The FAM Podcast with Mark Kinsley

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362

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Jun 2026

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Sleep industry secrets revealed! On The FAM podcast, host Mark Kinsley interviews innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders shaping the future of the sleep industry.

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June 15, 202647 min

The Her Story: Rethinking Women's Empowerment in the Mattress Industry

Can being "too nice" actually fuel unstoppable leadership? Discover the power moves women leaders use to break the REAL glass ceiling in retail.What if the advice you've heard about women in leadership is totally backwards? In this episode of The FAM Podcast, Tara Kinsley sits down with Nora Gomez—founder of Next Generation Growth and former Chief Merchandising Officer at Nebraska Furniture Mart—to pull back the curtain on the high-stakes moments women face in business and the sleep industry.Nora reveals the hidden challenges (and surprising advantages) of being called "too nice" in a cutthroat retail world—and how that label became her secret weapon for long-term success. You'll learn why most people get "having it all" totally wrong, what it's really like to pivot from a Fortune 500 C-suite to starting your own venture, and the overlooked power of relationships in advancing both personal and professional fulfillment.If you've ever felt boxed in by corporate politics, struggled with imposter syndrome, or wondered how to advocate for yourself (and others) in a male-dominated industry, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable wisdom. Plus, Nora shares insider stories from the mattress and furniture world—including how she helped introduce new product lines at Nebraska Furniture Mart and why “breaking the other glass ceiling” is about much more than just titles.Hear how AI, authenticity, and women’s voices are reshaping the future of sleep, business, and leadership—one bold move at a time.Timestamps:- 01:48 – The sleep habit leadership experts secretly break- 04:07 – The label that almost derailed Nora’s retail career (and how she flipped it)- 08:57 – Why women leaders always feel like they’re in a fishbowl- 12:12 – The “shiny object” moment that redefined success- 19:37 – How getting laid off led to Nora’s Most Excellent Adventure (and changed recruiting forever)- 25:14 – Inside Nebraska Furniture Mart: Building teams, driving change, and legacy lessons- 30:48 – The “other glass ceiling” holding women back (and how to break through)- 35:20 – Why filling the role isn’t enough: The difference between title and true empowerment- 39:57 – Bringing female voices (and wisdom) to the Sleep Summit stageConnect with The FAM Podcast:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

June 8, 202651 min

Data-Driven Mattress Marketing Secrets: How to Win Gen X Shoppers and Unlock Hidden Sleep Sales

What if your biggest mattress sale strategy is actually scaring away Gen X buyers with the most money? The data says it’s true. Here’s why.Are your mattress marketing tactics stuck in the past? In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Nicole Bergen of Elevate—one of the sleep industry’s top consumer research experts—to reveal the hidden disconnect between what retailers think works and what actually matters to today’s most powerful buyers: Gen X.Nicole shares eye-opening data from thousands of consumer interviews, exposing why relentless discounting and “NASCAR” promos don’t work on shoppers aged 45-55. Instead, assurance and trust—like comfort guarantees and real customer reviews—win the sale. You’ll learn why most brands overlook Gen X, despite their massive buying power, and how failing to update your playbook means losing sales to online giants.Ever wondered why your brand awareness is high but conversions are low? Nicole decodes the essential marketing funnel—attention, education, offer—and reveals the number one mistake retailers make (and how you can fix it with a simple brand health “timeout”).If you’ve ever struggled to connect with skeptical, research-driven customers or feared you’re wasting ad dollars, this episode gives you the playbook to pivot. Plus: actionable tips for leveraging data, optimizing for generative AI, and turning happy buyers into raving ambassadors.Timestamps:- 01:35 – The hidden problem with mattress marketing: why Gen X tunes out- 04:30 – How relentless promos are killing in-store joy (and trust)- 06:58 – The power of assurance: Why guarantees beat discounts for big-ticket buyers- 09:40 – “Top of funnel” secrets: What attracts attention in 2024- 12:50 – Why your ad recall is broken (and how to fix it)- 17:55 – The market-by-market myth: Why what works in Cincinnati fails in Houston- 21:15 – The “Timeout Playbook” for brand clarity (and avoiding costly mistakes)- 27:40 – Data traps: The ROAS lie and how to spot media waste- 31:20 – Unlocking Gen X: Winning strategies for the new power buyer- 36:45 – Problem-agitate-solution: Messaging that turns skeptics into buyersConnect with The FAM Podcast:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

