/* =========================================================
     DESIGN TOKENS
  ========================================================= */
  :root {
    --ice-100: #E8F2F4;
    --ice-200: #DBE9EC;
    --ice-300: #CDDFE5;
    --cyan-light: #7DC4D6;
    --cyan-deep: #0387A6;
    --ink-deep: #0A2A33;
    --accent: #04A6CC;
    --accent-deep: #0387A6;
    --ink: #1F3A42;
    --ink-soft: #4A6470;
    --ink-mute: #7B8E96;
    --bg: #F4F8F9;

    --serif: 'Fraunces', 'Cormorant Garamond', Georgia, serif;
    --sans: 'Inter', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, system-ui, sans-serif;

    --max-w: 1140px;
    --radius-sm: 4px;
    --radius-md: 8px;
    --radius-lg: 16px;
  }
/* =========================================================
     RESET / BASE
  ========================================================= */
  *, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
  html { scroll-behavior: smooth; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; }
  body {
    font-family: var(--sans);
    font-size: 17px;
    line-height: 1.65;
    color: var(--ink);
    background: var(--bg);
    overflow-x: hidden;
  }
  img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
  a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; transition: color .2s ease, opacity .2s ease; }
  button { font-family: inherit; cursor: pointer; border: none; background: none; }
  h1, h2, h3, h4 {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.15;
    letter-spacing: -0.01em;
    color: var(--ink);
  }
  h1 { font-size: clamp(2.4rem, 5.5vw, 4.2rem); font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.02em; }
  h2 { font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.6vw, 2.8rem); }
  h3 { font-size: 1.25rem; }

  .eyebrow {
    font-family: var(--sans);
    font-size: 0.78rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.22em;
    color: var(--cyan-deep);
  }

  .container { max-width: var(--max-w); margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 24px; }
/* =========================================================
     NAV
  ========================================================= */
  .nav {
    position: sticky;
    top: 0;
    z-index: 50;
    background: rgba(244, 248, 249, 0.92);
    backdrop-filter: saturate(140%) blur(10px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: saturate(140%) blur(10px);
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.04);
  }
  .nav-inner {
    max-width: var(--max-w);
    margin: 0 auto;
    padding: 18px 24px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: space-between;
    gap: 24px;
  }
  .logo {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-size: 1.45rem;
    font-weight: 400;
    letter-spacing: -0.01em;
    color: var(--ink);
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 0.55rem;
  }
  .logo em { font-style: italic; color: var(--cyan-deep); font-weight: 300; }
  .nav-links {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 32px;
    font-size: 0.92rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
  }
  .nav-links a:hover { color: var(--accent); }
  .nav-links a.active { color: var(--accent); }
  .nav-cta {
    background: var(--ink);
    color: var(--bg);
    padding: 10px 20px;
    border-radius: 999px;
    font-size: 0.86rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.01em;
    transition: background .25s ease, transform .15s ease, box-shadow .25s ease;
  }
  .nav-cta:hover {
    background: var(--ink-deep);
    transform: translateY(-1px);
    box-shadow: 0 8px 18px -8px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.4);
    color: var(--bg);
  }
  .nav-cta:active { transform: translateY(0); }

  /* --- hamburger button (hidden on desktop) --- */
  .nav-hamburger {
    display: none;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: center;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 5px;
    width: 40px;
    height: 40px;
    padding: 4px;
    background: none;
    border: none;
    cursor: pointer;
    border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
    flex-shrink: 0;
  }
  .hamburger-bar {
    display: block;
    width: 22px;
    height: 2px;
    background: var(--ink);
    border-radius: 2px;
    transition: transform .25s ease, opacity .2s ease;
    transform-origin: center;
  }
  .nav.nav-open .hamburger-bar:nth-child(1) { transform: translateY(7px) rotate(45deg); }
  .nav.nav-open .hamburger-bar:nth-child(2) { opacity: 0; }
  .nav.nav-open .hamburger-bar:nth-child(3) { transform: translateY(-7px) rotate(-45deg); }

  /* --- mobile / tablet --- */
  @media (max-width: 900px) {
    .nav { position: relative; }
    .nav-hamburger { display: flex; }

