Past Shows
TFG Unbuttoned: Recycled Barbie
05.18.21 | Mattel is launching a new program called Playback, that will aim to put the company on track to use 100% recycled or bio-based plastics in all their products by 2030. We wonder why there is no incentive for the consumer. Then, do we really need 8 glasses of water daily? Finally, NYC Pride has banned the New York City Police Department from participating or marching in the Pride Parade through 2025 when they will re-evaluate their participation. The reason is that black and trans people felt threatened by NYPD’s massive presence in the past.
Up, Up and Away
05.12.21 | Shop Talk visits with Ben Franklin for some 300-year-old advice on how to not be unlikable that’s still relevant today. Microsoft Office is in search of new default font and John has a favorite of the new five contenders. Our Business Birthday celebrates the founder of Kohl’s Department Stores, Maxwell Kohl. Caught My Eye looks at pranks gone bad and a raccoon named Fabulous who stole an unsuspecting couples Pride Flag. (Sidenote, Tim tried to recycle an iMac with much aggravation.)
TFG Unbuttoned: Jamie Dimon wants you back to the office
05.11.21 | Wall Street Big Wig and JPMorgan Chase CEO is tired of the ZOOM call and thinks business is suffering by too much isolation…and he has anecdotal proof. Chasten Buttigieg is owning his weight gain during “the event” and thinks you should too. And finally, our favorite story comes from NYC where a little boy ordered over 900 SpongeBob popsicles via Alexa. 51 boxes arrived and many melted before they could be given away or housed. Thankfully, a friend started a Go Fund Me page to help Mom pay for the unexpected delivery.
Amtrak has a friend in The White House
05.05.21 | Shop Talk discusses President Biden’s plans for modernizing Amtrak. Amtrak Joe, as he has been known for years, has advocated for improvements to America’s passenger railway and we could not agree more. First, our Business Birthday celebrates the inventor of the cowboy hat, John B. Stetson. Caught My Eye looks at a creepy castle village in Turkey, a no-show employee in Italy, and Tiffany’s launch of engagement rings for men. Olympia Dukakis leaves us and Kate Pierson of the B52′s turns 72!
TFG Unbuttoned: CEOs Gone Bad
05.04.21 | A Tennessee CEO is fired after harassing a young man for wearing a dress to his prom. Sam Johnson, former CEO of VisuWell, said the young man looked like an idiot and things escalated from there. Another CEO, Justin Zhu of Iterable, finds himself out of a job as he was dismissed for micro dosing LSD. He said he was experimenting in order to boost his focus. A demonic Chihuahua, Prancer, finds his forever home and both dog and human seem to be adjusting well.
Freshen up down under
04.28.21 | Shop Talk looks at 19 things rich people rarely do—thanks Readers Digest. But first, our Business Birthday celebrates Italian Industrialist Ferruccio Lamborghini. Caught My Eye from John looks at a transparent plexiglass swimming pool suspended 10 stories above ground in London. Caitlyn Jenner announced plans to run for Governor of California but has yet to announce any policy positions. Manscaped is a new sponsor, just in time for you gentlemen to take care of business down below. Listen up for a special Focus Group offer.
TFG Unbuttoned: Listen
04.27.21 | Mark Cuban continues to employ one lesson he learned from his mentor decades ago. The first thing he does after he sits down for a meeting is write the word “listen,” on the top of the page. It has done him well all these years later. But first, a Southwest Airlines pilot exposes his genitals in the cockpit, and Kellogg’s launches a gay cereal.
Ellen reveals which cartoon characters are gay
04.21.21 | Shop Talk shares a riff from Ellen about gay cartoon characters that is spot on. We also look at the cost and waiting lists for backyard pools. But first, our Business Birthday is Ivan Combe of Clearasil and Odor Eaters fame. Caught My Eye looks at how a cell phone repairman handles an odd request and straight women who like gay porn. Tim shares a story with John about a yard sale item that found a good home.
TFG Unbuttoned: Money for nothing, but the chips are free
04.20.21 | A New Jersey high school principal and wrestling coach is listed as the head of a company whose stock is trading at levels that give it a valuation of more than $100 million—and all it owns is a single deli in NJ. Something is not adding up. Also, a Bethel, CT coffee shop has its Pride flag stolen, burned, and returned and the town is rallying around the shop owners. Finally, Michael Dubin of Dollar Shave Club fame offers some sage business advice.
Three Percent Challenge
04.14.21 | Shop Talk asks 12 questions regarding social security benefits and only 3% of people quizzed were able to get all 12 correct. But first, our Business Birthday wishes Volvo Cars a happy 94th today. Caught My Eye from John looks at a woman in Texas with unimaginably long nails. How does she eat, wash, walk, and just function? Tim shares some letters he found while cleaning.
