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Joe Roberts known as the "Skidrow CEO" is a Canadian motivational speaker, author, youth homelessness advocate and co-founder of The Push for Change Foundation. Roberts experienced drug addiction and chronic homelessness as a youth and entered drug treatment in 1991. Roberts worked in sales and web development before he became an inspirational keynote speaker. Roberts is the author of four books.What is most amazing about Joe is that in 1989 he was living on the streets of Vancouver as a homeless skid row addict. Through perseverance, determination and his resilient human spirit, Joe pulled himself out of the darkness and despair, to become a highly respected business and community leader of today. Today Joe Roberts (aka The Skidrow CEO) is an award-winning Inspirational Keynote Speaker armed with unwavering determination and 20+ years of speaking experience. His mission has been, is, and always will be to instigate a ripple effect of positive change everywhere he goes by reminding people of their unlimited potential.Since 1989, Joe has acquired two college diplomas, became the CEO of one of Vancouver’s leading multimedia companies, walked across Canada and achieved more success than he could ever have imagined.  Joe has been recognized by MacLean’s Magazine as one of “10 Canadians who make a difference,” won the BC Courage to Come Back Award, received The Ontario Premier’s Award for Business, was given an Honorary Doctorate from Laurentian University and was recognized by the Senate of Canada with their Canada 150 Medal.Ultimately, Joe’s deep resonating “WHY” is to empower people to step into a life of infinite possibility, to understand “there is truly more to each and every one of us than what we see”. ________FOLLOW THE FREEDOM FIRST PODCASTYOUTUBE | The Freedom First Podcast YouTubeINSTAGRAM | @freedomfirstusaTWITTER | https://twitter.com/freedomfirstusTIK TOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@freedomfirstamericaFACEBOOK | FacebookAPPLE PODCAST | Apple PodcastSPOTIFY | The Freedom First Podcast on Spotify Listen on any podcasting platform.  Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Leslie Morgan Steiner is a domestic violence survivor, New York Times best-selling author ,columnist for The Washington Post, consultant and thought leader on women’s leadership, work-life balance, inspirational parenting, overcoming adversity and surviving violence against women. Her corporate experience includes The Washington Post, Johnson & Johnson, Leo Burnett and Seventeen Magazine. In 2009 Her  memoir about surviving domestic violence, Crazy Love, was a New York Times bestseller, People Pick, Book of the Week for The Week magazine, and subject of the first TED Talk by a domestic violence survivor. She also speaks on work/family balance, domestic violence, leadership, parenting and more. You can follow Leslie on Facebook via Leslie Morgan Steiner, or via @lesliebooks on Instagram and Twitter, or visit her Amazon to purchase her books.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Episode 33 with writer and author of "Unveiling Alice" Mary Crocker (@marycrocker)— Mary Crocker has a zest for life that has led her to experiences filled with adventure, excitement, chaos and heartbreak. Her go getter spirit lights up the room, gets the job done, and produces results. As a sales training manager, her passions are centered around helping others reach their full potential. When she isn’t helping colleagues crush sales quotas, you can find her running the streets, talking fashion with friends, traveling with family, or enjoying a spicy margarita. Her biggest inspirations are drawn from those who have remained resilient in the hardest of times and supported her every journey. She believes everyone should make the most of their story and that everyone has the power to create a magical ending. Book Summary Alice has it all. The handsome fiancé, the successful job, and a beautiful wedding ahead. Then, life throws her a curveball. When her fiancé calls off their engagement merely days before their wedding, Alice finds herself single, lost, and unsure of what her future holds. She finds strength through running and decides to rewrite her new life in Nashville, but is it possible to outrun the past? Unveiling Alice is inspired by a true event in author Mary Crocker’s life and is her opportunity to share her story and own her past and the broken road that led to beautiful new beginnings. Unveiling Alice reveals the inner strength that lives and breathes within everyone choosing to embrace life’s challenges, control how we respond, and move forward. It explores the intersections of redemption, grief, and unconditional love. It acknowledges that our actions and decisions toward others can have lasting impacts. In the end, it illustrates the power of forgiveness, even when forgetting is impossible.Purchase the book here:https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/1637308019/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_paging_btm_next_2?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=five_star&reviewerType=all_reviews&pageNumber=2#reviews-filter-barFollow Mary Crocker (@marycrocker) ________FOLLOW THE FREEDOM FIRST PODCASTYOUTUBE | The Freedom First Podcast YouTubeINSTAGRAM | @freedomfirstusaTWITTER | https://twitter.com/freedomfirstusTIK TOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@freedomfirstamericaFACEBOOK | FacebookAPPLE PODCAST | Apple PodcastSPOTIFY | The Freedom First Podcast on Spotify Listen on any podcasting platform.  Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

