The Checkout

Book a call with John: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/squeeze-page1712742970440 Most ecommerce founders try to build a brand by running better ads to a product page. They obsess over conversion metrics while ignoring the thing that actually makes a brand stick: a story consumers connect to and repeat back to each other. In this episode, NJ Falk, managing partner at Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL), breaks down the six or seven story threads APL uses across every product launch, campaign, and piece of content. From the NBA ban that became the foundation of the brand, to designing sensory language instead of spec sheets, NJ explains why most ecommerce brands hit a scale ceiling and what it actually takes to build a brand customers love saying out loud. Topics discussed: 00:00 - How APL turned an NBA ban into their brand foundation 01:00 - The origin of Athletic Propulsion Labs and the Concept One 03:00 - Never waste a crisis: turning a ban into performance credibility 06:00 - The six story threads APL uses for every product launch 09:00 - Why specs do not sell and sensory language does 11:00 - The Japan pancake trip that inspired a midsole 13:00 - Tongue-in-cheek tech stories like Run Naked 18:00 - How to keep your founder story fresh after telling it 100 times 22:00 - Gym to street to life and the versatility thread 26:00 - Social proof, awards, and editorial validation as a story bucket 30:00 - Should you build the story first or the product first 42:00 - Aspirational identity as the thread in everything you make 46:00 - A simple T-chart framework for brand storytelling 53:00 - How to expand into a new sport or category authentically 01:03:00 - Why brands hit a scale ceiling without a real brand Learn more about our sponsors: https://www.attentive.com/ https://fuego.io/ https://www.socialsnowball.io/ https://redo.com/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH RYAN DEISS: https://scalable.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandeiss/ https://www.youtube.com/@RyanDeissOfficial 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOHN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnjhcoyle 🔗 CONNECT WITH BART : https://szaniewski.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/

Book a call with John: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/squeeze-page1712742970440 Most ecommerce brands treat email like its own revenue channel. They obsess over campaign metrics while missing the bigger opportunity — using retention to lower acquisition costs, improve customer experience, and increase lifetime value. In this episode, Sammy Tran breaks down what actually drives growth for ecommerce brands today. From subscriptions and retention marketing to AI-generated content and owned audiences, Sammy explains why brands focused only on short-term revenue are falling behind — and what smart operators are doing differently. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Why most ecommerce brands use email wrong 06:24 - Landing pages, pop-ups, and conversion strategy 07:00 - Why ecommerce testing gets complicated fast 14:43 - The reality of running a marketing agency1 5:07 - Agency incentives vs effective marketing 28:44 - Why retention revenue fuels growth 31:51 - Building better subscription experiences 32:05 - Loyalty systems and retention tools 39:51 - Why brands need audiences they own 40:05 - The rise of owned marketing channels 01:11:37 - Using customer feedback to improve products 01:11:50 - Finding patterns in customer responses 01:19:10 - AI-generated content becoming the norm 01:19:18 - Why human creativity will stand out more 01:21:36 - Final thoughts and closing remarks Learn more about our sponsors: https://www.attentive.com/https://fuego.io/https://www.socialsnowball.io/https://redo.com/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH RYAN DEISS: https://scalable.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandeiss/ https://www.youtube.com/@RyanDeissOfficial 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOHN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnjhcoyle 🔗 CONNECT WITH BART: https://szaniewski.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/

Book a call with John: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/squeeze-page1712742970440 Wondering why you're more buried in work than you were a year and a million dollars ago? You hired helpers. Not operators. Ryan Deiss founded DigitalMarketer.com, trained 120,000 marketers, and now runs 17 companies doing $250M+ a year. In this episode, he walks through how he'd actually scale any brand from $1M to $30M+ — from the hire that unlocks scale to the three engines that power e-commerce businesses. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Introduction 00:48 - Does EOS work in e-commerce? 08:13 - The worst stage of any business 09:09 - 3 engines every e-com brand runs on 21:42 - Mapping your business for scale 26:01 - Scaling without losing time with your family 36:00 - Why founders never feel like they’re making enough 40:50 - Identity shifts as you scale 48:17 - The first role to hand off (and one you shouldn’t) 57:23 - How to hire for an undefined role 01:01:54 - What to focus on at each stage of growth 01:10:37 - Should you scale, sell, or raise at $30M? 01:17:44 - Do lead magnets work in e-commerce? Learn more about our sponsors: https://www.attentive.com/ https://fuego.io/ https://www.socialsnowball.io/ https://redo.com/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH RYAN DEISS: Instagram @ryandeiss YouTube @ryandeissofficial X @ryandeiss Website : https://scalable.co/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandeiss/ Free Book Get Scalable: https://www.getscalable.com/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOHN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnjhcoyle 🔗 CONNECT WITH BART : https://szaniewski.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/

Book a call with John: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/squeeze-page1712742970440 Most of the e-commerce industry has written UGC off in 2026. Here’s why you shouldn’t. In this episode, StreetTalk founder Josh Suggs breaks down the one content format outperforming everything else in e-commerce ad accounts: street interviews. He shares where it fits in your media mix at every budget level, why the brands trying to do this in-house keep failing, and his formula that converts customers in just 40 seconds. If you're running paid ads in 2026 and haven't tested this yet, you're leaving revenue on the table. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Introduction 01:17 - StreetTalk’s origin story 07:53 - How they scaled so fast 17:41 - The early hustle 21:21 - Leveraging your way to success 27:09 - The business move that failed 33:02 - How Expo West changed the business 34:16 - The street interview formula 38:12 - Why street interviews convert so well 39:55 - Making money as a StreetTalker 42:18 - Why street interviews belong in your ad account 43:29 - How to allocate a $5–$10K content budget 47:42 - Why brands struggle to replicate this in-house 50:28 - Street interview concepts for real products 59:45 - Creating a show around your brand Learn more about our sponsors: https://www.attentive.com/ https://fuego.io/ https://www.socialsnowball.io/ https://redo.com/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOSH SUGGS: https://www.streettalk.com/ https://x.com/joshsuggss https://www.instagram.com/joshsuggss/ https://www.instagram.com/streettalk/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOHN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnjhcoyle 🔗 CONNECT WITH BART : https://szaniewski.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/

