'Yes, We Are Open' tells the inspiring stories of Canadian small business owners who have faced challenges, adapted, and found success. Hosted by Al Grego, the show takes listeners on a journey across Canada, uncovering the resilience, innovation, and passion that keep local business thriving. From family-run shops to cutting-edge start-ups, each episode dives into the struggles and triumphs of entrepreneurs who refuse to give up. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur or jus ...
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An award-winning monthly podcast with a focus on helping Canadian entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the ever-changing business landscape. The podcast delivers interviews with business leaders and industry experts offering advice and commentary on current events and business trends, with a focus on informing and educating Canadian businesses.
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What do you get when you ask smart, curious people five completely random questions? You get real stories, weird tangents, and conversations they’ve never had before. On 5 Random Questions, host Danny Brown invites creators, entrepreneurs, and fascinating humans to skip the pitches and ditch the talking points - and just show up as themselves. There’s no script. Just five surprising prompts dropped throughout a relaxed, unpredictable conversation. Think laughter, awkward hypotheticals, perso ...
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How Are Ya Now? - The toughest podcast in Letterkenny Possibly the perfect podcast to please your palate while peacefully pausing to pour a pint of Puppers and partake in puns, pugilism, and provincial pride.
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The HX Podcast with Enrique Abeyta brings you up-to-date financial market commentary along with evergreen insights into investing, trading and building your financial future. Enrique Abeyta has 30+ years experience as a professional investor, having managed billions of dollar in his firms. He brings on other world class investors to discuss investing and trading in a humorous and approachable manner. see the HX Research newsletter at: https://daily.hxresearch.net/ find additional video conte ...
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Aliens Ambassador, Fun with Fawlty, and More with Bob LeDrew
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52:23On this week's 5 Random Questions, Bob LeDrew talks about why he'd be a great ambassador to welcome aliens, how slapstick shaped his outlook, a teenage event that changed his life, and much more. Answering the questions this week: Bob LeDrew Bob LeDrew is a recovering podcaster... and lots of other things. After a long career in the word game doing…
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In the season 8 finale of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al is back in Ontario, visiting Brenda and Rick Coletta, owners of The Fry’s The Limit and The Parlour. After retiring from her corporate career, Brenda gave entrepreneurship a try. She bought a food truck, called it The Fry’s The Limit, and sold poutine. Then Rick joined her and they bought a second tr…
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Spaz Kitty, Haggis vs Poutine, and More with Evo Terra
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43:52On this week's 5 Random Questions, Evo Terra talks about ska punk, haggis versus poutine, why owning a beer bar isn't bad work, and much more. Answering the questions this week: Evo Terra Evo Terra is an award-winning podcaster and member of the Podcast Hall of Fame. An author of both Podcasting For Dummies and Expert Podcasting Practices for Dummi…
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Shower Secrets, Money or Morals, and More with Drew Toynbee
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53:12On this week's 5 Random Questions, Drew Toynbee talks about very personal shower habits, where morals fit when money's on offer, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Drew Toynbee Drew is a freelance digital creative, making fictional and factual video and audio content for podcasters and organisations across the UK. Drew's We…
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Al visits Jim Baiton, the founder and owner of Tumblers Pizza in Regina, Saskatchewan. Jim shares his journey from making pizza boxes at 14 to building a pizza empire that sells Regina-style pizza in over 140 locations across Saskatchewan. Hear the story behind the unique name, the secret formula for their incredible sauce, and the challenges faced…
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Dumb Accomplishments, Scowling Birthdays, and More with Manisha Solomon
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39:18On this week's 5 Random Questions is Manisha Solomon, host & producer of the Archery Parent Podcast. Manisha's topics include what makes her mad at birthdays, why you should celebrate dumb accomplishments, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Manisha Solomon Manisha is an Archery Mom, cyclist (gravel, particularly), and the h…
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In this episode of YWAO, Al sits down with Grant Frew, Bar and Marketing Manager at Bushwakker Brewpub in Regina, Saskatchewan. Grant recounts Bushwakker’s unique German beer-inspired roots, and how it evolved to become a staple in Regina's brewing culture. Listen to stories and insights spanning over three decades at the brewery, detailing their o…
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Funeral Faux Pas, Long Term Criminal Minds, and More with Tom Webster
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44:28On this week's 5 Random Questions is Tom Webster, partner at Sounds Profitable and a purveyor of podcasting, stats, and jokes. Tom's topics include funeral faux pas, an Italian love story that also has a future crime in store, why regrets can be the best thing to happen, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Tom Webster Tom We…
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Chief Economist Douglas Porter Discusses Canadian Economy: Trade War, Inflation, and Economic Outlook