EP 32 Now Available w/ former Navy Seal and founder of Sunga Life swimwear company Jeff Gum (@Jeffgum)— Jeff Gum is a Navy Seal and founder of Sunga Life Swimwear. He was a part of Seal Team 5 where he deployed to Fallujah Iraq, was selected for the Navy SEAL Breacher and Sniper Schools and worked with the Secret Service. In 2015, Jeff began his transition out of the Navy by participating in The Honor Foundation’s 120 hours of Executive Education at UCSD Rady School of Management. The program inspired him to launch his own swimwear line partnering with 2-time ESPY award-winning adaptive athlete, Kyle Maynard, called Sunga Life. The company is focused on achieving double bottom line goals of purpose and profitability, where 10% of profits go to veteran charities — specifically those that benefit wounded and amputee Special Operations Forces. Jeff transitioned out of the Navy in June 2017, traveled the world for a year and received his masters degree from the UCLA Anderson School of Management with a focus on Entrepreneurship. FOLLOW THE FREEDOM FIRST PODCASTYOUTUBE | The Freedom First Podcast YouTubeINSTAGRAM | @freedomfirstusaTWITTER | https://twitter.com/freedomfirstusTIK TOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@freedomfirstamericaFACEBOOK | FacebookAPPLE PODCAST | Apple PodcastSPOTIFY | The Freedom First Podcast on Spotify Listen on any podcasting platform.  Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

A Doctor at War! @docwilkes1 —Our guest is a Medical Doctor and a California native. Dr. Donnelly Wilkes is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine, and his medical degree from Tulane School of Medicine on a full Navy Scholarship. Following medical school, he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, completed residency training in family medicine at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, and served seven years on active duty. He served two combat tours in Iraq in 2004 and 2008 and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor for his actions in the battle of Fallujah in April of 2004. As the Senior Medical Officer at Port Hueneme Naval Clinic, where he was responsible for the medical oversight of active duty members, their families, and local Veterans. Upon completion of his Naval service, he was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Commander and opened his own family medicine practice, Wilkes Family Medicine in August of 2009. Today he serves as the president and medical director of Summit Health Group in Thousand Oaks, California. He is a devoted husband, father, and Christian. “My faith and family are everything to me, and I have dedicated this practice to them.” He is the author of, Code Red Fallujah: A Doctor’s Memoir at War, about his experience during the Battle of Fallujah.FOLLOW THE FREEDOM FIRST PODCASTYOUTUBE | The Freedom First Podcast YouTubeINSTAGRAM | @freedomfirstusaTWITTER | https://twitter.com/freedomfirstusTIK TOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@freedomfirstamericaFACEBOOK | FacebookAPPLE PODCAST | Apple PodcastSPOTIFY | The Freedom First Podcast on Spotify Listen on any podcasting platform. The Freedom First Podcast | EP 31 . Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast. Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Episode 030 w/ @kajlarsen & @seanbonnerusa—On this episode we are joined by the founders of @guild_financial , US Navy Seal Kaj Larsen and Navy Intelligence Officer Sean Bonner. Kaj Larsen is a US Navy Seal, award winning Journalist, Harvard Graduate and owner of a @crossfitsantamonica . Sean Bonner is a Navy Intelligence Officer and former financial professional with extensive experience in the financial industry. Their new company, Guild Financial is a trusted investment platform inspiring the military community to secure financial freedom through training and education. On this episode we talk about both mens childhood growing up, military experience, investing, experience in the financial world and their new financial company Guild Financial. FOLLOW THE FREEDOM FIRST PODCASTYOUTUBE | The Freedom First Podcast YouTubeINSTAGRAM | @freedomfirstusaTWITTER | https://twitter.com/freedomfirstusTIK TOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@freedomfirstamericaFACEBOOK | FacebookAPPLE PODCAST | Apple PodcastSPOTIFY | The Freedom First Podcast on Spotify➡️Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast. Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Episode 029 w/ Coach Chris Likewise—On this episode we sit down with football Coach Chris likewise in the studio. Coach Likewise has over 25+ years of coaching experience with stops at the high school level and as an assistant coach at Fresno State under Jim Sweeney. On this episode Likewise talks about his coaching journey, old school stories from the past, the life of a coach, Jim Sweeney and much more. FOLLOW THE FREEDOM FIRST PODCASTYOUTUBE | The Freedom First Podcast YouTubeINSTAGRAM | @freedomfirstusaTWITTER | https://twitter.com/freedomfirstusTIK TOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@freedomfirstamericaFACEBOOK | FacebookAPPLE PODCAST | Apple PodcastSPOTIFY | The Freedom First Podcast on Spotify➡️Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Episode 028 w/ Dennis Townsend —Dennis Townsend is an Architect and the District 5 Supervisor. On this episode we discuss his upcoming election, childhood growing up, leadership, service, faith, wrestling, forest management, water, architecture and much more. Townsend’s District 5 includes Porterville, Springville, Terra Bella, Alpine, Ducor, Camp Nelson, California Hot Springs, Posey, Kennedy Meadows, Ponderosa, Sequoia Crest, and surrounding areas of southeast Tulare County. He was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2018. Supervisor Townsend is a licensed architect and owner of Townsend Architectural Group in Porterville. A graduate of Monache High School, Townsend was a standout wrestler who went on to wrestle at College of the Sequoias. Townsend earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Supervisor Townsend was employed by Wayne F. Harris and Associates, R.L. Schafer and Associates, and Hobbs Architectural Group before opening Townsend Architectural Group in 2001. Working and living in Porterville and Springville, Supervisor Townsend is involved in numerous community and volunteer organizations, including the Habitat for Humanity Building Hope in Porterville Board as well as the Man Alive planning board for the annual men’s event. He is also a member of the Springville Chamber of Commerce and was honored by that organization as “Man of the Year” in 2009. Supervisor Townsend married his wife Cece in 1982. They were both born and raised in Porterville and currently reside in Springville.•••Facebook: @DennisTownsendWebsite: www.trusttownsend.comwww.townsendgroup.net••➡️Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Episode 027 w/ @holliesmckay—Hollie McKay is an Australian born journalist who is a policy expert, correspondent, war crimes investigator, and best-selling author. She was an investigative and international affairs/war journalist for Fox News Digital for over fourteen years where she focused on warfare, terrorism, and crimes against humanity. in 2021 she founded international geopolitical risk and social responsibility firm McKay Global. Her latest book, Only Cry for the Living: Memos From Inside the ISIS Battlefield, is now available.Hollie has worked on the frontlines of several major war zones and covered humanitarian and diplomatic crises in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Iran, Turkey, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Burma, Russia, Africa, Latin America, and other areas.Her globally-spanned coverage, in the form of thousands of print articles and essays, has included exclusive and detailed interviews with numerous captured terrorists, as well as high-ranking government, military, and intelligence officials and leaders from all sides.She has spent considerable time embedded with US and foreign troops, conducted extensive interviews with survivors of torture, sex slavery and forced child jihadist training, refugees, and internally-displaced people to communicate the complexities of such catastrophes and war crimes on local populations.Hollie’s columns have additionally been featured in the Wall Street Journal and her writings referenced in innumerable mainstream publications and academic journals. Additionally, McKay has reported on Clint Eastwood, Anthony Bourdain, and the Ferguson unrest of 2014 . she has won numerous foreign press and humanitarian awards. She is acclaimed by her peers as one of the most diligent reports in her field.Follow Hollie McKay: Instagram: @holliesmckayTwitter: @holliesmckayWebsite: www.holliemckay.com➡️Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast. Let us know what you think about the podcast.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Episode 26 w/ @thechriscaulk—Chris Caulk is a former USC walk-on wide receiver who personifies the quality of tenacity. He defied the odds to become a member of the legendary USC football program whose story will help anyone who wants to achieve a goal.  ••➡️Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast. Let us know what you think about the podcast.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Episode 25 w/ @adamcarolla—Adam Carolla is an American radio personality, comedian, actor and podcaster. He hosts The Adam Carolla Show, a talk show distributed as a podcast which set the record as the "most downloaded podcast" as judged by Guinness World Records in 2011. Carolla is most known for co-hosting the syndicated radio call-in program Loveline with Dr.Drew Pinsky. He was the co-host and co-creator of the television program The Man Show (1999–2004), and the co-creator and a regular performer on the television show Crank Yankers (2002–2007, 2019–present). Carolla has also appeared on the network reality television programs Dancing with the Stars and The Celebrity Apprentice. Adam’s most recent book is titled, “I'm Your Emotional Support Animal: Navigating Our All Woke, No Joke Culture”.On this episode we talk about Adam’s childhood growing up, getting started in the entertainment industry, his career in entertainment, navigating cancel culture and his passion for automobiles.••➡️Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast. Let us know what you think about the podcast.