Book a call with John: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/squeeze-page1712742970440 Stuck between $2M and $30M and asking yourself, "What are the big brands doing that I'm not?" Nik Sharma worked with $100M brands like True Classic, Jolie and Eight Sleep, and he knows why most brands stall before they ever get close. In this episode, he breaks down exactly what the brands that speed-run to $100M do differently and the moves you can make to get unstuck. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Introduction 00:29 - What makes a brand reach $100M in e-commerce 04:15 - Eight Sleep case study: how they got so big 07:58 - Why second-time founders hit $100M faster 12:17 - Budgeting for marketing you can’t track 22:09 - Top vs. bottom of funnel marketing: what most brands get wrong 24:19 - Creating effective advertorials 29:04 - Why some successful brands stall before $100M 43:04 - Five marketing channels that work in e-commerce 46:15 - How to leverage AI without getting distracted 58:53 - Shiny object syndrome and your role as founder 01:01:19 - How to start a new brand with $50,000 01:09:24 - The one factor that differentiates $100M brands 01:13:31 - What most founders don’t know about scaling Learn more about our sponsors: https://www.attentive.com/ https://fuego.io/ https://www.socialsnowball.io/ https://redo.com/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH NIK SHARMA: https://www.nik.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrniksharma/ https://x.com/mrsharma 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOHN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnjhcoyle 🔗 CONNECT WITH BART : https://szaniewski.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/

Book a call with John: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/squeeze-page1712742970440 You're not an influencer. You're not famous. You started a business to sell a product. So how does a personal brand actually help you? In this episode, podcast growth expert Kev Michael breaks down exactly how a personal brand drives sales without turning you into a full-time content creator. You'll learn the #1 mistake e-commerce founders make when building a personal brand, the content that outperforms almost all other ads, and the paid strategy most brands are still wasting money on. Stay for the live workshop of real e-commerce brands to see step-by-step how to build show concepts from scratch no matter what you sell. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Introduction 01:44 - What most founders get wrong about “personal brand” 07:22 - Can you build a YouTube channel or podcast with a small team? 08:13 - The paid ad strategy that actually works 13:20 - The ROI of podcasting and finding your show's premise 18:45 - How to build your from scratch (a real-time case study) 31:39 - How to stand apart from other channels33:30 - Why it's hard for some brands to find their audience 42:35 - Workshopping the DadGang podcast 51:51 - Do you need to publish weekly? 59:41 - The 3 waves of podcasting ROI 01:02:42 - When to give up or change your strategy Learn more about our sponsors: https://www.attentive.com/ https://fuego.io/ https://www.socialsnowball.io/ https://redo.com/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOHN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnjhcoyle 🔗 CONNECT WITH BART : https://szaniewski.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/

Book a call with John: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/squeeze-page1712742970440 In e-commerce, you're poor until you're rich. This episode is about everything that happens in between. Hosts John and Bart answer the real questions you want answers to: Is e-commerce right if you have a family? Do you need to out-hustle everyone? And what's actually happening when you're burned out, doing $2M in revenue, and only paying yourself $50,000? Topics discussed: 00:00 - Introduction 00:57 - Is e-commerce worth it when you have a family? 11:38 - Why John has never launched his own e-commerce brand 15:12 - Easier ways to make money than e-commerce 20:19 - How much time and hustle is necessary in e-commerce? 27:49 - The upside of e-commerce (it’s not money) 33:21 - Burnout at $2M: why you’re not making a lot 37:19 - How to break past the $2M threshold 46:06 - Do you have to give up your dreams when you have kids? 54:33 - When e-commerce feels worth the sacrifice (& how to pay yourself) https://www.attentive.com/ https://fuego.io/ https://www.socialsnowball.io/ https://redo.com/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOHN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ https://www.tiktok.com/@johnjhcoyle 🔗 CONNECT WITH BART : https://szaniewski.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/

Sorry for the bad audio, we considered not publishing, but ultimately decided the episode was value packed so we went ahead and published it. Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/pos... What would successful founders actually do if they lost everything tomorrow? In this episode, a room full of 7- and 8-figure business owners breaks down — honestly and tactically — how they would rebuild from zero if their money, skills, network, and businesses disappeared overnight. This isn’t theory. It’s real-world thinking from operators who’ve already built and scaled multiple companies. The conversation covers the exact skills worth learning today, how to accelerate success early in your career, and why network, reps, and timing matter more than most people realize. You’ll hear practical frameworks for rebuilding wealth, choosing the right opportunities, and positioning yourself to win — even starting with nothing. ⸻ 🔥 What You’ll Learn In This Episode ✅ The fastest path back to success if you had to start over ✅ Why skill acquisition beats chasing business ideas early on ✅ The role mentorship, jobs, and environment play in accelerating growth ✅ How networking creates opportunities when everything else fails ✅ The smartest next move after selling a business (but not retiring) ✅ Why consulting can be the ideal transition after an exit ✅ How AI and emerging technologies create new leverage today ✅ Modern Meta ads strategy if organic growth didn’t exist ✅ Dropshipping, lead generation, and validation-first business models ✅ The mindset shift required to rebuild momentum from zero ⸻ 💡 Key Takeaways • Early careers should focus on skills and reps, not status. • Keeping overhead low gives entrepreneurs more “shots on goal.” • Strong relationships often matter more than tactics when rebuilding. • Consulting and community-driven businesses can create clarity after exits. • Cultural shifts — especially AI — create massive opportunity for those willing to immerse early. The episode also dives into real tactical discussions around SMS marketing changes from Apple’s new messaging filters and how brands can adapt to maintain deliverability and engagement.  ⸻ If you’re an entrepreneur, operator, creator, or aspiring founder trying to figure out your next move — this episode is packed with high-signal advice from people who’ve already done it. 👉 Watch until the end for rapid-fire answers on business models, marketing strategies, and unconventional opportunities founders are quietly exploring today.

