The Focus Group
Tim Bennett and John Nash—memorable class clowns in high school, now revolutionary LGBTQ marketing and advertising executives—invite you to share in a friendship that spans 40 plus years. Drawing on their combined corporate and entrepreneurial experience, the conversation ranges from the professional to the personal, and everything in between. Entertaining banter, unique voices, and smart content. We’re all business. Except when we’re not.
Episodes
This week, Caught My Eye covers 2026 predictions from Baba Vanga, the “Nostradamus of the Balkans,” and profiles a new business called Physical Phones, which harken back to the days of land lines and corded phones. Shop Talk Focus Group reveals the future implications of DEI initiatives in corporate America based on the current administration. Mark Goodson of game show fame is the Business Birthday.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
...
LGBTQ Google searches for asylum in Canada are up, the importance of hiring for character over experience, and the future of the Space Shuttle Discovery are on deck this episode. It reflects the current situation in the U.S. and the implications of recent political decisions.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1
iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW
Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb
YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81
Pandora: pdora.co...
A parody website and a new corporate logo are examples of rebrands with unexpected results. Tim and John examine name changes at the Kennedy Center, and PepsiCo’s new look. The geographic center or the lower 48 states is revealed and how about holetox for 2026? The “Father of Standard Time,” Sandford Fleming, is our Business Birthday.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1
iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW
Tunein: bi...
In this episode, Tim and John reflect on their podcasting journey as they enter their 19th year. The conversation also touches on the decline of traditional mail services in Denmark and the implications of strict DUI laws in Utah, culminating in a light-hearted discussion about New York City's iconic subway announcer.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1
iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW
Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb
YouT...
Mobile phone carriers, holiday traditions, and consumer activism are on the agenda. First, a look at the Swedish Christmas tradition of Kalle Anka, a beloved Disney special. Then the story of a hiker who was frozen in ice for 30 years. Mary Barra, the first female CEO of General Motors, is the Business Birthday. Shop Talk concludes with a discussion on boycotting ant-DEI brands during the holiday season.
We’re all business. Except ...
Tim and John discuss a variety of topics including holiday preparations, the magic of the Rockettes, highlights from SNL, LGBTQ representation in Florida, the Abercrombie and Fitch scandal, and the rise of “Mormon” dirty soda as a popular beverage. They also share personal anecdotes and reflections on the holiday season, concluding with a nod to their partnership with Critics’ Choice Video.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify:...
Shop Talk explores nostalgic themes surrounding defunct retail brands. But first, innovative toilet technology from Japan and the first photo booth museum in NYC Caught Our Eye. Kenneth Frazier, former CEO of Merck and the first African American to lead a major American Pharma Co., is the Business Birthday.
We’re all business. Except when we’re not.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1
iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4az...
In this episode, the topics range from winter weather and AI scams, to parenting in the digital age and the Trump administration’s stance on sign language services. They also highlight Taylor Swift’s generosity towards her tour staff, showcasing her appreciation for those who contributed to her success.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1
iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW
Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb
YouTube Music: bit....
Shop Talk dives into a study showing that somewhere between 73 and 76, our bodies officially hit the “bounce-back” breaking point. Caught My Eye unwraps VP Vance’s Hanukkah-invite-meets-Christmas card mashup, plus the wild personal life of Frosty the Snowman’s own Jackie Vernon—multiple marriages and a quaalude habit. Our Business Birthday toasts Johann Maria Farina, the mind (and nose) behind Eau de Cologne.
We’re all business. Ex...
In 2025’s America, Trump’s birthday is now a free-entry day at national parks, while MLK Day and Juneteenth get the boot. Over at the Kennedy Center Honors, that iconic rainbow ribbon is out, and a navy-blue “rebrand” is in. Finally, a new study says 1 in 5 adults hasn’t had sex in a year. Stress? Solitude? The price of everything? You decide.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1
iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW
T...
Shop Talk looks at a McKinsey Study results about the impact of AI on the workforce and the skills needed to thrive in an evolving job market. Caught My Eye highlights a young innovator’s origami project that could revolutionize emergency shelters, and a humorous story about a couple who accidentally purchased a dirt alley instead of a house. Craig Newmark, founder of Craig’s List, is the Business Birthday.
We’re all business. Exce...
Tackled on this week’s show. ‘Phillumenism,’ the declining perception of the value of a college degree, a political candidate’s creative response to an anti-LGBTQ survey, and the nostalgic return of matchbooks as collectible items. (Phillumeny is the practice of collecting matchbooks.)
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1
iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW
Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb
YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81
Pandora...
The John approved Dash Egg Cooker from last week’s show had several listeners report back that they bought one—plus, two of them know Gilded Age star Claybourne Elder. In Caught My Eye: frozen popcorn becomes a thing, and a $9.2 million Superman comic turns up in an attic. We celebrate Facebook’s Chris Hughes for the Business Birthday, and in Shop Talk, Warren Buffett reminds us to manage regret—and maybe draft the obituary we want...
Tim and John spotlight a GoFundMe created to support the beloved Oscar’s in Palm Springs. Then, two Texas would-be warlords hatch a delusional plan to “invade” a Haitian island of nearly 90,000 residents—complete with vile fantasies straight out of a bad movie script. And finally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveils a slate of new military operation names that, frankly, sound a lot more like titles from a gay adult film catalog ...
This week on The Focus Group, John discovers the Dash Egg Cooker thanks to actor Claybourne Elder of HBO’s The Gilded Age, and Tim reassures us that the penny isn’t going anywhere—there are 300 billion of them still in circulation. The Business Birthday honors Sylvan Goldman, inventor of the shopping cart, and in Shop Talk, the guys share simple tactics to cut filler words.
We’re all business. Except when we’re not.
Apple Podcasts:...
This week Tim and John tackle everything from premature Christmas décor to the politics of holiday gifting and community support. They break down a disturbing act of anti-gay vandalism, call out boneheaded decisions like hurling frozen water balloons at cars, and question the price tag of renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1
iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza...
How To Know to Say No at Work
Tim and John explore the theme of people pleasing in the workplace, discussing the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say no. Caught My Eye recommends a December NYC subway ride on the Nostalgia Train and details the frenzy surrounding Starbucks’ limited edition Bearista cups. DeWitt Wallace, co-founder of Reader’s Digest, is the Business Birthday.
We’re all business. Except when we’re no...
Tim and John serve up a full plate: from Thanksgiving chaos and the rising cost of, well, life itself—to Miss Mexico’s Miss Universe drama, an in-flight fiasco on Delta, and Carol Burnett’s heartwarming gift to UCLA.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1
iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW
Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb
YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81
Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj
YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a
Tim and John get creative with bestselling author Aurora Winter, whose insights on storytelling inspire a lively conversation. Mentalist Oz Perlman also catches their attention as a future guest wish. In Caught My Eye, a dad raids his kid’s savings for vacation cash, and the national penny shortage starts hitting home. The Business Birthday honors design legend Raymond Loewy. We’re all business. Except when we’re not.
Apple Podcast...
Tim and John go from Halloween tricks to political treats. Reddit’s co-founder makes a bold move, the Democrats need a rebrand, and the latest Kardashian product you didn’t know you needed (or wanted). Smart talk, sharp laughs.
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1
iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW
Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb
YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81
Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj
YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a
Popular Podcasts
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
"SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.