June 1, 202625 min

Our 1st Buc-ee's Stop, Extreme, Elite, Unreasonable Event, and Sleeptronic’s Open House

What happens when sleep pros turn ordinary road trips into epic industry breakthroughs? You won’t believe what we discovered at 3 game-changing events.Join Mark Kinsley and team as they take you inside the mattress industry's most surprising (and fun) recent events—from the legendary Buc-ee's roadside stop to the elite Sweet Dreams gathering and Sleeptronic’s family-driven open house. If you’ve ever wondered what makes sleep retailers stand out—or how the best brands build loyal communities—this episode is packed with real-life stories, fresh insights, and “aha!” moments.You’ll get the inside scoop on how Sweet Dreams shut down four stores to invest in team development, why the art of “hosting” can transform your retail experience, and how a single connection at Sleep Summit led to a powerful BedTech partnership. Plus, discover what happens when you mix family, fun, and a little bit of Texas flavor—leather air fresheners included!From hands-on AI training to giving back to veterans, this episode proves the mattress industry is about more than sleep—it’s about people, purpose, and community. Don’t miss the special announcement that could put your brand on the map!Timestamps:- 02:45 – The wild, must-see Bucky’s experience (and what retailers can learn)- 07:10 – Why “hosting” beats “selling” for in-store success- 14:55 – How Sweet Dreams shut down 4 stores for team transformation- 21:20 – The family-first secret behind Sleeptronic’s open house- 27:00 – The BedTech partnership story: From summit connection to business win- 32:15 – Surprising ways AI is changing mattress retail (and how to catch up)- 36:40 – How Sleeptronic delivered 80 mattresses to veterans in need- 41:05 – The #1 thing retailers can control in uncertain times- 45:50 – Special announcements: What’s next for The FAM and Sleep SummitConnect with The FAM Podcast:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

May 18, 202633 min

Anxiety's Evil Connection to Insomnia: Sleep Expert Warns Against Focusing on the Future

Most people blame stress or bad habits for insomnia—but the real culprit will surprise you. Discover why your sleep tracker might make things WORSE.If you’ve ever tossed and turned, blamed your mattress, or obsessed over your sleep tracker score, this episode is your wake-up call. Behavioral sleep medicine expert Andrew Colsky (the “Sleep Science Guy”) joins us to reveal why most people treat insomnia the wrong way—and how science-backed methods like CBTI can transform your nights without pills or pricey gadgets.Andrew unpacks the three hidden forms of insomnia, exposes the truth about anxiety’s role in sleeplessness, and shares why chasing “perfect” sleep scores could be sabotaging your rest (hello, orthosomnia!). Learn what really works: the power of consistent behaviors, why quick sleep fixes fail, and how to reset your body for deep, restorative sleep.We also dive into nightmare therapy, the pitfalls of over-relying on sleep tech, and what mattress retailers need to know to truly help their customers. Plus, actionable tips for beating jet lag that even Navy SEALs use!If you want better sleep, more energy, and proven solutions, this episode is packed with expert insights, real stories, and strategies you won’t hear anywhere else.Timestamps:- 03:15 – The 3 types of insomnia (and why you probably have one)- 06:20 – How anxiety sabotages sleep (and the “doomscrolling” trap)- 08:45 – The shocking truth about sleep trackers and orthosomnia- 11:00 – Why CBTI works when everything else fails- 13:20 – Nightmares: The science of erasing recurring bad dreams- 16:30 – Why most sleep aids don’t deliver real rest- 19:45 – The hidden shortage of sleep specialists (and what to do)- 23:10 – Can AI replace human sleep therapy? Surprising realities- 27:25 – How your mattress (and menopause) impact sleep quality- 31:30 – Jet lag decoded: The Navy SEAL approach to beating time zonesConnect with The FAM Podcast:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

May 11, 202659 min

Ireland Meets Innovation: The Power of Collaboration Over Competition with Patrick Noel Daly

Startup mistakes are costing mattress innovators millions—here’s how a medical mattress inventor cracked the code for success and sleep health.What can a medical mattress founder, five-time author, and serial entrepreneur teach us about surviving—and thriving—in the sleep industry? In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Patrick Noel Daly, author of "Just Startup" and "Stand Your Ground, Never Quit," to reveal surprising truths about innovation, collaboration, and the hidden costs of going solo.Patrick’s journey—from a tiny Irish village to inventing life-changing sleep tech—shows why the next big mattress breakthrough may come from outside the mainstream. He unpacks the real difference between “good business” and “business slop,” how AI is transforming (and sometimes hurting) startups, and why collaboration—not competition—drives lasting success.If you’ve ever wondered why some mattress innovations flop, how to protect your biggest investments, or how to balance ambition with real-world risk, this episode is for you. Patrick shares candid stories about costly mistakes, licensing secrets, and a game-changing product for the 25 million Americans with asthma—all with practical advice you can use today.Industry insiders and newcomers alike will find new strategies for launching products, avoiding burnout, and creating a business (and life) that truly satisfies the soul. Don’t miss the most actionable insights from two decades on the front lines of mattress innovation.Timestamps:- 01:24 – The moment that sparked a global journey in sleep innovation- 05:30 – Why mattress industry rivals should work together (the win-win-win model)- 09:18 – Hidden costs: What entrepreneurs lose chasing startup dreams- 13:57 – “Singing in your soul”: The mindset every founder needs- 17:50 – How AI is changing (and endangering) the way we launch sleep products- 21:48 – The dangerous rise of ‘business slop’—and how to beat it- 26:46 – The mistake that almost cost an entrepreneur his home- 31:42 – Calculated risk: The rescue pilot lesson every founder must learn- 50:22 – The “SimCair” story: Inventing a mattress topper for 25M asthma sufferers- 57:30 – Why abundance and collaboration are the future of sleep retailConnect with The FAM Podcast:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

April 27, 202624 min

Dolphins, Tattoos, and Team Spirit: The Unforgettable Dream Camp 2026 Experience

What happens when Dream Camp loses power for 20 hours—and why did it lead to the most creative breakthroughs of the year? Find out now.Ever wondered what brings the sleep industry’s brightest minds together—and what happens when the lights go out? In this special Dream Camp 2026 recap, Mark and Tara Kinsley reveal how a massive overnight power outage turned a picturesque Santa Barbara retreat into a crash course in agility, creativity, and human connection.From CPAP machines suddenly stopping to AV teams scrambling for power banks, this episode delivers a behind-the-scenes look at how sleep pros handle the unexpected. You’ll hear how King Coil, Bed Tech, and Naturepedic families turned adversity into opportunity, and why a room lit only by candlelight became the birthplace of breakthrough ideas.Join us as we dive into innovation exercises led by Kaiser Yang (including writing backward with your non-dominant hand), the dolphin strategy for outsmarting “sharks” in business, and rare moments like up-close humpback whale sightings and spontaneous beer shotgunning with a mysterious beach knife.If you’ve ever felt stuck in business (or life), this is your playbook for shaking things up—no matter what goes wrong. Plus: Why Dream Camp’s tradition of community, creativity, and a little chaos might spark your next big idea.Timestamps:- 00:45 – The surprising Dream Camp tradition (and who has 5 tattoos!)- 03:30 – Power outage panic: How the sleep pros handled “lights out”- 07:10 – What happens when CPAP machines fail at a sleep industry event?- 11:25 – Innovation under candlelight: Kaiser Yang’s creative brain hacks- 17:40 – Whale watching and the “dolphin strategy” for disruptive thinking- 22:15 – Why community matters more than competition (dolphins vs. sharks)- 26:50 – How adversity forged new industry friendships- 32:10 – The knife, the beer, and the lesson in resourcefulness- 37:15 – Key takeaways for growing your business from Dream CampConnect with The FAM Podcast:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

May 4, 20261 hr 14 min

NBA Stars Turn to Dr. Chris Winter for Expert Sleep Strategies to Maximize Performance

Why are pro athletes obsessed with their mattresses—and are you making the #1 sleep mistake they avoid? Discover what really improves your sleep.If you’ve ever wondered whether your mattress actually matters for your sleep, you’ll want to hear this episode. We sit down with Dr. Chris Winter—bestselling author, neurologist, and the so-called “Sleep Whisperer” to the pros (Ariana Huffington’s words, not ours!). Dr. Winter has helped thousands in the NFL, NBA, and MLB unlock peak performance by optimizing their sleep setup—and he’s here to share what REALLY works.We kick off with a surprising truth: Most people treat their mattress as furniture, not a critical piece of sleep equipment. But Dr. Winter reveals it’s a game-changer for both sleep quality and daily energy. You’ll also learn why the explosion of sleep gadgets might actually be hurting your rest, how pro athletes and even the military approach sleep, and the “Zen master” mindset that makes falling asleep effortless—without all the tech and tension.Ever wondered why you jerk awake as you’re falling asleep? Or if sleep trackers and AI can truly help? Expect myth-busting insights, actionable tips, and a peek into how influencers (not experts!) are reshaping America’s sleep habits.Join us for laughs, science, and the real secrets to sleeping like a champion.Timestamps:00:58 - The real reason athletes obsess over their mattress03:12 - Should you treat sleep like a battle? Why “kitting up” isn’t always better06:16 - The surprising “Zen” sleep method Dr. Winter swears by09:14 - Why your body twitches when you fall asleep (and how to stop punching neighbors on planes)13:28 - Are sleep trackers and gadgets making you anxious—or helping you sleep?16:47 - AI and the future of personal sleep coaching24:45 - What NBA pros do differently for sleep (and how you can steal their hacks)32:57 - Military secrets: How elite soldiers sleep anywhere, anytime41:02 - Debunking viral “military sleep hacks” on TikTok and YouTube48:05 - The #1 “leave behind” tip for adults AND parents struggling with sleepConnect with The FAM Podcast:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

April 20, 202643 min

The Her Story: The Sleep Industry's Biggest Social Media Mistake (And How to Fix it)

Did you know posting less can actually drive MORE sales for mattress brands? Discover Erica Batterman's secrets to sleep industry social success!Ready to unlock the real power of social media for your sleep or mattress business? In this episode, Erica Batterman—social media strategist, content creator, and the “better half” of Bed Head’s Brent Batterman—pulls back the curtain on what actually works online.Erica reveals the counterintuitive truth: most retailers and brands are sabotaging engagement by focusing on quantity over quality. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to keep up with endless posting or wondered why your mattress content isn’t converting, this is the episode you need.You’ll learn:- Why consistency and authenticity beat viral trends every time- The key differences between Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for the sleep industry (and how tiny tweaks can massively boost results)- How to turn your audience’s pain points (like back pain and sleep struggles) into content that builds trust—and sales- The real reason customers check your socials before buying (and what to do if you haven’t posted since Christmas)- Plus, Erica’s personal journey from oil & gas to food influencer to sleep industry expert, and how battling breast cancer changed her entire approach to risk, connection, and business.If you’re ready to attract the right customers (not just more followers), join us for actionable insights, relatable stories, and a few laughs. Industry experts and top creators tune in—now it’s your turn.Timestamps:- 01:25 – The “offline” secret to Erica’s creative recharge- 05:23 – How slow mornings fuel social media brilliance- 10:05 – The confidence myth: What 15K followers don’t see- 15:56 – From oil & gas to 15K followers: Erica’s journey- 19:37 – The one thing mattress brands get wrong on social- 21:46 – Why posting less can mean selling more- 23:13 – How customers judge your business by your last post- 24:53 – Platform power: Instagram vs. LinkedIn for sleep retailers- 29:45 – The career risk Erica wishes she’d taken sooner- 35:19 – The “superpower” every sleep pro wishes forConnect with The FAM Podcast:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

