You, Me, and The Flea

In this episode, we dive into fun, creative, and last-minute Halloween costume ideas that prove you don’t need to spend much to stand out. From childhood inspiration to thrift store treasures, we talk about how to turn everyday items—jeans, towels, and accessories—into unique looks. It’s all about thinking outside the box, getting resourceful, and making something great with what you already have...

Ever wonder what vendor life is really like behind the booths? In this episode of You, Me, and the Flea, Kristina shares the truth—the early mornings, the unpredictable weather, the setup chaos, and the constant hustle to keep up with rising costs and social media. It’s honest, funny, and full of heart, reminding us that every vendor’s story is one of resilience, community, and passion.

In this episode, we dive into the idea of betting on yourself and how that plays out at the flea market. From taking risks and building confidence to leaning on strategy and support, the conversation highlights what it takes to grow in both business and life. We share personal stories, practical advice, and examples of how the flea market can be a launchpad for entrepreneurs and dreamers alike. Th...

☀️ Summer might be winding down, but we’re still buzzing from all the farmers markets, garage sales, pop-ups, and festivals that made it such a fun season! From fresh produce and quirky crafts to one-dollar treasures and festival finds, we’re breaking down the best (and funniest) parts of summer shopping. We’ll chat about what was trending, the pros and cons of each event, and the things that kept...

In this lively conversation, we share hot takes on flea markets, resellers, thrift flipping, and the evolving landscape of shopping. We discuss the impact of social media on flea markets, the shift from fast fashion to secondhand finds, and the unique personalities of different markets. The conversation also touches on the importance of food vendors, the physical activity involved in flea market v...

Ready to test your price instincts? In this episode, Justin plays the ultimate High–Low challenge with Swap-O-Rama finds. We give him real items with real prices from the flea market, and Justin has to guess: is the price higher or lower than what’s on the tag? 🤔💸From shocking deals to laugh-out-loud moments, this episode will keep you guessing right along with us. You’ll be surprised at just ho...

We mixed things up by pulling random occupations from a bowl and asking: “What could this person buy at the flea market?” From construction workers and teachers to artists and chefs, we had a blast proving that the flea has something for everyone. Inspired by Labor Day and the incredible variety of folks who make up our communities, this conversation is full of laughs, creative ideas, and a remind...

In this episode, Katie Vinardi shares her journey at Swap-O-Rama and what it is like to start a business in today's world. She talks about the challenges she faced, the opportunities that flea markets provide for new entrepreneurs, and how customer service and networking play such an important role in success. We chat about all the things you can grab at the flea market to start a business an...

In this episode, we share excitement about an upcoming trip to Europe and discuss travel essentials in a fun 'what's in my bag' format. We highlight various items from the flea market that she plans to take with her, including beauty products, fashion accessories, tech gadgets, and comfort items. We emphasize the importance of budget-friendly shopping and offer tips for finding grea...

Step into vintage heaven with us! In this episode, we count down the Top 25 current vintage finds—and trust us, the list is packed with nostalgia, surprises, and serious flea market magic. From quirky collectibles to timeless treasures, we share the stories, the laughs, and why each piece made the cut. If you love the thrill of discovering something with a past, you’ll love this episode.

We started with a simple goal: find the best summer flea market items for under $5… and it turned into a full-on deal fest! 🛍️☀️In this episode we’re rattling off some of the wildest, cheapest, and most fun finds we've come across at the market—from snacks and school supplies to patio furniture and baseball cards with serious nostalgia. Whether you're shopping for budget treasures, stock...

You asked, we answered! 🎤 This episode we sat down with Jose to tackle your flea market questions—and yes, it was full of laughs, hot takes, and real talk. From bathroom debates to cash vs. card drama, nothing was off-limits. Hit play and come hang with us at the swap! 

What if we told you the best deals aren’t online — they’re at your local flea market? In this episode of You, Me, and the Flea , Kristina Doukas takes you on a savings-filled adventure through the aisles of her favorite market. From stainless steel tumblers and gourmet coffee makers to $1 Hanes t-shirts and McCafe K-Cups, she proves that retail prices simply can’t keep up. ☕ Found: A high-end cof...

