Podcasts about consumers

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Angus Rittenburg, Co-Founder and CEO of WYNK, to explore one of the fastest-growing trends in the beverage industry: low-dose THC drinks. Angus shared his incredible journey from engineering at Tesla and SpaceX to launching a scrappy startup with a vision for healthier, more social alternatives to alcohol. What struck me most was how much of WYNK's story is about holding onto a vision—even when the path forward wasn't clear and staying scrappy, adaptable, and true to quality. In this episode, Angus and I discuss everything from his early mentor, who taught him to value education over money, to the inventive mobile production systems that helped WYNK break into multiple states, to the massive regulatory unlock that allowed hemp-derived THC beverages to finally reach mainstream shelves.  Along the way, we also explored the challenges of consumer education, the better-for-you movement in beverages, and what it takes to not just build a product but build a category. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: * How a mentor's belief in vision over money shaped Angus's entrepreneurial journey * The scrappy origins of WYNK and how a mobile canning trailer became the company's launchpad * Why low-dose THC beverages are poised to disrupt alcohol consumption trends * The regulatory shifts that allowed WYNK to expand beyond dispensaries into bars, restaurants, and liquor stores * How WYNK is investing in quality and compliance to build not just a brand, but an entire category Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this fascinating episode of 'The Story of a Brand,' where we explore the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind WYNK, a brand rewriting the rules for social beverages.   For more on WYNK, visit: https://drinkwynk.com/   If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: 1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand becomes harder the bigger you grow, especially when you're limited to selling on just one channel.  While you're focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you're missing. That's where 1-Commerce comes in.  They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do.  As a Story of a Brand listener, you'll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper.    Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they've generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning. 

