08.12.25 | The Pigeon Fork Dolly Parton Amusement Park, Dollywood, has been rated number one in America for 2025 according to Trip Advisor. We need to get there. But first, some GOP Arkansas legislators are looking to enact further anti-trans legislation. If enacted, the bill could lead to frivolous lawsuits against hairdressers who cut a trans teen’s hair, teachers who use a student’s chosen name, and nonprofits that offer support. Also, LinkedIn, not to be outdone by YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, has removed hate speech policies forbidding transphobic misgendering and deadnaming.

08.06.25 | Shop Talk looks at a recent study that highlights jobs that will and most likely not be affected by the proliferation of AI in the workplace. Caught My Eye covers a tote bag trend in the UK and fans throw a green “dong” on the court at a Sky Valkyries game. Our Business Birthday celebrates UBER co-founder Travis Kalanick. Listen, laugh, and learn on this week’s The Focus Group.

08.05.25 | A San Francisco gay lawmaker has people questioning his motive as he is advocating for getting rid of domestic partnership benefits in the city. Straight unmarried couples often take advantage of the benefit that went away from many organizations, companies, and locales when marriage equality became law. Then, a person related to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 wants to see what UNC is “teaching.” Many are not complying with the request. Finally, Ellen DeGeneres regrets coming out as it did not have as big of an impact as she wanted. She also saw snow for the first time.

07.30.25 | Shop Talk looks at the top 10 cities in America that people over 60 are leaving in retirement. Four of the ten are in California and all the cities would require at least a million dollars in savings to retire “happily”—whatever that means! Caught My Eye covers a bridge in India built with a 90-degree turn. Thanks to listener Chris for that article. Also, Mary Kay is now offering an all-electric pink Cadillac Optiq to the top 1% of their sales associates. Our Business Birthday celebrates Clive Sinclair, an electronics expert and inventor who was way before his time.

07.29.25 | An Arizona woman is sentenced to eight years in prison for setting-up a North Korean “laptop farm” in her residence. Then, the Tallahassee, Florida police department thought it was a good idea to arrest a man suspected of credit card fraud at the local Chuck E Cheese. The suspect was taken into custody in full mouse costume while families enjoyed food and games. Finally, that Dairy Queen soft serve cone is not filled with ice cream. According to the FDA the milkfat content for ice cream is at least 10%. DQ has a milk fat content of only 5% so it cannot be called ice cream. Who knew?

07.23.25 | Shop Talk welcomes expert storyteller Greg Logan. Greg shares the secrets Hollywood uses in developing stories that we all can use in creating your personal narrative or branding a business. Check-out Logan’s new book, Creating A Blockbuster Brand. Caught My Eye looks at a man in Long Island that was sucked into the MRI machine and died because he was wearing a 20-pound chain around his neck. Also, a retiree uses the 10-minute rule to break his phone addiction. Our Business Birthday celebrates S.H. Kress Five and Dime store founder Samual Kress.

07.22.25 | Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera dies during the “Devils on the Run Tour”—was the “possessed” Annabelle doll to blame? But first, One Million Moms is tuned-up about the reality show “Back to The Frontier” featuring a same-sex couple. Then, Trump apparently took time away from Gaza, Ukraine, and tariffs to speak with Coca Cola about using sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup in the popular beverage. Coke had no comment.

07.16.25 | Shop Talk looks at the licensing of the Kodak brand in South Korea and around the world for many items other than film. There is a nostalgic and emotional connection that still resonates with consumers and what we remember as Kodak Moments. Caught My Eye looks at a new doll called Diabetic Barbie. Also, a woman was one step away from liver failure due to over consuming turmeric for joint pain and inflammation. Our Business Birthday celebrates popcorn icon Orville Redenbacher.

07.15.25 | According to several recent studies and reports, international LGBTQ travelers are staying home or going to locations other than the USA. Canadians in particular have changed plans about coming to some US cities and major LGBTQ spots like Provincetown this summer. But first, a woman in California randomly became the return address for hundreds of Amazon returns. Also, Idaho sadly enacted a new law that prohibits signs like, “Everyone Belongs Here” in the classroom.