    .nav-links {
      position: absolute;
      top: 100%;
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
      z-index: 49;
      flex-direction: column;
      align-items: stretch;
      gap: 0;
      padding: 8px 24px 24px;
      background: rgba(244, 248, 249, 0.97);
      backdrop-filter: saturate(140%) blur(10px);
      -webkit-backdrop-filter: saturate(140%) blur(10px);
      border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
      box-shadow: 0 12px 28px -8px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.14);
      opacity: 0;
      pointer-events: none;
      transform: translateY(-6px);
      transition: opacity .22s ease, transform .22s ease;
    }
    .nav.nav-open .nav-links {
      opacity: 1;
      pointer-events: auto;
      transform: translateY(0);
    }
    .nav-links a:not(.nav-cta) {
      display: block;
      padding: 15px 0;
      font-size: 1rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      color: var(--ink);
      border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
    }
    .nav-links a:not(.nav-cta):last-of-type { border-bottom: none; }
    .nav-cta {
      margin-top: 16px;
      text-align: center;
      display: block;
    }
  }
/* =========================================================
     HERO
  ========================================================= */
/* =========================================================
     HERO — mirrors index.html hero exactly
  ========================================================= */
  .hero {
    position: relative;
    padding: 80px 0 100px;
    background:
      radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 60% at 80% 20%, rgba(4, 166, 204, 0.07), transparent 60%),
      radial-gradient(ellipse 60% 50% at 10% 90%, rgba(125, 196, 214, 0.10), transparent 65%),
      var(--bg);
    overflow: hidden;
  }
  .hero::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    pointer-events: none;
    background-image: radial-gradient(circle at 1px 1px, rgba(31,58,66,0.05) 1px, transparent 0);
    background-size: 28px 28px;
    opacity: 0.5;
  }
  .hero-grid {
    position: relative;
    max-width: var(--max-w);
    margin: 0 auto;
    padding: 0 24px;
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1.25fr 1fr;
    gap: 64px;
    align-items: center;
  }
  @media (max-width: 900px) {
    .hero { padding: 56px 0 72px; }
    .hero-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px; }
    .hero-portrait { max-width: 380px; margin: 0 auto; width: 100%; }
  }

  .hero-eyebrow {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 10px;
    margin-bottom: 22px;
  }
  .hero-eyebrow::before {
    content: '';
    width: 28px; height: 1px;
    background: var(--cyan-deep);
  }
  .hero h1 {
    font-size: clamp(2.6rem, 6.2vw, 4.8rem);
    font-weight: 400;
    letter-spacing: -0.025em;
    line-height: 1.05;
    margin-bottom: 28px;
    color: var(--ink-deep);
  }
  .hero h1 .line { display: block; }
  .hero h1 .line + .line { margin-top: 0.15em; }
  .hero h1 em { font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; color: var(--accent-deep); }
  .hero-lede {
    font-size: 1.08rem;
    line-height: 1.65;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    max-width: 560px;
    margin-bottom: 32px;
  }

  .platform-label {
    font-size: 0.78rem;
    font-weight: 600;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--ink);
    opacity: 0.45;
    margin: 0 0 4px;
  }

  .platform-links {
    display: flex;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    gap: 12px;
  }
  .platform-btn {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    padding: 10px 18px;
    border-radius: 999px;
    font-size: 0.86rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    border: 1.5px solid rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.14);
    color: var(--ink);
    background: #fff;
    transition: border-color .2s, transform .15s, box-shadow .2s, color .2s;
    letter-spacing: 0.01em;
  }
  .platform-btn:hover {
    border-color: var(--accent);
    color: var(--accent-deep);
    transform: translateY(-1px);
    box-shadow: 0 6px 16px -8px rgba(4, 166, 204, 0.28);
  }
  .platform-btn svg { width: 18px; height: 18px; flex-shrink: 0; }

  .hero-proof {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 14px;
    margin-top: 36px;
    font-size: 0.82rem;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    flex-wrap: wrap;
  }
  .hero-proof-item {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
  }
  .hero-proof-divider {
    width: 3px; height: 3px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: var(--ink-mute);
    flex-shrink: 0;
  }

  /* portrait — same as index */
  .hero-portrait { position: relative; }
  .hero-portrait .frame {
    position: relative;
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    overflow: hidden;
    aspect-ratio: 4 / 5;
    background: var(--ice-100);
    transform: rotate(0.5deg);
    box-shadow:
      0 30px 60px -30px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.35),
      0 10px 20px -10px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.15);
  }
  .hero-portrait .frame img {
    width: 100%; height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    object-position: center 25%;
    filter: saturate(1.02) contrast(1.02);
    display: block;
  }
  .hero-portrait .badge {
    position: absolute;
    bottom: -22px;
    left: -22px;
    background: var(--ink-deep);
    color: var(--ice-100);
    padding: 14px 20px;
    border-radius: var(--radius-md);
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 1rem;
    line-height: 1.3;
    transform: rotate(-3deg);
    max-width: 220px;
    box-shadow: 0 16px 30px -12px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.4);
  }
  .hero-portrait .badge strong {
    display: block;
    font-style: normal;
    font-family: var(--sans);
    font-size: 0.7rem;
    font-weight: 600;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.18em;
    color: var(--accent);
    margin-bottom: 6px;
  }
  @media (max-width: 900px) {
    .hero-portrait .badge { bottom: -12px; left: 12px; }
  }
/* =========================================================
     START HERE
  ========================================================= */
  .start-here { margin-bottom: 0; }
  .start-here-head { margin-bottom: 40px; }
  .start-here-head .eyebrow { margin-bottom: 12px; display: inline-block; }
  .start-here-head h2 { margin-bottom: 10px; }
  .start-here-head p { color: var(--ink-soft); font-size: 1.05rem; max-width: 520px; }

  .start-here-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 20px;
  }
  @media (max-width: 860px) { .start-here-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

