Super Bowl 45 is here. But the game that really matters to many are the ads that run during the broadcast. Brands put a lot on the line when a :30 second commercial costs $3 million. Do they get their money’s worth?

Business journalist Michael Wilke joins Tim and John to put it all in perspective. Mike has charted the emergence of gay marketing and advertising since 1992. He is founder of the nonprofit Commercial Closet Association, launched in New York City in 2001 to advocate for advertising that respects the diversity of gender identity and sexual orientation. He studied journalism in New York City and, to this day, remembers way too many commercial jingles from his childhood. Join the conversation at 866-305-6887.

Paul Hagen of Metrosource magazine joins Tim and John for another installment of Metroscope. He is on a mission to put the “culture” back in “pop culture,” for our listeners, and comes armed with information on new books, movies, theater, museum shows and fashion trends.

Internationally recognized psychologist, best-selling author and musician Dr. Carmen Harra will share her business predictions for 2011 and beyond. An expert in the fields of both psychology and parapsychology, Dr. Harra believes that every individual can manifest his or her own reality and seize control of the future. She has helped people all over the world achieve happier, more fulfilling lives.

Test your movie knowledge by playing John Says…Pick That Flick, and join the show at 866-305-6887.

Tim and John are joined by Kimberly Bishop, author of Get Down to Business and You’ll Get the Job. An executive recruiter and career expert who is a knowledgeable and engaging resource on issues pertaining to the workplace and today’s competitive job market, Kimberly can offer practical advice and the most up-to-the minute information on how to navigate a job search, make a career change, or re-enter the workforce.

Owners Scott and Susan McIntyre opened Fit For A Dog with a focus on providing a center of excellence for the exercise, therapy, and conditioning of canines. They will discuss and share their passion and perspective on starting and running such a unique business.

Join the conversation at 866-305-6887.

The New York Times review of Charles Yu’s first novel, How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe, called it “a complex, brainy, genre-hopping joyride of a story, far more than the sum of its component parts.” It also compared the book (narrated by a time-machine repairman who lives with a virtual dog and a neurotic piece of software) to the work of Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy). Tim and John will talk to Charles about his novel, and delve into his process as an author, and how he finds the time for creative writing—Yu is also a full-time lawyer, at a visual effects company in Southern California, and father with two young children.

Join the conversation at 866-305-6887, and be prepared to play Tim’s List.

This Saturday, OutQ’s Michelangelo Signorile joins Tim and John to talk about the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell—from a marketing point of view. There are many parallels between how a company successfully markets a product or service, and the political process. And then there are the glaring differences. What worked, what didn’t, and what were the key learnings.

Join the conversation at 866-305-6887, and get ready for another chance to play Tim’s List.

Welcome to 2011! Tim and John will return on Saturday, January 8th, with OutQ’s Michelangelo Signorile. Until then, enjoy a show from the vault.

Eva Marie Beale, family member and founder of Grey Gardens Collections, talks with Tim and John about her collection of vintage fabric, one-of-a-kind vintage-style jewelry, and handmade journals inspired by Edith Bouvier Beale (Little Edie) of Grey Gardens fame.

Andrew Somer, newest member of The Focus Group team, joins the show to talk about his background in targeted media sales, his days at Penthouse magazine, and his passion for movies, collecting, and memorabilia.

To celebrate Christmas Day, a repeat performance of the Focus Group Holiday Party. Enjoy seasonal favorites performed by musical guest Michael Richard Kelly-Cataldi and Tom Adams, along with visits from many of the shows guests this past year. Thanks to all our listeners, guests and friends for making it a memorable and fun way to say farewell to 2010.

Thank you Rich Kiamco (seated, middle) for this great photo of The Focus Group Gang—Shaq, Katie, John and Tim.

In the fine tradition of variety shows and sitcoms, it’s time for The Focus Group’s Live Holiday Party. Enjoy seasonal favorites performed by musical guest Michael Richard Kelly-Cataldi, along with visits from many of the shows guests this past year. Plenty of surprises in store as Tim and John prepare to say goodbye to 2010.

This weekend, Tim and John come prepared to educate and entertain. The business news and interesting facts you expect from the show will be front and center. But we’ll also be having some holiday fun. On top of Tim’s List, tune-in to play John Says…Pick That Flick, a game that tests our listeners movie knowledge. You’ll have three chances to win some great prizes, and on lucky listener will win a VW First Act electric guitar. Join the conversation at 866-305-6887.

Get ready to ring in the holidays with The Focus Group Holiday Listening Party, Saturday, December 18th.