Podcasts about DTC

Are you sure you're handling sales tax correctly in your e-commerce business? You may be unknowingly making costly mistakes that could come back to haunt you. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jared Smithson, General Manager and E-Commerce Tax Compliance Expert at RJM Tax Exemption, who discusses the most common sales tax issues facing e-commerce businesses today. Jared shares his journey from helping his business partner navigate the complexities of U.S. sales tax to growing a company that now works with thousands of e-commerce sellers. From understanding nexus to dealing with product taxability quirks, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to avoid tax headaches and save money in their business.   Key Takeaways: → The importance of understanding nexus in U.S. sales tax and how to determine where you need to register. → Common mistakes e-commerce sellers make when dealing with sales tax exemptions and how to avoid them. → The ins and outs of product taxability and how different products are taxed in different states. → The hidden dangers of relying solely on AI tools for tax compliance and why human expertise is necessary. → Why failing to address sales tax early can lead to costly liabilities down the road.   Jared Smithson is the Co-Founder of a multimillion-dollar consultancy specializing in e-commerce tax compliance. As a leading authority for 7-figure e-commerce sellers, Jared has helped over 5,000 businesses achieve bulletproof US tax compliance without operational headaches. His expertise spans multi-state sales tax mastery, seamless US market entry for international brands, and building audit-proof, scalable compliance systems. Jared's work has earned his firm the #1 spot on Trustpilot for tax preparation and company registry in the US, making him a trusted partner for Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, and DTC brands preparing for acquisition   Connect With Jared Smithson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjmtaxexemption/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rjmexpand/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rjmtax/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oleksii (Alex) Lunkov joins Alicia Esposito to unpack how meaningful constraints fuel creativity in an age of algorithmic abundance. From Saint Sophia's 9 million glass cubes to the digitization of Berry Bros. & Rudd's 300-year heritage, this conversation navigates the tension between AI efficiency and human authenticity. Discover why 95% of AI pilots fail, how brands become cultural ambassadors, and what fractional leadership means for tomorrow's commerce teams.When Centuries of Heritage Meet the eCom Product PageKey takeaways:Meaningful constraints drive better creative outcomes. Removing all friction from digital experiences leaves us wondering why we don't feel anything.AI dramatically increases individual productivity, but human oversight remains essential for tone preservation, fact-checking, and maintaining brand authenticity.Successful brands act as cultural ambassadors, translating something unique through their channels while balancing best practices with distinctive identity.The fractional work revolution emerges at the intersection of AI-enhanced productivity, volatile job markets, and businesses seeking expertise without long-term commitment.Most AI implementations fail because teams don't understand the technology's actual capabilities and limitations before deploying it.[00:06:14] "We removed all the friction, and we wonder why we don't feel anything." - Oleksii, quoting Phillip Jackson[00:11:40] "In order to build a personal brand, you need a person to be behind that brand." - Oleksii[00:28:48] "AI adoption is this huge spike on the top and then very long tail afterwards." - OleksiiAssociated Links:Read Oleskii on InsidersCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When you think about transformation in beauty, few stories are as fascinating as the one unfolding at Rodan + Fields.  In this episode, Rose Hamilton, CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Anncy Rowe, Chief Commercial Officer, who is leading the company through one of the most ambitious reinventions in the industry — evolving from a billion-dollar direct-selling brand into a modern omni-channel powerhouse.  Anncy's background includes some of the most iconic names in beauty — Maybelline, Garnier, and IT Cosmetics — and she's now using that experience to bridge legacy and innovation at Rodan + Fields. What struck me most about Anncy's leadership is her ability to balance conviction and curiosity. She's fiercely protective of the brand's DNA — its female-founded roots, dermatology-driven credibility, and loyal consultant community — while introducing fresh storytelling, modern retail partnerships, and a bold "Love What You See" campaign that redefines clinical luxury for today's consumer. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: * Purpose Meets Reinvention: How Rodan + Fields is blending its heritage of women-led dermatology with a new omni-channel model that meets consumers wherever they shop — from consultants to DTC to Ulta. * Clinical Luxury, Redefined: The brand's unique formulation philosophy — "no more, no less" — and why restraint, not volume, is the most powerful form of innovation. * Storytelling with Conviction: Anncy's approach to brand transformation is rooted in founder DNA, purpose, and authenticity rather than chasing trends. * Female-Founded Advantage: How being the #1 female dermatologist-founded skincare brand is both a point of pride and a call to elevate more women in science and leadership. * Culture as the Growth Engine: Inside the company's transformation — from hiring and leadership mindset shifts to building agility, clarity, and confidence across teams. Join us in listening to this episode to hear how Anncy Rowe and the Rodan + Fields team are proving that legacy and reinvention can coexist beautifully — and that true transformation starts with purpose, people, and belief. For more on Rodan & Fields, visit: https://www.rodanandfields.com/en-us/ 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!

Reuben Carranza knows a good brand when he sees it.  Bansk Beauty, where he serves as executive chairman, made headlines in September after acquiring the buzzy, clinical skin-care brand Byoma. It's part of the late-stage private investment firm's growing beauty roster, which includes Amika, Eva NYC and Ethique.  “No. 1, they're on a tear, right? They're growing rapidly. But I think what we loved about them was the story,” he told Glossy on stage at this week's annual Glossy Beauty and Wellness Summit about its Byoma acquisition. “It's the story: they've de-complicated complicated skin-care routines.”  Carranza kicked off the Summit with a special live podcast recording, where he shared insights into the firm's investment philosophy and growth plans for its brands. He also shared career advice from his stacked CV, which includes more than two decades at P&G and leadership roles at R+Co Hair, Kate Somerville skin care, and more.  This special session is ahead, but first, hosts Lexy Lebsack and Emily Jensen share highlights from the Summit and dig into the news of the week.  First up, the hosts break down the latest from Tylenol- and Neutrogena-owner Kenvue. Kimberly-Clark Corp. will acquire Kenvue Inc. in a deal valued at $48.7 billion. Kimberly-Clark's portfolio includes consumer brands like Huggies, Kleenex and Cottonelle. Next up, a look at Skims's buzzy new hire. Diarrha N'Diaye was named evp, beauty and fragrance of Kim Kardashian's upcoming Skims Beauty. N'Diaye has worked in marketing and branding for the likes of Glossier and L'Oréal, and was most recently the founder of Ami Colé, which shuttered in July. She will lead product development, innovation and brand strategy for Skims's upcoming beauty launch.  Finally, an analysis of a hefty investment in Blueprint, the supplement company from American entrepreneur and biohacker Bryan Johnson. The company has taken on $60 million in funding from investors like Kim Kardashian, Ari Emanuel, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and many more big names. Johnson is best known for documenting his quest to age in reverse on YouTube and through the Netflix film “Don't Die.” Blueprint currently offers a variety of products DTC, including drink mixes, supplements and skin care. 