  .start-here-card {
    background: var(--ink-deep);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    overflow: hidden;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    transition: transform .25s ease, box-shadow .25s ease;
    cursor: pointer;
    position: relative;
  }
  .start-here-card:hover { transform: translateY(-3px); box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -20px rgba(10,42,51,0.5); }
  .start-here-card .card-thumb {
    width: 100%;
    aspect-ratio: 16/9;
    overflow: hidden;
    flex-shrink: 0;
  }
  .start-here-card .card-thumb img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; opacity: 0.75; filter: saturate(0.8); display: block; }
  .start-here-card .card-body { padding: 20px 20px 18px; flex: 1; display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
  .start-here-card .card-label {
    font-size: 0.7rem;
    font-weight: 700;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.2em;
    color: var(--accent);
    margin-bottom: 8px;
  }
  .start-here-card .card-title {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    font-weight: 400;
    color: var(--ice-100);
    line-height: 1.3;
    margin-bottom: 14px;
    flex: 1;
  }
  .start-here-card .card-play {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
    font-size: 0.82rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    color: rgba(232,242,244,0.6);
    transition: color .2s;
  }
  .start-here-card:hover .card-play { color: var(--accent); }
  .start-here-card .card-play svg { width: 14px; height: 14px; }
/* =========================================================
     EPISODES SECTION
  ========================================================= */
  .episodes-section {
    padding: 88px 0 96px;
  }
  .section-head {
    max-width: 720px;
    margin-bottom: 52px;
  }
  .section-head .eyebrow { margin-bottom: 14px; display: inline-block; }
  .section-head p {
    margin-top: 14px;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    line-height: 1.65;
    max-width: 580px;
  }

  .episodes-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 24px;
    align-items: start;
  }
  @media (max-width: 860px) {
    .episodes-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  }

  /* Episode card */
  .episode-card {
    background: #fff;
    border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    overflow: hidden;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    transition: transform .25s ease, box-shadow .25s ease;
    position: relative;
    cursor: pointer;
  }
  .episode-card:hover {
    transform: translateY(-3px);
    box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -25px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.22);
  }
  .episode-card::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
    height: 3px;
    background: var(--accent);
    transform: scaleX(0);
    transform-origin: left;
    transition: transform .35s ease;
  }
  .episode-card:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }

  .episode-thumb {
    width: 100%;
    aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;
    background: var(--ice-200);
    overflow: hidden;
    flex-shrink: 0;
    position: relative;
  }
  .episode-thumb img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
  .episode-thumb::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background: rgba(10, 42, 51, 0);
    transition: background .25s ease;
    pointer-events: none;
  }
  .episode-card:hover .episode-thumb::after { background: rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.3); }
  .episode-card.is-playing .episode-thumb::after { background: rgba(4, 166, 204, 0.18); }

  .thumb-play-btn {
    position: absolute;
    top: 50%; left: 50%;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(0.75);
    width: 48px; height: 48px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: rgba(255,255,255,0.92);
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    color: var(--accent-deep);
    opacity: 0;
    transition: opacity .25s ease, transform .25s ease, background .2s ease;
    z-index: 2;
    pointer-events: none;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(10,42,51,0.25);
  }
  .episode-card:hover .thumb-play-btn { opacity: 1; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1); }
  .episode-card.is-playing .thumb-play-btn { opacity: 1; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1); background: var(--accent); color: #fff; }
  .thumb-play-btn svg { width: 18px; height: 18px; margin-left: 2px; }
  .thumb-play-btn .icon-pause { display: none; margin-left: 0; }
  .episode-card.is-playing .thumb-play-btn .icon-play  { display: none; }
  .episode-card.is-playing .thumb-play-btn .icon-pause { display: block; }

  .episode-thumb-placeholder {
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--ice-200) 0%, var(--ice-300) 100%);
  }
  .episode-thumb-placeholder svg { width: 40px; height: 40px; opacity: 0.35; }

  .episode-body {
    padding: 24px 24px 20px;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    flex: 1;
  }
  .episode-meta {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 12px;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
  }
.episode-date {
    font-size: 0.82rem;
    color: var(--ink-mute);
  }
  .episode-duration {
    font-size: 0.82rem;
    color: var(--ink-mute);
    margin-left: auto;
    white-space: nowrap;
  }
  .episode-title {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-size: 1.15rem;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.3;
    color: var(--ink-deep);
    margin-bottom: 10px;
    letter-spacing: -0.01em;
  }
  .episode-desc {
    font-size: 0.88rem;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    line-height: 1.6;
    white-space: pre-line;
    display: -webkit-box;
    -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
    -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
    overflow: hidden;
    margin-bottom: 6px;
  }
  .episode-desc.expanded {
    display: block;
    overflow: visible;
    white-space: pre-line;
  }
  .read-more-btn {
    display: none;
    align-self: flex-start;
    background: none;
    border: none;
    padding: 0;
    margin-bottom: 14px;
    font-family: var(--sans);
    font-size: 0.82rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    color: var(--accent-deep);
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: color .2s;
    text-align: left;
  }
  .read-more-btn:hover { color: var(--accent); }