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23:08Al welcomes Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at the Bank of Montreal, to the podcast to discuss Canada’s current economic landscape. They delve into topics such as Canada's economic performance in the first quarter of 2025 and the effects of trade wars with the U.S. on Canadian businesses and consumers. Porter shares valuable advice for small busine…
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This week, Al visits Gloria Walsh, Manager of Creative Kids, a charitable organization dedicated to removing financial barriers for Saskatchewan children aged 4 to 19 to participate in arts and culture. From its inception in 2007 to its growth and community impact, discover how Creative Kids has enriched lives and fostered cultural appreciation amo…
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Shower Bellies, Hot Sauce Hijinks, and More with Lauren Passell
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38:27On this week's 5 Random Questions is Lauren Passell, founder of Tink Media and a hugely popular and respected name in the podcasting space. Lauren's topics include creating a shower belly, why hot sauce isn't just for wings, a water wing childhood that's come full circle in adulthood, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Laur…
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In this episode of YWAO, Al visits Tracy Bosche, the owner of Zippity Zoom Toys in Regina, Saskatchewan. Tracy shares the inspiring story of how she started the toy store in 2009, juggling a newborn and a new business. She talks about the evolution of the store, her background in retail, and her passion for toys. Tracy also discusses the challenges…
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In this episode, Al sits down with Amanda Rae, the owner of Base Studio, a thriving hair salon in Regina. Amanda shares her journey from a stylist to a business owner, the challenges she faced, and the resilience it took to overcome them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about Base Studio at basestudio.ca. Subscribe now! …
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This week Al sits down with Ashley Donald, the owner of BasketCases, a prominent gift basket store in Regina. Ashley shares her inspiring journey of buying and running the business, discussing her origins, struggles, and future outlook. Discover how she transformed from a dedicated customer to the “Chief Basket Case” herself, navigating the challen…
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In the season 8 premier of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al flies to Regina, Saskatchewan to visit Kevin Toth, President of Prairie Flying Service. They delve into the storied history and rich legacy of the company which began in 1946, founded by four World War II pilots. The aviation industry has had many highs and lows during that time. Significant events …
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What Are the Biggest Challenges Faced by Restaurants in Canada Today?
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35:51Rising costs, labour shortages, sustainability, and yes, tariffs, these are just a few of the challenges facing the food service industry in Canada. What is being done about it? Al sits down with Max Roy, VP of Federal and Quebec at Restaurants Canada to talk about it. Also, we all know how important trust is in business, but how do you measure tru…
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That's a Wrap on Season 2, and When to Expect Season 3
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2:16That's a wrap on Season 2 of 5 Random Questions, so here's a short, bonus episode to say thank you for becoming a valued listener, and when to expect Season 3. Further reading for this episode Five Best Independent Podcasts Of 2024 - Ear Worthy Media Products I Use for 5 Random Questions Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small per…
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How Are Canadian Grocers Responding To The Tariff Threats And The Growing ‘Buy Canadian’ Movement?
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30:58It’s March, and the #1 topic on the minds of most Canadians is tariffs. How will this affect purchasing decisions moving forward? Al welcomes Gary Sands, Senior VP @ Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) to the podcast. They talk about how independent Canadian grocers are already preparing for the imminent tariffs and what this could me…
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Pancake Perfection, Pop Culture is Life, and More with Tim Truax
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49:21On this week's Five Random Questions is Tim Truax, a pop culture podcaster, nerd, and founder of the Canadian podcasting event, PodSummit. Tim's topics include a visceral reaction to a movie scene, why he doesn't like Houston, Texas, how the pandemic ruined his Star Wars moment, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Tim Truax …
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Was The Tax Holiday In Canada Worth It For Canadian Businesses?
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8:46This month, Al welcomes back Sean McCormick, VP Business Development at Moneris Data Services to talk about consumer spending data in the first half of the tax holiday in Canada. Was it worth it for Canadians? Obviously every bit of savings helps. But what about Canadian Businesses? Did it change anyone’s shopping behaviour? Listen now to find out.…
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Do Canadians Complain, Letterkenny, and Lasso Moments with Al Grego
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45:30On this week's Five Random Questions is Al Grego, an award-winning podcaster, creator, and producer. Al's topics include wanting to be in a Canadian sitcom, why jump thrills are not for him, his Ted Lasso moment, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Allan Grego Producer and host of the award-winning 'Yes, We Are Open' podcast…
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What Was The Busiest Shopping Day This Past Holiday Season?
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10:02In the first episode of 2025, Allan welcomes back Sean McCormick, VP of Business Development at Moneris' Data Services, to discuss holiday spending trends from 2024 and their implications for 2025. They touch on the significance of Black Friday sales, regional differences in consumer spending, and predictions for economic recovery. Subscribe now! I…
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Enchanting Elephants, Hometown Heroes, and More with Sean Dillon
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41:48On this week's Five Random Questions is Sean Dillon, host of the Beyond the Mic podcast. Sean's topics include entertaining elephants, the meaning of hometown, why movies don't really get to him, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Sean Dillon More than 600 episodes of Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon and he still doesn't kno…
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Absentee Afterlife, A Fine Bromance, and More with Toronto Mike
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37:41On this week's Five Random Questions is Mike Boon, better known as Toronto Mike, the hugely popular podcaster from Canada's biggest city. Mike's topics include the afterlife, why his kids don't get his gum, his favourite bromance, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Toronto Mike Mike Boon, or Toronto Mike as he's better know…
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Momless Moments, Tech Turn-offs, and More with Elsie Escobar
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51:14On this week's Five Random Questions, Elsie Escobar, podcaster, community builder, advocate, and mentor, talks about missing the mom factor, the origins of excitement, a caffeinated ritual, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Elsie Escobar Elsie Escobar is a transformative force in podcasting, with over 18 years of experienc…
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How Ronald McDonald House Is Helping Canadian Families Heal
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23:50In this episode, Kate Horton, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada (RMHC), pays Al a visit to discuss the organization's mission to support families with critically ill children. She shares insights into the history and impact of RMHC, including the challenges faced by families and their need for support. Kate also highlights…
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Whiffy Washrooms, Global Gestures, and More with Matt Gilhooly
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39:32On this week's Five Random Questions, Matt Gilhooly, host of The Life Shift podcast as well as author and artist, joins Danny and talks about 30 seconds to change the world, why public bathrooms have to go, why there's no such thing as the perfect fit for people, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Matt Gilhooly Matt Gilhool…
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In the season 7 finale of Yes, We Are Open, Al is in Oakville, Ontario visiting Tyler and Jordie Schwartz from Retrofestive, a unique pop culture and Christmas store. Tyler started selling Christmas Story leg lamps back in 2007. When that went well, he added Christmas Vacation moose mugs. Now Retrofestive is Canada’s top shop for old-school fun! Le…
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Tempting Tattoos, Historical Wedgies, and More with Arielle Nissenblatt
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33:07On this week's Five Random Question, Arielle Nissenblatt, a podcast enthusiast and founder of Earbuds Podcast Collective, joins Danny for an engaging chat that includes being tattoo curious, who in history would receive a wedgie, a penile dare, and more. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Arielle Nissenblatt Arielle Nissenblatt is th…
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Al’s final stop in Winnipeg is at Jenna Rae Cakes, co-owned by twin-sisters Jenna Hutchinson and Ashley Kosowan. Their dream began 15 years ago in their small apartment, sparked by an episode of Cake Boss, and grew into a legitimate business despite numerous legal and logistical hurdles. Hear about the challenges of balancing school, work, and star…
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Cajun Food and Collecting People: Dave Campbell's Unique Experiences
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46:36This week's Five Random Questions is a blend of light-hearted banter and profound life lessons as Dave Campbell opens up about his journey as a podcaster and musician. Dave reflects on the significance of community and connection, both in his personal life and through his various podcasts. He also touches upon the impact of social media on relation…
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We hit the bullseye with this episode this week! Al visits Neil Migalski, General Manager at AVO Gameroom. They talk about the rich history and unique charm of this beloved Winnipeg establishment founded in April 1963 by three brothers, and how it has evolved into a community staple known for its pool supplies, dart equipment, poker accessories, an…
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Martial Momma, Potato People, and More with Dawn Brodey
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52:42Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Dawn Brodey. Answers include having gratitude for gurgling, the joys of being a potato, and martial arts madness. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Dawn Brodey Dawn is a stand-up comedian and historian who appears regularly on The History Channel. She is also th…
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How To Bridge The Cashless Gap In In-Person Charitable Giving
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29:04One of the victims of moving to a more cashless society in the past has been charitable organizations that rely on people’s generosity during in-person donation opportunities. There are many people who simply just don’t like carrying cash with them. For the past few years, we’ve been following the progress of Canadian startup tiptap as they’ve grow…
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We tee off episode 5 as Al visits with Amy Cerasani, from Shooters Family Golf Centre and Restaurant. The Cerasani family transformed a modest driving range into a beloved community hub serving Winnipeg for the past 31 years and counting. Listen now to learn about the family's deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit, the challenges and triumphs they've …
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Probing Psychics, Handyman or Horror, and More with Jason Whissell