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/pos... You’re not out of ideas — you’re out of creative systems. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest bottlenecks holding brands back: scaling creative when the founder is doing everything themselves. From shooting ads, editing videos, and generating ideas to managing production — many founders become the constraint in their own growth. So how do you scale creative output without hiring a massive team or increasing overhead? We sit down to solve this problem in real time and walk through practical strategies to help founders produce more ads, unlock new angles, and build repeatable creative systems. You’ll learn how to turn your community into a content engine, build scalable social content formats, use AI to multiply assets, and increase output without long-term hiring commitments. If you run a brand, manage paid ads, or create content at scale — this episode shows how to increase creative volume without burning out. ⸻ What You’ll Learn ✅ How founders accidentally become the bottleneck in creative production ✅ How to scale ad output without hiring full-time employees ✅ Why community-driven content is an unfair advantage ✅ How to crowdsource ideas and content from customers ✅ The best formats for repeatable social content ✅ Ways to generate 50–60 creative assets per month ✅ How to use AI workflows to multiply static ads into dozens of variations ✅ When to use freelancers vs. full-time hires ✅ How to build ongoing “social show” formats that drive growth ✅ Systems for increasing creative volume before major scaling periods (like Q4) ⸻ Key Topics Covered • Scaling creative with low overhead • Founder-led marketing vs. team-based production • Community-led brand building • Creative ideation frameworks • Format-based content strategy • AI tools and automation workflows • Static ad amplification strategies • Creative testing and volume strategy • Building repeatable content engines ⸻ Who This Episode Is For • DTC founders and operators • Performance marketers and media buyers • Creative strategists and editors • Agencies scaling ad production • Brands preparing to scale paid spend • Anyone producing ads or content at scale ⸻ About the Show This podcast breaks down real growth challenges from operators, founders, and marketers — and solves them live. Each episode focuses on practical strategies for scaling brands, improving marketing systems, and increasing performance through better creative and execution. Subscribe for more conversations on creative strategy, DTC growth, performance marketing, and brand building.

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/pos... What do you do when your brand is growing fast… and then suddenly hits a wall? In this episode, we break down a real-time business speed run where a fast-growing consumer brand faces stalled momentum caused by inventory constraints, pricing issues, and misaligned incentives. Instead of panic decisions—cutting spend, freezing growth, or randomly changing strategies—we walk through exactly how to reset momentum intelligently. You’ll learn: • Why most brands panic during slowdowns (and why that usually makes things worse) • How to think about growth when you’re supply constrained • The right way to pre-sell offers without blowing up trust or margins • How to raise prices without killing demand • Why “cracked offers” can secretly destroy profitability • How to realign teams when growth pauses • The difference between optimizing vs accelerating • How to bottle demand so you can release it later at scale • What to focus on when paid ads aren’t an option • How to create a momentum shift in as little as 20 minutes This conversation is especially valuable for: • E-commerce founders • Brand operators • Growth marketers • Performance marketing teams • Anyone scaling subscription or DTC businesses If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting to grow and being unable to push harder—this episode gives you a clear mental model for what to do next. Watch until the end for the full breakdown of how to fix a stalled brand without panic.

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/pos... How to Scale to $100M+ Without Breaking Your Brand What actually changes when a brand moves from early traction to serious scale? In this episode, we break down the exact questions brands start asking on the road from $0 to $100M+—the questions that separate brands that plateau from brands that keep compounding. We cover: • The exact ad channel mix we’d run when scaling toward $100M+ • When (and how) to introduce brand spend without killing performance • How to scale without losing your core customers • Why most brands hit a ceiling even when revenue is growing • The real tradeoffs between performance vs brand marketing • How fast-growing companies think about team structure, media, and messaging This isn’t theory or generic marketing advice. These are real conversations happening inside 8- and 9-figure brands as they scale. If you’re a founder, operator, or marketer trying to grow past your current ceiling—this episode will change how you think about growth. 🎯 Perfect for: • Founders scaling past 7 figures • Performance marketers managing large budgets • Operators navigating brand vs performance decisions • Anyone building a long-term, defensible brand Chapters: 00:00 – Why scaling breaks most brands 02:41 – The difference between growing revenue vs growing a brand 06:05 – The exact questions brands start asking past 7 figures 10:12 – The $100M mindset shift most founders miss 14:28 – Performance marketing vs brand marketing (what actually changes) 18:47 – The exact ad channel mix for scaling toward $100M+ 23:36 – When to start spending on brand (and how much is too early) 28:14 – How brands lose their core customers while scaling 32:09 – Scaling without killing trust, loyalty, or positioning 36:18 – Team structure, decision-making, and growth bottlenecks 40:41 – Final advice for founders scaling past their current ceiling 44:12 – Subscribe :)

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/pos... We put 20 minutes on the clock and build a $1M business from scratch for a stranger, live and on the spot. In this episode, the “stranger” is the host, and the product is an all-natural meal bar that combines: • 20g of protein • 100mg of caffeine • Sweetened with honey • Built for busy, high-performance people who want energy and fuel in one snack The problem? The founder tried running Meta ads, but after COGS, they were losing money. So in this episode, we break down exactly how we’d take this product from “friends and family sales” to a scalable brand, using a real plan focused on: • Organic-first growth • Boosting content strategically (not just “running ads”) • Subscription framing without killing conversions • Founder-led content and real-world taste test content • Fixing the offer so the unit economics can actually work If you’re building a consumer brand (especially food or supplements) and wondering how to get out of the “I’m spending money but not scaling” trap, this episode is the blueprint. Subscribe if you’re enjoying these breakdowns, because we’re going to keep bringing more real strategies you can apply immediately.