  .episode-desc a {
    color: var(--accent-deep);
    text-decoration: underline;
    text-decoration-color: rgba(3,135,166,0.35);
    text-underline-offset: 2px;
    transition: color .2s, text-decoration-color .2s;
  }
  .episode-desc a:hover {
    color: var(--accent);
    text-decoration-color: var(--accent);
  }
  .episode-footer {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: space-between;
    gap: 12px;
    padding-top: 16px;
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
    margin-top: auto;
  }
  .footer-play-btn {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 7px;
    padding: 8px 16px;
    border-radius: 999px;
    background: var(--accent);
    color: #fff;
    font-size: 0.84rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    border: none;
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: background .2s ease, transform .15s ease, box-shadow .2s ease;
    flex-shrink: 0;
  }
  .footer-play-btn:hover {
    background: var(--accent-deep);
    transform: translateY(-1px);
    box-shadow: 0 6px 16px -6px rgba(4,166,204,0.45);
  }
  .footer-play-btn svg { width: 14px; height: 14px; }
  .footer-play-btn .icon-pause,
  .footer-play-btn .lbl-pause { display: none; }
  .episode-card.is-playing .footer-play-btn { background: var(--ink); }
  .episode-card.is-playing .footer-play-btn .icon-play,
  .episode-card.is-playing .footer-play-btn .lbl-play  { display: none; }
  .episode-card.is-playing .footer-play-btn .icon-pause,
  .episode-card.is-playing .footer-play-btn .lbl-pause { display: inline-flex; }
/* =========================================================
     BOTTOM AUDIO PLAYER
  ========================================================= */
  .audio-player {
    position: fixed;
    bottom: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
    z-index: 200;
    background: var(--ink-deep);
    color: var(--ice-100);
    padding: 14px 24px;
    transform: translateY(100%);
    transition: transform .4s cubic-bezier(.22,.61,.36,1);
    box-shadow: 0 -4px 40px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
  }
  .audio-player.visible { transform: translateY(0); }

  .player-inner {
    max-width: var(--max-w);
    margin: 0 auto;
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 52px 1fr auto auto;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 16px;
  }
  .player-thumb {
    width: 52px; height: 52px;
    border-radius: 6px;
    overflow: hidden;
    flex-shrink: 0;
    background: rgba(232,242,244,0.1);
  }
  .player-thumb img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block; }

  .player-info { min-width: 0; }
  .player-title {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-size: 0.95rem;
    color: var(--ice-100);
    white-space: nowrap;
    overflow: hidden;
    text-overflow: ellipsis;
    line-height: 1.3;
    margin-bottom: 2px;
  }
  .player-ep {
    font-size: 0.75rem;
    color: rgba(232,242,244,0.5);
    letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  }

  .player-controls {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 14px;
    flex-shrink: 0;
  }
  .player-play-btn {
    width: 42px; height: 42px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: var(--accent);
    border: none;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    color: #fff;
    cursor: pointer;
    flex-shrink: 0;
    transition: background .2s ease, transform .15s ease;
  }
  .player-play-btn:hover { background: var(--accent-deep); transform: scale(1.06); }
  .player-play-btn svg { width: 18px; height: 18px; }
  .player-play-btn .icon-pause { display: none; }
  .player-playing .player-play-btn .icon-play  { display: none; }
  .player-playing .player-play-btn .icon-pause { display: block; }

  .player-scrubber-wrap {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 10px;
    min-width: 220px;
  }
  .player-time {
    font-size: 0.76rem;
    color: rgba(232,242,244,0.55);
    white-space: nowrap;
    font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums;
    letter-spacing: 0.02em;
    flex-shrink: 0;
  }
  .player-scrubber {
    flex: 1;
    -webkit-appearance: none;
    appearance: none;
    height: 4px;
    border-radius: 2px;
    background: rgba(232,242,244,0.18);
    outline: none;
    cursor: pointer;
    position: relative;
  }
  .player-scrubber::-webkit-slider-thumb {
    -webkit-appearance: none;
    width: 14px; height: 14px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: var(--accent);
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: transform .15s ease;
  }
  .player-scrubber:hover::-webkit-slider-thumb { transform: scale(1.3); }
  .player-scrubber::-moz-range-thumb {
    width: 14px; height: 14px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: var(--accent);
    border: none;
    cursor: pointer;
  }

  .player-close {
    width: 32px; height: 32px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: rgba(232,242,244,0.1);
    border: none;
    color: rgba(232,242,244,0.6);
    font-size: 1rem;
    cursor: pointer;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    flex-shrink: 0;
    transition: background .2s, color .2s;
    line-height: 1;
  }
  .player-close:hover { background: rgba(232,242,244,0.2); color: var(--ice-100); }

  @media (max-width: 640px) {
    .player-scrubber-wrap { display: none; }
    .player-inner { grid-template-columns: 44px 1fr auto auto; gap: 12px; }
    .player-thumb { width: 44px; height: 44px; }
  }

  .load-more-btn {
    padding: 13px 32px;
    border-radius: 999px;
    border: 2px solid rgba(10,42,51,0.14);
    background: #fff;
    color: var(--ink);
    font-family: var(--sans);
    font-size: 0.92rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: border-color .2s, color .2s, transform .15s, box-shadow .2s;
  }
  .load-more-btn:hover {
    border-color: var(--accent);
    color: var(--accent-deep);
    transform: translateY(-1px);
    box-shadow: 0 6px 16px -8px rgba(4,166,204,0.28);
  }