This Day in Legal History: Final Draft of the US Constitution EngrossedOn September 16, 1787, the final draft of the United States Constitution was signed by the Constitutional Convention delegates in Philadelphia. Although the official signing date was September 17, the 16th was the day the finished document was ordered to be engrossed — meaning it was written in its final, formal script on parchment. This step marked the culmination of four months of intense debate, compromise, and drafting by delegates from twelve of the thirteen original states. The Constitution replaced the failing Articles of Confederation and established a stronger federal government with distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches.Debates on September 16 included last-minute details such as how amendments could be proposed and the extent of federal power over the militia. The delegates had already resolved key issues like the Great Compromise (creating a bicameral legislature), the Electoral College, and the Three-Fifths Compromise regarding the counting of enslaved individuals for representation. One of the final acts on the 16th was the approval of the letter that would accompany the Constitution to Congress, urging ratification by the states.Though the Constitution would still need to be ratified by nine of the thirteen states, the events of September 16 set the stage for the formal adoption the following day. The engrossed copy would be signed on September 17 and later become the foundation of American law and governance.Maurene Comey, a former federal prosecutor and daughter of ex-FBI Director James Comey, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over her sudden termination in July. She alleges that her firing was politically motivated, stemming from her father's adversarial relationship with Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, names both the Justice Department and the Executive Office of the President as defendants and claims Comey was given no reason for her dismissal. According to the suit, Comey had received strong performance evaluations, including one in April signed by Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.Comey had played key roles in high-profile prosecutions, including the sex trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell and the recent conviction of Sean “Diddy” Combs on prostitution-related charges. She was fired just two weeks after the Combs trial ended. The email she received from DOJ human resources cited presidential authority under Article II but offered no specific explanation. When she asked Clayton about the decision, he allegedly said, “All I can say is it came from Washington.”The lawsuit challenges the administration's ability to remove career, non-political prosecutors and raises concerns about politicization of the Justice Department, particularly in cases involving Trump or his allies.Former federal prosecutor Maurene Comey sues Trump administration over firing | ReutersElon Musk's company X Corp has settled a trademark dispute with legal marketing firm X Social Media over the use of the “X” name. The case, filed in Florida federal court in October 2023, stemmed from Musk's rebranding of Twitter to X, which X Social Media claimed caused consumer confusion and financial harm. As part of the resolution, both parties asked the court to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be reopened. The founder of X Social Media, Jacob Malherbe, confirmed the settlement and announced the company will now operate under the name Mass Tort Ad Agency.The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, and X Corp did not issue a comment. The lawsuit was one of several Musk's company has faced over the “X” name, which is widely used and trademarked by numerous businesses, including Microsoft and Meta. In its defense, X Corp argued that many companies have long coexisted with similar “X” trademarks and accused X Social Media of trying to exploit the situation for profit. This settlement follows another earlier agreement in which X Corp resolved a separate trademark claim brought by the firm Multiply.The dismissal brings closure to a case that raised questions about branding overlap and trademark dilution in an increasingly crowded digital landscape.Musk's X Corp settles mass-tort ad agency's trademark lawsuit over 'X' name | ReutersTwo U.S. law firms, Bartlit Beck and Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer, are requesting $85 million in legal fees after securing a $700 million settlement with Google over alleged antitrust violations tied to its Play Store. The settlement, which is still pending approval by U.S. District Judge James Donato, resolves claims that Google overcharged Android users by restricting app distribution and imposing excessive in-app transaction fees. Under the agreement, $630 million will go to a consumer fund, with another $70 million allocated to a state-managed fund shared by all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.Consumers are expected to receive a minimum of $2, with additional compensation based on their Play Store spending from August 2016 to September 2023. Google also agreed to ease restrictions on app developers, allowing them to inform users about alternative payment methods and enabling easier direct app downloads from the web. The fee request amounts to approximately 13.5% of the consumer settlement fund, and the firms say they invested nearly 100,000 hours over more than three years.While Judge Donato previously raised concerns about the scope of the deal, no U.S. state has objected to the fee request so far. Google has not admitted any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, and users will still have the opportunity to raise objections before final approval.Lawyers behind $700 million Google settlement ask for $85 million fee award | ReutersMy column for Bloomberg this week looks at Norway's recent national election, which effectively became a referendum on one of the last remaining wealth taxes in Europe. Despite having a $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund and no immediate fiscal need for a wealth tax, Norwegians narrowly backed the Labour Party, signaling that voters still care about fairness in taxation—even when the government doesn't need the money. In a global landscape where wealth taxes have mostly disappeared, this was a small but potent victory for the principle of equity.I argued that this matters beyond Norway. Wealth taxes used to be common across Europe, but most were abandoned due to fears of capital flight and elite lobbying. That Norway held the line—even amid billionaire threats and a populist surge—suggests that wealth taxes can survive politically when fairness becomes a central electoral value. It also underscores that symbolic wins can shape broader policy debates by proving what's administratively and politically possible.In the U.S., we lack Norway's fiscal cushion, yet we've persistently avoided taxing wealth. Policymakers often justify this inaction with fears about capital mobility, but I question whether we're really more vulnerable to capital flight than Norway is. The deeper issue is political will. Americans have long treated wealth taxation as politically toxic and bureaucratically unworkable, but that may be more a product of narrative than necessity.Norway's voters showed that fairness can be enough to win—even narrowly. But I emphasize that such policies require ongoing public defense; they don't sustain themselves. If we continue dodging the issue in the U.S., we'll be doing so not from a place of strength, but from a place of illusion. If Norway can defend taxing wealth despite not needing to, we have no excuse not to even try.Norway Wealth Tax Victory Shows Visible Fairness Still Matters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Traditional power systems were designed to flow one way from centralised transmission assets down to households and businesses. But as electrification accelerates, this old model risks becoming a bottleneck. The grid faces growing pressure from rising demand, including EVs, heat pumps, industrial loads and variable renewable generation, but these could also be the key to flexibility success. The challenge is clear: how do we meet net zero goals affordably, without locking consumers into higher bills?In this conversation, Alex Schoch, VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy joins Ed Porter to unpack the critical role of consumer-led flexibility in the net zero transition.Key topics include:Why intelligent demand is no longer optional for the energy system and what happens if we ignore it.What does the shift from a supply-led grid to one shaped by consumers really look like?How smart tariffs can turn everyday appliances into tools for the energy transition.How aggregation at scale could rival traditional infrastructure and reshape system operations.Why flexibility can save consumers money as well as the system billions.About our guestAlex Schoch is VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy, where he leads efforts to accelerate the electrification of transport, heating, and industry while integrating consumer demand into power systems. With a background at Tesla launching both EV and energy storage businesses -including the landmark Hornsdale battery project in Australia. Alex brings deep expertise in how technology, markets, and policy intersect to drive the energy transition.Connect with Alex on LinkedInor for more information on what Octopus do, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Traditional power systems were designed to flow one way from centralised transmission assets down to households and businesses. But as electrification accelerates, this old model risks becoming a bottleneck. The grid faces growing pressure from rising demand, including EVs, heat pumps, industrial loads and variable renewable generation, but these could also be the key to flexibility success. The challenge is clear: how do we meet net zero goals affordably, without locking consumers into higher bills?In this conversation, Alex Schoch, VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy joins Ed Porter to unpack the critical role of consumer-led flexibility in the net zero transition.Key topics include:Why intelligent demand is no longer optional for the energy system and what happens if we ignore it.What does the shift from a supply-led grid to one shaped by consumers really look like?How smart tariffs can turn everyday appliances into tools for the energy transition.How aggregation at scale could rival traditional infrastructure and reshape system operations.Why flexibility can save consumers money as well as the system billions.About our guestAlex Schoch is VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy, where he leads efforts to accelerate the electrification of transport, heating, and industry while integrating consumer demand into power systems. With a background at Tesla launching both EV and energy storage businesses -including the landmark Hornsdale battery project in Australia. Alex brings deep expertise in how technology, markets, and policy intersect to drive the energy transition.Connect with Alex on LinkedInor for more information on what Octopus do, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

The oil business is heading for a big bust, putting Texas in the crosshairs. While that's obviously not good for the economy as a whole, energy does tend to be a leading indicators and when the jobs starting being lost in the space in a big way it's a big red flag. Consumers know it, given what was also just reported from them, too. Eurodollar University's conversations w/Steve Van Metre---------------------------------------------------------------------------In a world where markets swing on every headline, focus matters. That's why Eurodollar University offers One Big Weekly Theme — a disciplined, thematic analysis you can count on.If you don't have the time to go all the way to the depth of Eurodollar University's comprehensive Deep Dive Analysis and want the next best thing, One Big Weekly Theme is for you. https://eurodollaruniversity.substack.com/---------------------------------------------------------------------------https://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU

As Tesla (TSLA) rallies on Elon Musk's $1 billion share purchase, @LikeFolio's Megan Brantley points to consumer interest revving higher for the company. She shows how the end to EV tax credits gave a boost to consumer interest as more people looked into buying Tesla vehicles. Megan later turns to long-term catalysts for Tesla by examining consumer trends in autonomous driving and robotics.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