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/pos... Meta ads are still working, but most brands are making them way harder than they need to be. In this episode of The Checkout Podcast, we go pure tactical on Meta Ads: what’s working right now, how to test creatives without blowing up your account, and why most people obsess over “structure” when the real game is decision-making and creative systems. We break down the real fork in the road that every brand and media buyer has to choose: Do you dedicate spend to every creative test? OR Do you drop new creatives into proven campaigns and let Meta pick winners? Whether you’re running Advantage+, scaling a brand past 7-figures, or stuck in the cycle of constantly tweaking things out of paranoia, this episode will give you a clearer framework to make decisions with confidence. ⸻ What You’ll Learn In This Episode • Meta ads in 2026: what’s actually changing and what’s not • The two testing philosophies that control everything in your ad account • When testing everything will tank performance (and when it helps you scale) • Why most brands are overcomplicating campaign structure • How to know if your tactics are outdated without ruining what already works • How to find winning ad angles faster than ever (even if you feel stuck) • The 50/30/20 creative framework (internally proven → outside inspired → outside-the-box) • How top brands stay consistent while still finding new winners

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/pos... Why Most Founders Fail — And How to Avoid the Same Mistakes In this episode, we break down why the vast majority of founders and small businesses fail—and more importantly, how to avoid becoming another statistic. John Coyle (VP of Marketing at Royo Bread), Nick Shackelford (Partner at Brez) and Bart (Co-Founder of Dad Gang) answer real questions submitted by listeners and share hard-earned lessons from building, scaling, and surviving multiple businesses across e-commerce, agencies, SaaS, and brand building . This is not surface-level motivation. It’s a deep, honest conversation about choosing the right business, building leverage, avoiding burnout, selecting co-founders, and understanding what actually fuels long-term success. ⸻ Topics Covered in This Episode How do you choose the right business to start? We break down why most people fail before they even begin—often by choosing ideas without skills, leverage, or real-world exposure. The group explains why working for the right company or starting a “boring” business can be the smartest move early on. Why most founders burn out (even after they “win”) Burnout doesn’t always come from losing—it often comes after success. The hosts share personal burnout stories, including moments where they physically couldn’t bring themselves to work, even after major financial wins. The real role of passion vs. skill Passion alone isn’t enough. This episode explains how to pair what you care about with what you’re actually good at—and how ignoring that balance leads to frustration and failure. Solo founder vs. co-founder: what actually works We dive deep into: • When you should start solo • When a co-founder becomes necessary • Why complementary skills matter more than equal skills • How poor alignment destroys otherwise great businesses How to find the right co-founder From moral alignment and trust to lane separation and incentives, this episode outlines what healthy partnerships actually look like—and why most people rush into the wrong ones. Why you shouldn’t try to learn everything at once Trying to master fulfillment and sales and marketing at the same time is one of the fastest paths to failure. The conversation breaks down how to simplify early and build leverage instead. Founder motivation & infinite fuel sources One of the most powerful parts of the episode: the idea that burnout happens when you’re running on the wrong fuel. Learn how to identify what truly motivates you—and how to design your work around it. Female founders in male-dominated industries We tackle a tough but important question: are female founders losing deals because of gender bias? And if so, how can that be turned into a strategic advantage rather than a disadvantage? ⸻ Who This Episode Is For • First-time founders trying to choose the right business • Agency owners stuck at six figures and feeling maxed out • Solo founders debating whether to bring on a partner • Entrepreneurs dealing with burnout, loss of motivation, or stagnation • Anyone trying to build a business that supports life—not consumes it ⸻ 🎧 Why You Should Watch the Full Episode This conversation is raw, unscripted, and grounded in real operator experience—not theory. If you’re serious about building something that lasts, this episode will help you: • Avoid common early-stage traps • Make better long-term decisions • Understand yourself as a founder • Build businesses that align with your values and energy

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/pos... Growing fast should feel like winning. So why do so many founders end up more stressed, less profitable, and questioning their own decisions as revenue climbs? In this episode, we break down one of the most uncomfortable but critical questions founders face as they scale: Are you actually building a better business — or just hiring your way into chaos? The conversation starts with a real founder scenario: • Revenue is up 200% year over year • The company used to be profitable • Now it’s losing money • The team’s solution? Hire more people From there, we unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface. This episode covers: • The hidden danger of overhiring during growth • Why “we need more people” is often a symptom, not a solution • How to tell if a role is actually contributing to revenue or profit • The difference between scaling output vs scaling overhead • When losing money can make sense — and when it absolutely doesn’t • Why chasing top-line growth can quietly destroy founder clarity and decision-making • The mental and financial cost of “speedrunning” to $100M • How experienced operators think about stress, risk, and sustainability • Practical frameworks for hiring lean without stalling growth You’ll also hear candid takes on: • The myth that bigger teams automatically mean better execution • Why many brands hit a wall around certain revenue milestones • How to think about hiring when you’re not a multi-time operator • The difference between scaling with confidence vs scaling in survival mode This is not a hype episode. It’s a reality check for founders who are growing fast and wondering if the pressure they feel is normal—or a warning sign. If you’re a founder, operator, or growth lead asking yourself: • “Should I slow down?” • “Did I overhire?” • “Am I building something sustainable—or just expensive?” This episode will help you think more clearly about what comes next.

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/pos... What do you do when you’re doing well… but still feel stuck on the hamster wheel? In this episode of the podcast, we break down one of the most common (and least talked-about) problems among ambitious operators, founders, and marketers: being constantly busy, financially “okay,” yet unable to make the leap to the next phase of freedom. The conversation starts with a real listener question — someone working full-time at an agency while trying to build their own brand on the side — and expands into a deep, honest discussion about agency life, risk, ambition, burnout, financial freedom, and the emotional weight of building something meaningful. We talk about why: • Agency work is one of the most emotionally draining business models • Being “busy” is often a sign of misaligned goals, not lack of discipline • You should feel overwhelmed in certain seasons — and why that’s normal • Financial freedom and time freedom are not the same thing • Fear of “losing it all” never fully goes away (and why that’s not a bad thing) Later in the episode, we shift into a highly tactical discussion around DTC vs retail, cannibalization, and scaling consumer brands the right way — especially for food and beverage companies. If you’re: • Working a full-time job while building something on the side • Running an agency and feeling trapped by client work • Scaling a DTC brand and considering retail • Or struggling with the mental load that comes with success This episode will feel uncomfortably familiar — in a good way. ⸻ TOPICS COVERED • Agency life vs brand ownership • When (and when not) to quit your job • Low overhead as a strategic advantage • Staying in “the suck” in your 20s • Financial freedom vs time freedom • Why fear can be a feature, not a flaw • Retail cannibalization and blended CAC • Using DTC to support retail growth • How great brands actually scale ⸻ WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR Founders, operators, marketers, agency owners, and anyone trying to build leverage without burning out — especially if you’re ambitious, capable, and still feel behind.

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/pos... In this episode, we bring together four experienced operators, founders, and marketers to answer one deceptively simple question: What’s the most important marketing advice that actually works today? No fluff. No theory. Just tactical, real-world insights you can apply immediately—whether you’re launching your first product, scaling a DTC brand, or trying to cut through a louder, more crowded market than ever before. We cover everything from conversion-rate wins and offer testing, to brand positioning, community-driven growth, and content that doesn’t feel like ads. You’ll hear firsthand lessons from building and scaling consumer brands across e-commerce, CPG, retail, and performance marketing—plus how AI and changing buyer behavior are reshaping the playbook in real time. What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why dollar-off offers often outperform percentage discounts (and how to test it properly) • The real reason most marketing advice fails to convert • How to think about your second product—and when not to • Why focusing on one growth channel beats spreading yourself thin • How brands like Dad Gang built momentum by keeping things painfully simple • Why community, channels, tools for long-term brand growth • How to create content that puts the customer at the center, not the product • What founders are noticing about Google Ads, search decline, and AI disruption • Why storytelling and real-world community experiences are becoming the most powerful form of marketing This episode is especially valuable if you: • Run or are starting a DTC or consumer brand • Feel overwhelmed by tools, tactics, and “growth hacks” • Want to build a brand people actually care about—not just click on • Are trying to adapt to AI-driven changes in search, ads, and discovery If you’re tired of vague advice and want clear thinking from people actually doing the work, this one’s for you.

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/post-purchase-checklist Description: In this episode, John Coyle, Nick Shackelford, and Bart Sinofsky play a game: guessing whether an entrepreneur is running a $1 million or $100 million business based solely on the questions they ask. The trio dives deep into the specific challenges faced at different stages of growth. They discuss how to curate a "content diet" that actually moves the needle, the myth of juggling multiple businesses successfully, and the "T-shaped" focus required to scale. They also break down how to identify winning products, sharing the origin story of Dad Gang and how to spot "tailwinds" in your own brand. In This Episode, We Cover: The "Guru" vs. Operator Dilemma We debate how to distinguish between legitimate advice and "gurus" who make money teaching rather than doing. The hosts break down who to follow for specific skills, including recommendations for Alex Hormozi for general business wisdom, Dara Denney for creative strategy, and Nick Theriot for media buying frameworks. They also discuss why 8-figure founders should eventually stop looking for "hacks" and start hiring specialized consultants. Mastering Focus: Juggling vs. Deep Work Nick Shackelford explains how he manages five publicly visible companies by building infrastructure and having assistants dedicated to specific areas. In contrast, John Coyle introduces the "T-Shaped" focus theory—the idea that you can only have one "main thing" while other opportunities must serve that main goal. We also share a counter-intuitive productivity hack: using scheduled calls to force "deep work" and block out distractions like Slack. Identifying Winning Products How do you know if you have a winner? Bart shares the Dad Gang origin story, explaining how selling the first 100 hats to friends and family provided the immediate signal needed to double down. The group also discusses the "Smoke Test" method for testing demand and why you must be a genuine consumer of your own market to find product-market fit. Solving Business Constraints Why asking "Should I be on TikTok Shop?" is usually a sign of pain or lack of traction elsewhere. John explains the "Biggest Constraint" theory—why you must focus all effort on the single biggest problem in the business—and argues that if you think you have "no big problems," you simply haven't added enough zeros to your revenue goals to break the system.

Try Attentive: https://www.attentive.com/ Try Fuego: https://fuego.io/ Download Your Free Post Purchase Checklist: https://www.thedivenewsletter.com/post-purchase-checklist If you’ve ever wondered how to sell to rich people, enterprise accounts, or fast-growing 8 and 9-figure brands, this episode is the most tactical deep dive you’ll find anywhere. Today, the guys break down — in brutal honesty — exactly how successful founders and marketing leaders WANT to be sold to… and how most people get it embarrassingly wrong. Featuring: • Nick Shackelford — Partner at BREZ, operator behind multiple brands sprinting toward 9 figures • Bart S — Founder of Dad Gang, leading an 8-figure brand growing fast • John J Coyle — VP of Marketing at Royo Bread Co, another brand approaching 9 figures Between them, these operators have worked with dozens of top-tier brands, negotiated with SaaS companies, hired agencies, and reviewed thousands of cold pitches. This episode reveals the real buying psychology behind the curtain. --- What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. How to Sell to 8–9 Figure Brands (Without Cringe Tactics) 2. Why Founders Buy: Maximizing vs. Optimizing Cycles 3. Cold Emails That Actually Work 4. The ONE Way Every 9-Figure Buyer Starts Their Search 5. How to Run Demos That Actually Close 6. Creative Ways SaaS Companies Close Big Accounts 7. Why Building a Personal Brand Lowers Your SaaS Bill 8. BONUS: How to Scale a $1,000/Month Mobile Pet Grooming Service  ⸻ This Episode Is For You If… • You’re an agency, SaaS founder, service provider, or consultant • You’re trying to sell bigger clients without sounding desperate • You want to understand how fast-growing brands actually think • You want to master cold outreach that doesn’t get instantly deleted • You want to create offers 8- and 9-figure operators actually buy ⸻ Timestamps 00:00 – Selling to rich people & 9-figure companies 01:30 – Maximizing vs. optimizing (and how to tell the difference) 03:20 – What commoditized offers must do differently 05:40 – How large teams think about time, workload, and demos 07:00 – Bart’s rule: “I only buy what my friends recommend” 10:00 – Cold email teardown: good vs. terrible examples 12:50 – Why founders hate vague SaaS positioning 14:50 – The dating analogy: why trust beats all outreach 17:30 – How to network with high-level operators 19:00 – Why personal brands give operational leverage 22:00 – Going upmarket: the REAL path (not what gurus tell you) 23:30 – What happens on demos that lose deals 25:40 – How founders think about switching costs 28:00 – Creative SaaS deal structures you’ve never seen 30:00 – The ONE thing bigger than any SaaS discount 32:00 – Why some brands choose one platform for everything 35:00 – Listener question: scaling a luxury pet grooming business 40:00 – Packaging convenience, service, and premium positioning 41:45 – Referral loops, add-ons, and retention mechanics

Today we talk about ADHD in entrepreneurship and other neurospicyness. We also discuss everything we learned in season one of The Checkout. Zoe and John close out Season 1 with a chaotic, thoughtful, and very human conversation on where eCom is headed, what it takes to build a resonant brand today, and why everyone on the internet is a little bit NeuroSpicy. This Episode: In our final episode of the season, it’s just Zoe and John—and somehow they cover everything: What brands got right (and wrong) about the tariff panic When to prep for disaster vs. stay the course How founders use luck, instinct, and hindsight to survive Talking to your customers (for real, on the phone) The new blueprint for brands: act like a creator, feel like a friend Rethinking influencer deals and creator monetization ADHD, medication, and creativity The Jackie origin story Why John talks so damn much Season reflections + what's coming next → Drop a comment: What made The Checkout feel different from every other eCom podcast? We’re reading them all—and building Season 2 around what you say. Sponsors: Marpipe – https://www.marpipe.com/ Heatmap.com – https://www.heatmap.com/ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & why it's just John and Zoe 05:00 – Big takeaways from the year in eCom 11:00 – Preparing vs. reacting: smart founder strategy 18:00 – Tariff fallout and brand-level decision-making 25:00 – Customer calls, brand resonance, and content as connection 33:00 – Brands acting like creators & building vibe-based community 41:00 – Influencer monetization & new deal structures 49:00 – Listener comments, ADHD, and creative trade-offs 1:04:00 – Jackie lore, internal ops, and life structure 1:12:00 – Season reflections, muskrat jokes & what’s next Follow Our Hosts: John Coyle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnjhcoyle Twitter/X: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ Nick Shackelford Twitter/X: https://x.com/iamshackelford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoekahn/ Bart Szaniewski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSzef

A 145% tariff isn’t just a price hike—it’s a slow-motion business killer. In this episode, the crew sits down with Cuts founder Steven Borrelli to talk about his viral open letter to Trump, the fallout from the latest tariffs, and how eCom brands can survive a 145% hit to their margins. We cover survival tactics, pricing strategies, manufacturer loopholes, and why most people on Twitter are getting it wrong. In This Episode: Why Steven’s tweet made it to Trump’s inner circle The difference between a tariff and an embargo (and why this is the latter) How brands are pulling revenue forward with “pre-tariff” sales Should you raise prices or add a fee at checkout? Underground strategies: bonded warehouses, vendor negotiations, offshore CX Dad Gang’s Coachella moment + Cuts’ Super Bowl party What actually works when you throw an IRL event 💬 Drop a comment: Are you adjusting your pricing, your suppliers, or your strategy in response to the tariffs? What are you seeing in your circle? Sponsors: Marpipe – https://www.marpipe.com Heatmap.com – https://www.heatmap.com ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & why this matters 07:45 – The Trump letter fallout 16:15 – Cart fees vs raising prices 25:30 – Customer trust & surveying 33:00 – Avoiding tariffs creatively 42:00 – What brands can actually do 50:00 – Pricing psychology & tradeoffs 57:00 – DTC Twitter & tariff fatigue 1:05:30 – In-person activations 1:13:00 – Building brand equity 1:17:30 – Wrap-up & follow Steven Follow Our Hosts: Nick Shackelford Twitter/X: https://x.com/iamshackelford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kahn-5b61aa129/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/_zoekahn_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZoeKahn Bart Szaniewski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSzef John Coyle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnjhcoyle Twitter/X: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ Steven Borrelli Twitter/X: https://x.com/stevenborrelli Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenborrelli/ Cuts Clothing: https://www.cutsclothing.com Cuts Women: https://www.instagram.com/cutswomen/

This Hidden E-commerce Giant Makes BILLIONS In Plain Sight How a six-person team with a terrible website quietly built one of the biggest eCom businesses on the internet—and what the rest of us can learn from it. In This Episode: There’s a whole sector of eCommerce you’ve probably never thought about—brands that sell needs, not wants. This week, John, Bart, and guest host Nate Lagos break down the wild success of RockAuto.com and how it exposes a blind spot in the DTC playbook. They also debate the current state of AI ads, what actually moves the needle with content, and how to win when you're not the "cool" brand. Topics Include: The story behind Rock Auto’s ugly website and beautiful business Why most of us ignore the biggest slice of eCommerce Demand capture vs demand creation (and why it matters) The unsexy B2B opportunity hiding in plain sight AI-generated ads: actually useful or just a shiny toy? The real reason to invest more in creative Nate’s plan to turn non–watch guys into repeat buyers Like the episode? Subscribe and drop a comment—we read every single one. SPONSORS https://www.marpipe.com https://www.heatmap.com CHAPTERS 00:00 – The $500M Brand Hiding in Plain Sight 07:00 – The Southern Hemisphere of eCom: Selling What People Need 19:00 – Working With Billion-Dollar Brands (And Why They’re Often Clueless) 33:00 – The B2B and Agency Opportunity No One’s Talking About 39:00 – AI Ads: Bad Today, But Getting Closer 59:00 – How Great Creative Actually Gets Made 1:13:00 – Nate’s Plan to Upmarket Original Grain (and a Free Consult) 1:20:00 – Final Thoughts + Watch Industry Tea FOLLOW OUR HOSTS John Coyle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnjhcoyle Twitter/X: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ Nick Shackelford Twitter/X: https://x.com/iamshackelford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kahn-5b61aa129/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/_zoekahn_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZoeKahn Bart Szaniewski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSzef Nate Lagos Twitter/X: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nULM2GckoiJp7rri3kYt1?si=91ca1f50a35d4656

John recently got fired from his job. We reflect on whose fault it was, plus tell stories about losing jobs. Today we're chatting layoffs, copywriting breakthroughs, and why the top 10% of spenders might be your only real customers. We kick things off with a brutally honest conversation about getting fired—how it feels, what it means, and why it might actually be your fault. Then Bart drops a VC-backed horror story, and Nate Lagos (VP Marketing @ Original Grain) helps us reframe the whole conversation. From there, we dive into copywriting tactics, Meta ad strategy, channel fatigue, and why it might be time to stop building brands for everyone. In this episode: The guilt spiral of getting let go—and the reality check you might need Why shame and blame don’t help (but taking responsibility does) The underrated power of your personal network and digital footprint How Nate’s team uses website copy to test Meta ads more effectively Why most brands chasing shiny new channels are wasting time The case for building brands specifically for the top 10% of earners Scarcity, storytelling, and the psychology of premium pricing Deep cuts from brands like Kith, Supreme, Represent, and Carved 💬 Comment below: What’s the best (or worst) thing that happened to you after getting fired? 📣 Sponsors: https://www.marpipe.com https://www.heatmap.com ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 – Getting fired: is it ever not your fault? 08:30 – Bart’s horror story VC layoff 18:45 – Blame, shame, and bouncing back 26:30 – The real reason your network matters 34:30 – Why Meta still works (and how to make it work harder) 43:00 – Why most brands should not chase new channels 59:14 – Selling to the top 10%: product, perception, price 01:10:50 – Examples from Kith, Supreme, Represent & more 01:20:55 – Grand Ole Opry collab + closing thoughts 🎙 Follow Our Hosts: Nick Shackelford https://x.com/iamshackelford https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kahn-5b61aa129/ https://x.com/_zoekahn_ https://www.youtube.com/@ZoeKahn Bart Szaniewski https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ https://x.com/TheSzef John Coyle https://www.youtube.com/@johnjhcoyle https://x.com/johnjhcoyle https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ Nate Lagos https://x.com/natelagos https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ https://open.spotify.com/show/5nULM2GckoiJp7rri3kYt1?si=91ca1f50a35d4656

Today on the checkout we're talking about Post Malone reaching out to work with one of co-hosts brands and the secret "guy behind the guy" who has build Post Malone's empire into an Empire. We also talk about: How to do -celebrity and influencer collabs How to build product and personal brand identity. The offers by Amazon and OF to buy TikTok Getting professionally catfished AI ad hype die down --- Chat GPT Prompt for Your Personal Action Figure: Step 1. Enter a Text Prompt for Your AI Action Figure Use a template provided, such as: "Create an image of an action figure in packaging labeled '[Your Label]'. Use the attached photo as a reference for the face. [He/She] is [Height] tall and dressed in [Outfit Description], and holding [Item, e.g., Coffee Mug]. The cardboard section should be [Color]. Include an 'Accessories' section with items like [List Accessories]. Make the design visually appealing and reflective of a [Describe Industry]. Do not include the character image on packaging." This ensures detailed, industry-specific results. Step 2. Upload a Reference Image for Your AI Action Figure Upload a clear photo, as ChatGPT uses facial recognition for accuracy. --- Follow Our Hosts Nick Shackelford Twitter/X: https://x.com/iamshackelford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kahn-5b61aa129/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/_zoekahn_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZoeKahn Bart Szaniewski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSzef John Coyle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnjhcoyle Twitter/X: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ For business inquiries reach out to [email protected] ---- 00:00 Post Malone + Intro 03:59 The Guy Behind Post Malone 08:40 How To Do Celebrity Collabs 16:45 Product Identity 28:57 Personal Action Figures 32:52 Amazon (or OF) to Buy TikTok? 41:09 Professional catfishing 48:56 AI ad hype die down 1:03:38 All of our action figures

Kim Kardashian is teaming up with Nike with her brand, Skims. We give our takes on this, plus Poppy’s influencer vending machine backlash. From marketing moves to funding philosophies, we’re breaking down what works, what’s overhyped, and what smaller brands can learn from the biggest names in the game. - Kim Kardashian partners with Nike — genius move or gimmick? - Why Nike needed this… and why Skims might not have - What made Poppy’s influencer stunt controversial? - Was Olipop’s response petty or perfect? - The rise of Diet Coke as a (maybe satirical?) fitness brand - Bart’s insane 740-pound marlin fishing story (yep, really) - Should physical product brands ever raise money? - The trap of reporting to investors—and when raising might make sense 👇 Subscribe & drop a comment Think we’re wrong about raising money? Make the bull case in the comments. Check Out Our Sponsors Marpipe – The only AI ad platform that actually makes sense for creative teams: https://www.marpipe.com Heatmap.com – Your site’s silent sales coach. Instantly see what’s working (and what isn’t): https://www.heatmap.com Follow Our Hosts Nick Shackelford Twitter/X: https://x.com/iamshackelford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kahn-5b61aa129/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/_zoekahn_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZoeKahn Bart Szaniewski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSzef John Coyle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnjhcoyle Twitter/X: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ Chapters 00:00 – Whatup - let's talk Kim Kardashian x Skims 10:00 – Nike x Skims: who really wins 30:00 – Poppy’s PR stunt & influencer backlash 50:00 – Coke goes prebiotic & Diet Coke gets weird 1:10:00 – Fishing stories & big flexes 1:20:00 – Raising money: smart move or trap? For business inquiries reach out to [email protected]