What if the secret to scaling your brand wasn't your ads, but the speed of your design process? In this solo episode, Nik pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest competitive moats in DTC: building high-converting landing pages fast. He unpacks how the most successful brands (from Hint Water to today's fastest-growing supplement and apparel companies) win not by spending more, but by testing faster, designing smarter, and iterating relentlessly. Nik walks through the five essential questions every page must answer: “What is it?”, “Why does it exist?”, “How will it benefit me?”, “How fast do I get it?”, “Why should I trust this brand?” He also shares the lessons he learned building Sharma Brands, why most designers fail at conversion design, and how speed in testing, feedback loops, and UX clarity can turn a good brand into a category leader. If you're a marketer, founder, or designer trying to figure out how to make your website sell instead of just looking pretty, this is your guide. What's Instant? They're the secret weapon to triple your email revenue with AI-powered flows. Instead of blasting the same cart reminders to everyone, Instant ensure every shopper gets a unique email experience: Copy, products, and offers that adapt to your shopper's behavior in real time. Emails sent at the exact moment that shopper is most likely to buy. 11+ abandonment flows live in minutes. Book a demo by Nov. 15 to get 50% off your first 60 days. Make this BFCM your biggest one yet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instant.one/limited⁠ Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.   Check out the Nik's DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ   And if you're looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik's most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.   Follow Nik: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of the DTC Podcast, we talk with Ben Perkins, founder of &Collar — a men's performance dress shirt brand that's scaling smart by rigorously testing what works. Ben breaks down how they use Intelligems to uncover pricing and shipping threshold wins, and how they're segmenting customers to align messaging and creative for maximum return.What you'll learn in this episode:How a 4-way price test on a single SKU using Intelligems led to an extra $1.99/unit without conversion lossThe impact of testing free shipping thresholds ($75, $125, etc.) on AOV vs. conversionHow to define and target “recurring & required” customer personas for profitable acquisitionWhy your core SKU may deserve more focus (50% of &Collar's sales are still from their white dress shirt)How to evaluate agency and team performance with contribution margin logicIf you've ever relied on intuition or competitors when setting prices or shipping offers, this episode will challenge you to test with precision — and scale what works.Timestamps00:00 – Price testing with Intelligems on &Collar's best-selling dress shirts03:00 – Founding story and early years of &Collar's growth journey06:00 – Post-pandemic market shifts and targeting “recurring & required” buyers09:00 – SKU expansion challenges and focusing on the white shirt advantage12:00 – Persona-based creative strategy and micro-segmentation for growth15:00 – Discovering the $49.99 price sweet spot through A/B testing18:00 – Testing free-shipping thresholds and increasing conversion rates21:00 – Focusing on new customer acquisition and top-of-funnel strategy24:00 – Always be testing: CRO roadmap and platform optimization27:00 – Tracking profitability per visitor, product, and employee30:00 – Long-term vision for &Collar and the road to a potential exitHashtags:#DTCpodcast #Intelligems #AndCollar #PricingStrategy #ABTesting #EcommerceGrowth #DTCbrands #ConversionRateOptimization #ShopifyBrands #EmailMarketing #CustomerAcquisition #BusinessStrategy #Profitability #Ecommerce Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Join speakers from IQVIA Digital and IQVIA Applied AI Science as they discuss DTC marketing and governance as we head into 2026. Step into the future of health media at the MM+M Media Summit on October 30th, 2025 live in NYC! Join top voices in pharma marketing for a full day of forward-thinking discussions on AI, streaming, retail media, and more. Explore the latest in omnichannel strategy, personalization, media trust, and data privacy—all under one roof. Don't wait—use promo code PODCAST for $100 off your individual ticket. Click here to register!    AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket!    Check us out at: mmm-online.com   Follow us:  YouTube: @MMM-online TikTok: @MMMnews Instagram: @MMMnewsonline Twitter/X: @MMMnews LinkedIn: MM+M   To read more of the most timely, balanced and original reporting in medical marketing, subscribe here. Music: “Deep Reflection” by DP and Triple Scoop Music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rachel Hochhauser and Jena Wolfe didn't quit their jobs to build Piecework Puzzles—and that's exactly why it worked. The cofounders share how they turned a stormy weekend experiment into a multi-million dollar lifestyle brand, all while maintaining full-time careers. As VP of Marketing for Goop Kitchen, and renowned Author and creative agency owner, the duo are mastering the art of balancing everything, in real time. From starting with just four puzzle designs shot in Rachel's grandmother's garage, to spawning an entire aesthetic movement in the industry, Rachel and Jena have made their mark. They aren't afraid to do things differently, constantly learning and iterating from production nightmares and successful campaign launches. Discover their unconventional approach to entrepreneurship, product development, and world building in this candid interview. They both reveal why bootstrapping gave them the creative freedom they craved, how they navigate being business partners and best friends, and the unexpected pivot that led to their viral cocktail napkin line.In This Episode You'll Learn: Why NOT taking investor money gave them complete creative controlThe “advice tour” strategy that helped them solve business problemsHow they went from puzzles to viral tomato napkins (and why that shouldn't have worked)What happened when their manufacturer dropped them during the pandemicWhy working with your best friend can actually be brilliantTheir approach to brand partnerships with everyone from Goop to Better Homes & Gardens Chapters:00:00 Introducing Piecework Puzzles and The Stormy Weekend That Started It All 3:30 How to Find Your Gap In the Market & Stand Out6:00 Design Philosophy 101: How to Create Products That People Connect With8:40 The Importance of Creative Freedom & How to Obtain It!10:45 How to Run a Successful Business with Your BFF13:50 Starting Cultural Moments: The Origins of The Tomato Craze16:20 The Product Expansion That Shouldn't Have Worked (But Did)20:15 Advice for Overcoming Manufacturing Nightmares23:00 The “Advice Tour” Strategy That Has Saved Piecework Puzzles26:49 Brand Partnerships: From Goop to Broccoli Magazine29:15 Addressing Dupe Culture… 32:45 Leadership Tips For Building a Lean & Productive Team Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Today, I'm joined by Jared Pobre, founder & CEO of Caldera + Lab.   Launched in 2019, Caldera + Lab is revamping men's medicine cabinets with proprietary premium skincare formulas specifically engineered for guys.   In this episode, we discuss building a biotech-driven men's personal care brand.   We also cover:   Targeting the longevity-minded male consumer Prioritizing proprietary R&D over repurposed formulas Developing distribution strategies and hospitality partnerships   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcastSubscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribeFollow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider Caldera + Lab's Website: www.calderalab.com  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/CalderaLab/page/2A608586-7E58-411C-8057-FFD688968227   -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart workout solutions for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:08) Jared's background and Caldera + Lab overview (01:33) The evolution of men's skincare since 2016 (03:02) Formulation differences: women's vs. men's skincare (04:32) Custom formulations vs. menu-based co-manufacturing (06:24) Pioneering proprietary ingredients for men (08:00) Building the brand with bootstrapped resources (10:30) Clinical studies and efficacy testing (13:00) Customer acquisition and finding product-market fit (15:30) DTC and Amazon as core distribution channels (17:45) Storytelling and messaging strategy (21:53) Balancing scientific credibility with consumer messaging (23:12) Targeting the longevity-minded male consumer (25:11) Retail expansion strategy and Series A funding (26:15) Country clubs, luxury hotels, and hospitality partnerships (27:26) Product roadmap (28:49) Conclusion  

Billboards are back–and smarter than ever. Forget pop-ups and crowded social feeds. Forward-thinking marketers are reimagining out-of-home advertising as a precision growth channel and yielding real results. Today's guest is Greg Wise, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at OneScreen.ai, where he's helping modern brands move beyond the screen and back into the streets.  After starting his career at HubSpot and working in commercial real estate, Greg spotted an overlooked opportunity: integrating data-driven marketing into the world of physical advertising. Now, he's helping B2B and DTC companies rethink how and where they show up–online and off. How Founders Can Use Physical Ads to Build a Stronger Brand If you're relying on performance digital marketing alone, you're leaving brand equity on the table. Greg explains why founders at high-growth companies are turning to old-school channels—such as billboards and in-store signage—to cut through the digital noise and stay top of mind.  Why Out-of-Home Advertising is Easier Than You Think Greg shares how platforms like OneScreen are making it easier than ever to plan, buy, and measure out-of-home campaigns with real data–think billboards, bus stops, airport signage, and even wrapped cars.  You'll learn how B2B teams are using out-of-home advertising to reach niche audiences by location and profession, and track web lift just like digital marketing. Some of their campaigns are driving over 130% increases in website activity—and you'll hear exactly how. This episode is packed with practical ideas on how to blend real-world and online campaigns, as well as why investing in your brand today makes conversions easier, cheaper, and faster tomorrow. Enjoy this episode with Greg Wise… Soundbytes 39:47 - 40:07 "Doing out of home can increase web lift conversions by 134%...For B2B companies. …For DTC companies was well over 200%." 44:10 - 44:39 "The performance marketer might generally think about it as someone who's focused on the bottom of a funnel, the people that are ready to buy, the people that are ready to convert. But that's potentially 5%. It's the 95-5 rule. 95% of your target audience and your target customer base are not in the market to buy right now, and for years, we've ignored those people. The way you go after those people is through brand work." 33:49 - 34:02 "We need that physical location, to show up in the real world, in the places where our customers are, so they can see and touch and feel, try on, experience, and then we don't care if they buy it in the store or if they buy it online." Quotes "How are you communicating brand in a way that can be memorable and stand out?" "The problem is that people don't really know how to do it right if they've never done it before." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.onescreen.ai/  Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwise/  Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website?  Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

Most brands focus on what works in November. Smart brands plan for what happens in January. In Part 2 of our Black Friday Growth Series, Jim Huffman shares the strategic lens every DTC operator should adopt before running another BFCM campaign.Following up on the tactical BFCM episode, Jim goes deeper — exploring the downstream effects of your Q4 strategy and how to win long-term. He covers what separates high-ROI brands from revenue-chasers, how to evaluate customer acquisition quality during peak season, and how to balance margin, brand, and lifetime value when everyone else is just trying to “make noise.” This isn't about bigger discounts. It's about smarter growth.TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S EPISODEThe biggest mistake brands make during BFCMHow to set Q4 goals that don't backfire in Q1Why who you acquire in Q4 matters more than how manyOffers that build loyalty vs offers that attract deal-chasersHow to use BFCM for email growth and long-term leverageThe mindset shift that separates pro operators from seasonal brandsResources:Growth Marketing OS (Operating System) GrowthHitJim Huffman websiteJim's LinkedinJim's TwitterThe Shopify Growth School Additional episodes you might enjoy:Startup Ideas by Paul Graham (#45)Nathan Barry: How to Bootstrap a Company to $30M in a Crowded Market (#41)How I Met My Biz Partner and Less Learned Hitting $2M ARR (#44)Ryan Hamilton on his Netflix special, touring with Jerry Seinfeld, & how to write a joke (#10)How We're Validating Startup Ideas (#51) 

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupWelcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we're joined by Seth Waite, Founder and Buyer Psychologist at Schaefer, where he helps CPG and food and beverage brands unlock growth by digging into the real reasons people buy.In this episode, we cover:Why knowing your customer via demographics isn't enough - the shift to behaviors, motivations, and jobs-to-be-done.How to build a "Why People Buy Pyramid" for your brand and map messaging across basic needs, emotional values, personal growth, and community.How to recognize true product-market fit in a DTC/CPG context (hint: when the only thing stopping you from selling more is budget).Why targeting the small obsessed segment matters (the "kingpin strategy") and how that unlocks long-term scale and profitable growth.Practical tips for talking to customers today - simple interviews, replacement questions, and how to turn qualitative insights into segmentation and messaging.Best moments you'll want to scan for:• "Demographics are interesting ... but they're not always insightful."• "What you should be telling is the customer's story - these are the occasions you'll have with our product."• "If the only reason why you're not selling more is money ... you've got product-market-fit."• The breakdown of the Why People Buy Pyramid and how it applies to food and beverage brands.• How brands like Oreo and Liquid Death illustrate layering of needs, emotional values, and community.Whether you're launching a new DTC food brand, scaling a snack or beverage line, or trying to sharpen your segmentation and messaging, you'll walk away with concrete frameworks and a clearer path to growth.00:00 - Introduction: Why People Buy01:20 - From Sam's Club to Walmart: Studying Real Buyer Behavior05:12 - Motivations vs. Demographics12:15 - Oreo: How to Own a Category18:03 - Brand Psychology, Packaging, and Subconscious Triggers26:06 - What Product-Market Fit Actually Looks Like32:28 - Tell Their Story, Not Yours39:13 - How to Actually Get Insight (Without a $150K Research Budget)#ConsumerPsychology #WhyPeopleBuy #CPGMarketing #BrandStrategy #ProductMarketFit #CustomerInsights #BehavioralScience #MarketingPsychology #FoodAndBeverage #DTCMarketing #MotivationBasedMarketing #EmotionalBranding #DataDrivenMarketing #OreoCaseStudy #LiquidDeathMarketing #FishwifeBrand #CustomerResearch #FounderStrategy #MarketingPodcast #DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Ringo Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of Ecosa, has spent nearly a decade transforming how people buy mattresses: and now, how they sleep. What began as a bold move into the DTC bedding space has evolved into a global sleep brand with operations spanning Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and beyond.Today, we're discussing:How to build an edge competitors can't replicate - even in a copycat marketWhat Ecosa learned from a 15-month product flop (and why Ringo calls it a win)The AI tools cutting Ecosa's product development time in halfThe real secret to staying lean while still blowing customers awayWhy genuine word-of-mouth will always beat referral codesConnect with RingoExplore EcosaSMS us to request a guest!Support the showWant to level up your ecommerce game? Come hang out in the Add To Cart Community. We're talking deep dives, smart events, and real-world inspo for operators who are in it for the long haul. Connect with Nathan BushContact Add To CartJoin the Community