  /* Topic filters */
  .topic-filters {
    display: flex;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    gap: 10px;
    margin-bottom: 32px;
  }
  .topic-btn {
    padding: 8px 18px;
    border-radius: 999px;
    border: 1.5px solid rgba(10,42,51,0.12);
    background: #fff;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    font-family: var(--sans);
    font-size: 0.86rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: border-color .2s, background .2s, color .2s;
  }
  .topic-btn:hover { border-color: var(--accent); color: var(--accent-deep); }
  .topic-btn.active { background: var(--accent); border-color: var(--accent); color: #fff; }
/* =========================================================
     LOADING / ERROR STATES
  ========================================================= */
  .state-loading,
  .state-error {
    grid-column: 1 / -1;
    text-align: center;
    padding: 64px 24px;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
  }
  .state-error { color: var(--ink-mute); }
  .state-error p { margin-bottom: 0; font-size: 0.95rem; }

  .skeleton-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 24px;
  }
  @media (max-width: 860px) { .skeleton-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

  .skeleton-card {
    background: #fff;
    border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    overflow: hidden;
  }
  .skeleton-thumb {
    width: 100%;
    aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;
    background: var(--ice-200);
    animation: shimmer 1.5s ease-in-out infinite;
  }
  .skeleton-body { padding: 24px; }
  .skeleton-line {
    height: 12px;
    border-radius: 6px;
    background: var(--ice-200);
    margin-bottom: 12px;
    animation: shimmer 1.5s ease-in-out infinite;
  }
  .skeleton-line.w-40 { width: 40%; }
  .skeleton-line.w-70 { width: 70%; }
  .skeleton-line.w-full { width: 100%; }
  .skeleton-line.h-18 { height: 18px; }
  @keyframes shimmer {
    0%, 100% { opacity: 1; }
    50% { opacity: 0.5; }
  }
/* =========================================================
     SIGNUP FORM (shared by mid-list card + bottom section)
  ========================================================= */
  .signup {
    background: var(--bg);
    border: 1px solid rgba(3, 135, 166, 0.18);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    padding: 24px;
    box-shadow: 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.6) inset, 0 20px 50px -28px rgba(10,42,51,0.18);
  }
  .signup-title {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-size: 1.15rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    margin-bottom: 14px;
    color: var(--ink);
  }
  .signup-form {
    display: flex;
    gap: 8px;
    margin-bottom: 14px;
  }
  .signup input[type="email"] {
    flex: 1;
    font-family: var(--sans);
    font-size: 0.98rem;
    padding: 13px 16px;
    border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.12);
    border-radius: 999px;
    background: #fff;
    color: var(--ink);
    outline: none;
    transition: border-color .2s, box-shadow .2s;
  }
  .signup input[type="email"]:focus {
    border-color: var(--cyan-deep);
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(125,196,214,0.18);
  }
  .signup button[type="submit"] {
    font-family: var(--sans);
    background: var(--accent);
    color: #fff;
    font-weight: 500;
    font-size: 0.95rem;
    padding: 13px 22px;
    border-radius: 999px;
    border: none;
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: background .2s, transform .1s;
    white-space: nowrap;
  }
  .signup button[type="submit"]:hover { background: var(--accent-deep); }
  .signup button[type="submit"]:active { transform: scale(0.98); }
  .signup-note {
    font-size: 0.82rem;
    color: var(--ink-mute);
    line-height: 1.5;
  }
  @media (max-width: 480px) { .signup-form { flex-direction: column; } }

  /* Mid-list newsletter callout card */
  .newsletter-card {
    grid-column: 1 / -1;
    background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--ice-100) 0%, var(--ice-200) 100%);
    border: 1px solid rgba(3,135,166,0.14);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    padding: 40px 48px;
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 40px;
    align-items: center;
  }
  @media (max-width: 700px) {
    .newsletter-card { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 24px; padding: 32px 24px; }
  }
  .newsletter-card .card-copy .eyebrow { margin-bottom: 12px; display: inline-block; }
  .newsletter-card .card-copy h3 {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-size: clamp(1.3rem, 2.5vw, 1.7rem);
    font-weight: 400;
    color: var(--ink-deep);
    margin-bottom: 10px;
    line-height: 1.2;
  }
  .newsletter-card .card-copy h3 em { font-style: italic; color: var(--accent-deep); }
  .newsletter-card .card-copy p {
    font-size: 0.95rem;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    line-height: 1.6;
  }

