Past Shows
AI Expert Matt Britton
07.02.25 | Shop Talk welcomes author and AI Expert Matt Britton to the show. Matt’s latest book, Generation AI, explores how AI will change the workforce forever. Caught My Eye looks at the popularity of claw vending machines in Houston and the practice of perfuming ancient Greek and Roman statues. Our Business Birthday celebrates René Lacoste who was the creator of the Lacoste Polo Shirt while he was a French tennis champion.
TFG Unbuttoned: The latest Oreo Flavor is a Hit
07.01.25 | Oreo has a new flavor, and many consumers want it to be permanent. Try the new Selena Gomez Oreo and let us know what you think. But first, Chicago O’Hare may be the first airport with a gay bar and Kim Jong-Un opens a beach resort in the People’s Paradise known as North Korea. Don’t get too excited, foreign tourists are not yet welcome.
The Best Fast Food French Fries
06.25.25 | Shop Talk looks at an Allianz Life survey that indicates more Americans are worried about running out of money in retirement before dying. Caught My Eye recommends a new documentary about America’s first woman in space, Astronaut Sally Ride called “Sally.” Also, four renowned chefs unanimously crown the best fast food fries in America. You will most likely be surprised and a hint—it’s not McDonalds. Our Business Birthday celebrates Robert Six who was CEO of Continental Airlines from 1936-1980 and had a penchant for famous women.
TFG Unbuttoned: Small Businesses Save Pride in ’25
06.24.25 | With the demise of so many large corporations participating in Pride festivities this year, the monetary shortfalls in funding have been mitigated in part by local and small businesses participating in greater numbers with resources and dollars. Thank you and remember to support your local small businesses when you can. Also, a Judge has blocked Trump’s gender-restricting passport policy-for now. Finally, there are several Trump Burger joints that have popped-up in Texas. They have been inundated with people looking for TACOS. Please don’t call them and ask if they offer a chicken taco on the menu!
Silent Film Expert Ben Model
06.18.25 | Ben Model, Silent Film expert and now author of the must have book, The Silent Film Universe, is our guest during Shop Talk. Caught My Eye has a story about a museum patron who sits on a piece of Swarovski crystal clad art called “Van Gogh’s Chair”—you can guess what happens. Also, a drunk patron denied entry into a bar in Kentucky comes back to let a raccoon loose at The Big Apple Grill and Bar. Chaos ensues. Our Business Birthday celebrates James Flagg who is the illustrator of the “I Want You for The US Army” poster developed for Army Recruitment in 1916—and still used today.
The Happiest City in America
06.11.25 | Travel & Leisure has named the Happiest City in America—and the winner might surprise you. On Shop Talk, we highlight four habits we should all stop, or at least pay more attention to. Caught My Eye features a curious story, possibly AI-generated, about a paragliding adventure out of China. And a friendly reminder from the TSA: your Costco card is not a valid form of government-issued ID, even if it has a gold star. Our Business Birthday honors Roland Moreno, the inventor of the smart card.
TFG Unbuttoned: Stilettos vs. The Rose Garden
06.17.25 | The White House is undergoing yet another transformation as part of the Jackie O. Rose Garden is paved to make it easier for women in heels to prance around. Then, an uber conservative and Moms for Liberty darling from South Carolina, Rep. RJ May, is arrested for kiddie porn. Finally, the Osaka Airport has a 30-year track record of “no lost luggage.”
TFG Unbuttoned: Andrew Christian Takes a Bow
06.10.25 | Famed gay male underwear and clothing designer, Andrew Christian, will release his last collection this Fall. He has not revealed what’s next so get your jocks, briefs, and swimwear now while you can. But first, popular LGBTQ DC destination, Dupont Circle, was to be closed, opened, and ultimately closed for World Pride this past weekend. The National Park Service claims the closure was related to damage done to the park from past Pride Celebrations. Then, Utah GOP hard right homophobe Rep. Trevor Lee is upset about the NHL Hockey team, the Utah Mammoths, changing their logo to honor June Pride. He also is against the Rainbow Flag, but OK with the Nazi and Confederate flags. This is Trump’s America.
ALDI Accused of Copycat Branding
06.04.25 | Across the USA and globally, many once supportive brands are staying quiet or staying away from supporting PRIDE this year. If June was or is your brand’s sole marketing strategy to connect with the LGBTQ consumer, then you need help. Caught My Eye looks at a recycling solution involving plastic Coke bottles in India. Also, Mondelez filed a lawsuit against ALDI for packaging design that is too close to Nabisco products such as Oreos and Wheat Thins. Our Business Birthday celebrates Henry Phillips, of the namesake Phillips Head Screw and Screwdriver.
TFG Unbuttoned: How Much Money Should You Have in Your Wallet?
06.03.25 | Money experts reveal the ideal amount of “real” money you should carry in case of an emergency, your card is declined, or you’re stranded. Listen and let us know if you agree. But first, Donald Trump’s ego military parade on June 14th will cost the taxpayer more than $50 million dollars—including about $16 million of street damage due to heavy equipment. Then, GLAAD commissioned a study about whether people would support a brand that sold PRIDE merch or not. The big reveal is a majority of consumers don’t care.