Best Shekar Podcasts (2025)

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127. Defining Reality for Your Team with Steve Worthy 36:12

Play Pause

2d ago36:12

36:12

In this episode of The Retail Perch, Shekar Raman sits down with Steve Worthy, Managing Director and North America Head of Growth at Competitor IQ, and CEO of Worthy Retail Global. With more than 27 years in retail, Steve brings a deep leadership perspective shaped by decades of industry experience. They discuss the importance of clear communicatio…

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126. Where Data Meets Retail Innovation with Zoher Karu 45:30

16d ago45:30

45:30

In this episode of The Retail Perch, Shekar Raman is joined by Zoher Karu to discuss data, analytics, and what it takes to make information truly actionable. Zoher shares his journey from earning a PhD in Electrical Engineering at MIT to building a career focused on customer data and enterprise wide analytics, including his role as VP and Chief Dat…

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125. Behind Today’s Retail Shift: SNAP, Marketing, and the RMN Landscape 26:11

1M ago26:11

26:11

In this episode of The Retail Perch, hosts Shekar Raman and Gary Hawkins take a closer look at some of the shifts shaping today’s retail environment. They talk about SNAP funding changes and what they could mean for retailers, how marketing can move beyond coupons and traditional loyalty programs, how merchandising and marketing can work more close…

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124. Peter Bond: The Power of Connection in Retail 56:07

2M ago56:07

56:07

In this episode of The Retail Perch, Shekar Raman and Gary Hawkins are joined by Peter Bond, Co-Host of The CPG Guys and Head of Industry and Client Engagement at Flywheel. Peter discusses the role of the podcast community in building meaningful connections across retail and CPG, how shopper expectations have evolved and what that means for brands …

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123. The Human Journey of Retail and AI with Dave Finnegan 52:04

2M ago52:04

52:04

In this episode of Retail Perch, Dave Finnegan, Chief Connection Officer at Black Finn and Ambassador to the CMO and Digital Councils at the National Retail Federation, joins Shekar Raman and Gary Hawkins to discuss how AI and anthropology come together to shape the future of retail through empathy, innovation, and human connection.…

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War Criminal 29:27

3M ago29:27

29:27

I confront a 20th century war criminal who is offered an “endowed chair” at Columbia University. Former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger must endure the gauntlet of student protest to land the position. My roommates, sister and I launch a campaign of resistance. We win! This story was recorded live at...…

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Episode 36: Michelle Beck and Michael Duffy 36:42

3M ago36:42

36:42

By Store Brands

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122. Healthy Choices, Smarter Shopping: Galen Karlan-Mason of GreenChoice 37:39

3M ago37:39

37:39

By Shekar Raman Gary Hawkins

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Nim Chimpsky 17:39

3M ago17:39

17:39

By Radio Reimagine

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Riding Red 22:31

3M ago22:31

22:31

Trapped in KKK Maryland with no friends, I am completely miserable. My step-sister gets a horse from her father and the story takes a turn as two lonely animals sort out a way of connecting. Performed and recorded at the Marsh Theater SF on May 15, 2024. Want to support radical storytelling and journalism? Become...…

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Going My Way? 14:09

3M ago14:09

14:09

Every day after school I have to hitchhike across Howard County Maryland to get back to my father’s hippy haven mansion. As a femme-looking teenager who can be seen as a girl or a boy, this is no simple mission. Performed and recorded at our own Third Thursday storytelling series co-sponsered by Joyful Raven Studios...…

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Store Brands Spotlight Episode 35: Renee Caceras 13:04

3M ago13:04

13:04

By Store Brands

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121. AI in Retail: Risks, Realities, and the Future with Lee Gaul 38:17

3M ago38:17

38:17

In this episode of The Retail Perch, Gary Hawkins and guest co-host Courtney Adams welcome Lee Gaul, AI Expert at Long Horizon AI, for a candid conversation about artificial intelligence. Lee brings a cautionary perspective, looking beyond the hype to explore both the opportunities and the risks of AI. He discusses its manipulative and subconscious…

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Mother from Another… (Planet) 18:47

4M ago18:47

18:47

At 13 years old, I head to Mendocino California to try and reconnect with my mother. She used to be a straight, uptight, Catholic, Montessori teacher and is now an acid-dropping free love hippie shacking up with the boy-man next door. Our relationship takes a turn and I begin to explore who I will become....…

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In the Big House 18:32

4M ago18:32

18:32

My father dumps my mother for a beautiful woman. Then he makes a big mistake–he marries her. I’m ripped out of my androgynous hippie life in Washington DC and arrive at a decrepit southern mansion in KKK Maryland. Facing harassment at school for my feminine looks and harsh social isolation, I find solace with my...…