On today's AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill celebrated California Wine Month with special guest Julie Berge of the Wine Institute. Berge, who recently joined the Institute, shared her enthusiasm for an industry steeped in tradition yet looking boldly toward the future. California's Global Wine Standing Berge highlighted the scale of California's contribution to the global wine market. The state produces 81% of all U.S. wine, making it the fourth-largest wine producer in the world, behind only France, Italy, and Spain. With 6,200 wineries across 49 counties, California remains a powerhouse not just in production but also in culture, tourism, and economic impact. Sustainability at the Forefront One of the most surprising facts Berge shared is that 90% of California wine is produced in certified sustainable wineries, and around 65% of vineyard acreage is certified sustainable. Consumers increasingly want to know how their wine is produced, and California is leading with practices that reduce environmental impact while ensuring quality. “That's something to be proud of,” Berge said. Engaging the Next Generation of Wine Drinkers The conversation also focused on the challenge of reaching younger consumers, who often view wine as intimidating. Berge pointed to innovation in packaging—like canned wines, boxed options, and lighter bottles—as tools to make wine more accessible. Social media also plays a critical role in reaching new audiences and sharing the stories behind the bottles. She emphasized that 95% of California wineries are family-owned, each with unique histories and vintages that add to wine's storytelling appeal. “Wine is about connection,” she said, encouraging young people to explore through wine tastings. The Institute's website, discovercaliforniawines.com, offers a map of wineries, events, and resources to help consumers learn and connect. Looking Ahead While the industry faces headwinds with shifting consumer trends, international competition, and market challenges, Berge remains optimistic. “We have an incredible product and a passionate community,” she said. “This is the time to reintroduce wine to a new generation.” For the full interview with Julie Berge of the Wine Institute, listen to today's AgNet News Hour at AgNetWest.com.

We'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts and questions?In this episode of Streams to Impact, Dr. Allen Lomax interviews Bill Rice, a former Air Force officer turned tech entrepreneur, who shares his journey from military service to mastering lead generation. The conversation explores the evolution of lead generation, the impact of AI on marketing strategies, and insights on scaling businesses for success. Bill emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior and the need for businesses to adapt to technological advancements to thrive in a competitive landscape.Main Points:Scaling doesn't mean hustling harder; it's about leveraging systems.Bill Rice transitioned from military to entrepreneurship through curiosity and opportunity.The early days of the internet shaped lead generation strategies.Lead generation is about understanding consumer behavior and patterns.AI is transforming the way businesses approach lead generation.Consumers prefer to educate themselves before engaging with service providers.The demand for unique and original content is increasing with AI.Skilled trades may see a deficit as technology evolves.Businesses need to focus on relieving pain points for customers.Success in scaling requires understanding market needs and delivering efficiently.Connect with Bill Rice:bill@billrice.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/billrice/https://x.com/billricehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybXcF5WUxxwjhefKItztsAhttps://billricestrategy.com/https://kaleidico.com/

As smaller institutions often learn the hard way, you can't just throw a switch on new tech and expect all will go well--especially when marketing teams, for example, are overlooked. What should the value propositions be for community banks and credit unions at a time when everyone's trying to win on rates? And how best to apply key pieces of the high-tech puzzle? Samantha Paxson, Founder and Lead Investor of the Power and Light Collaborative, shares from her decades of experience on how to get everyone across the finish line successfully.

This week's Open Mic guest is Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. This week nearly 300 OTA members will celebrate "Organic Week" in Washington.Dillon says consumer demand for organic products is growing at nearly twice the pace as demand for conventional food items. Consumers purchased over $70-billion dollars of organic products last year. Dillon says OTA is hopeful for legislation to prevent fraud in imported foods and an investment in infrastructure to allow the industry to expand and meet demand.  

Wellington City Councillors have voted in favour of funding an independent Water Consumer Advocacy Group.

In this episode, Karl Eggerss discusses recent economic indicators that might be suggesting a potential economic slowdown. Key topics include weaker inflation and employment data, which are contributing to decreasing interest rates and anticipated rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.  Eggerss explains that consumers are resisting inflation by choosing cheaper alternatives or reducing spending, causing companies to absorb some costs. He also discusses implications for investments, noting that market conditions are currently favorable as the Fed cuts rates while profits remain strong.  01:37 Economic Indicators and Market Response 04:21 Impact of Tariffs on Consumers 06:51 Investment Strategies in a Changing Market 11:36 Challenges and Opportunities Ahead 13:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tsvetta Kaleynska highlights Friday's consumer sentiment report and explains the weaknesses driving lower numbers on and below the headline print. Out of the 13 million people her firm's data targets, five million expressed concerns over spending, which highlights a search for value happening under the economy's surface.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

LikeFolio's Megan Brantley says her firm's data shows strong consumer interest for Coinbase (COIN) as cryptocurrencies and crypto-based exchanges gain traction. However, the divergence in Bitcoin prices and Coinbase's stock price has some scratching their heads. Megan still sees Coinbase benefitting due to accelerating institutional interest in cryptocurrencies.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Jan Rogers Kniffen considers Walmart (WMT) nearly indestructible. He says the retail giant handled tariffs "extraordinarily well" and continues to draw customers through its doors despite economic uncertainty. Jan adds that Walmart bringing more higher-end consumers in stores supports his bull case. He doesn't see ecommerce giants like Amazon (AMZN) disrupting Walmart's momentum. Tom White presents example options trades in Amazon and Walmart.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Plus: Chesterfield rezones students; Warner praises Henrico Housing expansion 