  /* Bottom newsletter section */
  .final {
    background: var(--bg);
    padding: 96px 0;
    text-align: center;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--ice-200);
    scroll-margin-top: 80px;
  }
  .final .container { max-width: 740px; }
  .final h2 { color: var(--ink-deep); margin-bottom: 18px; }
  .final h2 em { font-style: italic; color: var(--accent-deep); font-weight: 300; }
  .final p {
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    line-height: 1.6;
    margin-bottom: 36px;
    max-width: 540px;
    margin-left: auto;
    margin-right: auto;
  }
  .final .signup { margin: 0 auto; text-align: left; }
/* =========================================================
     FOOTER
  ========================================================= */
  footer {
    background: var(--ink-deep);
    color: rgba(232, 242, 244, 0.72);
    padding: 64px 0 32px;
    font-size: 0.92rem;
  }
  .footer-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1.4fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 48px;
    margin-bottom: 48px;
  }
  @media (max-width: 760px) {
    .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 32px; }
  }
  .footer-brand .logo { color: var(--ice-100); margin-bottom: 16px; }
  .footer-brand p {
    color: rgba(232, 242, 244, 0.64);
    line-height: 1.6;
    max-width: 320px;
  }
  footer h4 {
    font-family: var(--sans);
    font-size: 0.78rem;
    font-weight: 600;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.18em;
    color: var(--ice-100);
    margin-bottom: 18px;
  }
  footer ul { list-style: none; }
  footer ul li { margin-bottom: 10px; }
  footer ul a:hover { color: var(--accent); }
  .footer-base {
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(232, 242, 244, 0.12);
    padding-top: 24px;
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    align-items: center;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    gap: 12px;
    font-size: 0.82rem;
    color: rgba(232, 242, 244, 0.5);
  }
  .footer-base a:hover { color: var(--ice-100); }
/* =========================================================
     ANIMATIONS
  ========================================================= */
  @keyframes rise {
    from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(20px); }
    to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
  }
  .reveal { opacity: 0; animation: rise .9s cubic-bezier(.22,.61,.36,1) forwards; }
  .reveal-1 { animation-delay: 0.05s; }
  .reveal-2 { animation-delay: 0.18s; }
  .reveal-3 { animation-delay: 0.32s; }

  .fade-up { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(24px); transition: opacity .8s ease, transform .8s ease; }
  .fade-up.in { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }

/* =========================================================
     HERO — newsletter-first, single CTA
  ========================================================= */
  .hero {
    position: relative;
    padding: 80px 0 100px;
    background:
      radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 60% at 80% 20%, rgba(4, 166, 204, 0.07), transparent 60%),
      radial-gradient(ellipse 60% 50% at 10% 90%, rgba(125, 196, 214, 0.10), transparent 65%),
      var(--bg);
    overflow: hidden;
  }
  .hero::before {
    /* faint serif quotation as decorative element */
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    pointer-events: none;
    background-image:
      radial-gradient(circle at 1px 1px, rgba(31,58,66,0.05) 1px, transparent 0);
    background-size: 28px 28px;
    opacity: 0.5;
  }
  /* Two-column hero: content + form on left, portrait on right */
  .hero-grid {
    position: relative;
    max-width: var(--max-w);
    margin: 0 auto;
    padding: 0 24px;
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1.25fr 1fr;
    gap: 64px;
    align-items: center;
  }
  .hero-content {
    text-align: left;
  }
  .hero-content > * + * {
    margin-top: 0; /* spacing handled by individual elements */
  }
  .hero-content > .hero-proof {
    margin-top: 36px;
  }
  @media (max-width: 900px) {
    .hero { padding: 56px 0 72px; }
    .hero-grid {
      grid-template-columns: 1fr;
      gap: 48px;
    }
    /* On mobile, place the portrait after the content but before the form
       so the visual hierarchy still reads: headline → photo → CTA */
    .hero-content { order: 1; }
    .hero-portrait { order: 2; max-width: 380px; margin: 0 auto; width: 100%; }
    .hero-content .signup { order: 3; }
  }

  .hero-eyebrow {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 10px;
    margin-bottom: 22px;
  }
  .hero-eyebrow::before {
    content: '';
    width: 28px; height: 1px;
    background: var(--cyan-deep);
  }
  .hero h1 {
    /* Bold, punchy editorial headline. Sized to dominate the hero
       and command attention. Each phrase is on its own .line block,
       and within each phrase the text is allowed to wrap naturally
       across multiple rows on narrower viewports. */
    font-size: clamp(2.6rem, 6.2vw, 4.8rem);
    font-weight: 400;
    letter-spacing: -0.025em;
    line-height: 1.05;
    margin-bottom: 28px;
    color: var(--ink-deep);
  }
  .hero h1 .line {
    display: block;
    /* No nowrap — let phrases break across lines naturally as the
       column narrows. Small bottom margin separates the two phrases. */
  }
  /* Second phrase ('Chase what matters most.') must always sit on a
     single line. Sizing it via cqi (1% of the container's inline size)
     means it scales fluidly with the left column width, and nowrap
     enforces the single-line rule even on narrow viewports. */
  .hero-content { container-type: inline-size; }
  .hero h1 .line:last-child {
    white-space: nowrap;
    font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 8.5cqi, 4.8rem);
    line-height: 1.05;
  }
  .hero h1 .line + .line {
    margin-top: 0.15em;
  }
  .hero h1 em {
    font-style: italic;
    font-weight: 400;
    color: var(--accent-deep);
  }
  .hero-lede {
    font-size: 1.18rem;
    line-height: 1.6;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    max-width: 600px;
    margin-bottom: 28px;
  }
  .hero-verse {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    color: var(--cyan-deep);
    border-left: 2px solid var(--cyan-light);
    padding-left: 16px;
    margin: 0;
    max-width: 520px;
    line-height: 1.55;
  }