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120. Virginia Marsh on The Power of Data in Retail 43:31

4M ago43:31

43:31

In this episode of The Retail Perch, Shekar Raman and Gary Hawkins are joined by Virginia Marsh, Head of Data, Agency & Platforms at Fluent Inc. Virginia’s career began loading trucks in Puerto Rico and took a pivotal turn when she taught herself to code on a Commodore computer. That early curiosity grew into a passion for data that now shapes how …

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A Good Sin 23:31

4M ago23:31

23:31

I confront the challenge of choosing a new saint’s name in the confirmation ceremony of the Catholic Church. The saints I most admire are Joan of Arc and St. Bridget. The nuns at the school often choose male saints for their names, so I’m wishing I can choose a girl’s name. To get the right...By Radio Reimagine

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Store Brands Spotlight Episode 34: Stuart Aitken 29:16

4M ago29:16

29:16

In Episode 34 of Store Brands Spotlight, we spoke with Stuart Aitken, president and CEO of Circana, who provided an overview of the current mindset of consumers, notable shopping trends retailers need to watch, and how the year's first eight months may foretell how consumers will shop for their holiday needs.…

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119. The Return of Ron Bonacci: Making Data Actionable in Retail 39:32

4M ago39:32

39:32

In this episode of Retail Perch, we welcome back Ron Bonacci, who shares his journey from grocery bagger to marketing expert in retail. Ron reflects on his longtime friendship with the hosts, talks about the evolving role of CPGs, and offers insights from his time at Kroger on how to make data truly actionable. He also explores the growing impact o…

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118. Retail Runs on Connectivity: Katie Riddle 38:40

5M ago38:40

38:40

This week on The Retail Perch, Gary and Shekar sit down with Katie Riddle, Global Strategy Lead at Verizon, to discuss the often overlooked backbone of modern retail: connectivity. From in-store WiFi and device performance to enabling real time innovation, Katie shares how network infrastructure directly impacts both shopper experience and associat…

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Ep 50 - SHEILA CALLAGHAN (FX/Hulu's Dying for Sex, Showtime's Shameless) on the Research of Writing 54:59

5M ago54:59

54:59

Today we have SHEILA CALLAGHAN on the show. In 2010, Sheila was profiled by Marie Claire as one of “18 Successful Women Who Are Changing the World.” She was also named one of Variety magazine’s “10 Screenwriters to Watch.” Sheila was a longtime writer/producer on the hit Showtime comedy Shameless and a founder of the feminist activist group The Kil…

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117. Retail Media Gets Real: Steve Dietch 41:30

5M ago41:30

41:30

In this episode of The Retail Perch, Gary and Shekar welcome Steven Dietch, Chief Revenue Officer at Bridg, for a timely conversation on how retail media is reshaping the industry. From his early days in computer science to IBM Sweden and now leading strategy at Bridg, Steve shares how platforms like Bridg and Rippl are helping retailers turn shopp…

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Ep49 - RACHEL VINE (Disney Channel's The Owl House, Duck Tales) on Writing for Animated Television 53:01

6M ago53:01

53:01

Today we have RACHEL VINE on the show! Rachel is a feature and TV writer who has worked on many animated series. Some of those include My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, DC Super Hero Girls, Wander Over Yonder and DuckTales. Rachel was story editor for Peabody Award-Winning The Owl House. This conversation was really cool for me, since I knew not…

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116. From Layout to Loyalty: Retail Design with Flora Delaney 45:56

6M ago45:56

45:56

This week on The Retail Perch, Shekar and Gary sit down with Flora Delaney, a veteran retail and CPG executive, consultant, and author of Retail: The Second-Oldest Profession. With over 25 years of experience, Flora shares how smart space planning, strategic category management, and AI-driven insights transform today’s in-store experience. Join us …

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Ep48 - AJA GABEL (The Staircase, Five Star Weekend) on the Dance Between Novel Writing and Screenwriting 48:35

6M ago48:35

48:35

This week we have AJA GABEL on the show! Aja is the author of the novels Lightbreakers (coming in November 2025) and The Ensemble, both from Riverhead Books. Her prose can be found in The Cut, LA Times, Buzzfeed, BOMB, and elsewhere. Her TV credits include: the max original mini series The Staircase starring Colin Firth, Toni Colette and Michael St…

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Store Brands Spotlight Episode 33: Shekar Raman 24:39

7M ago24:39

24:39

In Episode 33 of Store Brands Spotlight, we spoke with Shekar Raman, CEO of Birdzi, a company that employs AI and data science to gain consumer insights on behalf of its customers. Raman shared insight into how retailers should be using AI to help grow their business.By Store Brands

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Ep47 - MADHURI SHEKAR (Netflix's Unaccustomed Earth, HBO's The Nevers) on Adaptations and Claiming Your Space 49:46

7M ago49:46

49:46

Today we have MADHURI SHEKAR on the show. Madhuri is a playwright and screenwriter. She wrote the Amazon/Blumhouse feature EVIL EYE produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas based on her Audible original audio drama. Her TV credits include THREE BODY PROBLEM on Netflix, the HBO fantasy epic THE NEVERS and she, along with John Wells is currently co-showrunn…

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Ep46 - ELEANOR BURGESS (HBO's Perry Mason, Netflix's Little House on the Prairie) on Bringing Your Self to TV Writing 55:22

7M ago55:22

55:22

This week we're happy to have ELEANOR BURGESS on the show. Eleanor is a playwright and screenwriter. Her work has been produced at theaters across the United States, including Manhattan Theatre Club, South Coast Rep, Geffen Playhouse, McCarter Theatre Center, Huntington Theatre Company, Writers Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, G…

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Store Brands Spotlight Episode 32: Stephanie Epperson and Michelle Bennett 23:31

7M ago23:31

23:31

Stephanie Epperson, vice president of Consumer & Shopper Insights – Food & Beverage Consumption with Circana, and Michelle Bennett, executive vice president of Consumer and Shopper Insights at Circana, discuss Circana’s recent report ‘A Day In The Life Of The Complete Consumer.’By Store Brands

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Ep45 - HANNAH BOS and PAUL THUREEN (HBO's Somebody Somewhere) on Working as a Team 55:10

8M ago55:10

55:10

HANNAH BOS and PAUL THUREEN are the creators and showrunners of Somebody Somewhere, HBO’s Peabody Award-winning, critically acclaimed comedy series starring Bridget Everett. The Boston Globe declared the series a “revelation” that “exudes compassion” with a “nuanced take on the everyday.” The Daily Beast called the show “TV’s sweetest slice of life…

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Ep44 - SARAH MCCARRON (Station Eleven, The Abandons) on Connecting Deeply to Material 51:51

8M ago51:51

51:51

Today we have SARAH MCCARRON on the show. Sarah is a Los Angeles-based writer, producer, and director who works in television, film, and theatre. TV projects include: currently executive producer of a one hour drama in development at Showtime (hopefully to be announced soon!); co-executive producer on Netflix’s forthcoming THE ABANDONS, starring Gi…

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Store Brands Spotlight Episode 31: Leigh O’Donnell 23:23

8M ago23:23

23:23

Leigh O’Donnell, head of Shopper and Category Insights at Kantar, discusses research Kantar has completed about GLP-1s and talks about the potential long-term impacts this so-called wonder drug may have on the retail marketplace.By Store Brands

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115. Interview with Barry Collier of DRINKS 44:59

8M ago44:59

44:59

In this episode of The Retail Perch, Gary and Shekar chat with Barry Collier. He's the co-founder of DRINKS, a leading e-commerce platform for alcohol retailers and producers. Barry shares how he went from Neopets to launching a DTC wine business, and how DRINKS has since expanded its platform and partnered with Kroger. They dive into alcohol compl…

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Store Brands Spotlight Episode 30: Ranjana Choudhry 28:05

8M ago28:05

28:05

Ranjana Choudhry, senior vice president of Media and Data Platforms at Inmar Intelligence. discusses the results of Inmar’s recent Spring Predictions Report, which spoke with consumers about their spring shopping expectations.By Store Brands

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Ep43 - ANNA OUYANG MOENCH (Severance, Beef) on Playwriting vs TV Writing 57:06

9M ago57:06

57:06

Anna Ouyang Moench is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Her plays have been produced at La Jolla Playhouse, Williamstown Theatre Festival, NAATCO/The Public Theater, the Geffen Playhouse, the Playwrights Realm, East West Players, InterAct Theater, Theater Mu, and many other theaters across the country and around the world. In television…

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Ep42 - DARCY FOWLER (Little Demon, Glow) on Believing in Your Vision 58:49

9M ago58:49

58:49

Darcy Fowler is a writer, actor, and producer who co-created and co-wrote the animated horror comedy Little Demon on FX/Hulu, voiced by Danny DeVito, Lucy DeVito, and Aubrey Plaza, and executive produced by Dan Harmon. She was a writer on the last (and never aired) season of Netflix's Glow, and has developed, collaborated on, and sold shows to netw…

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Store Brands Spotlight Episode 29: Jessica Gaudette and Michael Dagerath 22:15

9M ago22:15

22:15

Jessica Gaudette, director of Process & Technology at Daymon, and Michael Dagerath, vice president of Quality Assurance at Daymon, speak about the recent FDA ban of Red Dye No. 3 and its impact on private label products.By Store Brands