TDI's Fraud Unit has a team of investigators that look into reports of insurance fraud to build cases they can send county district attorneys for prosecution and potential punishment. What kind of training do insurance fraud investigators have? The investigators are licensed peace officers and most of them previously worked in other law enforcement roles. They learned to gather facts, interview people, and present information. Once they're at TDI, the investigators take continuing education classes and practice exercises and scenarios. Do the investigators offer insurance fraud training? Yes, the Fraud Unit has a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certification to teach others. They create 4 to 6-hour classes about spotting insurance fraud and collecting information to build cases. Who reports insurance fraud? Anyone can report insurance fraud online or by calling the Help Line at 800-252-3439. Consumers, insurance companies and health plans are common sources of fraud reports. How does a report turn into a fraud investigation and eventually a court case? The Fraud Unit looks at a report, sends it to a supervisor, and the supervisor will assign it to an investigator. The investigator looks at the information to decide what else they need to collect. They look through financial records and interview victims and suspects to collect evidence.  Once the investigator has collected enough information, they'll hand off the case to a supervisor and eventually to a district attorney in the county where the crime took place. What are the most common types of insurance fraud? So far in 2025, the Fraud Unit has received 22,000 reports of suspected insurance fraud. Of those, 55% are for auto insurance fraud, 20% for homeowners insurance fraud, and 6% for health insurance fraud.Learn about reporting fraud Insurance fraud could happen to you Insurance fraud guide 

Send us a textAmazon is testing an AI-powered shopping feature that reads product details in a podcast format. It's currently mobile-only and surfaces product highlights that customers usually miss. This shift could change how buyers interact with listings and how sellers optimize content.If you're not optimizing your listings for mobile AI features, you're already behind, let's fix that: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#AmazonAI #EcommerceTools #MobileShopping #ProductListingTips #AmazonFeaturesWatch these videos on Youtube:Amazon PPC Tier List Management Rankings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9s9vjtU5l4&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&utm_content=342357286&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UClUSEsDS2sdgNJfCcCM_5UwWhy Turning Off Ads Kills Sales and Rankings on Amazon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp5fCd0i7ts&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&index=2&utm_content=342357286&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UClUSEsDS2sdgNJfCcCM_5Uw-----------------------------------------------Tired of marketplace limits? Let's talk real growth with DTC strategy: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrStop wasting ad spend. Grab the PPC guide that actually drives results: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXRank higher and sell faster, get the SEO tools built for real growth: https://bit.ly/3JyMDGoBe ready before problems hit, download the kit every brand should have: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Timestamps00:00 - Amazon Rolls Out AI Podcast Feature for Listings00:27 - Real-Time Test of the New AI Audio Summary01:37 - Why the AI Audio Matches Real User Experience02:40 - Comparing Product Pages: Above vs. Below the Fold03:55 - Which Categories Are Getting This AI Feature?05:20 - Speaker Selection and Target Demographics in AI06:12 - How AI Might Be Choosing Talking Points07:14 - Amazon Reviews, AI, and the Missing Social Push08:26 - Why Amazon Removed Social Posts and What It Means09:22 - AI Shopping Highlights That Actually Work10:20 - Amazon's Jenga Problem: Too Many Features, Not Enough Space11:15 - Desktop vs. Mobile: What Users See and Miss12:01 - Where AI Pulls Info From on the Product Page13:30 - Final Thoughts on Amazon's AI Shopping Experience----------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

Producer prices fell last month. AP correspondent Jennifer King reports.

FNB Wealth & Investments's Sithembile Bopela unpacks the Anglo American–Teck “merger of equals” – is it really a winning strategy? Stats SA's Joe de Beer breaks down South Africa's Q2 GDP – what's working, and what's worrying. Tax Consulting SA's Shuanita de Wet on how to properly step out of Sars's net when relocating abroad.

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton. Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) provides his expert analysis on Venezuela and the Trump administration's ill-considered attack on the purported drug boat and what that might mean for how the current regime uses our military.  The two also posit the political and diplomatic implications of Trump's “name change” from the Department of Defense to the Department of War.  Col. Leighton also breaks down the significance of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Un joining Xi Jinping in a show of strength as China unveiled new weapons at a huge military parade. Finally, the Colonel gives the latest updates on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.   Then, Brad is joined by Sarah Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA. The two examine the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) again handing President Trump a bleak set of jobs numbers, just one month after he fired the agency's commissioner over weak employment data. They also detail the specific damage the President's tariffs have done on the U.S. economy, as well as a new report from Goldman Sachs estimating that 86% of the tariff revenue collected so far has been paid by American businesses and consumers. Additionally, the pair talks about the latest news surrounding the Epstein files. Finally, they discuss the chilling implications as Trump continues working to turn the military into his own police force, which he seeks to unleash in predominantly Democratic-led American cities. Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.  Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social‬ and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.  

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton. Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) provides his expert analysis on Venezuela and the Trump administration's ill-considered attack on the purported drug boat and what that might mean for how the current regime uses our military.  The two also posit the political and diplomatic implications of Trump's “name change” from the Department of Defense to the Department of War.  Col. Leighton also breaks down the significance of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Un joining Xi Jinping in a show of strength as China unveiled new weapons at a huge military parade. Finally, the Colonel gives the latest updates on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.   Then, Brad is joined by Sarah Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA. The two examine the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) again handing President Trump a bleak set of jobs numbers, just one month after he fired the agency's commissioner over weak employment data. They also detail the specific damage the President's tariffs have done on the U.S. economy, as well as a new report from Goldman Sachs estimating that 86% of the tariff revenue collected so far has been paid by American businesses and consumers. Additionally, the pair talks about the latest news surrounding the Epstein files. Finally, they discuss the chilling implications as Trump continues working to turn the military into his own police force, which he seeks to unleash in predominantly Democratic-led American cities. Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.  Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.  

