The Focus Group

Shop Talk shares a story generated by ChatGPT. The writer, Laura Beck, asked AI to identify the biggest money drains for retirees. Caught My Eye reveals some of the “insider” codes that Disney staff used at the theme parks to identify issues such as people dispersing loved one’s ashes. Also, Olympic Diver and gold medalist, Greg Louganis, has sold his LA house, possessions, and medals and moved to the country of Panama to start anew. Our Business Birthday celebrates William H. Danforth, the founder of Ralston Purina. Reminder: September is Criterion Month on the show. Listen to “John says, Pick That Flick” for a chance to win. We’re all business. Except when we’re not. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

Once again gay rumors swirl around anti-LGBTQ South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. In a recent deposition under oath, the right-wing social media contributor and close friend to Trump, Laura Loomer said everyone knows Graham is gay. In fact, they openly discuss it among conservative circles Loomer added. Then, pack up and move to an “all whites only enclave” in Arkansas called Return to The Land. Finally, Dan Pelzer from Columbus, Ohio was a lifelong reader and kept track of the 3,599 books he read in his lifetime. You can check out the list at the White Hall Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library or search “What Dan Read” online. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

Shop Talk covers a recent study that shows Americans are reading less for pleasure with a steady decline over 20 years. Under educated and low-income households show the largest decline. Caught My Eye reveals through a real estate listing a Dutch painting that was looted by the Nazis in WWII. The daughter of the Nazi is playing dumb. Also, a woman shares her insurance coverage woes after a bat flew into her mouth. Our Business Birthday celebrates Glen Bell Jr., the founder of Taco Bell. We’re all business. Except when we’re not. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

The right is exercised over a logo change at Cracker Barrel. While the new logo is plain and unexciting, what else would you do for Cracker Barrel? Then, Target is finally replacing CEO Brian Cornell after tanking sales, a boycott, and a loss of $12 billion since 2021. Finally, the Nevada desert arts bash known as Burning Man is having financial troubles. Can they fix it by doing what they said they would not do—raise ticket prices? Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

Shop Talk discusses an article from Inc Magazine about the one skill Mark Cuban says is crucial to be a great employee. Caught My Eye looks at ICE deportation merch championed by the Florida GOP that is a direct copy of the Home Depot brand. Also, Putin gives a new Ural motorcycle to an Alaska resident as part of his Trump Summit. Our Business Birthday celebrates Pee-wee Herman creator Paul Reubens. We’re all business. Except when we’re not. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

The right is exercised over a logo change at Cracker Barrel. While the new logo is plain and unexciting, what else would you do for Cracker Barrel? Then, Target is finally replacing CEO Brian Cornell after tanking sales, a boycott, and a loss of $12 billion since 2021. Finally, the Nevada desert arts bash known as Burning Man is having financial troubles. Can they fix it by doing what they said they would not do—raise ticket prices? Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

Shop Talk applauds the return of face-to-face interviews advocated by the likes of Google, Cisco and other large corporations. The reason is some companies believe candidates are hiding behind AI to answer questions during online interviews. Caught My Eye looks at a woman who framed the tattooed skin of her dead husband. Also, how does a Heinz Tomato Ketchup smoothie sound? Our Business Birthday celebrates famed architect and designer Eero Saarinen. We’re all business. Except when we’re not. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

News reports of the demise of Kodak are misleading according to a recent corporate statement. Then, the NFL has had male cheerleaders for several years on many teams, yet some fans are outraged with the recent announcement that the Minnesota Vikings will employ two males on this year’s cheer squad. Manufactured outrage under the “who cares?” category. Then, META decides to employ anti-DEI and LGBTQ rights agitator, Robby Starbuck, to control bias on its AI platforms. Really? Could they find anyone more polarizing? Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

Shop Talk shares 9 phrases you should eliminate and replace to have people take you more seriously. Caught My Eye looks at a cruise ship passenger’s unfortunate trip down a broken slide and the role the Monopoly board game played to help prisoners escape in WW2. Our Business Birthday celebrates Under Armour founder Kevin Plank. Listen, laugh, and learn on this week’s The Focus Group. We’re all business. Except when we’re not. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

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. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

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. We’re all business. Except when we’re not. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

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. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

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. We’re all business. Except when we’re not. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a

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? Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a Also follow Tim and John on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/focusgroupradio

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. We’re all business. Except when we’re not. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a Also follow Tim and John on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/focusgroupradio

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. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a Also follow Tim and John on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/focusgroupradio

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. We’re all business. Except when we’re not. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a Also follow Tim and John on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/focusgroupradio

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. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a Also follow Tim and John on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/focusgroupradio

Shop Talk looks at entrepreneur, Daniel Goetz, who started GoodPop popsicles for $3,500 in 2009 while still in college. GoodPop now brings in over $60 million a year! Caught My Eye covers a woman who won the lottery using numbers from a fortune cookie, and the latest swamp crotch check via TSA. Our Business Birthday celebrates Don Hall Sr. who ran the family business, Hallmark, for 20 years before stepping aside. We’re all business. Except when we’re not. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a Also follow Tim and John on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/focusgroupradio

According to a recent survey from Gusto, LGBTQ entrepreneurs are starting businesses in record numbers. Then Transportation Secretary Duffy is targeting Rainbow Crosswalks as distracting and political, though he is basing his opposition for the crosswalks on opinion and no facts or data. Finally, hotel etiquette and respect for staff and public area behavior is a thing of the past. Showing up in the lobby barefoot and in pajamas while talking loudly on cell calls with no shoes in common areas is more prevalent than you would think. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a Also follow Tim and John on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/focusgroupradio