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Ep 41 - GINA FATTORE (Dawson's Creek, Gilmore Girls) on the Collaborative Nature of TV Writing 1:04:43

10M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Gina Fattore is a TV writer, producer, and showrunner. Some of her many credits include Dare Me, Gaslit, Better Things, UnREAL, Masters of Sex, Parenthood, Californication, Gilmore Girls, and my eternal favorite, Dawson’s Freaking Creek. Her debut novel The Spinster Diaries was published in 2020 by Prospect Park Books and is a total delight (a fun …

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Store Brands Spotlight Episode 28: Jay Given 19:19

10M ago19:19

19:19

Jay Given, vice president of Retail and Brand Strategy with Affinity Solutions, talks about what drove retail sales in 2024, the current mindset of consumers, and she’ll use her crystal ball to look ahead at the remainder of 2025 at retail.By Store Brands

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Unraveling the Greatest Civilization on Earth with Raghu Ananthanarayanan 1:32:56

10M ago1:32:56

1:32:56

If you struggle with being present, expressing gratitude or grasping concepts such as "Dharma" or "Karma", this episode is for you! Mr. Raghu Ananthanarayanan, Raghu Ananthanarayanan a disciple of Yogachaarya Krishnamaachaarya & TKV Desikachar and an alumnus of IIT Madras is a behavioural scientist, yoga teacher and an author. He has pioneered the …

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Store Brands Spotlight Episode 27: Sherry Smith 20:01

10M ago20:01

20:01

Sherry Smith, executive managing director for the Americas at Criteo, talks about the current state of omnichannel retailing, how consumers are using stores and digital tools to meet their needs, and what trends retailers should be watching.By Store Brands

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114. Interview with Neil Twa of Voltage Holdings, LLC 45:39

11M ago45:39

45:39

Don't miss this week’s episode, featuring Neil Twa, the CEO of Voltage Holdings, LLC. As co-author of Almost Automated Income with FBA, Neil specializes in launching, operating, and acquiring e-commerce brands, particularly within the Amazon FBA space. In this conversation with Shekar and Gary, he shares his journey from almost studying music theor…

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113. Interview with Todd Maute of CBX 42:36

11M ago42:36

42:36

This week on The Retail Perch, Shekar and Gary welcome Todd Maute, who is a parter at CBX. With many years of branding expertise, Todd shares his journey from advertising to transforming private labels into high-quality, innovative brands. They discuss the evolution of private label perception, the role of retailers like Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, and …

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Is privacy the ultimate resource? In conversation with Rahul Matthan 48:06

1y ago48:06

48:06

Rahul Matthan is the founding partner of one of India’s leading law firms- Trilegal. Being an expert on everything data-related, it was great to get his insights on some of privacy’s most pressing issues! You can follow him on Twitter at: @Matthan & his podcast is: www.vaaka.in/exmachina

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Stop the Steal

1y ago

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How are sheriffs undermining elections? Since 2022, the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) has teamed up with True the Vote, a multi million-dollar “Stop the Steal” group, to position sheriffs as key players in election denial. This episode explores how these sheriffs’ actions have escalated voter intimidation and suppre…

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Social Control

1y ago

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Sheriffs wield immense power over U.S. county jails, controlling the lives of a third of the nation’s incarcerated population in addition to acting as enforcers of immigration law.By Radio Reimagine

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112. Interview with David Milstein of SellCord 41:39

1y ago41:39

41:39

This week on The Retail Perch, Shekar and Gary are thrilled to chat with David Milstein, the co-founder and CEO of SellCord, a service agency dedicated to simplifying the process of selling on Walmart’s marketplace. David shares his unique journey and insights into navigating Walmart’s ecosystem, from his beginnings in IT to helping clients with pr…

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What is FAIR?

1y ago

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What happens when the Constitutional Sheriffs network finds an ally in the White House? In this episode, we uncover how far-right networks leveraged the power of local sheriffs to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a nationwide crackdown on immigrants. In February 2019, ICE launched a series of raids across North Carolina…

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Takeover and Rebellion

1y ago

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Why do far-right activists in the West, from the Bundys to the militias that occupied Oregon’s federal land in 2016, harbor such deep resentment toward the federal government? And how did sheriffs become protectors of ranchers in their standoff with federal authorities? In this episode, we examine how key figures within the Constitutional Sheriffs …

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111. Interview with Mykhailo Maksymenko of CustomerTimes 45:36

1y ago45:36

45:36

In this week’s episode, Shekar and Gary are joined by special guest Mykhailo Maksymenko, Vice President and Salesforce Practice Head at CustomerTimes Corp, a leader in CRM and digital transformation. Mykhailo shares insights into his role as a product-to-market expert, exploring topics such as crafting emotional connections with buyers, the power o…