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 31st 2025. Japan's Kirin Holdings has put Four Roses up for sale, Big Thirst and Pour Now have partnered to launch an AI-driven e-commerce platform for the alcohol industry, and Hardin's Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is releasing the Warehouse Series. Show Notes: Castle & Key Distillery named Sherrie Moore, a veteran with five decades of experience who started at Jack Daniel's, as its new Whisky Plant Manager Heritage Distilling is closing five retail tasting rooms to focus on high-margin contract production and DtC, aiming to reduce expenses by over $5 million Japan's Kirin Holdings put its Four Roses bourbon brand up for sale, with a $1 billion valuation expected, to focus on healthcare Green River Distilling Co. is offering free, personalized labels for their bourbon bottles as a holiday gift to customers Big Thirst and Pour Now launched an AI-driven e-commerce platform uniting online sales channels for the alcohol industry Frank August released CASE STUDY: 06 | LEGACY RESERVE, a multi-award-winning, blended 8-to-10-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Hardin's Creek released the Warehouse Series, a three-part, 11-year-old collection highlighting the impact of different aging microclimates Rare Character Whiskey launched the inaugural annual release of Old Cassidy 2025, a cask-strength blend with an 18-year-old Kentucky bourbon base Alan Jackson's Silverbelly Whiskey is expanding with the limited-edition "Last Call" straight bourbon, commemorating his 67th birthday and final concert Bluegrass Distillers released the limited 9-year single barrel Elkwood Reserve bourbon (inspired by Thorpedo Anna), with 50% of profits benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund James B. Beam Distilling Co. introduced Knob Creek 21 Year Old at $249.99, the oldest expression in the brand's history Ross & Squibb Distillery brought back the limited-edition Remus Gatsby Reserve, a 15-year, 102.8-proof bourbon with Art Deco packaging Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the release of his work, The War of the Worlds Did Not Take Place, Nick Susi joins the pod to unravel the real War of the Worlds myth: not alien panic, but a battle between newspapers and radio that manufactured mass hysteria. Phillip, Brian, and Nick explore how narrative form shapes collective memory, why brands weaponize conflict for attention, and what happens when everything becomes participatory fan fiction.Behind the Curtain of Inherited MythKey takeaways:Structured narratives outlast formless truth in collective memory.Brands now weaponize conflict and controversy for attention economics.Everything is becoming participatory, co-created, and infinite fan fiction."The War of the Worlds is not actually a war between humans and aliens. It's really this war between mediums." — Nick Susi"We've entered the phase of the attention economy where the game is attention at any and all costs." — Nick Susi"People don't want to share the thing. They want to share their experience of the thing." — W. David Marx (referenced)"Awareness does not decrease manipulation necessarily." –– Brian"We've become much more aware of the act of storytelling as a culture, like we see the artifice of storytelling and we appreciate the act of it itself." –– PhillipIn-Show Mentions:The War of the Worlds performance piece and publication by Nick SusiOrder The War of the Worlds Did Not Take Place on MetalabelBlank Space by W. David MarxInsiders #196: Time After Time by Brian LangeAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oisin O'Connor is the CEO and co-founder of Recharge, the leading subscription management platform powering 75% of all Shopify subscriptions. Under his leadership, Recharge has become a critical infrastructure partner for over 30,000 brands, reaching 100 million subscribers and $100 million ARR.In this episode of DTC Pod, Oisin pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to win with subscriptions in today's DTC landscape. He shares insider strategies for subscriber growth, optimizing retention, and leveraging Recharge's newest AI-powered tools to minimize churn. Oisin also shares specific benchmarks every brand should measure, real-world examples of subscription funnels that convert, and actionable experiments operators can run to unlock long-term profitability and scale.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Evolution of subscriptions in physical product e-commerce2. How to spot and create product-market fit 3. Differentiators that set Recharge apart from early competitors4. The compounding power of subscriptions for long-term growth5. Unit economics, LTV vs CAC, and why retention is king6. What best-in-class subscription brands do differently7. Optimizing conversion funnels for subscriber growth8. Subscription benchmarks: churn rates, retention, and second order metrics9. Reducing churn with data, cancellation flows, loyalty, and rewards10. Automations and integrating Recharge with supply chain and 3PL operations11. Leveraging AI Concierge for customer retention and support12. Evolving customer experience and the need for seamless subscription management13. How Recharge guides merchants with data, support, and innovation14. Experiments and mistakes founders make launching subscription brandsTimestamps00:00 Oisin's background, founding story, and early agency experiments04:06 The rise of Shopify and the breakthrough with Recharge05:19 The subscription model: initial skepticism and quirky early adopters06:47 Technical challenges in enabling subscriptions on Shopify09:00 First major subscription brand success story10:15 Compounding growth through subscriptions11:36 Legacy brands and decades-long customer retention13:06 Building DTC businesses with sustainable unit economics14:37 Lessons from TV advertising history and the narrowing of scalable models16:29 Key traits of successful subscription businesses17:09 Product, recurring need, and conversion strategy18:27 Understanding subscriber value and optimizing acquisition19:26 Retention: keeping customers post-acquisition  19:52 High-performing brands and funnel design20:05 Subscription by default, offers, upsells, and cross-sells21:39 Conversion tactics from PDP to post-checkout22:38 Benchmarks for healthy churn and retention23:06 How top brands reduce churn and track performance24:58 Recharge tools: analytics, cancellation flows, Klaviyo integration26:41 Rewards and automations to boost retention27:33 Automate flows for backend fulfillment and logistics28:20 Launching AI SMS concierge for subscriber experience29:40 Reducing customer service friction and delighting shoppers32:15 Customer experience as a core differentiator34:04 The competitive subscription landscape: Recharge's position35:41 Product innovation, support, and actionable guidance37:16 Data-driven product innovation and merchant success38:04 The future of subscription, retention, and platform innovation40:38 Biggest mistakes founders make with subscriptions41:58 Experiments founders should run with Recharge42:58 Where to connect with Oisin for advice and mentorshipShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokOisin O'Connor - Co-Founder and CEO of RechargeBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of the DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck sits down with Dougie, Head of the Google team at Pilothouse, to unpack how DTC brands can and should use YouTube advertising more strategically — especially when trying to build awareness and capture new demand before peak periods such as BFCM.Key moments & actionable insightsWhy YouTube upper‑funnel campaigns often fail: mis‑targeted audiences, automated overrides, and device‑versus‑user mismatch.How to set up placement, topic and keyword exclusions to avoid low‑quality traffic (e.g., gaming, ASMR, children's content).The importance of checking the actual served demographics in your audience reporting and comparing to your true converter demographics.How optimising for new customer conversions (instead of all conversions) can yield significant gains (e.g., +50% new customers, +15% share of new customers via Google).Why narrow geo‑targeting for awareness campaigns can improve measurability of incremental lift.Why brand‑lift studies may not be the most reliable metric and what alternatives to use (brand search lift, remarketing behaviour, time‑on‑site post‑click).Distinguishing between YouTube for pure awareness vs YouTube driving demand capture, and how budgets and measurement should differ accordingly.Whether you're a performance marketer at a growing DTC brand, or scaling marketing budgets and looking to break through awareness ceilings, this episode gives you tactical controls, audit steps and measurement frameworks to make your YouTube spend work harder.Timestamps00:00 – Why most advertisers are targeting the wrong audiences02:10 – How misaligned content (like kids' or gaming videos) wastes budget05:00 – The sneaky Demand Gen setting sabotaging your audience08:00 – How to force Google to find new customers only11:40 – Using Audience Insights to audit your actual converters14:00 – The evolution of YouTube as a top-of-funnel growth channel17:00 – Why Brand Lift studies can't be trusted and what to measure instead18:40 – Narrower geo-targeting for better awareness results20:00 – Step-by-step audit to fix your top-of-funnel YouTube campaignsHashtags#YouTubeAds #GoogleAds #YouTubeMarketing #PerformanceMarketing #DTC #Pilothouse #MarketingPodcast #AdStrategy #DemandGen #DigitalAdvertising Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://www.pilothouse.co/?utm_source=AKNF556Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

In this episode of The DTC Insider, Brian Roisentul sits down with Dr. Christine Colamonico, co-founder of Jope (Joy of Pets). Jope is a science-backed pet supplement brand created by two veterinarians on a mission to improve animal health. We discussed:The origin story of Jope and how her dog inspired the brandTransitioning from veterinary practice to entrepreneurshipBuilding a science-backed product in an unregulated supplement marketGrowing a DTC pet brand through Meta ads and customer loyaltyChallenges of scaling in a changing e-commerce landscapeWhy customer experience and education are at the core of Jope's retention strategyThe pros and cons of launching with one hero productExpanding from dogs to cats: product diversification and strategic timingThe power of calling customers and building genuine relationshipsLessons on patience, resilience, and staying authentic as a first-time founderThis episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