  /* signup form */
  .signup {
    background: var(--bg);
    border: 1px solid rgba(3, 135, 166, 0.18);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    padding: 24px;
    max-width: 520px;
    box-shadow: 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.6) inset, 0 20px 50px -28px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.18);
  }
  /* In the hero, the signup card sits below the verse — give it
     breathing room so the eye registers them as separate beats. */
  .hero-content .signup { margin-top: 32px; }
  .signup-title {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-size: 1.15rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    margin-bottom: 14px;
    color: var(--ink);
  }
  .signup-form {
    display: flex;
    gap: 8px;
    margin-bottom: 14px;
  }
  .signup input[type="email"] {
    flex: 1;
    font-family: var(--sans);
    font-size: 0.98rem;
    padding: 13px 16px;
    border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.12);
    border-radius: 999px;
    background: #fff;
    color: var(--ink);
    outline: none;
    transition: border-color .2s, box-shadow .2s;
  }
  .signup input[type="email"]:focus {
    border-color: var(--cyan-deep);
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(125, 196, 214, 0.18);
  }
  .signup button {
    background: var(--accent);
    color: #fff;
    font-weight: 500;
    font-size: 0.95rem;
    padding: 13px 22px;
    border-radius: 999px;
    transition: background .2s, transform .1s;
    white-space: nowrap;
  }
  .signup button:hover { background: var(--accent-deep); }
  .signup button:active { transform: scale(0.98); }
  .signup-note {
    font-size: 0.82rem;
    color: var(--ink-mute);
    line-height: 1.5;
  }
  @media (max-width: 480px) {
    .signup-form { flex-direction: column; }
  }

  /* hero portrait */
  .hero-portrait {
    position: relative;
  }
  .hero-portrait .frame {
    position: relative;
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    overflow: hidden;
    aspect-ratio: 4/5;
    background: var(--ice-100);
    transform: rotate(0.5deg);
    box-shadow:
      0 30px 60px -30px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.35),
      0 10px 20px -10px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.15);
  }
  .hero-portrait .frame img,
  .hero-portrait .frame svg {
    width: 100%; height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    object-position: center 30%;
    filter: saturate(1.02) contrast(1.02);
    display: block;
  }
  .hero-portrait .badge {
    position: absolute;
    bottom: -22px;
    left: -22px;
    background: var(--ink-deep);
    color: var(--ice-100);
    padding: 14px 20px;
    border-radius: var(--radius-md);
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 1rem;
    line-height: 1.3;
    transform: rotate(-3deg);
    max-width: 220px;
    box-shadow: 0 16px 30px -12px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.4);
  }
  .hero-portrait .badge strong {
    display: block;
    font-style: normal;
    font-family: var(--sans);
    font-size: 0.7rem;
    font-weight: 600;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.18em;
    color: var(--accent);
    margin-bottom: 6px;
  }
/* =========================================================
     SOCIAL PROOF BAR
  ========================================================= */
  .proof {
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
    background: var(--ice-100);
    padding: 28px 0;
  }
  .proof-inner {
    max-width: var(--max-w);
    margin: 0 auto;
    padding: 0 24px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: space-between;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    gap: 24px;
  }
  .proof-stat {
    display: flex;
    align-items: baseline;
    gap: 10px;
  }
  .proof-stat .num {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-size: 1.7rem;
    color: var(--ink-deep);
    font-weight: 500;
  }
  .proof-stat .lbl {
    font-size: 0.86rem;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    line-height: 1.3;
  }
  .proof-divider {
    width: 1px;
    height: 36px;
    background: rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.18);
  }
  @media (max-width: 720px) {
    .proof-divider { display: none; }
    .proof-inner { justify-content: flex-start; gap: 16px 32px; }
  }
/* =========================================================
     SECTION SCAFFOLD
  ========================================================= */
  section { padding: 96px 0; }
  @media (max-width: 720px) { section { padding: 72px 0; } }

  .section-head {
    max-width: 720px;
    margin-bottom: 56px;
  }
  .section-head .eyebrow { margin-bottom: 16px; display: inline-block; }
  .section-head p {
    margin-top: 16px;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    line-height: 1.6;
    max-width: 600px;
  }
/* =========================================================
     "WHAT YOU'LL GET" — value props
  ========================================================= */
  .promise {
    background: var(--bg);
  }
  .promise-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 20px;
  }
  @media (max-width: 860px) { .promise-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

