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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

It’s a packed show: Halloween memories, Benjamin Franklin’s time-traveling will, the rise and crumble of Howard Johnson’s, and the world’s best places to retire. Plus, meet LoveSac founder Shawn Nelson in our Business Birthday. We’re all business. Except when we’re not.

Tim and John discuss Halloween preparations, and Marjorie Taylor Greene’s "outraged" remarks about an episode of the children’s show "Strawberry Shortcake." Then the talk turns to retail changes, specifically outdoor outfitter Orvis and their decision to close stores. Lastly, an AI security system mistakes a bag of Doritos for a gun, resulting in a young boy being handcuffed by police.

Tim and John welcome screenwriter Josh Olson, who discusses his journey in adapting the graphic novel “A History of Violence” into a critically acclaimed film. (Now available from the Criterion Collection at Deep Discount.) Caught My Eye reveals that rocker Rod Stewart is a model train aficionado, and the one and only Hair Museum has closed in Missouri. Our business birthday celebrates that famed Italian American Ettore Boiardi or as we all know him: Chef Boyardee. We’re all business. Except when we’re not.

In this episode of TFG Unbuttoned, John and Tim banter about “holding music,” the current political climate, and Halloween. Chocolate costs too much! Also, the US government wants to restrict flights from China that fly over Russia to get here. Russia has restricted US airlines from flying over its airspace to get to China creating longer trips and costs for US carriers versus their Chinese competitors. MTV is ridding itself of music after four decades and Halloween is not immune from the Trump Tariffs.

In this episode of The Focus Group, John Nash and Tim Bennett discuss various topics ranging from holiday decorations to TV show recommendations and consumer experiences in hotels. They delve into insights about the LGBTQ+ community based on recent data, celebrate the birthday of infomercial pioneer Kevin Harrington, and explore the innovative retail strategies of the MoMA Store. The conversation is light-hearted yet informative, providing listeners with a mix of entertainment and valuable insights. We’re all business. Except when we’re not.

Tim and John reflect on their recent reunion with college friends, exploring themes of nostalgia, personal growth, and the enduring connections formed during formative years. They discuss the impact of political decisions on LGBTQ rights, the emergence of adventurous travel experiences tailored for the LGBTQ community, and the surprising resurgence of 80s music among younger generations via TikTok. The conversation highlights the importance of friendship, community, and the cultural shifts that shape our lives.

Shop Talk discusses an op-ed from Suzy Welch about Gen Z in the workplace and how only 2% of the cohort surveyed had attributes that were prized by hiring managers. Caught My Eye looks at the world’s tallest suspension bridge in China and a $19,824 parking ticket in Denver. Our Business Birthday celebrates Reed Hastings, the co-founder of Netflix. Listen, laugh, and learn on this week’s The Focus Group.

A Connecticut CFO also accepted a job as Town Administrator 2,000 miles away in Wyoming. The Wilton, Connecticut town leadership was not happy, and she resigned to stay in Wyoming where she was on Family Medical Leave. Then, an anti-LGBTQ South Carolina state legislator, RJ May, is accused of trading lude images and contacting underage children for sex. This child pornographer was also “Legislator of the Year” thanks to the pathetic anti-LGBTQ org Moms for Liberty. The Family Values Party continues to amaze. Finally, learn all about RuPaul and performance studies through lip sync and song at Harvard with drag queen LaWhore Vagistan.

Shop Talk reveals the one thing we can all do to find happiness and live a life of no regrets. Caught My Eye covers a smelly prank in South Carolina and Kodak releases a keychain sized digital camera called the Charmera. Our Business Birthday celebrates Dave Goldberg, the founder of Launch Media and former leader at Survey Monkey. Listen, laugh, and learn on this week’s The Focus Group.

What is flag-jacking? It’s when you wear or show another country’s flag when traveling to pretend you are from somewhere else. Specifically, Canadians are saying that Americans are flag-jacking while traveling overseas and “identifying as Canadians” to avoid anti-American sentiment. Then, people are spending an insane amount of money at McDonald’s—particularly when they use a food delivery app. Finally, to honor the 40th anniversary of “Songs from the Big Chair,” Tears for Fears is releasing an expanded reissue of the album.

Shop Talk looks at 5 science-backed longevity habits that are inspired by Japan’s record number of centenarians. Caught My Eye looks at “lost” ball caps and other items found at Yellowstone near the thermal hot springs and geysers. Also, a faulty debit card program for the Summer Youth Employment Program drains about $17 million from NYC ATMs in 2 days. Our Business Birthday celebrates Franklin Mars, the founder of chocolate, candy, and pet food products powerhouse Mars Inc. Reminder: September is Criterion Month on the show. Listen to “Johns Says, Pick That Flick” for a chance to win. We’re all business. Except when we’re not.

Canadians are taking their pride and their wallets elsewhere as the current administration continues tariff and bullying talk to our northern neighbor. Various locations have seen Canadian travel off by as much as almost 40% when compared to 2024. But first, Trump gets pushed to ban the Progress Pride Flag by right wing pundit, Brian Glenn—the BF to Georgia firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Finally, Ben and Jerry’s founder, Jeffrey Greenfield, has resigned from the parent company for squelching social activism which is a key pillar of the ice cream brand.

Shop Talk identifies the 31 states in danger of losing Marriage Equality should the Supreme Court re-litigate Obergefell. Caught My Eye covers 6 things ER doctors wish we would know and Publishers Clearing House proves nothing is forever. Our Business Birthday celebrates George Dempster, the inventor of the dumpster. Reminder: September is Criterion Month on the show. Listen to “Johns says, Pick That Flick” for a chance to win.

When the State of Texas denied funding for the Gay Softball World Series, the county which includes the city of Houston, contributed almost a half a million dollars to host the event. But first, gay obsessed Tucker Carlson apparently has super gaydar and has concluded that Pete Buttigieg is a “fake gay”. He would like to ask Mayor Pete some specific gay sex questions to prove his point. We can’t wait. Finally, Kids in The Hall actor, Scott Thompson, says GLAAD should be eliminated. While working on a special for Amazon Prime, GLAAD censored and deleted all 14 sketches from his gay barfly character, Buddy Cole.

Shop Talk shares a story generated by ChatGPT. The writer, Laura Beck, asked AI to identify the biggest money drains for retirees. Caught My Eye reveals some of the “insider” codes that Disney staff used at the theme parks to identify issues such as people dispersing loved one’s ashes. Also, Olympic Diver and gold medalist, Greg Louganis, has sold his LA house, possessions, and medals and moved to the country of Panama to start anew. Our Business Birthday celebrates William H. Danforth, the founder of Ralston Purina. Reminder: September is Criterion Month on the show. Listen to “John says, Pick That Flick” for a chance to win. We’re all business. Except when we’re not.