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46:49Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Jason Whissell. Answers include acquiring riches through psychic ability, when not to be a handyman, and music as a global connector. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Jason Whissell Host of It's Not That Bad and There Can Only Be One. Jason's Website @notthatba…
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This week Al is back in Ontario for a visit with Dave Guenther, owner of Door World in Tillsonburg. Dave balanced a growing family and an expanding business during an unprecedented global pandemic. Hear how together with his wife Breanne, their resilience and adaptability helped them build a thriving company from the ground up. You can learn more a…
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Things get spicy in episode 3 when Al visits Nikhil Dutt, owner of Spice Circle. His family opened the restaurant in 2019, despite having no prior business experience. Nikhil opens up about his early emotional struggles of receiving customer criticism and the determination that drove him to keep improving their service and food quality. Today Spice…
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Al visits Katrina Tessier, Owner of Scout Coffee: + Community. Katrina shares her journey of opening the unique Winnipeg café, providing a welcoming space for parents to relax while their children play. Tune in for the story of how a mother turned her idea into a reality. Learn how Katrina navigated financial hurdles, the pandemic, and a change in …
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In the season 7 premiere of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al flies to Winnipeg, Manitoba. His first visit is with Ashley Lyons and Mikol Markiw from The Real Escape Canada to delve into the intricacies of the escape room industry. Tune in to hear how a family’s shared passion for puzzles turned into a successful escape room empire and how they navigated the c…
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How To Successfully Apply For A Business Grant
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24:10Over the past few months we’ve talked a lot about grants and programs, both from the government and corporations, but how do you apply for these grants? This month, Al speaks with “Grant Angel” Stephanie Sang, Founder at Granted Consulting. As her nickname implies, Stephanie knows all about grants and shares her expertise with us. Also in this epis…
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Season 7 of the award-winning 'Yes, We Are Open' podcast starts October 7th, 2024! In this season, Al visits Winnipeg, Manitoba. Here is a little teaser for the upcoming season. Subscribe now! If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at [email protected]. Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris p…
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That's a Wrap on Season 1, and When to Expect Season 2
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2:30That's a wrap on Season 1 of 5 Random Questions, so here's a short, bonus episode to say thank you for becoming a valued listener, and when to expect Season 2. Products I Use for 5 Random Questions Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. My equipment: RODE NT1-A large diaphragm…
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Invisibly Famous, Junk Food Jail, and More with Gareth Davies
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39:16Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Gareth Davies. Answers include jettisoning a certain junk food, being famous from the shadows, and a bulk sleeping challenge. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Gareth Davies Gareth has written soundtracks for commissioned animated series for TV, and music for us…
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Loveless Laundry, Cannon Calamities, and More with Gini Dietrich
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33:39Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Gini Dietrich. Answers include a reason to love rats, choosing cannons over lions, and dancing queen moves. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Gini Dietrich Gini Dietrich is the founder, CEO, and author of Spin Sucks, host of the Spin Sucks podcast, and author of…
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How To Better Align Your Brick and Mortar Store With Your Online Store
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33:23
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33:23What came first? Your brick and mortar business or your ecommerce business? Whichever one you chose, one thing is almost certain, if you have a brick and mortar location, you most likely have a way to sell your product or service online as well. You may have noticed some challenges with keeping both channels synchronised, whether its with inventory…
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Naked Neighbours, Eloquent Elbows, and More with Frank Racioppi
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56:33Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Frank Racioppi. Answers include a naked neighbour, a special use for lotion, and a life in one word. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Frank Racioppi After 38 years as a speechwriter and editor for a Fortune 50 company, I retired and indulged my love of podcasti…
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Bathtub Adventures, Bromancing for Life, and More with Dave Jackson
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34:42Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Dave Jackson. Answers include weirdness in a bathtub, a bromance for the ages, and the age old question of food acceptance. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Dave Jackson Dave Jackson began podcasting in 2005 and launched the School of Podcasting (schoolofpodcas…
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Afterlife Adventures, A Very Picky Cat, and More with Em
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51:24Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Em. Answers include how the most horrible situation turned into a positive, why you need to ensure her cat is fed in an apocalypse, and deciding whether the afterlife is just a sliding doors moment. Let's jump in! Answering the questions this week: Em . Em has been a podcaster …
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Market Update: The Economy, Jobs & the Yen Carry Trade
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36:24Wait, what just happened? The market saw a big nosedive last week based on a couple of factors. This week Enrique unpacks recent events. He'll explain the "Yen carry" that was upset by rate changes in Japan, and look a little closer at the data in and around the recent jobs report. The volatility index is through the roof. Is the sky really falling…
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