  .promise-card {
    background: #fff;
    border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    padding: 32px 28px;
    transition: transform .25s ease, box-shadow .25s ease;
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
  }
  .promise-card:hover {
    transform: translateY(-3px);
    box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -25px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.25);
  }
  .promise-card::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
    height: 3px;
    background: var(--accent);
    transform: scaleX(0);
    transform-origin: left;
    transition: transform .35s ease;
  }
  .promise-card:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }
  .promise-num {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 0.95rem;
    color: var(--accent);
    margin-bottom: 14px;
    letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  }
  .promise-card h3 {
    margin-bottom: 12px;
    color: var(--ink-deep);
  }
  .promise-card p {
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    font-size: 0.98rem;
    line-height: 1.6;
  }
/* =========================================================
     ABOUT / FEATURED IMAGE BLOCK
  ========================================================= */
  .about {
    background:
      linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 0%, var(--ice-100) 30%, var(--ice-100) 70%, transparent 100%);
  }
  .about-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 0.9fr 1.1fr;
    gap: 72px;
    align-items: center;
  }
  @media (max-width: 900px) {
    .about-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px; }
  }
  .about-image {
    position: relative;
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    overflow: hidden;
    aspect-ratio: 3/4;
    box-shadow: 0 28px 60px -30px rgba(10, 42, 51, 0.3);
  }
  .about-image img,
  .about-image svg {
    width: 100%; height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    object-position: center;
    display: block;
  }
  .about h2 { margin-bottom: 24px; color: var(--ink-deep); }
  .about h2 em { font-style: italic; color: var(--accent-deep); font-weight: 300; }
  .about p {
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    line-height: 1.7;
    margin-bottom: 18px;
  }
  .about-sig {
    margin-top: 28px;
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 1.4rem;
    color: var(--ink-deep);
  }
  .about-credentials {
    margin-top: 32px;
    display: flex;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    gap: 10px;
  }
  .pill {
    font-size: 0.78rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    padding: 7px 14px;
    border-radius: 999px;
    background: rgba(125, 196, 214, 0.16);
    color: var(--ink-deep);
    letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  }
/* =========================================================
     SAMPLE LETTER PEEK
  ========================================================= */
  .peek {
    background: var(--ink-deep);
    color: var(--ice-100);
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
  }
  .peek::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background:
      radial-gradient(ellipse 60% 50% at 90% 10%, rgba(4, 166, 204, 0.18), transparent 60%),
      radial-gradient(ellipse 50% 40% at 0% 100%, rgba(125, 196, 214, 0.18), transparent 60%);
    pointer-events: none;
  }
  .peek .container { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
  .peek-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 64px;
    align-items: center;
  }
  @media (max-width: 900px) {
    .peek-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px; }
  }
  .peek .eyebrow { color: rgba(232, 242, 244, 0.7); }
  .peek h2 {
    color: var(--ice-100);
    margin-bottom: 22px;
  }
  .peek h2 em { color: #7DC4D6; font-style: italic; font-weight: 300; }
  .peek p {
    color: rgba(232, 242, 244, 0.78);
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    line-height: 1.7;
    margin-bottom: 18px;
  }

  .letter {
    background: var(--bg);
    color: var(--ink);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    padding: 36px 36px 32px;
    box-shadow: 0 30px 70px -30px rgba(0,0,0,0.55);
    transform: rotate(-0.5deg);
    position: relative;
  }
  .letter::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -10px; left: 50%;
    transform: translateX(-50%);
    width: 60px; height: 18px;
    background: rgba(4, 166, 204, 0.5);
    border-radius: 2px;
    transform: translateX(-50%) rotate(-2deg);
  }
  .letter-meta {
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    font-size: 0.78rem;
    color: var(--ink-mute);
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.16em;
    padding-bottom: 14px;
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.08);
    margin-bottom: 18px;
  }
  .letter h3 {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-weight: 500;
    font-size: 1.5rem;
    color: var(--ink-deep);
    line-height: 1.25;
    margin-bottom: 16px;
  }
  .letter p {
    font-size: 0.98rem;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    line-height: 1.65;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
  }
  .letter-quote {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-style: italic;
    color: var(--ink-deep);
    border-left: 2px solid var(--accent);
    padding-left: 14px;
    margin: 18px 0;
  }
  .letter-sig {
    font-family: var(--serif);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: 1.3rem;
    color: var(--ink-deep);
    margin-top: 16px;
  }
/* =========================================================
     FINAL CTA
  ========================================================= */
  .final {
    background: var(--bg);
    text-align: center;
  }
  .final .container { max-width: 740px; }
  .final h2 {
    color: var(--ink-deep);
    margin-bottom: 18px;
  }
  .final h2 em { font-style: italic; color: var(--accent-deep); font-weight: 300; }
  .final p {
    color: var(--ink-soft);
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    line-height: 1.6;
    margin-bottom: 36px;
    max-width: 540px;
    margin-left: auto;
    margin-right: auto;
  }
  .final .signup {
    margin: 0 auto;
    text-align: left;
  }
/* =========================================================
     ANIMATIONS — load reveal
  ========================================================= */
  @keyframes rise {
    from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(20px); }
    to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
  }
  .reveal { opacity: 0; animation: rise .9s cubic-bezier(.22,.61,.36,1) forwards; }
  .reveal-1 { animation-delay: 0.05s; }
  .reveal-2 { animation-delay: 0.18s; }
  .reveal-3 { animation-delay: 0.32s; }
  .reveal-4 { animation-delay: 0.46s; }
  .reveal-5 { animation-delay: 0.6s; }

  /* in-view fade for downstream sections */
  .fade-up { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(24px); transition: opacity .8s ease, transform .8s ease; }
  .fade-up.in { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }