The Focus Group

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...

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 t...

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 Fren...

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. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 i...

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 McDonald...

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....

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...

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.” Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti...

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...

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...

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 clo...

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 whet...

Is the USA ready for AI? The challenges of AI are exposed related to job loss and career on Shop Talk. A software engineer lost his job to AI, his $159K salary, and has sent out 800 resumes with fewer than 10 responses. Caught My Eye celebrates IKEA’s Drag Room display while David Geffen and Barry Diller navigate their marriages. Our Business Birthday celebrates James McLamore, founder of Burger K...

Despite gutting staff and complaining about “woke programming and anti-American drag shows” at the Kennedy Center, the center’s show roster is full of drag! Then, to combat June PRIDE, a group of Ohio GOP legislators have come up with Natural Family Month to celebrate male led households with a woman and children. No single parents, divorcees, or same-sex parents allowed. Finally, burger chain In-...

Todd Evans, President of Rivendell Media, joins us during Shop Talk to discuss all things LGBT media as we head into June. Caught My Eye exposes a fake dating site called MAGAMatch, and the creator is ready to release some rather dark findings. Also, a Marlene Dumas painting sets a record for a living female artist. Our Business Birthday this week celebrates William Coffin Coleman, founder of The...

The P Town Bar in Pittsburgh was raided early this month for “compliance issues.” This should worry us all as kitted up police stormed the performance of nightlife icon Amanda Lepore for no apparent reason other than a nuisance complaint. Then, MAGA worshipping Senator Mike Lee of Utah, is trying once again to ban pornography in the USA. Finally, our favorite 80’s televangelist and convicted felon...

The CEO of Target has taken a pay cut due to slow sales and his poor handling of the DEI and PRIDE month corporate initiatives. It might be the first step to showing him the door as sales continue to slide. We also look at the top 10 brand mascots. Caught My Eye, looks at Trump’s gaudy gilded Oval Office decor. Experts say all the over-the-top vases and golden tchotchkes on the mantle come from En...

The Mayor of Salisbury Maryland has decided to paint over the city’s Rainbow Crosswalks to “maintain neutrality in public spaces.” The Rainbow crosswalks have been part of the city landscape since 2018. Out West, the city leadership in Salt Lake City and Boise have come up with creative work arounds to defy their state legislature’s ban on the Pride and other “special interest” flags. Finally, a r...

Shop Talk comes from GQ Magazine this week as we look at “10 Habits That Are Making You Look Older.” In Caught My Eye, LEGO had special bags for a Star Wars May the 4th promotion destroyed the day after—much to the dismay of some staff. Also, an angry woodpecker looking for love on Cape Cod is damaging vehicle mirrors and windows as he marks his territory and tries to attract a mate. Our Business...

Oscar winning movie, “Brokeback Mountain,” is getting a 20th Anniversary re-release this June. With all the current anti-LGBTQ legislation and rhetoric taking place right now the timing is interesting. But first, a climber had to be rescued twice in two weeks when illegally traversing Mt. Fuji in Japan during the off season. The second rescue was triggered when he went in search of his phone and o...

Summer 2025 travel plans are stalling as many Americans take a “wait and see” approach, thanks to job worries and rising tariffs. Tired of winning yet? On Caught My Eye, we spotlight a Texas mom who thought Jell-O shots were a great idea for a 5th-grade Christmas party — plus an unexpected story featuring ChatGPT. Our Business Birthday celebrates Jake Burton Carpenter, the pioneer behind Burton Sn...

According to Outsports, back before social media took over in the early 2000s, recruits were described with phrases like “nice V,” “muscular,” and “tight bubble.” In other news, poor Caitlyn Jenner is being sued over her meme coin venture. She’s launched a GoFundMe for legal fees — and as of today, it’s raised a grand total of $14. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is looking to roll back servic...

Christmas may not be so merry according to the Toy Association which says more than 75% of toys destined for the US holiday come from China. The tariffs are putting supply chains and costs into chaos. Caught My Eye, looks at a “captain” that bought a German cruise ship on Craigslist to rehab, and an American YouTuber that may face five years in prison for contacting a remote tribe in India. Our Bu...

A growing Change.org petition with over 50,000 signatures is calling for Nashville International Airport to be renamed in honor of country icon Dolly Parton. Plus: Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano doubles down on diversity, equity, and inclusion, affirming Marriott’s global commitment to welcoming everyone to work and stay. And Boeing’s back in the hot seat as over 3,000 737s face a recall over faulty...

It’s time for a little financial spring cleaning. From sneaky subscription fees to annual price hikes, we highlight the easy wins that can help tidy up your finances. In Caught My Eye, two international Delta flights were unexpectedly diverted to an Alabama airport—without a working customs office. And finally, we revisit the age-old debate: is peeing in the shower efficient or just gross? Plus, w...