It is complitcated. Life. Wine. And to help clear up the wine complication (not sure there is a way to uncomplicate life), is Charlotte Selles. With a distinctive path to her new company Tassei, she brings to the table a wealth of experience cloaked in knowedge, philosophy and experience. She is like a wine savant. She was in LA for a speaking gig and breaved an unusual SoCal downpour to come to studio to share her spirit. Charlotte Selles is the kind of guest who'll have you reconsidering not just what's in your wine glass, but why you care in the first place. You think you know luxury in wine? Not so fast. Drawing on her roots in Paris, direct experience with Beaujolais, and a career arc that went from family negotiations to the boardrooms of Robert Mondavi and Jackson Family Wines, Charlotte uproots every tired assumption about what makes a winery—or a wine—worth chasing. Listen closely and you'll discover why luxury isn't about price tags or pedigrees, but about resilience, grit, and the tension that comes from pouring your soul into the vineyard, braving storms—literal and figurative—and nurturing a legacy. But this episode doesn't stop with terroir. Charlotte takes you to the frontlines of modern wine business, from the misguided myth of floodgates marketing to the high-stakes realities of retention, data analytics, and AI in today's DTC world. She'll have you rethinking the purpose of your tasting room, craving the deep relationships behind the best bottles, and maybe even second-guessing whether a discount culture can ever breed true loyalty. By the end, you'll have a new definition of success—not in cases sold, but in customers kept, relationships built, and a business as alive and evolving as the wine itself. Walk away with a fresh understanding of the true business of wine, grounded in purpose, powered by connection, and ready for an uncertain but thrilling future. Jackson Family Wines Website: https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com Constellation Brands Website: https://www.cbrands.com Robert Mondavi Winery Website: https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Website: https://www.woodbridgewines.com Trader Joe's Website: https://www.traderjoes.com Gallo (E. & J. Gallo Winery) Website: https://www.gallo.com Enolytics Website: https://www.enolytics.com Commerce7 Website: https://www.commerce7.com Wine Direct Website: https://www.winedirect.com The Wine Group Website: https://www.thewinegroup.com Verité Winery Website: https://www.veritewines.com KNL (K&L Wine Merchants) Website: https://www.klwines.com Wally's Wine & Spirits Website: https://www.wallywine.com #WineTalksPodcast, #CharlotteSelles, #PaulKalemkiarian, #LuxuryWine, #WineBusiness, #DTCWine, #WineInnovation, #CustomerRetention, #WineMarketing, #AIandWine, #NapaValley, #Beaujolais, #BrandStrategy, #SonomaState, #CriticalThinking, #WineRelationships, #WineConsulting, #Entrepreneurship, #WineIndustryInsights, #CommunityBuilding Charlotte Selles is a dynamic leader in the wine industry, known for blending deep expertise with an adventurous spirit. Born in Paris, Charlotte grew up immersed in wine thanks to her father's work in the négociant industry and an ambitious, if slightly misguided, attempt to become a gentleman farmer in Beaujolais. Through this early exposure, she witnessed first-hand the highs and lows of wine production, gaining a nuanced understanding of luxury and the grit required to succeed. Charlotte made the leap to the U.S. in her early twenties, bringing with her a suitcase of Beaujolais and a healthy dose of courage. Over the years, she carved out a reputation as an innovative strategist, serving as the general manager of the renowned Robert Mondavi Winery and Constellation Brands. She also held the position of Vice President of International Portfolio Strategy for Jackson Family Wines, steering global growth for one of the industry's heavyweights. Her journey ultimately led her to found Tissay, where she now works as CEO, advising premium vineyards and artisan wineries on brand management and growth. Tissay specializes in helping wineries recover from overexpansion, transition to new business models, and build meaningful relationships with their core customers. Charlotte's approach is anything but one-size-fits-all; she champions retention marketing, customer data analysis, and strategic focus, drawing on her broad experience in both the European and American wine landscapes. In addition to her consulting work, Charlotte teaches at the Sonoma State Wine Business Institute and speaks on topics ranging from leadership and innovation to global market evolution. She's well-known for her wit, candor, and commitment to elevating both wine and the people behind it. Her path, from Paris to California's wine country, is proof that embracing adventure—and a bit of chaos—can lead to extraordinary results.

Discover the best Black Friday Cyber Monday strategies from 13 successful founders. Get actionable tips on sales, inventory, marketing, and more for 2025. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley conducts a live strategy audit with eCommerce brand owner Charlie Mckenzie. They discuss advanced Amazon sales strategies, including keyword optimization, targeted PPC and product targeting ads, and leveraging Google Ads to custom Amazon Store pages for higher conversions. Josh emphasizes the importance of product innovation, catalog expansion, and understanding customer intent. Charlie receives actionable advice on improving ad efficiency, refining product listings, and sourcing new product ideas from platforms like Etsy. The episode offers practical tips for boosting Amazon performance and sustainable brand growth.Chapters:Introduction and Brand Overview (00:00:00)Josh introduces Charlie and outlines the brand's focus on a single main product with size variations.Keyword Research and Organic Ranking (00:01:05)Discussion on keyword research, current rankings, and strategies to move up to top organic positions.Amazon PPC and Product Targeting Ads (00:02:07)Advice on using PPC, especially exact match campaigns and product targeting ads against same-color competitors.Leveraging Google Ads and Storefront Landing Pages (00:03:11)Strategy for using Google Ads to drive traffic to custom Amazon store landing pages to improve conversions.Reducing Competitor Distraction and Conversion Optimization (00:04:41)Importance of removing competitor distractions on landing pages to increase conversion rates from external traffic.Charlie's Takeaways and Action Items (00:05:40)Charlie shares his main takeaways, including storefront creation and renewed focus on product targeting campaigns.Testing and Optimizing Product Targeting (00:06:51)Guidance on setting rules for product targeting ads and turning off underperforming campaigns.Product Innovation and Brand Expansion (00:07:34)Discussion on the importance of ongoing product launches and not relying solely on “home run” products.Marketplace Research and Arbitrage Opportunities (00:09:49)Charlie discusses using marketplace research and arbitrage to identify new product opportunities.Finding Trends Outside Amazon (00:10:48)Advice to look for trending products on other platforms (Etsy, DTC sites) and bring them to Amazon.Keyword Research and Listing Optimization (00:12:06)Charlie emphasizes his focus on keyword analytics and listing optimization for organic ranking.Focusing on Customer Needs in Sales Copy (00:12:53)Advice to highlight the root problem the product solves, not just compare features with competitors.Actionable Strategies Recap (00:13:46)Summary of key strategies: product innovation, customer-focused sales copy, and price testing for profit.Closing Remarks (00:15:47)Final thanks and well wishes as the episode concludes.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites  Amazon PPC (Pay-Per-Click Advertising) Google Ads Amazon Store Builder Data Dive Podcast Episodes  Tyler Gregg of Ampd on LinkedIn  Transcripts:Josh 00:00:00  Welcome to the Econ Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in ecommerce. Today I'm speaking with Charlie Mckenzie, and we have recorded a live strategy audit session for you today. Charlie, welcome to the podcast. Thank you very much for having me on, Josh. I'm excited to be here. Awesome. At this point with Charlie Charlie's brand, he's got one skew. Well, he's got multiple skews because he's got some size variations in there, but he's got one product that is generating the sales for this brand. One of the first things that we looked at, for your brand, Charlie, was keyword research. And you're doing a great job of implementing the right search terms in your product title. In fact, you're crushing, you know, the competition in terms of the exact match keywords that you've got implemented in your title, and therefore you're actually ranked on the first page for many of those keywords. However, you're not in the top five positions right on most of those keywords.Josh 00:01:05  And so we then went through and discussed. All right. So what are some strategies that we can employ to. You've already got traction. You're obviously indexed for some of these big keywords. How do you move them up into that 1 to 5. You know organic ranking position? One of the things that we talked about was PPC. And Charlie, you know, you've started dipping your toes in the PPC waters. Initially we talked actually a couple of months ago, and you were not running ads on Amazon. And, you know, I told you like, hey, you should definitely start running some ads on Amazon because it is going to impact your organic ranking. You've been dabbling a little bit in that. My recommendation to you from our session was that, you know, create some exact match, keyword campaigns for those keywords that you're trying to rank for number one. But then number two, one of the things that we've found a lot of success with in our business is product targeting ads on Amazon.Josh 00:02:07  And so rather than just throwing it up against because with your particular product, there's there's other competitors that have different design variations, right. And so rather than just saying, hey, mine's beige, I'm going to go advertise on this pink one or this blue one. You the customer that's looking for a pink, product. They have a specific thought in mind. Right. Same thing. If somebody's looking for blue, like there's a reason why they clicked on the blue listing. So when it comes to setting up your product targeting ad campaigns, one of the things I would definitely recommend is only targeting those competitors that have the exact same color that you have, and you're going to get better performance that way. And what Amazon loves to see is if you can steal sales from those competitor listings, you will shoot ahead of them, on the organic ranking side, and that will allow you to increase your ranking a little bit faster there. In addition to that, we talked about some external marketing that you could be using and that is Google Ads.Josh 00:03:11  I know you've tested this in the past, had about a 200% ACOs there, which isn't great, obviously, but we talked about an additional tactic that you could use that could increase that performance because Amazon is definitely rewarding external traffic, right? in my prior one of the prior podcast episodes, we had Tyler Gregg of Amped on the episode, and he shared some fantastic strategies of how to create Google ads and the best way to maximize, you know, the return on investment on those. One of the big takeaways from that episode is that rather than just driving traffic to your current Amazon detail page, it's going to be better to create a store landing page for yourself. But in that store landing page, you recreate almost the exact way that your detail page looks on Amazon, and there's a specific section on the store builder page that allows you to basically recreate that detail page. That's exactly what you're going to want to do. And the beauty of driving that traffic to your store landing page that is literally identical to your detail page, is that you're able to remove all of your competitors because one of the tips, or I guess, one of the statistics that Tyler shared ...

