02.22.17 | Anna Akbari is an entrepreneur, sociologist and former NYU/Parsons School of Design professor. She joins The Focus Group to talk about her new book, Startup Your Life: Hustle and Hack Your Way to Happiness. Learn the importance of not avoiding failure and the ability to pivot—be it in your career, relationships, or in just finding happiness in life. Working Cats caught Tim’s eye and John’s Pick that Flick! focuses on Oscar Winners.

02.15.17 | LinkedIn expert and author Donna Serdula joins The Focus Group to discuss her latest book, LinkedIn Profile Optimization for Dummies. Her latest book is a great resource for anyone wanting to get more out of their LinkedIn Profile. Donna also shares 3 simple tips to consider when interacting with LinkedIn. John explores whether the $5 million per Super Bowl advertising was worth it based on the latest tracking study, and Tim’s List ranks the Top 10 Comfort Foods according to Ranker.

02.08.17 | Actor and Comedian Karl Gregory, who plays Marcus on Pop TV’s Nightcap, joins The Focus Group to discuss the finer points of comedy, show business, and how the arts can contribute to our national conversation. John introduces us to his Star Trek doll that looks like it may have gotten too much sun and Tim’s List explores the Top 10 Happiest States in America.

02.01.17 | Mike Wilke, LGBT ad expert and founder of AdRespect.org, joins The Focus Group to explore the hits and misses over the years pertaining to portrayals of LGBT people in Super Bowl advertising. Let us know if you agree with Mike’s picks. Then, play along with John on Tim’s List with our listeners across America. We are now LIVE every Wednesday at 1pm EST on YouTube and Facebook.

01.28.17 | Harsha Chigurupati is the inventor of NTX Technology, an additive that when infused into alcohol renders the spirit liver and DNA friendly. It’s the latest in what has been coined “functional spirits” and, of course, The Focus Group sampled a sip or two. But first, would you buy pre-sliced vacuum packed avocados? Tim and John ask the listeners if they can find a North Korean, Kim Jong-Un guided, “sexy lady stewardess calendar.” It’s the latest in Kim’s effort to lure tourists.

01.21.17 | The American Dialect Society each year chooses a “word of the year” that has snuck into our lexicon. The Focus Group will share the 2016 word along with the political and slang word of the year. See if you agree. But first, Tim and John discuss whether boycotts work. Grab Your Wallet has called for a boycott of LL Bean due to a family member’s support of President Trump.

01.14.17 | Numaan Akram is the founder of Rally and he joins The Focus Group to talk about crowd-powered travel. Rally connects people who are going to the same place, then delivers high-end buses to get them there and back. While Rally usually provides transportation to sporting events and concerts, the Women’s March on Washington is too important an event to ignore. Tens of thousands of riders have already signed up for rides to the women’s march thus far… It’s the “Uber of Buses!” But first, Martina Navratilova shows up in The Week in History and The Week in Science.

01.07.17 | In keeping with a long running tradition, Michelanglelo Signorile is our first guest of the New Year. It is a very sobering conversation with the author of It’s Not Over about LGBT and minority rights, and the importance of activating locally to make our voices heard. But first, France wants you to enjoy your time out of the office and parents are angry about the latest toy craze that did not perform as advertised.

Tim and John share some New Year’s Resolutions for 2017…you probably have some of the same. But first, The Focus Group welcomes Cathy Renna, from Target Cue, to discuss the successes of the Obama Administration regarding LGBT Rights. Cathy also shares her thoughts on what’s in store under a Trump Presidency. We do know that President Trump will be tested, but none of us can predict how he will govern.