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent Peterson interviews Jimi Gibson, Vice President at Thrive Agency. They discuss digital marketing, particularly in e-commerce, and the challenges businesses face in a multi-channel environment. Jimi shares insights on the importance of a holistic marketing approach, the impact of AI on marketing strategies, and the necessity of original content to connect with consumers. The conversation also touches on the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on AI in customer engagement and the importance of maintaining a human touch in marketing efforts.TakeawaysThrive Agency has been around for 20 years, providing full-service digital marketing.A holistic approach to marketing is essential for e-commerce success.E-commerce brands face unique challenges in navigating multiple platforms.AI is changing the marketing landscape, but it has limitations.Original content is crucial for brand identity and consumer connection.Consumers are becoming more savvy and can detect robotic interactions.Data-driven strategies are vital for understanding market trends.Maintaining a human touch in marketing is essential for engagement.Over-reliance on AI can lead to frustrating customer experiences.Feedback and criticism are valuable for personal and professional growth.Chapters00:00Introduction to Thrive Agency and Personal Background01:35Holistic Approach to E-commerce Marketing04:28Navigating Multi-Channel Marketing Strategies07:45The Impact of AI on Marketing10:36The Importance of Original Content15:10Challenges with AI Chatbots in Customer Service

In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet our farmer friend and regenerative agriculture advocate Tim Auld. We discuss the recent Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, where Tim participated in a three-day grazing masterclass - and where this conversation was recorded. Tim shares insights he gained on soil health, grazing practices, and adaptive livestock management. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in farming, the impact of healthy soil on food systems, and the benefits of community involvement in agricultural advocacy. Tim also elaborates on his personal journey toward regenerative farming, some lessons he learned, and the importance of consumers' choices to support responsible agriculture.TIME STAMPS00:00 Soil Sisters Podcast From Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference00:30 Introducing Tim Auld01:04 Insights from the SFFFS Conf. Grazing Masterclass03:49 Challenges and Learnings in Grazing Management08:54 Defining Regenerative Agriculture15:42 Navigating Agricultural Policies and Programs24:36 Local Soil and Water Health Activism25:05 Getting Involved in Local Conservation Efforts25:45 The Importance of Community Participation27:09 Navigating State-Level Advocacy30:46 Personal Journey and Family Farm Background36:59 Advice for Consumers on Agriculture and Food Choices40:26 The Future of Our Food System43:11 Community and Educational Initiatives44:27 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

Whether it is health, sustainability, cost, or even the changes brought about by the big increase in GLP-1 treatments, the way we eat is evolving. Consumer behaviours are shifting, and what motivates people in their food choices is encouraging food manufacturers to think about their approach to nutrition.  In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with BENEO and KREGLINGER , we unpack this evolving food landscape and how food manufacturers are facing up to the challenges and opportunities it presents. As we see consumers who are increasingly health-conscious, sustainability-minded, and looking for products that live up to their expectations around taste and texture, how is the industry responding? We delve into the crucial role plant-based proteins are playing in this new world, in particular faba bean products, as well as addressing issues such as supply, pricing and shifting consumer priorities. BENEO and KREGLINGER  will be appearing at the Food Matters Live event in Ascot on October 8th and 9th. BENEO BENEO is your global partner in catering to the latest trends and developments in the food and feed industry. They aim to contribute to better nutrition and health. And with local branches all over the world, you always have a competent expert to talk to. Consumers actively choose foods that contribute to their well-being. Even more, products that match their individual lifestyles are on trend. As the demand for convenient and easy to prepare food continues, the expectations on nutrition also continue to grow. To name just a few, these include the reduction of sugar and fat without compromising on taste and texture, increased dietary fibre intake, plus a need for healthier weight and energy management. Meet Beneo in Ascot to discover their ingredient solutions in their technical tasting and insight sessions. KREGLINGER KREGLINGER SPECIALTIES offers an abundance of expertise in the sales, marketing, and distribution of specialty ingredients for the Food and Beverage Industry. Our ingredient portfolio comprises of clean label, functional ingredients which provide our customers with innovative, unique solutions with which to address the very latest trends and demands: sugar, fat and calorie reduction; Fibre Enrichment; Natural and Organic; Clean Label; and Health and Nutrition. Our aim is to develop productive partnerships with our customers, tailored to the individual customer requirements. Meet KREGLINGER in Ascot to discover their ingredient solutions in their technical tasting and insight sessions.