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Episode 24 w/ @joesoto135 —Joe Soto fought at the bantamweight division in the UFC. A professional competitor since 2006, Soto has also formerly competed for Bellator Fighting Championships, where he was the inaugural Bellator Featherweight World Champion and first ever winner of their Featherweight Tournament, and for Tachi Palace Fights where he is the former Tachi Palace Fights Bantamweight Champion.At the time Soto was born, the fourth son, his parents were struggling financially, with his father working as a garbage man and his mother as a house cleaner. Soto went to Porterville High School in Porterville, California where he was on the wrestling team and won a California state title under coach Tim Vanni. Soto got an athletic scholarship to Iowa Central Community College where he was a 2x NJCAA All-American. There, Soto wrestled with @jonnybones and @colbycovmma . Soto, Jones and Covington were also roommates during their freshmen and sophomore years.Soto began training mixed martial arts after meeting Paul Estrada who agreed to train him in his garage. Soto began training and took his first fight at a Gladiator Challenge event. Soto won the fight midway in the first round via technical knockout. Soto compiled a 4-0 record before getting signed to Bellator Fighting Championships (@bellatormma). In August 2014 Soto signed a deal with the UFC. Soto was expected to face Anthony Birchak on August 30, 2014 at UFC 177. However, the day of the weigh-ins, @renanbaraoufc had to be admitted to the hospital as a result of his attempts to cut weight. Soto stepped up and faced champion @tjdillashaw in the main event. Soto recently opened up a wrestling and MMA gym in Porterville, CA called @cencalsportsandfitness ••➡️Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast. Let us know what you think about the podcast.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

In this episode we sit down with Angélica Franganillo-Diaz who is a Political Science graduate from Florida International University. Before moving to Miami, Florida, Angélica studied at the University of Puerto Rico- Mayagüez campus. Angélica considers herself a Puerto Rican-born-Cuban due to the enrichment of Cuban culture throughout her life. Her grandparents immigrated from Cuba in the 1970’s to Puerto Rico, the place where they had her mom and uncle. Angélica’s mother met her dad on one of her trips to Cuba with her grandmother. They fell in love, moved to Puerto Rico together, and had Angélica and her sister, Alejandra. A Majority of Angélica’s family still lives in Cuba. An interest for Latin America arose mainly from Angélica’s attachment towards Cuba. Growing up listening to stories about the ruthless Fidel Castro and his communist regime that led thousands of brave migrants, like her family, to risk their life in search, for what she believes to be the most valuable facet of our humanity–Freedom. As Angélica pursued her degree in Political Science during her first two years in Puerto Rico, there was a recurrence of people her age falling for the same populist rhetoric and politics that Fidel Castro once promised for Cuba. Sadly this recurrence is not unique only to Puerto Rican students at the University of Puerto Rico, but throughout the whole Latin American region. When Angélica came to Miami a hotspot of immigrants, the recurrence was still sadly the same. As someone who has experienced first hand the consequences of these rhetorics Angélica believes it is her duty to tell the stories of Cubans. Website: https://freedompoliticslatinamerica.org• • ➡️Please subscribe and leave feedback on Apple Podcast. Let us know what you think about the podcast.Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Ricardo Lamas is a retired Professional MMA Fighter who competed as a Featherweight in the UFC, with wins over current UFC lightweight Champion Charles Oliveria, Darren Elkins, Diego Sanchez, Cub Swanson and many more. He is the youngest of six brothers and was a college wrestler, earning All-American honors at the NCAA Division III Men's Wrestling Championships at 157 lbs. During his collegiate wrestling career (2001–2005), he racked up over 100 wins. Ricardo recently retired from the UFC in 2020 after his fight of the night win bonus over Bill Algeo. He currently runs and operates UFC Gym Naperville where he trains and coaches mixed martial arts. His father is Cuban and his mother is Mexican. The flags of these two countries are often displayed on his clothing during his fights. His father was the leader of a Cuban resistance movement under the Castro regime, eventually managing to hide in the Brazilian embassy in Cuba before escaping to the United States. Ricardo and his father are major voices and advocates against the violent, oppressive communist Regime in Cuba. On this episode Ricardo shares his fathers story of escaping Cuba and what is currently happening in Cuba with the violence between the oppressive Cuban government and the Cuban people. Please welcome Ricardo “The Bully” Lamas.Ricardo LamasWebsite: http://www.ricardolamas.com/UFC Profile: https://www.ufc.com/athlete/ricardo-lamasInstagram: @ricardolamasmmaThe Freedom First Podcast@freedomfirstusa Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Maria Bello is a young conservative activist who was born and raised in Venezuela. She actively denounced the human rights violations of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro while living in Venezuela. At the age of 17, Maria fled her home country due to the destructive democratic socialism implemented. Since her arrival in the United States, Maria has continued to be active in the fight against socialism and communism. She was the Coalition Director for Young Americans Against Socialism. Maria has also been featured in PragerU videos, including ''Americanos''.  