The CPG Guys are joined in this special Halloween episode by Tim LeBel, Chief Halloween Officer and President of US Sales at Mars Wrigley,Follow Tim on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lebel/ Follow Mars Wrigley on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mars/Follow Mars Wrigley online at: https://www.mars.com/Here's what we asked Tim: Tim, what does ‘Chief halloween officer' mean to you?How does Mars Wrigley think about the role of Halloween in the annual plan? When does Halloween planning start?What shifts have you seen in consumer behavior around Halloween in the past few years? What trends are you seeing this year?How does Mars Wrigley segment its Halloween portfolio (e.g. “everyday” SKUs vs seasonal/limited edition)?  What is the innovation cadence for seasonal items?How do you balance scale vs novelty in Halloween SKUs? How much shelf “real estate” do you devote to your core candies vs seasonal or promotional items?How do you think about the “kid vs adult” consumer dynamic in Halloween candy buying?How do you see e-commerce / DTC / omnichannel evolving for Halloween candy? (E.g. subscription boxes, online-exclusive SKUs, direct-to-consumer offerings, grocery pickup, cross-channel promos.)How do you align with your retail customers (supermarkets, mass, drug, dollar stores, convenience) on Halloween strategies & what is your strategy for securing premium shelf and display space (endcaps, gondolas, checkout lanes) during Halloween?Can you walk us through the innovation pipeline for Halloween SKUs - From ideation to shelf, how long does it take, and how do you “test” new ideas?What role does marketing/ads/PR & retail media play in your Halloween programs?How about social media campaigns/influencers, partnerships, co-markets, influencer tie-ins, event activations.)Looking ahead: what do you see as the biggest opportunities and risks for Halloween candy over the next 5 years?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

This week, I sat down with Rachel Coburn, a fractional marketing leader who's worked with some of the biggest names in health and wellness, including AG1 and Happy V, to talk about what it really takes to build brands that last beyond the hype.We cover growth, brand strategy, and what happens when the pursuit of “acquisition at all costs” starts eroding trust. Rachel brings the kind of honesty and experience that every marketer needs to hear, because she's been on both sides of the equation. From running performance channels to building full marketing ecosystems, her perspective hits hard: retention starts at acquisition, and brand equity starts with truth.Rachel opens up about why the DTC space has lost some of its transparency and how brands can get it back. We talk about the balance between performance and authenticity, why marketing ops deserve way more credit than they get, and how to keep growth and retention teams working together instead of in silos. She also shares her advice for early-stage founders, from who to hire first to why you should bring a CX expert into the conversation before launch, not after.We also dig into creativity and process, two things Rachel refuses to separate. She calls herself a “process freak,” but it's her eye for brand storytelling and love of cinematic content that makes her stand out. Whether she's talking about AI in marketing or the art of a well-crafted ad, Rachel's take is clear: real connection always beats shortcuts.If you're building a brand, leading a marketing team, or rethinking what growth should look like in 2025, this episode is packed with lessons you'll actually want to use.

On episode #178 of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, Jim Joyce and I had a blast chatting with Jonathan Pearce, the thoughtful and forward-looking CEO of Masterlete - and previously the co-founder and CEO of Zipnosis, the company that pioneered asynchronous telemedicine long before it was mainstream. From balancing athlete-grade performance with mental resilience to building a company that refuses to compromise between data and empathy, Jon brings his trademark blend of humility and precision. He also opened up about his own mental health journey, reminding us that resilience isn't just a leadership skill - it's a human one. It's an episode that reminds us - even in a world of algorithms and wearables, the human spirit still defines the win.

AI isn't coming, it's already here. And if it's not driving 25% of your brand's revenue, you're already behind. Nik sits down with Liam Millward, founder and CEO of Instant, the platform powering the next generation of AI-driven email and retention marketing. Liam started Instant at 17, went head-to-head with Shopify, and pivoted into a billion-dollar problem: brands wasting time on email marketing that barely moves the needle. Now, Instant's AI writes, designs, and personalizes every email—no two shoppers ever get the same message twice. Liam breaks down how Instant became one of the fastest-growing AI tools in eCommerce, the difference between generative and agentic AI, and why most brands are still treating AI like a toy instead of a team member. If you're a founder, marketer, or operator trying to figure out where AI actually fits in your business, this is your roadmap. What's Instant? They're the secret weapon to triple your email revenue with AI-powered flows. Instead of blasting the same cart reminders to everyone, Instant ensure every shopper gets a unique email experience: Copy, products, and offers that adapt to your shopper's behavior in real time. Emails sent at the exact moment that shopper is most likely to buy. 11+ abandonment flows live in minutes. Book a demo by Oct 31 to get 50% off your first 60 days. Make this BFCM your biggest one yet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠instant.one/limited⁠ Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.   Check out the Nik's DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ   And if you're looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik's most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.   Follow Nik: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

Katherine Dee, internet culture writer and mastermind behind her popular AM-style call-in show, joins us to explore the archaeology of online life. From dissecting the Friend AI pendant's failed attempt at god replacement to chronicling e-girl evolution in her Meta Label publication, Katherine offers an unvarnished look at how we're moving beyond relentless content production. The conversation navigates haunted objects, the fragmentation of social platforms, and why the future might be more mystical than algorithmic. As AI reshapes proof itself, Katherine argues we're witnessing a cultural shift toward physical witnessing and enchanted meaning-making.Katherine's God Isn't A WhinerKey takeaways:AI companions fail when they gaslight users and demand emotional labor constantlyInternet culture documentation requires trust without judgment to reveal authentic subculturesSocial platforms fragment as users crave stories over gossip and embodied over digitalThe erosion of digital proof drives a turn toward mysticism and magicContent exhaustion pushes creators toward dynamic formats and offline experiencesIn-Show Mentions:Katherine's response to the Friend AI pendantE-girl 001 publicationKatherine's call-in show exploring paranormal and internet cultureReggie James on spiritual technologyAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupHello and welcome to the DTC Podcast. Today's guest is Brenden  Delarua, co‑founder of Stella, the measurement SaaS helping DTC brands convert media spend into real business growth through incrementality testing and media‑mix modelling (at a much lower price than a lot of other platforms).https://stellaheystella.comFollow Brenden on TikTok Why this matters for DTC marketers & media buyers:You're under pressure to justify ad spend with profit, but your on‑platform ROAS doesn't tell the full story.Brenden walks us through how to build and run incremental testing (hold‑out studies) + media‑mix models so you allocate budget to channels that drive real growth.We also dig into his view on channel incrementality: why CTV/YouTube often win, why branded search and retargeting may be traps, and how creative diversity and scaling methodology matter.Key moments in this episode:Why Brenden built Stella (the anxiety of hitting ROAS goals but not seeing P&L growth.)How to set up hold‑out incrementality studies: picking regions, measuring revenue lift, ignoring on‑platform vanity metrics.The “Always On Incrementality” concept: daily causal analysis across campaigns.Creative diversity review: three‑word heuristic to test if your ads are too similar.Campaign structure advice for Meta: testing vs scaling in two campaigns.Hot take on measurement: many brands over‑complicate it (and overpay) without actionable clarity.Future of media buying & AI: creative + measurement convergence.If you're a DTC brand owner, media buyer or marketing leader trying to squeeze more profit from your ad dollars, this conversation will give you a grounded, tactical framework to start measuring and scaling smarter.Timestamps00:00 – Why ROAS doesn't mean ROI and the rise of incrementality02:00 – How Stella helps DTC brands test true ad impact06:00 – The myth of high ROAS campaigns and what's really incremental10:00 – Always-on incrementality and Stella's AI dashboard14:00 – Media mix modeling and improving accuracy for marketers18:00 – Pricing transparency and making incrementality affordable22:00 – Which ad platforms are actually incremental26:00 – Why most marketers overcomplicate incrementality27:00 – Brenden's TikTok growth and its impact on Stella30:00 – Meta's Andromeda update and how creative drives results36:00 – The future of AI and media buyingHashtags#dtcpodcast #incrementality #mediabuying #marketingstrategy #adspend #stella #digitalmarketing #ecommercegrowth #brandstrategy #advertisinganalytics #d2cbrands #metaads #googleads #tiktokmarketing #marketingmeasurement #roas #growthmarketingSubscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Justin Brady builds podcasts & DTC content for iconic brands. He has interviewed the founder of Starbucks and Hint, CEOs of Mattel and GoDaddy, Presidential candidates, Senators, US Ambassadors, #1 New York Times best-selling authors, and cable news personalities. He has written for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review, Brady started The Creativity Cultivator podcast nearly a decade ago with early guests like Matthew E. May, David Burkus, Jessica Kriegel, and Dan Pink. The show would go onto be in the Apple Podcast new and noteworthy charts and the top 1% of podcasts per iHeart Media. Today, Brady has interviewed hundreds of A-List leaders, best-selling authors, CEOs, White House cabinet members, Hollywood celebrities, and billboard performing artists. Brady has hosted numerous livestreams as an anchor/interviewer including a Soar.com stream featuring guest like Rep. Justin Amash, and The Global Peter Drucker stream live from Vienna's Hofburg Palace where he interviewed guests like author Edgar Schein, Pierre Le Manh, CEO of PMI, and Bloomberg Editor, Sarah Green Carmichael. Brady talks to groups on communication and how to use trust channels to rapidly scale relationships. He also leads workshops on content and podcasting strategy. Previous talks have been for Boston Techstars, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, the Minnesota AMA, and Knowledge Summit in Colorado Springs. Brady hosted a talk show on iHeartRadio, interviewing guests like Pauly Shore, Mike Rowe, and six USA Presidential Candidates during the Iowa Caucuses. He wrote on creativity, tech, design thinking, and workplace culture for The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Quartz, The Creativity Post, and The Harvard Business Review. Brady owns Cultivate, a referral-only PR company. His clients have achieved hundreds of millions of impressions in Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, Axios, CNN, and through top influencers and YouTubers like Mr. Beast. To get in touch with Justin: https://justinkbrady.com/ To connect with Tyler: https://www.tylerkamerman.com/

In this episode, Austin Dandridge talks with Jon Howard, founder of JoHo & Co. and longtime outdoor industry marketer, about what it takes to build enduring brands in today's crowded DTC landscape. From shifting outdoor storytelling beyond product specs to developing data-driven customer personas, Jon shares how to align teams, leverage community marketing, and balance wholesale with DTC growth. They unpack post-COVID trends, influencer credibility, evergreen campaigns, and why clarity—not constant chasing—drives long-term success.