April 13, 202642 min

The Her Story: Surprising Lessons From a Mattress Entrepreneur (That Challenge Industry Myths)

Even mattress CEOs break sleep rules—and reveal why most "cooling" beds are just clever marketing. Get the real story from Big Mattress Outlet's CEO!Think the people who run mattress companies always practice what they preach? Think again. In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Kelly Charles, CEO of Big Mattress Outlet, who admits she breaks nearly every sleep hygiene rule—despite knowing the science.Kelly shares how her definition of success has evolved from non-stop hustle to building a business that gives her more time with family. She opens up about the real (and often ignored) challenges of being a woman in the mattress industry, how "cooling" has become a misleading industry buzzword, and why most people—including experts—struggle to follow perfect sleep routines. If you’ve ever felt guilty for late-night screen time or not following every sleep tip, you'll relate to Kelly’s honesty. She discusses practical, realistic approaches to better sleep, like focusing on daytime habits rather than strict bedtime rules. Plus, hear her take on industry fluff, the realities of franchising, and the importance of knowing your strengths before launching a business.Whether you're a sleep professional, retailer, or just want better rest, this episode delivers candid insights and actionable (realistic!) advice. Join a community that values transparency—and a few good laughs.Timestamps:- 00:58 – Success redefined: From hustle to freedom- 05:39 – The sleep habit CEOs can’t stick to- 08:29 – Why most sleep rules go ignored- 11:21 – What men miss about women in the mattress industry- 13:54 – How store temperature drives women away- 16:26 – “Cooling” mattresses: Industry myth or magic?- 19:34 – Quitting corporate: The real reason to go solo- 26:47 – Are you ready to own a franchise? The truth- 31:15 – Kelly’s unfiltered sleep routine (and her dog’s!)- 35:53 – Vacation dreams and the art of splurgingConnect with The FAM Podcast:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

April 6, 202651 min

Badcock's Collapse: How Matt Pridemore Built 22 Hometown Furniture Stores in 18 months

A 90-day collapse, 22 new stores, and one mattress vendor who saved it all—discover the untold secrets behind Hometown Furniture’s epic comeback.What would you do if your entire business vanished in 90 days? That’s exactly where Matt Pridemore found himself as Badcock—his family’s furniture retail foundation for generations—collapsed overnight. In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Matt to reveal the wild, true story of resilience, resourcefulness, and relationships that fueled the rise of Hometown Furniture from empty showrooms to 22 thriving locations.You’ll hear how one vendor, Heritage Mattress, stepped up when everyone else retreated—proving the mattress industry’s family roots run deep. Learn why most retailers fail (and what Matt did differently), the “certainty principle” that turns browsers into buyers, and how to build local brand loyalty when everything else changes.If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate business disaster, motivate teams through uncertainty, or train sales staff who actually convert, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and emotional moments you won’t find anywhere else. Join the FAM for an insider look at the comeback story everyone in the sleep and furniture industry is talking about.Timestamps:00:00 - The 90-day collapse: Badcock’s shock and aftermath04:45 - The vendor who showed up first (Heritage Mattress’s game-changing move)06:40 - How to rebuild from zero: Matt’s first steps09:55 - What Matt ditched from the old model (and why)11:56 - The secret to local retail fame and community loyalty14:48 - Defining the new customer: Surprising findings17:47 - Why Hometown turned off e-commerce (and what happened next)18:52 - The Sales Academy advantage: Training sales teams for trust21:45 - Building value in yourself (not just the product)24:19 - Matt’s “certainty principle” and closing more sales28:34 - The transition that’s killing sales (and how to fix it)39:23 - How to make retail sales a real career, not a stopover44:35 - Matt’s vision for the future: Scaling local, building legacyConnect with The FAM Podcast:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818