Maria is also starting a non-profit that will be launching soon.Maria's Instagram: @mariafbelloFreedom First America@freedomfirstusafreedomfirstamerica1@gmail.comwww.freedomfirstusa.orgBlain Smothermon (Host)@blain6blain.smothermon@gmail.com Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Episode 20 w/ the owner and founder of @n.a.g_industries Erik Heine. In this episode we sit down with Erik Heine, the founder and owner of NAG Industries, a military veteran, Gunsmith and an all around great human being. N.A.G Industries is a premium, local, veteran, and family owned company in Bakersfield, CA. They offer expertise in sales, repair, enhancement, and service of a wide variety of firearms, ammunition and equipment with a focus on Law Enforcement and Government Agencies. For more information you can visit them on instagram @n.a.g_industries, through email, info@nagindustries.com or give them call at (661) 364-9726. NAG Industries - Pride in what we do! Instagram: @n.a.g_industries Website: www.nagindustries.com Facebook: NAGindustries Contact Information:661.364.97261803 Elzworth StreetBakersfield, CA 93312 For more episodes and content visit: https://linktr.ee/freedomfirstSupport the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author of “Embrace the Suck”, "Taking Point" and CEO of Taking Point Leadership. He is an acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture, resilience, and organizational transformation. Website: http://www.takingpointleadership.comInstagram: @brent_gleeson Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Episode 18 with Major Williams! (@majorwilliams)In this episode we sit down with California gubernatorial candidate Major Williams to talk about his run for Governor of California in 2022, the recall Gavin Newsom efforts, his story growing up from rags to riches and why Californians should vote for him in the 2022 election. We also discuss his plans to restore the state of California if he is elected as governor.Instagram: @majorwilliamsWebsite: www.majorforgovernor.comSupport the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

Jack Carr is a New York Times bestselling author and former Navy SEAL. He is the author of The Terminal List, True Believer, and Savage Son. Jack Carr led special operations teams as a Team Leader, Platoon Commander, Troop Commander and Task Unit Commander. Over his 20 years in Naval Special Warfare he transitioned from an enlisted SEAL sniper, to a junior officer leading assault and sniper teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a platoon commander practicing counterinsurgency in the southern Philippines, to commanding a Special Operations Task Unit in the most Iranian influenced section of southern Iraq throughout the tumultuous drawdown of U.S. Forces. Jack retired from active duty in 2016 and lives with his wife and three children in Park City, Utah. On April 13th Carr released his newest book “The Devil's Hand”, so make sure to check it out. You can Visit Jack at OfficialJackCarr.com and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @JackCarrUSA. Join the Team and subscribe, leave a rating, review and comment. Hit the link in bio to listen or watch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.  • And, remember, new episodes of THE FREEDOM FIRST PODCAST w/ hosts Blain Smothermon & Eric Hearn will drop every other Thursday. • Thank you for joining us on this Freedom First JourneyJack Carr's Website:https://www.officialjackcarr.com/Jack Carr's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jackcarrusa/ Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)

David Meltzer is the Co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing and formerly served as CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. His life’s mission is to empower OVER 1 BILLION people to be happy! This simple yet powerful mission has led him on an incredible journey to provide one thing…VALUE. In all his content and communication that’s exactly what you’ll receive.   He is a three-time international best-selling author, a Top 100 Business Coach, the executive producer of Entrepreneur‘s #1 digital business show, Elevator Pitch, and host of the top entrepreneur podcast, The Playbook. His newest book, Game-Time Decision Making, was a #1 new release, David has been recognized by Variety Magazine as their Sports Humanitarian of the Year and awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. • Join the Team and subscribe, leave a rating, review and comment. Hit the link in bio to listen or watch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.  • And, remember, new episodes of THE FREEDOM FIRST PODCAST w/ hosts Blain Smothermon & Eric Hearn will drop every other Thursday. • Thank you for joining us on this Freedom First JourneyDavid Meltzer's Website:https://dmeltzer.com/David Meltzer's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/davidmeltzer/ Support the show (https://venmo.com/u/freedomfirstusa)