In this new monthly macro/market recap with veteran investor David Hay, we go deep into the major trends in motion currently: an increasing number of recessionary indicators, a fast-deteriorating housing market, higher for longer bond yields, stubborn secular inflation, and a promising outlook for the commodity complex.Let us know in the Comments if you value this new monthly segment with David.LOCK IN THE EARLY BIRD PRICE DISCOUNT FOR THE THOUGHTFUL MONEY FALL CONFERENCE AT https://thoughtfulmoney.com/conference#recession #inflation #commodities _____________________________________________ Thoughtful Money LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor Promoter.We produce educational content geared for the individual investor. It's important to note that this content is NOT investment advice, individual or otherwise, nor should be construed as such.We recommend that most investors, especially if inexperienced, should consider benefiting from the direction and guidance of a qualified financial advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators who can develop & implement a personalized financial plan based on a customer's unique goals, needs & risk tolerance.IMPORTANT NOTE: There are risks associated with investing in securities.Investing in stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, money market funds, and other types of securities involve risk of loss. Loss of principal is possible. Some high risk investments may use leverage, which will accentuate gains & losses. Foreign investing involves special risks, including a greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.A security's or a firm's past investment performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future investment performance.Thoughtful Money and the Thoughtful Money logo are trademarks of Thoughtful Money LLC.Copyright © 2025 Thoughtful Money LLC. All rights reserved.

Producers And Consumers - David Zybach by The Church of Christ Wheeler Area

I've done episodes about dietary supplements. I didn't take into account the ones sold at the gas station or corner store. People with an anxiety condition or disorder should be very careful about promises of herbal supplements treatment.    I don't want to be elitist here. There is bad stuff in U.S. pharmacies that do not work, known not to be effective or dangerous and yet still on sale. I have examples from Ethan Melillo. PharmD and Grant Harding, PharmD.   It is one thing to buy Slim-Jims from the gas station. I've bought water, two cans for three dollars then I get to the counter where the person looks at me like I'm less than dirt as he rings me up. Then I remember not to go back into that store for the next eight months or so.   I would never, ever purchase an herbal supplement from the gas station store, a convenience store or the 99 Cents or 150 Cents Store-ish variations.   You might decide otherwise. If you do want to risk it, pack a magnifying glass because you have to read the label.    What is the dosage? It might not be the full bottle.    And most important, have the contents been verified by an independent industry respected testing organization?   We need to be careful out in the wild. Just my two cents. This is my opinion which ain't worth a bucket of salt. Which does not stop me from this episode on how to evaluate herbal health supplements.   Resources Mentioned:    Operation Supplement Safety is intended for folks in the military that have restrictions on the kind of supplements they can use. However there is a non-military consumer version of the OSS Postcard that is a PDF download that gives guidelines on how to evaluate a supplement.   U.S. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know updated January 2023.   National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health page called Herbs at a Glance and Using Dietary Supplements Wisely   U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)   FDA page on Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements, updated 2022.    FDA page on Health Fraud Products Database. You can search by name, vendor, website or a specific action taken by the FDA.   Emergency Resources   The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community.    Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options.    National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.   Disclaimer:  Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.  Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder. This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

(The Center Square) - One month from Labor Day, a slew of Washington businesses will be subject to new retail sales taxes, which will be passed onto consumers. The 2025 Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5814, which added new business activities to the definition of retail sales. Those new taxes will be collected starting Oct. 1.

Consumers are spending 38% less on tipping so we weigh the reasons as to why this is! Much of it we believe is due to 'guilt tipping'!

Consumers (and runners) are more skeptical than ever of what they see online and are starting to tire of excessive marketing and advertising. So how do you, as a run coach in 2025, stand out and show people that you're a trustworthy coach who can help them? On this episode of the Runner Rising Podcast, I review 4 different ways that I am using now to build trust with my online audience on Instagram and that you can do too. ---To learn more about 1:1 business coaching or the Runner Rising Academy, go to www.runnerrising.com

