelong/Victoria regional context. Our mission is to inform, support, and empower those navigating the aged care system.

    📺 What will you see?

    • Updates and insights on the Support at Home Program
    • Caregiver health and burnout prevention
    • Mental health support for carers in Australia
    • Fall prevention, mobility, and quality of life strategies
    • Practical steps for due diligence when choosing a quality provider in the Geelong/Ballarat regions.

    💬 LEAVE A COMMENT to share your experience: What was the hardest sign to spot when you realised your loved one needed help?

    🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL to stay up to date with new episodes supporting carers and the people they care for. New episodes are released monthly.

    📲 Follow our other platforms!

    • Instagram: @Conversationswithgandg
    • Facebook: Conversations with G&G
    • YouTube
    • Website
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    29 分