Shop Talk discusses an article from Inc Magazine about the one skill Mark Cuban says is crucial to be a great employee. Caught My Eye looks at ICE deportation merch championed by the Florida GOP that is a direct copy of the Home Depot brand. Also, Putin gives a new Ural motorcycle to an Alaska resident as part of his Trump Summit. Our Business Birthday celebrates Pee-wee Herman creator Paul Reubens.

We’re all business. Except when we’re not.

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC

The right is exercised over a logo change at Cracker Barrel. While the new logo is plain and unexciting, what else would you do for Cracker Barrel? Then, Target is finally replacing CEO Brian Cornell after tanking sales, a boycott, and a loss of $12 billion since 2021. Finally, the Nevada desert arts bash known as Burning Man is having financial troubles. Can they fix it by doing what they said they would not do—raise ticket prices?

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC

Shop Talk applauds the return of face-to-face interviews advocated by the likes of Google, Cisco and other large corporations. The reason is some companies believe candidates are hiding behind AI to answer questions during online interviews. Caught My Eye looks at a woman who framed the tattooed skin of her dead husband. Also, how does a Heinz Tomato Ketchup smoothie sound? Our Business Birthday celebrates famed architect and designer Eero Saarinen.

We’re all business. Except when we’re not.

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC

News reports of the demise of Kodak are misleading according to a recent corporate statement. Then, the NFL has had male cheerleaders for several years on many teams, yet some fans are outraged with the recent announcement that the Minnesota Vikings will employ two males on this year’s cheer squad. Manufactured outrage under the “who cares?” category. Then, META decides to employ anti-DEI and LGBTQ rights agitator, Robby Starbuck, to control bias on its AI platforms. Really? Could they find anyone more polarizing?

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC

Shop Talk shares 9 phrases you should eliminate and replace to have people take you more seriously. Caught My Eye looks at a cruise ship passenger’s unfortunate trip down a broken slide and the role the Monopoly board game played to help prisoners escape in WW2. Our Business Birthday celebrates Under Armour founder Kevin Plank. Listen, laugh, and learn on this week’s The Focus Group.

We’re all business. Except when we’re not.

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC

The Pigeon Fork Dolly Parton Amusement Park, Dollywood, has been rated number one in America for 2025 according to Trip Advisor. We need to get there. But first, some GOP Arkansas legislators are looking to enact further anti-trans legislation. If enacted, the bill could lead to frivolous lawsuits against hairdressers who cut a trans teen’s hair, teachers who use a student’s chosen name, and nonprofits that offer support. Also, LinkedIn, not to be outdone by YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, has removed hate speech policies forbidding transphobic misgendering and deadnaming.

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC

Shop Talk looks at a recent study that highlights jobs that will and most likely not be affected by the proliferation of AI in the workplace. Caught My Eye covers a tote bag trend in the UK and fans throw a green "dong" on the court at a Sky Valkyries game. Our Business Birthday celebrates UBER co-founder Travis Kalanick. Listen, laugh, and learn on this week’s The Focus Group.

We’re all business. Except when we’re not.

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC

A San Francisco gay lawmaker has people questioning his motive as he is advocating for getting rid of domestic partnership benefits in the city. Straight unmarried couples often take advantage of the benefit that went away from many organizations, companies, and locales when marriage equality became law. Then, a person related to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 wants to see what UNC is “teaching.” Many are not complying with the request. Finally, Ellen DeGeneres regrets coming out as it did not have as big of an impact as she wanted. She also saw snow for the first time.

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC

Shop Talk looks at the top 10 cities in America that people over 60 are leaving in retirement. Four of the ten are in California and all the cities would require at least a million dollars in savings to retire “happily”-whatever that means! Caught My Eye covers a bridge in India built with a 90-degree turn. Thanks to listener Chris for that article. Also, Mary Kay is now offering an all-electric pink Cadillac Optiq to the top 1% of their sales associates. Our Business Birthday celebrates Clive Sinclair, an electronics expert and inventor who was way before his time.

We’re all business. Except when we’re not.

Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC

An Arizona woman is sentenced to eight years in prison for setting-up a North Korean “laptop farm” in her residence. Then, the Tallahassee, Florida police department thought it was a good idea to arrest a man suspected of credit card fraud at the local Chuck E Cheese. The suspect was taken into custody in full mouse costume while families enjoyed food and games. Finally, that Dairy Queen soft serve cone is not filled with ice cream. According to the FDA the milkfat content for ice cream is at least 10%. DQ has a milk fat content of only 5% so it cannot be called ice cream. Who knew?

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