The travel and tourism industry has been actively marketing to the LGBT community for some time now. Destinations vie for the right to be called the most “gay friendly,” and many hotel chains and properties also market themselves as gay welcoming.

Kimpton Hotels is one such company, and has a long history of marketing it’s unique properties to the LGBT consumer. Thomas Mathes, General Manager of the Eventi Hotel in New York City, joins Tim and John to talk about his career in the hospitality industry, and the importance he places on having a dialogue with the LGBT community. Join the conversation at 866-305-6887.

The Packers are the new Super Bowl champs, but who was the winner of the other game we all watched—the advertising Super Bowl.

Vice President of Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Inc. Tim Ellis will talk about working for such an iconic brand, and what goes on behind the scenes when a brand decides to run a spot in the Super Bowl. VW’s The Force became a viral hit even before it aired on the big game.

New York Times advertising columnist Stuart Elliott has been covering the brands and spots to watch out for leading up to the big game, and will weigh in on what he thinks worked, and what did not.

Join the conversation at 866-305-6887, and play the first listener-generated Tim’s List.

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.