This week, we're getting into all things BFCM. What we're doing right now to prep for the most important time of year for DTC marketers and what brands need to be thinking about that most people don't. We dig into pacing, impulse-buyer windows and how to avoid misspending on the day, plus how we're approaching budget planning, Meta performance, and the lessons we've learned from our own campaigns over the years.We also get into what we'd do if we had a new product or brand idea and how we'd validate it in the market, even without a finished product, and the scrappy, cost-effective ways to test before going all in. We break down real examples of brands that nailed their early launches through smart validation and lean marketing, and what you can take from those approaches.To wrap up, Connor R shares the three ideal hires he'd make first if he were building a marketing team from scratch and how those roles can help you execute faster, test smarter, and scale sustainably.Zach Stuck on the Core Marketing Tactics to Drive Growth As You Scale: https://youtu.be/M4xn2aISEbg?si=V_8R4sIklXa487CBIf you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction00:08:05 - Less-Talked-About BFCM Tactics & Insights00:24:17 - BFCM Sale Timelines & Pacing Strategy00:36:46 - Analyzing ROAS Lift & Scaling Spend Pre-BFCM00:53:50 - How to Test & Validate a New Product Idea01:10:14 - The First 3 Hires for a New Growth TeamPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:https://9operators.com/

Let's talk about how NOT to burn yourself to a crisp this Q4.If you're listening to this in real time, the retail holiday season has officially kicked off. Whether you're a product brand or an independent retailer, it's game time. Here's the thing: Q4 doesn't just reward great strategy, it exposes the cracks. It amplifies what's working and what's definitely not.In this episode, we talk about how to protect your peace and your profit through the most chaotic (and lucrative!) time of year.I'm giving you the full rundown on in-season strategy: how to be nimble with your promos, what metrics to track now (not later), and how to simplify to amplify your results without totally draining your energy.Whether you're riding high on early sales or feeling like you're drowning in to-dos, this episode is going to help you finish the year strong—without sacrificing your sanity in the process.Here's what we're diving into:Why Q4 magnifies what's working (and what's not)The biggest mindset shift I want you to make this seasonHow to audit your promos and marketing to align with what's actually sellingWhat metrics you need to track post-Cyber Monday (and why!)Tactical tips to protect your energy AND boost your revenueWhat wholesale buyers are doing right now—and how you can support themWhy doing less but better is the vibe for the rest of the yearWhether you're selling DTC, wholesale, or both, you'll walk away with actionable steps you can implement TODAY to make this your most profitable and peaceful Q4 yet.Enjoy the chat!LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE? 1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire BootcampNEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS? 1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)LET'S CONNECT!Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)? CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE' HEREWebsite: kristinfishercoaching.comInstagram @kristinfishercoachingContact: hello@kristinfishercoaching.com

Send us a textThis video ranks the top 10 most commented clips from past tutorials for Amazon sellers. From keyword mistakes to account verification issues, these tips triggered the most feedback. Learn what got sellers engaged and which topics sparked the strongest reactions.Tired of second-guessing your Amazon setup? Book a strategy call and fix what's costing you sales: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu Crush your end-of-year goals with the Q4 playbook top sellers use to prep for peak season: https://bit.ly/46Wqkm3Prep your ecommerce brand for holiday sales with the 2025 Ecommerce Playbook sellers trust: https://bit.ly/4hbygovWant to watch each videos? Here's the list:Top 10: Amazon Listing Optimization [Master Class] Why the Top Sellers Need to Optimize More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4okSNx5yLsTop 9: SOLVED: How to Fix Secondary Images / Photos NOT Displaying on Amazon FBA (Load UPC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuhFVVwXvYoTop 8: How to Create an Amazon Store Brand Storefront: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BBiOaMehpcTop 7: How to Clear Pesticides Gating Amazon Seller Central (Answer Key): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRbsQvqV3t0Top 6: Seller Identity Verification SIV process for registering Amazon Seller account to sell in USA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHUQ33FZdCcTop 5: How to Set Deposit Method in Seller Central (Bank Account Setup): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIwNlnLH6NQTop 4: Amazon Seller Identity Verification - Now with Live Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOQALWbVh_ETop 3: SOLVED: Connecting Brand Registry to Seller Central Account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxPh0id95RgTop 2: I Dry Fasted for 3 Days - How it Helps Me Become a Better Leader: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSEtlM6RXB0Top 1: Amazon PPC [Master Class] - ACOS Hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gudIjpDMLto-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Stay ahead of platform shifts, download the PPC guide sellers are using to adapt fast: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXDon't wait for customer drop-offs, download the Crisis Kit and protect your listings now: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Stop chasing retail gimmicks, get serious about DTC and grow a brand you control: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrTimestamps00:00 - Why Showing Faces on Listings Drives Sales  00:16 - Product ID Type Field Cannot Be Changed  00:27 - Plug and Play Storefront Setup  00:53 - HubSpot-Style Template Use on Amazon  01:01 - How to Pass the Pesticides Gating Test  01:20 - Common Mistakes When Uploading Documents  01:30 - Fixing Deposit Method in Seller Central  01:51 - What Happens During Amazon's Live Video Call  02:17 - Brand Registry Not Connecting to Seller Central  02:43 - Turning the Body Off and On Again: Account Recovery  03:03 - What to Do With Performing Keywords in Auto Campaigns-------------------------------------------------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

INTELLIGEMSIntelligems brings A/B testing to business decisions beyond copy and design. Test your pricing, shipping charges, free shipping thresholds, offers, SaaS tools, and more by clicking here: https://bit.ly/42DcmFl. Get 20% off the first 3 months with code FARIS20.RICHPANELCut your support costs by 30% and reduce tickets by 30%—guaranteed—with Richpanel's AI-first Customer Service Platform that will reduce costs, improve agent productivity & delight customers at http://www.richpanel.com/partners/ajf?utm_source=spotify.//Kareem Elgendy is the CEO of Veiled, a multiple 8-figure apparel brand running at 15% EBITDA selling modest clothing primarily for Muslim women. If you're interested in working with Kareem's incubator and/or 3PL, visit https://ynkincubator.com.//Most eCommerce brands plateau at $1-3M because they chase growth without fixing unit economics. Kareem L. Gendi, CEO of Veiled, did the opposite — and now runs an 8-figure brand with a 10.68 MER and 40% penetration of his target market. In this episode, you'll learn how a bootstrapped modest apparel brand cracked profitability at scale through ruthless focus on contribution margin, supply chain innovation (including 90-day payment terms from Chinese manufacturers), and strategic retail expansion.This isn't theory — it's the playbook from a founder who survived crushing inventory debt and emerged with a business throwing off real profit.If you're stuck between growth and cash flow, this conversation will rewire how you think about scaling. Kareem breaks down the exact moment they stopped relying on gut and started using data to drive merchandising decisions, how they negotiated payment terms that changed their cash position overnight, and why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the next frontier for DTC brands. You'll also hear about their 3PL and incubator model for operators who want to leverage Veiled's infrastructure. This is essential listening for founders running 7-9 figure brands who are tired of burning cash to hit revenue targets that don't matter.Key Takeaways: - Market penetration strategies for niche audiences- Unit economics that actually drive profitability- Supply chain negotiation tactics- How to scale bootstrapped brands without dilution- Retail expansion done right - GEO and the future of search optimization//CHAPTER TITLES:00:01:07 - What Is Veiled?00:04:11 - Product Variability00:07:55 - Cultural Values & Marketing Strategy00:10:34 - Veiled IS A Profit Monster00:16:45 - Investing In OpEx00:20:21 - Veiled's Top Notch Logistics Strategy00:23:33 - Looking Into The Data00:31:57 - Outsourcing Marketing Needs00:36:14 - Lowering Shipping Costs00:40:13 - Profitability Hacks00:46:50 - Wins & Losses With Supply Chain//SUBSCRIBE TO MY PODCAST FOR 2X/WEEKLY UPLOADS!//ADMISSIONGet the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: ⁠⁠https://www.youradmission.co/andrew-faris-podcast⁠//FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris ⁠Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: ⁠https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupRob Fraser, founder of performance sock brand Outway, returns to the DTC Podcast to share how his business rebounded from flat growth to profitable eight-figure scale. Rob reveals exactly how Outway added Amazon, wholesale, and U.S. distribution, and why 2026 is all about community and brand.This is a must-listen for brand owners scaling past $5M and trying to professionalize ops, expand markets, and stay profitable while doing it.

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 24th 2025. Sazerac is investing more than $38 million to expand its bottling and production, 2025 Craft Spirits Data Project results are in, and it's not surprising, and Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Special Release Tanyard Hill Rye.Show Notes: Jefferson's Bourbon launches "Tradition in the Breaking" campaign with actor Taylor Kitsch to highlight its unconventional approach Sazerac is investing over $38 million to expand its bottling and production capacity in New Albany, Indiana, to meet demand for spirits like Fireball Wholesalers criticize California's new spirits DtC shipping bill, which allows out-of-state craft distillers to ship to the state under a temporary 1-year permit New data from the ACSA shows a second consecutive year of decline for the craft spirits market, with drops in sales volume, value, and employment New Riff and Chattanooga Whiskey debut The Confluence Project, a collaboration featuring two unique Straight Wheat Whiskeys from a single shared mashbill High n' Wicked releases Warlander Blended Straight Whiskey, a 99-proof blend of Kentucky Straight Rye and Bourbon re-barreled for deeper integration Jack Daniel's unveils Single Barrel Special Release Tanyard Hill Rye, a Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye ranging up to 148.8 proof Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlocking E-Commerce Success: Expert Insights on Shopify, AI, and B2B with Mac King of DomaineIn today's fast-changing digital landscape, success in e-commerce requires more than great products—it demands innovation, strategy, and adaptability. In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Mac King, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Domaine, a leading Shopify agency, to explore the latest trends transforming online retail. From the power of AI-driven shopping and B2B growth on Shopify to the revival of branded mobile apps, Mac shares proven strategies for brands aiming to elevate their digital presence and thrive in 2025 and beyond.How AI and Shopify Are Reshaping the Future of E-CommerceMac King emphasizes that artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how consumers discover, compare, and purchase products. AI-powered assistants like ChatGPT are becoming personal shopping guides, meaning brands must optimize their Shopify stores for visibility in these new AI-driven discovery channels. Structured data, schema markup, and detailed product descriptions are no longer optional—they're essential for ensuring your brand appears in AI-generated recommendations.Beyond search, AI also enables personalization that rivals the in-store experience. With tools that track preferences, sizes, and purchase histories, online retailers can now deliver tailored recommendations, dynamic content, and real-time support. Mac advises brands to think like a trusted in-store associate: anticipate customer needs, use data wisely, and make every online interaction feel personal.He also highlights Shopify's growing role in the B2B space. With new features such as wholesale portals, custom pricing, and ERP integrations, Shopify empowers businesses to serve both direct consumers and trade buyers from a single platform. Combined with the resurgence of branded mobile apps—offering direct engagement through push notifications and loyalty rewards—these innovations position brands for long-term growth and customer retention.About Mac KingMac King is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Domaine, where he leads revenue strategy and client partnerships. With years of experience in digital commerce and Shopify development, Mac helps brands integrate technology, storytelling, and customer experience to drive measurable growth. His expertise spans DTC, B2B, and omnichannel strategy.About DomaineDomaine is a top-rated Shopify Plus agency specializing in strategy, design, and custom development for growing e-commerce brands. The company partners with clients across industries to optimize digital storefronts, streamline backend systems, and create seamless, revenue-driving customer experiences. Learn more at meetdomaine.com.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeMac King on LinkedInDomaine WebsiteKey Episode HighlightsAI is transforming how consumers shop, acting as a personalized discovery engine.Shopify's built-in B2B tools create new revenue opportunities for growing brands.Personalization through AI can replicate the “in-store” experience online.Branded mobile apps are regaining popularity for loyalty and direct engagement.Optimizing your store for AI visibility is essential for long-term competitiveness.ConclusionThe future of e-commerce is intelligent, integrated, and deeply personal. As Mac King explains, embracing AI, optimizing for new discovery channels,...