Is it just bad shopping etiquette or a full-on red flag? In this solo episode, we dive into the chaotic (and sometimes hilarious) world of shopping red flags — especially at the flea market. Inspired by a love of dating shows like Love Island, we draw the ultimate comparison: shopping and relationships both reveal a lot about someone’s character. From over-negotiators and booth hoppers to vendors...

In this episode, we sit down with seasoned marketing expert Matt Hanson to unpack the strategies that small businesses and flea market vendors can use to stand out in today’s competitive world. From building authentic relationships to understanding the power of branding, Matt shares actionable advice tailored for entrepreneurs at every level. You’ll hear insights on digital vs. traditional marketi...

In this episode, we dive into the colorful world of flea market personalities — from the strategic Early Bird and the creative DIY Dreamer to the outgoing Hype Master and the ever-popular Food Vendor with a Following. Whether you're a casual browser or a die-hard bargain hunter, there's a type for everyone. We share our favorite shopper and vendor archetypes, reflecting on the unique int...

In this heartfelt solo episode, we talk about the powerful lessons learned from the incredible vendors of the flea market world. From their unmatched hustle and entrepreneurial spirit to their cultural wisdom and resilience through every kind of weather, vendors bring more than just products — they bring heart. We reflect on how vendors inspire our approach to marketing and business, and how their...

In this summer-ready episode, we dive into all the must-have essentials for the season — straight from your local flea market! From stylish linen shirts and straw hats to barbecue gear, patio decor, kids’ toys, and even cold drink must-haves, we’ve got your summer covered. ☀️ Whether you're hitting the beach, planning a backyard party, or just looking to stay cool, flea markets offer huge sav...

In this special Father’s Day episode of You, Me, and the Flea, we’re flipping burgers and flipping perspectives! Join us as we celebrate the dads in our lives with personal stories, hilarious memories, and a fun game of “Would Your Dad Approve?” We talk food, travel, parenting quirks, and everyday decisions that still echo with our fathers’ voices. From grilling to gift-giving, yard work to road t...

In this episode, we sat down to share Kristina's perspective on all things flea market — from the sensory chaos (in the best way) to the cultural heartbeat that makes these spaces so special. We dove into personal stories, evolving trends, and what makes flea markets more than just a place to shop. Whether it's a first-time visitor looking for thrifted treasures, or a regular who knows w...

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of flea markets with Jose Colon, who shares his powerful journey from a career in collections to managing a thriving flea market. Jose opens up about the daily hustle, the vibrant vendor community, and how flea markets are more than just places to shop — they’re platforms for opportunity, creativity, and culture. We explore the entrepreneurial spirit...

This week, we ran the ultimate price check — taking everyday trending items and comparing what you’d pay at Swap-O-Rama versus big-name retailers. The results? Let’s just say, you might want to rethink your next shopping trip. From jaw-dropping savings to moments that had us questioning how retail gets away with it, this episode is part investigation, part flea market celebration. We’re talking de...

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the real financial struggles facing low-income families today. From soaring grocery bills to the pressure of appearances, we talk about how inflation, food insecurity, and social expectations collide—and how families are finding creative ways to adapt. Joined by a guest who works closely with these communities, we explore the emotional w...

This Mother’s Day episode is all about celebrating the queens who raised us — with a flea market twist! 💐 We kicked things off with a round of “Would Your Mother Approve?”, where nothing was off-limits and the answers may or may not get us grounded. Then we dove into a curated list of Mother’s Day gift ideas you can find at Swap-O-Rama — all under $25! From heartfelt to hilarious, thoughtful to t...

In this special solo episode, Kristina celebrates two years of You, Me, and the Flea with a no-holds-barred reflection on shopping, style, and everything in between. She shares personal insights and spicy hot takes on the value of retail experience, the decline of malls, the magic of flea market finds, and the frustrations of modern travel. Kristina also explores the changing world of consumer hab...