Nicola Ilic is a social entrepreneur, activist, and adjunct professor of leadership at Georgetown University. He's the founder of Changelab and applies lessons from grassroots movements to transform how leaders build agency in others. In this episode, Nikola defines democratic leadership as enabling people to exercise leadership regardless of title when facing uncertainty rather than voting or consensus-building. The key difference is that instead of becoming the authority figure people depend on, democratic leaders create agency in their teams to handle challenges independently. He says that most leadership development initiatives fail to transform because they focus on comprehension rather than experiential learning. Nicola discusses the challenge facing emerging leaders who grew up in protected environments and can't handle uncertainty, explaining how leaders must create developmental challenges for their teams.  Listen to discover how to enable others to reach their leadership potential. You can find episode 475 on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Watch this Episode on YouTube |   Key Takeaways [02:34] Nikola reveals he played basketball seriously in Serbia as a point guard, which taught him "individual excellence, work ethics and team play." [04:20] Nikola explains democratic leadership centers around "how do you relate to uncertainty" based on observing his young daughters. He notes that "authoritarians are always also fear mongers" because creating fear makes people search for a parental authority figure. [08:40] Nikola says to make our companies, our teams, our organizations better is to focus on the core, which is enabling people to "exercise leadership in the face of uncertainty, no matter what is their title". [11:53] He emphasizes that transformation requires "tacit learning" through immersed experience, like presenting to 40 CEOs despite being scared. [18:34] He shares his two most powerful questions: "what do you think?" and "tell me more" which he uses with kids, students, and everyone to develop their thinking. [20:50] Nikola explains how leaders course-correct reactive behavior is that leaders must enable all the talents because you need all the brains you can get. [26:07] He clarifies that "voting is not democracy - it's the ability to surface various ideas, let them compete and then come up with the best one" creating a "free market of ideas" and co-creation process. [31:15] Nikola teaches that effective democratic leaders must "differentiate initiative and extroversion from leadership" and act like "a conductor in the orchestra" who knows each team member's personality and draws out contributions from introverted members. [34:31] He notices three things in young leaders: people from "well protected childhoods" have "underdeveloped their ability to handle uncertainty," everyone is "looking for purpose," and many feel "there's something deeper that we need to change." [37:28] Nikola confirms students must test themselves and asks them "what is the highest good you can imagine?" because "when you aim for something that's huge" and believe in it, "challenges will feel very differently." [40:56] He shares growing up in Serbia during the 1990s war, joining a movement against dictatorship as a teenager, and discovering "we as kids can organize and use nonviolence to overthrow the worst dictator in Europe." [44:31] Nikola invites listeners to become "activists in unlikely places" by building allies through one-on-one conversations before making interventions. [48:15] And remember…“Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.” - Confucius   Quotable Quotes "It just makes you person with a title and authority. Yeah, it's. I like to use this metaphor of, you know, if you see a person with a knife, what do you say oh, here's a chef. Or do you say oh, here's a murderer? Well, it depends what they do with the knife. It's the same with power, authority and title." "The core of Democratic leadership is how do you relate to uncertainty? How do you enable people to exercise leadership in the face of uncertainty, no matter what is their title." "Once acquire self reliance, kill is now there. And it's part of her identity, it's part of pride." "What do you think? And tell me more. These are two most powerful questions." "If you talk to anyone who built a successful business, they always tell you it's about playing a long game because who cares about short term if it's going to be wiped out long term?" "It's not voting. Voting is not democracy. Voting is just A part of democracy, right? It's the ability to surface various ideas, let them compete and then come up with the best one." "As Nietzsche said, he or she who knows why to live can bear. Anyhow, if you're doing something that you believe in, challenges will feel very differently." "If you want to change something in your organization, you can, but you have to think about it as a little activist project." "We got to connect the comprehension to the actual transformation." "At the end of the day, country, company, whatever it is, the vote happens with dollars. Okay, where do consumers spend their money? Consumers spend their money. That's how the best ideas percolate to the top and win." "We control two things. Where we spend our time and how we respond to our environment." "Your circle of influence is bigger than you think, potentially. "There's three things you can do. You can suck it up, you can try to change it, or you can move on."   Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | ChangeLab | Nicola Ilic LinkedIn | Nicola Ilic's Newsletter: "Pulse of Change" |  

New polling numbers on President Trump's approval ratings in West Virginia. Consumers scored a win in a power rate increase request. A new documentary debuts tonight detailing the story of Blair Mountain. Plus... you comments on the text line. 

Healthcare costs keep climbing, and yet patients and employers often feel powerless to change the system. What if outsiders—those not steeped in the traditions of healthcare—are actually the ones best positioned to fix it?This special episode is a reshare from The Benefits Playbook podcast, where Halle joins Collective Health CEO Ali Diab. Together, they unpack what it takes to make health benefits simpler, more transparent, and more consumer-focused.We cover:

Sunday, August 31, 2025Series: Making RoomMessage: Spiritual Contributors Not Spiritual ConsumersBy: Bryant May, Lead PastorNext Steps link: www.theexchange.cc/makingroomLearn more about The Exchange at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theexchange.cc

Today on the AgNet NewsHour, Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer hosted Don Cameron, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, to discuss the many challenges and opportunities facing California farmers today. Cameron, who also manages his own farms in the Biola area, shared expert insights from both a policy and practical farming perspective. Labor Challenges in California Agriculture A central topic of conversation was labor in agriculture. Cameron emphasized the critical importance of a stable workforce for California's labor-intensive crops. He highlighted the need for programs like H2A, which allows temporary workers to enter the country legally, and stressed the benefits of providing long-term workers with some form of legalization so they can continue working without fear. Cameron noted that without reliable labor, food production in California—and by extension, the United States—would be significantly disrupted. Water Management and Sustainable Farming Water management was another major focus. Cameron discussed the need for sustainable groundwater practices, especially as regulations limit pumping in over drafted basins. He stressed that farmers must maximize the value of every drop of water, focusing on high-value crops and reducing overall usage. While ideal solutions such as new storage and water delivery systems may take decades, Cameron encouraged efficiency and strategic planning for the long-term sustainability of California agriculture. Automation and Agricultural Innovation To address labor challenges, Cameron's operations are embracing automation and innovation. He described experiments with mechanical and laser weeders and drone technology, highlighting the potential for these tools to improve efficiency and offset labor shortages. These investments, along with careful crop management, help farmers remain competitive in a challenging global market. Competing with Global Agriculture Cameron addressed how California farmers face challenges from cheaper imports from countries like Mexico and Brazil. While international labor costs are lower, California farms provide higher wages, better working conditions, and sustainable practices. Consumers supporting local produce, he said, is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Financial Pressures and Pest Management Cameron also addressed the financial pressures facing farmers, including low commodity prices, rising costs, abandoned farmland, and pest challenges such as rodents destroying orchards and drip systems. He encouraged small and young farmers to take advantage of programs through CDFA and NRCS to maintain stability and remain viable in a high-cost environment. California Agriculture: A National Treasure Overall, Cameron praised California agriculture as a national treasure, capable of producing over 400 crops efficiently and sustainably. His insights underscored the resilience, innovation, and careful planning required for the state's agricultural industry to thrive amid complex environmental, economic, and regulatory pressures. For more updates on California agriculture, visit AgNet West at AgNetWest.com and follow their podcast on your preferred platform.

