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The Focus Group

Published by The Focus Group, Tim Bennett, John Nash, Bleav

  • Business
  • News
  • Marketing
  • News commentary

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.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, opens in a new tabMake something like it

On the charts

1 chart placement

Every published chart this podcast appears in, in the snapshot behind this page. Each one links to the chart it came off.

  1. Number 93MarketingUnited States

From the feed

Recent episodes

The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.

  1. R.I.P. Columbia House from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Aug 29, 202644 min

    Tim and John explore pet behavior and loss, a unique parallel parking contest in Philadelphia, the legacy of Columbia House, and quirky wedding gift trends. Harry Reems, porn star and realtor, is the Business Birthday. Join The Focus Group as they share personal stories, cultural insights, and humorous takes on everyday life. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. TFG Unbuttoned: Concert Etiquette Reminds You to Poop in a Toilet, not on the Floor from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Aug 25, 202624 min

    Tim and John discuss a Michigan salon that suggested trans people go to a pet groomer stating in a posted sign that they will only serve men or women. Election denier Mike Lindell, who lost by double digits in a recent Minnesota Republican Primary, is claiming election fraud. The My Pillow guy claims his loss was due to electronic voting machines and will pay upwards of $1 million for a hand recount. Finally, culturalists are blaming the pandemic on a rash of bad behavior at concerts that include people defecating in place rather than going to the restroom. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. How To Preserve Brain Health in Retirement from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Aug 22, 202655 min

    Shop Talk looks at a study that finds early retirement can negatively affect cognitive ability if you remain idle. Also, 3,500-year-old gold bracelets are found in an English field and a 102-year-old Navy Vet celebrates his birthday with wings at Hooters. Joe Caroff, a famous graphic designer, is our Business Birthday. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. TFG Unbuttoned: A Crappy Year for Taylor Farms from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Aug 18, 202623 min

    Tim and John discuss how the lettuce recall from Taylor Farms is the least of their problems this year. Also, a Comcast manager in Connecticut is sued for tying up low performing sales representatives and having the highest performing monthly employee smash a pie in their face. Finally, how relationships with friends change as we age. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. What Word is the Key to Great Success? from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Aug 15, 202650 min

    Shop Talk examines a study that finds this one trait can lead to great success in your professional life. Also, a Wisconsin brewery is advertising 50% off beer when Mitch McConnell dies and a fart clears the screening of Spiderman. Miss Cleo, of the Psychic Readers Network, is our Business Birthday. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. TFG Unbuttoned: Big Brother May Be at the Door of Your Local Gay Bar from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Aug 11, 202622 min

    Tim and John look back at the rage machine that went into action against Cracker Barrel’s recent rebrand, the importance of documenting personal stories, and an innovative New Jersey law that reduced waste in takeout orders. They also discuss the evolving landscape of privacy and security in LGBTQ+ spaces. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. The Cover Letter is Dead from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Aug 8, 202657 min

    Tim and John look at the death of the cover letter in the age of AI, a bizarre space project that wants to put a cross on the moon, a food bank that won't accept food as part of their anti-LGBTQ policy, and the influence of Epstein in global power structures. They also share personal stories and insights on job hunting. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, is our Business Birthday. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. TFG Unbuttoned: Lifting Weights with Men Only, and Jesus from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Aug 4, 202623 min

    In this episode, Tim and John discuss the increase in people testing positive for marijuana in the workplace and trying to hide it. Also, men-only Christian gyms are starting to pop-up around the US to help “godly” men not be tempted by women. Finally, a food truck in Indiana tests free speech with their double entendre slogan. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  9. Message in a Bottle from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Aug 1, 202643 min

    Shop Talk this week looks at retirement and the next 20 years. When should you travel, the importance of staying active, and having purpose. Caught My Eye covers an influencer that exposes a NYC bakery for allegedly selling fifty cent Costco pastries for $12. Also, a family puts their mother’s ashes in a bottle with a note that asks that you cork the bottle and put it back in the ocean as Mom is “traveling the world.” Ginni Rometty, the first female CEO of IBM, is our Business Birthday. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  10. TFG Unbuttoned: Way to Go Ohio from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jul 28, 202621 min

    In this episode, Tim and John discuss an anti-LGBTQ billboard campaign in Ohio from a Seattle hate group. Also, Grindr continues to grow despite complaints about limited free use and cost for premium services. Finally, Larry the cat welcomes his 7th Prime Minister to 10 Downing Street. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  11. Your Dream Job Awaits from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jul 18, 202649 min

    Shop Talk this week looks at a study by the real estate platform Redfin, which concludes that retirees should not rely on their homes to be a safety net unless they do the required maintenance and updating. Caught My Eye looks at a story that John discovered was clickbait about a cat and jury duty. Also, Jeopardy is looking to add one new clue writer to staff for the first time in 10 years. First, you must pass the online contestant test to apply. Charles Rudolph Boysen, the inventor of the Boysenberry, is our Business Birthday. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  12. TFG Unbuttoned: Turkey’s Unusual NATO Summit Parting Gift from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jul 14, 202623 min

    In this episode of TFG Unbuttoned, Tim and John discuss the personalized handgun that Turkish President Erdogan gifted to NATO leaders last week. Also, an all LGBTQ+ racing team in Australia and the retirement of Ann Northrop from GAYUSA TV is noted. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  13. Paper Don’t Break from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jul 11, 202649 min

    Shop Talk this week looks at a study that makes a scientific claim for reading on paper, not screens, for better comprehension. Caught My Eye looks at the origin of fuzzy dice and a free jockstrap and harness giveaway by the streamer Tubi. Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the inventor of viable dirigibles, is our Business Birthday. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  14. TFG Unbuttoned: Patti LuPone Cries Fowl on Turkey from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jul 7, 202621 min

    John and Tim dissect recent news stories, including the controversy over Turkey blocking an LGBTQ Atlantis cruise, the shift to paperless airline boarding passes, and the dangers of sketchy gas station pills. They also share humorous anecdotes and critique current political and social issues, providing insights, and entertainment. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  15. Happy Canada Day! from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jul 4, 202646 min

    Shop Talk this week looks at the California Public Utility Commission’s process to certify suppliers deemed “oppressed,” including LGBTQ contractors. Caught My Eye looks at the freedom of speech and “Trump” branded cars. Also, a woman falls down a trash chute in Hackensack. Estee Lauder, the co-founder of Estee Lauder Cosmetics, is our Business Birthday. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  16. TFG Unbuttoned: The New Leader in Fast Food is a Surprise from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jun 30, 202623 min

    In this episode of TFG Unbuttoned, Tim and John discuss a disgusting swatting attempt against “Mayor Pete” and his family. Also, Donald is the new Adolf as newborns named Donald have plummeted in popularity. Finally, Chick-fil-A, after 11 years, is no longer America’s favorite fast food. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  17. Brands Doubling Down on Pride from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jun 27, 202649 min

    Shop Talk this week reveals 11 brands that have leaned into PRIDE this year despite the fear of being called out by the anti-LGBTQ cult. Caught My Eye reveals that the FIFA crowds are confused with North America's tipping culture. Also, the iconic Longaberger headquarters building, shaped like a picnic basket, is for sale in Ohio. Nicolas Woodman, the founder of GoPro, is our Business Birthday. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  18. TFG Unbuttoned: Look at the Camera and Smile from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jun 23, 202622 min

    In this episode of Unbuttoned, Tim and John explore a variety of topics, from facial recognition in San Francisco gay bars to private jet scams, and the return of a nostalgic fast-food treat from McDonalds. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  19. Your Judgement Has Value from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jun 20, 202646 min

    Shop Talk this week explores the evolving role of AI in the workplace coupled with the importance of judgment and experience. Caught My Eye uncovers a bitcoin scam, and a missing bottle of Cupcake Pinot Grigio is found inside a female on her way to jail. Ruth Graves Wakefield, the inventor of Toll House chocolate chip cookies, is our Business Birthday. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  20. TFG Unbuttoned: Happy Pride from The Focus Group, opens in a new tab

    Jun 16, 202625 min

    TFG Unbuttoned is the 20-minute companion podcast from The Focus Group. Happy Pride! This week Tim and John discuss a PRIDE train in Chicago, and an advertising campaign from Hello Fresh that did not land well—according to PRIDE purists. Also, The Great American State Fair, which is to take place on the National Mall starting June 25th, has seen several states say they will not participate due to costs and partisan politics. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ranking source

Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.

Observed September 20, 2026.

Apple and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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