Halloween Horror Nights wasn't always a $575M-per-park juggernaut. When Universal launched Fright Nights in 1991 with just three experimental nights and $12 tickets, they stumbled onto something bigger than a haunted house…they uncovered retail's thirteenth month of revenue. In this Spooky Commerce special, we trace how October became the secret weapon for combating theme park slumps, why Spirit Halloween's pop-up model prints money in dead malls, and what happens when horror becomes the ultimate immersive commerce experience.October: When Pop-Ups Pop OffKey takeaways:Halloween is retail's second-largest holiday and is expected to generate more than $13B in consumer spending this year Universal's Horror Nights operates 48 nights, up from 3 in 1991Spirit Halloween's 1,500 pop-ups generate over $1B in dead retail spacesHorror reflects cultural anxieties through interactive commercePremium ticketing doubles daily revenue for a  single venueIn-Show Mentions:Insiders #210: Spooky Commerce – What Halloween Shopping Trends Tell Us About Modern CultureHalloween Horror Nights WikiForbes: Universal's Halloween Revenue Analysis (2023)National Retail Federation Halloween Spending ReportAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From early experiments in pet tech to running one of the most successful bootstrapped companies in the country, Jacob Zuppke has led Whisker (maker of Litter-Robot®) into a multi-hundred-million-dollar powerhouse. Over the past four years, Whisker surpassed $1B in revenue—all without raising a single dollar of venture capital. With millions of loyal customers across DTC and retail channels, the company is now preparing its most ambitious launch yet: a new generation of connected products that move beyond convenience into personalized pet care. In this episode, Jacob shares the grit of scaling without outside capital, how Whisker became a category-defining brand, and why the future of pet ownership is about more than just cleanup. Make sure to check out Whisker at: https://www.whisker.com/   Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

This is an episode recorded at the PIA VADC conference in Virginia Beach with my man Byron Roberts.  It is a fast, on-the-ground conversation about how Openly built for independent agents, why speed still matters, and how data is shifting from rearview mirror to windshield. Quick recapOpenly's origin story is agent-first. Founders Ty Harris and Matt Duffy asked agents what they actually needed, then shipped a three-question quote experience built to find “diamonds in the rough,” not write everything in sight. The company doubled down on listening loops like ACE, its Agency Council of Excellence, to sanity-check product decisions, fix friction fast, and keep writing business during a stubborn hard market. They are rolling into PL Rating in key states to cut keystrokes, and they see the next frontier as forward-looking data that helps carriers price for tomorrow's weather, not yesterday's. Key takeawaysBuilt by and for independent agents, not DTC. Choice and counsel are the strategy. Three inputs to quote, then verify details to bind accurately and quickly. Think seconds, not hours. ACE council gives Openly real-time agent feedback and a promise to report back on changes. Smart underwriting beats growth at any cost. Openly tightens or tweaks instead of pulling out. PL Rating integrations are in motion to reduce double entry and speed comparisons. Data is shifting from historical to predictive. Actuaries need “crystal balls,” not just rearview mirrors. Notable quotes“Tell me I can't, I'll show you I will.” Byron on persistence. “Three questions, name, date of birth, and address. We can get it.” On the quoting thesis. “We're staying open for these agencies. We don't tighten everything down or pull out.” On disciplined appetite. “We used to look at historical data. Now we need crystal balls.” On forward-looking pricing. Sponsor Smart Choice- The fastest growing insurance network, with 10,000 agencies, 11 billion in written premium written its incredibleCanopy Connect- your 1 click solution to getting the deck pages you need to quote your prospects. 

Acquisition gets all the attention. Retention pays the bills.In this episode of Marketing Mindset, Jordan Narducci and Sebastian Williams unpack how DTC brands can move from chasing new customers to building loyalty that lasts.We dive into:

In this powerful and reflective episode, Susan Vernicek shares a timely reminder sparked by a quote from David Childers: “You have a choice to show up well.” Whether you're in sales, coaching, leadership, or parenting, life is made up of moments. And in each moment, we get to choose how we show up. Recorded fresh off a title sales conference (in the very industry Susan coaches in), this episode invites listeners to drop the pressure of perfection and instead pursue intentional presence. Susan shares how her nearly two decades in sales, coaching, and motherhood have taught her that showing up well isn't about doing it all, it's about how you carry yourself in the doing. You'll hear about: How “showing up well” can change the energy of a room, a conversation, and a relationship Why follow-through, listening, and mindset matter more than hustle How her DTC family and coaching clients are rewriting what success looks like A call to choose consistency over chaos, value over vanity, and connection over performance Key Takeaways: You don't have to show up perfect; you just have to show up well Real growth happens in how you lead, serve, and connect across all life domains Whether you're a title rep, mom, coach, or entrepreneur; your energy speaks first For Listeners to Reflect On: Where in your life are you showing up by default instead of with intention? What would “showing up well” look like in your next client meeting, family dinner, or team call? Let's connect on Instagram: @SusanVernicek or Visit: www.SusanVernicek.com  

A new limited series of the Syneos Health Podcast, Conversations on Commercialization unpacks how biopharma leaders are rewriting the commercial playbook, redefining what it takes to succeed.  In this episode, recorded at Fierce Pharma Week 2025, Tyler Cowan, VP Commercial at Syneos Health, joins Hruta Shah, Senior Engagement Manager for Syneos Health Consulting, to break down the high-stakes race in obesity treatment and the commercial boom around GLP-1 therapies.  You'll hear: What emerging launch strategies look like in a crowded, competitive pipeline and how success is being redefined How GLP-1s are accelerating a shift in stakeholder dynamics, including telehealth, large employers and direct-to-patient platforms Why traditional DTC advertising is evolving and how informed patients are influencing brand messaging The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization. If you want access to more future-focused, actionable insights to help biopharmaceutical companies better execute and succeed in a constantly evolving environment, visit the Syneos Health Insights Hub. The perspectives you'll find there are driven by dynamic research and crafted by subject matter experts focused on real answers to help guide decision-making and investment. You can find it all at https://www.syneoshealth.com/insights-hub. Like what you're hearing? Be sure to rate and review us! We want to hear from you! If there's a topic you'd like us to cover on a future episode, contact us at podcast@syneoshealth.com.

In this conversation, Doug Behrens, CEO of Catalina Crunch, shares the inspiring story of the brand's inception, rooted in founder Krishna Kaliannan's personal journey with Type 1 Diabetes. The discussion delves into the early success, fast growth, and eventual plateau of the brand that warranted a new approach if they wanted to grow past $75 million. Doug highlights the need for profitability in today's market, which empowers them to grow without the need for outside capital, and explains how they took a fresh look at their products and team to reignite growth – emphasizing the importance of mainstream taste, brand authenticity, and consumer trust as they push toward $200 million this year. We wrap up with Doug sharing his vision for a kinder, more sustainable world through better-for-you snacks.Takeaways:Krishna's journey began with a personal need for better snacks.Catalina Crunch started as a DTC brand but retail unlocked real growth.The brand focuses on snack nostalgia while providing healthier options.Doug emphasizes the importance of appealing to mainstream taste when scaling food products.Transitioning from founder-led organization to a scale-experienced leadership team is crucial.Maintaining authenticity and trust is vital for brand success.Profitability is prioritized over speed of growth in today's market.Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier, low-sugar, high-fiber, and high-protein options.The company is methodical about product expansion and innovation.Sustainability and community connection are key to a better world.Sound bites:“He realized, holy cow, I can actually scale this.”“They decided to take it to retail and built it to about a $75 million business the end of 2023.”“The keto trend was on its way down and we were positioned as a keto brand.”“Taste is king of everything.”“Retailers are making decisions inside three to six months. You either have an item that performs or it's gone.”“He stays incredibly frugal in everything he does. For example, if you want to spend more marketing, you have to have more sales.”“Being able to build this business profitably without having to raise more and more money is pretty impressive”“You've got to have purpose has to be aligned with consumer values.”“I think a brand that puts people first, pays people fair, safe working conditions, dignity across everything they do is important.”Links:Doug Behrens - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-behrens-43bb422/Catalina Crunch - https://us.catalinacrunch.com/Catalina Crunch on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/catalina-crunch/Catalina Crunch on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catalinacrunch/Catalina Crunch on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/catalinacrunch……Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 The Genesis of Catalina Crunch08:53 Founder Versus Operator15:01 Navigating Product Innovation and Market Trends20:57 The Importance of Authenticity and Trust26:46 Profitability and Sustainable Growth32:56 Future Vision and Market Opportunities38:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs44:56 Building a Better World Through BrandsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you get when you mix a failed juicer business, Gordon Ramsay's DMs, and the Harley Davidson of cookware? It's a billion-dollar brand called Hexclad. Nik sits down with Danny Winer, the founder who turned frying pans into a lifestyle. Danny breaks down how Hexclad went from selling one pan in 2016 to becoming a global powerhouse, built on storytelling, design, and a community that actually cares about cooking.They talk failure, product launches, Costco roadshows, and how Hexclad became more of a media company than a cookware brand. Plus, Danny shares why Q4 is about planting seeds all year long. If you want to learn how to build a brand that people don't just buy from but believe in, this episode's for you. What's Instant? They're the secret weapon to triple your email revenue with AI-powered flows. Instead of blasting the same cart reminders to everyone, Instant ensure every shopper gets a unique email experience: Copy, products, and offers that adapt to your shopper's behavior in real time. Emails sent at the exact moment that shopper is most likely to buy. 11+ abandonment flows live in minutes. Book a demo by Oct 31 to get 50% off your first 60 days. Make this BFCM your biggest one yet: ⁠⁠⁠instant.one/limited⁠ Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.   Check out the Nik's DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ   And if you're looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik's most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.   Follow Nik: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

