Best C Store Business Strategies Podcasts (2025)

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94. Creating Content That Stands Out & Gets Clients 14:57

Play Pause

1d ago14:57

14:57

In this episode, I tackle one of the most requested topics from our community: how to create content that cuts through the noise and builds trust with premium advisory clients. I reveal why most advisors are stuck in a cycle of inconsistent posting and ineffective marketing—and how to break free. I’ll walk you through a clear, actionable strategy f…

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EP 247: Watch What Your Customers Do, Not Say 30:03

3d ago30:03

30:03

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us! Do you know how to unlock the hidden opportunities in what your customers aren’t telling you? Traditional consumer research captures what customers say they want but misses the subconscious decisions driving 85 percent of purchasing behavior. Ethnograph…

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Retail, Riesling, and Relationships: Ed Madronich, President of Flat Rock Cellars on Building a Brand That Lasts 16:10

4d ago16:10

16:10

In this special summer bonus episode of The Food Professor Podcast, co-Michael interviews Ed Madronich, President of Flat Rock Cellars, recorded live at the Ontario Craft Wineries Conference in Niagara Falls. As part of the podcast's summer series highlighting thought leaders in the Canadian food and beverage industry, this episode delves into Ed's…

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93. Understanding Conflict and Avoidance in Sessions 10:53

8d ago10:53

10:53

In this insightful episode of The Business Advisor Podcast, I dive deep into the often-avoided topic of client conflict—an issue every advisor faces but few discuss openly. I share personal experiences, expert insights, and a powerful framework called "GRACE" to help you navigate emotionally charged situations with empathy, curiosity, and professio…

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Trump’s Expanded Travel Ban: What It Means for 36 More Countries 19:01

10d ago19:01

19:01

In this powerful episode of Chilling With The Chaplins, “Trump’s Expanded Travel Ban: What It Means for 36 More Countries | Episode 156,” we unpack the Trump administration’s latest move to expand the travel ban to 36 additional countries. What’s honestly behind this decision? How will it impact families, businesses, and international relationships…

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EP 246: The Retail Marketing Test: AI or Human? 33:38

10d ago33:38

33:38

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us! Special Guest: Greg Licciardi, Vice President of Sponsorships and Partner Programs at the Association of National Advertisers; Adjunct Professor of Marketing at Fordham and Seton Hall Universities. AI may replace some marketing functions as a more preci…

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Seeds of Change: Keith Currie, President at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, on the Future of Farming: SIAL Summer Bonus 29:30

11d ago29:30

29:30

In this insightful summer bonus episode of The Food Professor Podcast, co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois sit down with Keith Currie, President at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, live from the floor of SIAL Toronto. Representing more than 190,000 farmers and ranchers across the country and an eighth-generation farmer himsel…

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92. The VOICE Framework: Mastering Impactful Communication as an Advisor 16:51

15d ago16:51

16:51

This week's episode is all about moving beyond just knowing your stuff as an advisor and truly mastering the art of communication. I shared why saying the right thing isn’t enough—it’s about how, when, and with what intention you say it. I introduced my VOICE Framework, a five-part structure that helps advisors communicate in a way that creates saf…

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Kamala Warned Us: Did MAGA Ignore Her? 5:51

17d ago5:51

5:51

In this powerful Chilling With The Chaplins special, “🚨 Kamala Harris Warned Us… But Did We Listen? | MAGA Supporters Regret Voting Trump After Iran Bombing,” we revisit Kamala Harris’s viral warning to American voters about the dangers of re-electing Donald Trump. In a series of eye-opening clips, we highlight her chilling predictions and how just…

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EP 245: Wholesale Isn't Dead, It’s Revitalizing Growth 25:51

18d ago25:51

25:51

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us! The traditional wholesale model isn't dying—it's evolving into something far more strategic and profitable than many executives realize. The widespread belief that direct-to-consumer channels automatically deliver superior margins is a myth. Successful …

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From Farm to Gold: Chantal Van Winden’s Camelina Oil Wins SIAL Innovation 2025: Summer Bonus Episode 23:59

18d ago23:59

23:59

In this special summer bonus episode of The Food Professor Podcast, recorded live at the SIAL Food Innovation Show in Toronto, co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois welcome two exceptional guests: Joanne McArthur, President of Nourish Food Marketing and co-chair of the SIAL Innovation jury, and Chantal Van Winden, CEO of Olimega and t…

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91. Why Saying Less Makes You a More Powerful Advisor 12:21

22d ago12:21

12:21

This week’s episode is all about how less talking and more listening can transform you into a powerful, sought-after advisor. I shared how impactful advisory isn’t about dazzling clients with insights—it’s about creating space for them to hear themselves think. I reflected on my work with advisors who believed their value came from being the smarte…

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Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon 4:23

25d ago4:23

4:23

Smoke Break - Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how role-playing transforms awkward training sessions into powerful skill-building experiences that boost customer service confidence. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've used role-playing t…

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Episode 25 - OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried 3:11

25d ago3:11

3:11

Smoke Break - Episode 25: OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms OSHA inspection anxiety into confidence through proper preparation and daily readiness practices. Learn how to maintain inspection-ready standards every day, organize essential documentation, and train your team to…

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Episode 25: De-escalating Tense Situations 3:29

24d ago3:29

3:29

Smoke Break - Episode 25: De-escalating Tense Situations Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals essential de-escalation techniques that transform heated confrontations into manageable conversations. Learn proven strategies for maintaining calm under pressure, using language that defuses tension, and creating safe environ…

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EP 244: Market Chaos Demands New In-Store Retail Strategies 24:32

25d ago24:32

24:32

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us! Special Guest: Nikki Baird, VP of strategy and product at Aptos The retail landscape is facing unprecedented disruption as traditional profit centers collapse, and new opportunities emerge from the chaos. This isn't just another economic downturn—it's a…

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Smokin Jon's BBQ: Summer SIAL Food Innovation Show Bonus Episode 20:11

25d ago20:11

20:11

In this special summer bonus episode of The Food Professor Podcast, host Michael LeBlanc brings listeners straight to the SIAL Food Innovation Show floor for a flavorful conversation with Chef Jonathan Maters, co-founder of Smokin Jon’s BBQ & Company. Born in Newfoundland and based in New Brunswick, Jonathan shares how a pandemic-era pivot turned h…

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90. How to Deeply Understand Clients' Behaviour with the 6 Human Needs 9:08

29d ago9:08

9:08

Welcome back to the Business Advisor podcast— this week we’re diving into a game-changer for advisors: understanding client behaviour through the lens of the six human needs. This is part four of our soft skills series, and it’s all about going beneath the surface to uncover what really drives your clients. I share how recognising these core needs—…

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Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution 4:20

1M ago4:20

4:20

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms how you view customer complaints and problems, revealing how effective resolution strategies can turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've mastered the art of tur…

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Episode 24 - Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right 3:07

1M ago3:07

3:07

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how proper incident reporting protects your store from major complications and liability issues. Learn comprehensive documentation strategies for all types of incidents, from customer injuries to near-misses, and …

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Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication 3:02

1M ago3:02

3:02

Smoke Break - Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how empathetic communication transforms challenging customer interactions into positive experiences that build trust and loyalty. Learn practical techniques for understanding customer perspectives, using language that v…

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Trump vs Ramaphosa: What Happened in the Oval Office? 32:40

1M ago32:40

32:40

In this explosive episode, “Trump vs Ramaphosa: What Happened in the Oval Office?” of Chilling With The Chaplins, we go behind the headlines to dissect the Oval Office clash that’s stirring conversations around the globe. Unpacking the Oval Office Shutdown Between United States President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa isn’…

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EP 243: Marketing Newsflash: Demographics Are So Over 1:05:43

1M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us! Special Guests: Lisa Holland, Executive Head Enterprise Analytics at Albertsons Companies Dan Bonert, Senior Vice President of Retail Media, Merchandising Analytics and Collaborations at NIQ Wendy Liebman, CEO and Founder/Chief Shopper at WSL Strategic …

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BBQ Legends, Bureaucracy & Back-to-School with guests Texas Monthly's Daniel Vaughn & Ransom Hawley, CEO of Caddle in the Hot Seat 1:18:56

1M ago1:18:56

1:18:56

The Food Professor Podcast closes out its fifth season (sort of) with a sizzling, two-guest double feature and a feast of food industry insights. Co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois kick things off with a robust news round-up, starting with the Competition Bureau’s lawsuit against DoorDash. The case alleges deceptive pricing practic…

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89. How to Build Rapport with Clients So That They Trust You As Their Advisor 11:30

1M ago11:30

11:30

On this week episode, I explored one of the most essential soft skills for advisors – building real rapport with clients. Rapport isn’t about impressing someone or pushing them forward; it’s about walking beside them, understanding their world, and supporting them at their pace. When you build that trust, conversations flow more naturally, decision…

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Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon 3:53

1M ago3:53

3:53

Smoke Break - Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how deep product knowledge transforms your staff from order-takers into customer service experts. Learn proven strategies from successful store owners who've turned product expertise into a competitive advantag…

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Episode 23 - When Accidents Happen: First Response Matters 3:15

1M ago3:15

3:15

Smoke Break - Episode 23: When Accidents Happen: First Response Matters Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through critical first response procedures when workplace accidents occur. Learn how your actions in the first few minutes can significantly impact outcomes, from scene safety assessment to proper documentati…

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Episode 23: Clear and Concise Communication 3:11

1M ago3:11

3:11

Smoke Break - Episode 23: Clear and Concise Communication Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the essential communication skills that make assistant managers more effective in fast-paced convenience store environments. Learn how to deliver messages quickly and clearly to customers and team members, prioritize informat…

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EP 242: Trump Majeure Surprise: Tariffs Trigger Retail Collaboration 30:26

1M ago30:26

30:26

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us! Special Guest: Arick Wierson, Emmy-winning producer and TRR contributor The retail apocalypse isn't coming from Amazon or an economic recession—it's being manufactured in Washington through tariff policy that defies basic business logic. A comprehensive…

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Vince Sgabellone from Circana Dishes on Dining Trends, Pepper Predicament, and Aluminium, America & Grocery Shopping Trends 44:42

1M ago44:42

44:42

This episode of The Food Professor Podcast, recorded live at the SIAL Food Innovation Show in Toronto, opens with co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois breaking down the week’s top food and retail stories. First, they tackle the evolving Canadian political stance on supply management. Prime Minister Carney’s reversal in support of Bil…

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AI, Finally Clear for Leaders 9:16

1M ago9:16

9:16

AI, Explained Like a Human If you lead a team or a business, you don’t need more AI buzzwords. You need clarity—and a path to action. In this episode, we break down the two most important ways AI is already reshaping work: Handling repetitive tasks faster—and smarter—than humans Coordinating across systems like a 24/7 digital team You’ll walk away …

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88. When You Should Coach & When You Should Mentor Your Clients 8:10

1M ago8:10

8:10

Welcome back to the Business Advisor Podcast. This week we’re kicking off a brand-new series: The Soft Skills of Advisory. This series is all about the skills that go beyond technical expertise—the ones that help you build trust, deepen relationships, and truly impact your clients' lives. In this episode, I dive into one of the most foundational so…

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Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness 4:07

2M ago4:07

4:07

Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how store cleanliness directly impacts customer perception, shopping behavior, and sales success. Learn proven strategies from real store transformations that show how smart cleaning systems, staff engagement, and attention t…

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Episode 22 - Emergency Planning: Ready for Anything 4:16

2M ago4:16

4:16

Smoke Break - Episode 22: Emergency Planning: Ready for Anything Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through comprehensive emergency planning that protects your team and customers when seconds count. Learn how to create actionable emergency procedures, assign specific roles, and conduct effective drills that prepar…

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Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening 3:16

2M ago3:16

3:16

Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the difference between simply hearing customers and truly listening to them. Learn essential active listening techniques that transform customer interactions, build stronger relationships, and help you resolve issues more effecti…

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EP 241: Reeling from Tariff Whiplash 39:06

2M ago39:06

39:06

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us! Special Guests: Sonja Chapman: Associate Professor in the Department of International Trade and Marketing at SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology Ken O’Brien: CEO and President of Gemini Shippers Group The shifting seas of trade policy is creating econo…

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Brisket, Buc-ee’s & Big Ideas plus Spilling the Tea Tariff & guest Tonia Jahshan of Sipology Steeps Up Global Growth 54:11

2M ago54:11

54:11

This episode of The Food Professor Podcast is steeped in insights, storytelling, and smoky Texas flavour. Hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois kick off with a deep dive into the state of Canadian agri-food policy, tariffs, and food inflation before welcoming a very special guest: Tonia Jahshan, Founder and CEO of Sipology. Broadcasting …

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Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout 3:54

2M ago3:54

3:54

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for transforming slow, frustrating checkout experiences into swift, memorable interactions that keep customers coming back. Learn how independent store owners have dramatically reduced wait times and improved cu…

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Episode 21 - OSHA Basics: What Every Store Manager Must Know 3:17

2M ago3:17

3:17

Smoke Break - Episode 21: OSHA Basics: What Every Store Manager Must Know Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demystifies OSHA regulations with practical, actionable guidance for convenience store managers. Learn the essential safety requirements that protect your team and keep your store compliant, from hazard communication …

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Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience 3:01

2M ago3:01

3:01

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demonstrates how to combine all customer service skills into seamless, exceptional experiences. Learn how to blend cue reading, empathy, needs anticipation, and expectation management to create mem…

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87. The CORE Method - The Real Skills You Need to Get Clients to Take Action 10:12

2M ago10:12

10:12

In this episode, we kick off a six-week series on the often-overlooked power of soft skills in the accounting and advisory world. This isn’t just fluff — it’s foundational to how you deliver value. As advisors, many of us have been trained to be technicians, but now it’s time to step into leadership, build trust, and create transformation for our c…

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White Afrikaners in America: Refugees or Racial Preference? 27:00

2M ago27:00

27:00

In this week’s episode of Chilling With The Chaplins, we delve into the complexities surrounding the Trump administration’s decision to grant refugee status to “White Afrikaners in America: Refugees or Racial Preference?”, Episode 154 explores the implications of this policy shift and its resonance in both American and South African contexts. What …

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EP 240: How to Bridge the Retail Tectonic Shift 42:50

2M ago42:50

42:50

We'd love to have your feedback and ideas for future episodes of Retail Unwrapped. Just text us! Special Guest: Jan Kniffen, CEO of retail consultancy, J Rogers Kniffen Worldwide Today's retail industry faces unprecedented transformation driven by three major forces: tariff restructuring affecting global supply chains, AI implementation across all …

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Canada's Food Inflation Crisis, Ag Minister an Animal Farm Fan, Selena Gomez Oreos, and Craft Wine Innovation, Resilience and Opportunity with Dan Sullivan from Rosehall Run Vineyards 53:46

2M ago53:46

53:46

This episode opens with alarming news about Canada's food inflation reaching crisis levels. Charlebois reveals that Canada now has the highest food inflation rate among G7 countries, primarily driven by countervailing tariffs that have backfired on Canadian consumers. The hosts explain how Prime Minister Carney quietly eliminated most food-related …

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AI Grows Up - Long Live Agentic 12:16

2M ago12:16

12:16

🚀 RPA is dead. Long live Agentic Automation. Imagine AI that doesn't just follow rules… it thinks, adapts, and reasons through your most complex workflows. In this special edition of Fueling AI, we unpack the game-changing concept of Agentic Automation from New Tide AI—and why it’s a huge leap forward for fuel and convenience retail. You’ll discove…

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86. How to Turn Content into Clients 13:56

2M ago13:56

13:56

This week's episode dives into how vanity metrics—likes, follows, and views—can mislead business owners into feeling successful while draining their energy and stalling growth. As someone who’s coached countless advisors, I’ve seen how chasing these empty metrics leads to burnout, not revenue. The truth? Real success isn’t about viral content; it’s…

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Smart Priorities: Managing Multiple Demands Successfully 23:44

2M ago23:44

23:44

Episode 78 Show Notes: Smart Priorities - Managing Multiple Demands Successfully Episode Description In this final episode of the "Arrive" series from C-Store Center, host Mike Hernandez tackles the challenge every convenience store owner faces - managing competing demands and setting smart priorities when everything feels urgent. Discover how Rach…

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Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers 4:33

2M ago4:33

4:33

Smoke Break - Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares powerful stories and proven strategies for transforming customer experiences through effective greeting practices. Learn how independent store owners like you have significantly increased customer loyalty and sales…

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Episode 20 - When Things Go Wrong: Food Safety Emergency Response 3:35

2M ago3:35

3:35

Smoke Break - Episode 20: When Things Go Wrong: Food Safety Emergency Response Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he provides essential guidance for handling food safety emergencies in your convenience store. Learn how to develop an effective crisis response plan for situations like power outages, product recalls, and foodborne…

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Episode 20: Reading and Responding to Customer Cues 3:06

2M ago3:06

3:06

Smoke Break - Episode 20: Reading and Responding to Customer Cues Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to interpret and react to the silent signals customers communicate through their body language, tone, and expressions. Learn why understanding these non-verbal cues is essential for providing exceptional service a…