In this episode of Don't Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are diving into the 2025 IFIC Food and Health Survey, a robust study that reveals confidence in U.S. food safety has hit an all-time low.Tune in for their analysis on the big shifts that have happened in consumer opinions and concerns over the past few years, and their opinion on what this means for food suppliers going forward.Keep in mind that there is a lot of their trademark humor throughout the episode. Don't always take things at face value, unless they're actual stats. Beware!In this episode:

Saratoga Apple has a business model which keeps them in direct relationship with consumers through their farm store and market presence. Their pick-you-own apples orchard brings in new and returning customers and offers a variety of apple. Owner Eric Darrow spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about Saratoga Apple, growing up in this business, and the difficulties and pleasures of this work. Learn more: https://www.saratogaapple.farm/ Saratoga Apple is an underwriter of The Sanctuary for Independent Media.

Summer travel is usually supposed to be a major time for the tourism industry. But this year, budget-conscious American travelers are adjusting their vacation plans. Consumers are actually taking more trips than initially anticipated, but they're tending to be shorter, less expensive, and later in the summer than usual. Plus, a new justice tech startup is using AI to simplify the criminal record expungement process in Mississippi.

Summer travel is usually supposed to be a major time for the tourism industry. But this year, budget-conscious American travelers are adjusting their vacation plans. Consumers are actually taking more trips than initially anticipated, but they're tending to be shorter, less expensive, and later in the summer than usual. Plus, a new justice tech startup is using AI to simplify the criminal record expungement process in Mississippi.

From extreme ups to startling downs, every week can feel like the peak of expectations and the trough of disillusionment for AI.  SHOW: 954SHOW TRANSCRIPT: The Cloudcast #954 TranscriptSHOW VIDEO: https://youtube.com/@TheCloudcastNET CLOUD NEWS OF THE WEEK: http://bit.ly/cloudcast-cnotwCHECK OUT OUR NEW PODCAST: "CLOUDCAST BASICS"SHOW SPONSORS:[DoIT] Visit doit.com (that's d-o-i-t.com) to unlock intent-aware FinOps at scale with DoiT Cloud Intelligence.[VASION] Vasion Print eliminates the need for print servers by enabling secure, cloud-based printing from any device, anywhere. Get a custom demo to see the difference for yourself.SHOW NOTES:THE UPS AND DOWNS OF AI - THE CONSTANT HYPE CYCLEHealthy Competition [YES]Consumer and Enterprise Markets [YES]Market leader(s) [YES, sort of]Well-Defined, profitable business model [NO]Open, lower-cost alternative emerged [YES/NO]Usage patterns emerging [YES/NO][ups] Constant high-profile VC, Sovereign wealth, hyperscaler funding of AI startups[ups] Constant high-profile CAPEX spending by hyperscalers, model builders, data center builders[ups] Rapidly growing user-bases[ups] Growing revenues at some companies (NVIDIA, OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic)[downs] Growing losses at high-profile companies  [???] Frequent, high-profile movement by key people at high-profile companies (engineers, leadership)[downs] Frequent, partial acquires of founders and key engineers, but not entire companies[downs] Secondary market scales of startup shares, bypassing traditional secondary and public markets[downs] No “NetFlix of AI” company[downs] No “AI Agent” success stories[???] Consumer “winner-take-all” mindset from AI companies[downs] Enterprise companies struggling to create ROI+ projects (in early days)[???] Enterprise “bundles” raising prices (CoPilot, Gemini, etc.)[downs] Unclear if new frontier models are getting better than previous versions (e.g. GPT-5)[???] Are inference prices coming down? [ups] Consumers have many excellent AI choicesIt's unclear if AI companies have created any moats yet; it's unclear if LLMs can be differentiatedChatbots, developer-assistants and document management are use-cases. What else?Are agents ready to be mainstream yet? Pick-axe providers are making the money right now (NVIDIA, Broadcom, etc.), but is there moat entirely on super-premium HW?User-experiences are still being understoodWill AI + Ads (business model) be a big bang event, or happen gradually? FEEDBACK?Email: show at the cloudcast dot netTwitter/X: @cloudcastpodBlueSky: @cloudcastpod.bsky.socialInstagram: @cloudcastpodTikTok: @cloudcastpod

Learn key words and phrases all about tariffs in this English lesson. Practice your listening and improve your English.Useful Vocabulary and PhrasesTariffs are added to imported goods.

Gas price continues to be top of mind with drivers, but the price per gallon is only one factor for why they select a place to purchase fuel. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Adam Rosenblatt, Founding Partner, Bold Decision Adam is one of the nation's leading political consultants sought after for his ability to help clients achieve victory through effective research-based strategies and messaging. He designs and executes cutting-edge quantitative, qualitative, and data analytics programs for campaigns as well as non-political clients like NACS.

Preview: Lancaster County. Colleague Jim McTague comments on the local facts of the county that do not stem the young consumers from complaining about food prices. More later. 1945 Lancaster County

Americans are no longer able to import cheap foreign goods tariff-free. The Trump administration ended the de minimis exemption, which allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. with no import tax. Last year, there were nearly four million such packages a day. Amna Nawaz discussed the latest with Clark Packard. He is a trade expert at the libertarian Cato Institute. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

A consumer vibes indicator, in the form of two Q2 earnings reports: TJX (which owns TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls) raised its outlook for the remainder of the year after beating expectations. Over the same period, Target reported declining same-store sales. In this episode, today's consumers are choosing off-price bargain hunting over a big-box staple. Plus: Retailers sneak in price hikes, SPACs make a return, and the labor market's got some regional variation.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.