What if you could score and rank hundreds of investment funds in mere moments, based on your unique preferences?   In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene interviews Eric Smith, J.D., Chairman & CEO of Decision Technologies Corporation, who discusses their patented decision assistant technology, designed to help investment professionals score and rank mutual funds and ETFs. This powerful tool allows advisors to customize 48 performance factors, enabling them to select the best funds for their clients and providing deeper insights than traditional rating systems like Morningstar. Tune in to learn how this innovative software can transform how you evaluate investments, optimize portfolios, and strengthen client relationships.   Key Takeaways: → Why investment professionals often struggle to understand how their choices compare across the market. → How Decision Technologies' patented tool helps users score and rank investment funds objectively. → How this tool allows you to create personalized ranking systems tailored to your client's goals. → How real-time ranking allows users to monitor funds and adjust as market conditions change. → Decision Technologies provides a game-changing tool for attracting new clients and managing existing investments more effectively.   Eric S. Smith, J.D., is the Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Decision Technologies Corporation (DTC), where he co-invented the company's patented decision-assistance technology. This technology powers DTC's Professional RapidReview Tool (ProRRT) for investment advisors and its Retail Investment Tracking Application (RITA) for individual investors. DTC's transformative technology enables both groups to make informed investment decisions in an increasingly complex financial landscape. Additionally, Mr. Smith serves as President of Trustee Empowerment & Protection, Inc. (TEPI), an SEC-registered investment adviser that helps retirement plan sponsors mitigate risks associated with class-action lawsuits. A licensed institutional investment consultant and attorney with over 22 years of experience in corporate and ERISA law, Eric brings a client-centric perspective to financial services, focusing on empowering individual investors and their advisors. He has spoken at various conferences on fiduciary responsibility, investment decision-making, and the flaws in the financial services marketplace. Connect With Eric: Websitse  https://decisionengines.tech/ https://prorrt.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-smith-82558710/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating Sports Media:   Eric Ratchman - CRO of FanDuel Sports Network - discussed the new era of the RSN model and how they're finding sustainable success after bankruptcy.   He argues that no other media company offers the same combination of local penetration and national scale, appealing to advertisers wishing for year-round content in a given market or those looking to make a deal across markets in one or more sports.   Timestamps: 1:40 - Eric's day-to-day 6:50 - Getting out of bankruptcy and the next 5-10 years 10:40 - DTC 13:00 - Sports betting and their relationship with FanDuel 15:10 - Integrating data with team partners 19:25 - Local reach and nationwide scale 25:45 - Media consolidation 33:45 - Rapid Fire Questions   For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Send us a textThese are the top 10 CTR videos that show how to get more clicks and grow faster on Amazon. Every clip shows a real way to improve product images, ads, and traffic results. Learn how these click-through rate wins turned weak campaigns into strong performers.Dominate this holiday season with the Ultimate Q4 Playbook for sellers who want real wins: https://bit.ly/46Wqkm3Tired of low traffic and wasted ad spend? Book a strategy call and start building a high-CTR listing today: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxuWant to watch each videos? Here's the list to watch on YouTube:Top 10: Amazon CTR is the FASTEST Way to Grow Brand Sales: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMK71-pslMETop 9: Amazon PPC Uncovered: CTR Secrets, Keyword Myths, and Winning Ad Strategies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk-s5GrnIfETop 8: Why CTR is the Most Important Factor in 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2ehC-cZClITop 7: What is a Good Click Through Rate for Amazon PPC? #CTR #AmazonPPC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PShopH19d34Top 6: Why Main Image Affects Sales so Much on Amazon, CTR, Photo Size: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0EaBfH7kZgTop 5: 2x Your CTR on Amazon - Click Through Rate, the Fastest Way to Grow Sales: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr0tVIfP_tsTop 4: What's a Good/Bad Conversion Rate - Amazon FBA Seller Benchmark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0782nWvdwMTop 3: From 3% to 9% CTR: How I Optimized My Main Image for Amazon Sales: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRar6bsCzlwTop 2: Best Traffic Tip for Amazon FBA that will get you CLICKS

Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren't just about slapping on a discount. In this episode, Jim Huffman breaks down the offer-led strategies and conversion playbooks top DTC brands use to turn Q4 into their most profitable months - without relying on bloated budgets or ad spend.Originally aired as a guest appearance on the Ecwid eCommerce Show, Jim reveals the full GrowthHit playbook for building winning Black Friday/Cyber Monday campaigns. He dives deep into offer-led growth, conversion rate hacks, retention strategies, email tricks that actually work, and how to survive the Q1 hangover. Whether you're a scrappy DTC founder or scaling a 7-figure Shopify brand, this is your tactical guide to owning Q4 without burning out or discounting your business into the ground.TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S EPISODEOffer-led growth: the underrated strategy for converting in Q4The best bundles, BOGOs, and bonus offers that increase AOVTactical email patterns: “Oops” sends, internal leaks, and reminders that convertHow to turn customers into marketers for sustainable growthLanding page and ad setup that avoids performance burnoutWhy Q4 success starts with one hero productReal examples from fashion, consumables, and niche DTC brandsIf you're planning to “wing it” this Black Friday… don't. This episode gives you the framework to build offers, emails, and experiences that drive real growth  in any year. Subscribe for more.Resources:Jim Huffman websiteJim's TwitterGrowthHitThe Growth Marketer's PlaybookThe Shopify Growth School  Additional episodes you might enjoy:Startup Ideas by Paul Graham (#45)Nathan Barry: How to Bootstrap a Company to $30M in a Crowded Market (#41)How I Met My Biz Partner and Less Learned Hitting $2M ARR (#44)Ryan Hamilton on his Netflix special, touring with Jerry Seinfeld, & how to write a joke (#10)How We're Validating Startup Ideas (#51) 

Zeke Bronfman is the co-founder and CEO of The Absorption Company, a brand pioneering highly bioavailable supplements engineered for optimal nutrient absorption. With a background in health and wellness entrepreneurship—including a previous successful beverage exit—Zeke leads a team on a mission to address a major gap in supplement efficacy by focusing on real, measurable impact for consumers.In this episode of DTC Pod, Zeke details the journey of building The Absorption Company from inception to rapid retail success in outlets like Erewhon. He talks about the science behind absorption, launching with a powerful community-driven strategy, and the importance of brand-led product innovation. Zeke also offers practical advice on supply chain management, leveraging celebrity co-founders, and lessons learned about optimizing e-commerce for long-term growth.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. The founding story of The Absorption Company2. Why most supplements fail—and how absorption is the next frontier3. Creating a viral pre-launch private Instagram community4. Setting a brand apart with science-backed, lifestyle-driven design5. Early product development and MVP lessons6. Direct-to-consumer subscription as a growth engine7. Amazon, TikTok Shop, and the online channel mix8. The strategic approach to selective retail partnerships9. Managing the supply chain: co-packers, fulfillment, and scaling ops10. How to keep operations simple, resilient, and cost-effective11. Lessons in traffic acquisition: organic, paid, and influencer mix12. Celebrity founder advantages, limits, and effective deployment13. Funding, initial capital requirements, and brand investment14. Biggest founder learnings and operational takeaways15. What's ahead: innovation pipeline and future growthTimestamps00:00 Intro to Zeke Bronfman and The Absorption Company02:44 The absorption problem in supplements04:40 Why bioavailability is the future of wellness supplements06:11 Bringing the brand to life: Team, tech, and community-building07:47 The private Instagram launch strategy and viral pre-sale09:27 The power of exclusivity and early consumer engagement11:12 Product MVP and standout branding decisions13:26 Early sales strategy: DTC, Amazon, retail mix15:04 Why big-box retail isn't always the right move17:57 Scaling DTC: Subscription, platform choices, and LTV19:04 Driving traffic: Paid, organic, influencer, and celebrity co-founder impact20:38 TikTok Shop: Affiliate, Live, and what works (and doesn't)22:36 Capital, startup costs, and launching with impact25:32 Building a scalable supply chain and minimizing complexity27:25 Fulfillment operations and splitting inventory29:00 Entering boutique/strategic retail as a marketing lever30:52 Biggest learnings and missteps scaling Absorption Company33:13 Lessons using celebrity/influencer as a brand amplifier36:10 What's next: Upcoming innovations and business growth36:50 Where to follow Absorption CompanyShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokEzekiel Bronfman - Co-Founder and CEO of The Absorption CompanyBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

In this episode of Next in Media, Mike Shields speaks with Peter Hamilton, Head of Ad Innovation at Roku, about the rapid evolution of connected TV (CTV) advertising and how Roku is bridging the gap between big-brand budgets and small-business accessibility.Peter shares what's really happening behind the scenes as digital-first advertisers and DTC brands move into television, the challenges of onboarding thousands of SMBs, and how Roku's self-serve ad tools and shoppable innovations are reshaping the CTV landscape. He also explains Roku's partnership with Amazon, the growth of shoppable TV, and why “press OK to text” could redefine viewer engagement.With clarity and insider perspective, Peter outlines what's next for CTV—from AI-driven creative experimentation to real-time data loops that empower advertisers of all sizes. Key Highlights