If you're not selling something to people while they’re out living life… what are you even doing? In this episode of The Checkout, John, Zoe, and Bart dive into how brands can break out of the DTC echo chamber and actually stand out—through physical experiences, creative retail, and lo-fi entertainment. From coffee shops with sandboxes to vending machines in front yards, we explore all the ways brands can drive sales outside of Meta ads. We talk: Coffee shops with RC cars (yes, really) Building marketing channels you own Retail distribution hacks, from state fairs to local shops Why marketing isn’t just “make another TikTok” The rise of "social shows" and customer-based content Product innovation vs. positioning tricks Why the best marketers spend time thinking, not just executing 💼 Sponsors of This Episode: Marpipe – Multivariate ad testing made simple. Automate creative testing and scale what works. https://www.marpipe.com Heatmap.com – Know exactly where users click, scroll, and drop off. Visual analytics that help you optimize conversion. https://www.heatmap.com ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Coffee shops, sandboxes, and dad RC culture 05:00 – Building brands through experiential retail 12:30 – Creative ways to get into physical retail 20:00 – Innovation vs. repositioning in DTC 35:30 – Social shows and customer-based content 45:00 – Marketing ideas that come from thinking 55:00 – When vacation = better ideation 1:10:00 – Wrap-up: Lazy marketing vs. original thinking 👀 Follow Our Hosts: Nick Shackelford Twitter/X: https://x.com/iamshackelford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kahn-5b61aa129/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/_zoekahn_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZoeKahn Bart Szaniewski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSzef John Coyle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnjhcoyle Twitter/X: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/

If you're not #1 in your category… your only hope might be to get really, really weird. In this episode of The Checkout, John, Zoe, and Bart (with Shack out this week) dive deep into what it takes to stand out in a saturated market. From Charleston Chew to Dr. Pepper, sliding mitts to Dad Gang hats, we break down the strategies behind products that win by being different—not bigger. We talk: - Why weird wins when you're not the category leader - How packaging and product design can disrupt legacy spaces - Tootsie Roll, Liquid Death, canned vegetables, and the “X for Y” framework - What NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals mean for brands - Why influencer trust is collapsing—and what that means for marketers - Plus: The underrated brilliance of skit creators like Veronica is Cool If you’re building a product, a brand, or just love seeing how weird stuff wins, this one’s for you. ----- 💼 Sponsors of This Episode: Marpipe – The multivariate testing platform built for performance creatives. Discover your best ad combinations faster and scale what works. 👉 https://www.marpipe.com Heatmap.com – See what your visitors do on your site—where they click, scroll, and drop off. Heatmaps, session replays, and powerful insights to optimize conversion. 👉 https://www.heatmap.com Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & what this show is about 01:30 – Why weird brands win 08:00 – Product and packaging that stand out 18:00 – Niching down vs. going mass 27:00 – The “X for Y” framework 35:00 – Distribution strategy matters 45:00 – NIL deals and underrated influencers 55:00 – Do people still trust influencers? 1:05:00 – How brands should work with creators 1:15:00 – Wrap up & final thoughts ------- Follow our hosts: Nick Shackelford Twitter/X: https://x.com/iamshackelford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kahn-5b61aa129/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/_zoekahn_ YouTube: @ZoeKahn Bart Szaniewski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSzef John Coyle YouTube: @johnjhcoyle Twitter/X: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ 📩 Business inquiries: [email protected]

Today we're talking about how some businesses can make you a lot of money while others can make you rich, but almost none of them will get you both. ⚡ Subscribe for more eCommerce insights, brand breakdowns, and unfiltered takes! 📢 Follow us on social media: Nick Shackelford Twitter/X: https://x.com/iamshackelford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kahn-5b61aa129/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/_zoekahn_ YouTube: @ZoeKahn Bart Szaniewski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSzef John Coyle YouTube: @johnjhcoyle Twitter/X: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ 📩 Business inquiries: [email protected] Chapters 00:00:00 You can get rich or make money 00:30 Long term business vs money grab 00:10:09 Guest Appearance from the Fidget Spinner King 00:20:00 When to go full-time in your business 00:28:20 Product expansion 00:54:00 Hard working belts 01:07:40 Products as Marketing 01:10:49 Bye

In this episode of The Checkout, we dive into a wild challenge—getting LeBron James to wear a DadGang hat! 🧢💥 Host [Your Name] is joined by DadGang co-founder Bart to brainstorm how to pull off this viral stunt. From designing the perfect hat to leveraging social media for maximum hype, we break down what makes challenge content work and why it could be a game-changer for brands. We also discuss: How challenge-based content can drive organic and paid marketing success The balance between hype and inventory planning in eCommerce The art of making content that works for both entertainment & advertising A deep dive into neurodivergence in entrepreneurship (surprise self-discovery moment!) The wild world of brand projections and why most companies get them totally wrong This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and some hard truths about growing a brand. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you love these convos! 🔥💡 ⚡ Subscribe for more eCommerce insights, brand breakdowns, and unfiltered takes! 📢 Follow us on social media: Nick Shackelford Twitter/X: https://x.com/iamshackelford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kahn-5b61aa129/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/_zoekahn_ YouTube: @ZoeKahn Bart Szaniewski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSzef John Coyle YouTube: @johnjhcoyle Twitter/X: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ 📩 Business inquiries: [email protected] Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: The LeBron Hat Challenge 2:22 - S/O Marpipe 4:01 - The viral content formula for brands 7:22 - A real lawyer tells us if this is legal 10:46 - How I'd do it 15:29 - S/O Heatmap 16:45 - Sneaky ads 22:44 - What do you do when your numbers aren't hitting 31:53 - When is it the agency's fault? 37:22 - We love Marpipe 39:07 - Customer centric projections 51:47 - We love Heatmap 53:18 - Logistics and customer service vs marketing 59:50 - Neurospicy announcement 1:11:20 - Bye now

Why do so many famous men have alcohol brands? Welcome back to The Checkout Podcast, where we break down the latest in eCommerce, brand building, and digital culture—with a little chaos along the way. In this episode, we get into: 💥 Why every famous guy has an alcohol brand (The Rock, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Hart—what’s the deal?) 💥 The rise of cannabis beverages and new mind-altering brands 💥 AI in eCommerce—will it replace human jobs or just make brands more efficient? 💥 The fraud problem nobody talks about: chargebacks, scams, and fake refunds 💥 Agency drama: When should agencies take credit for a brand's success? 📢 Featuring: 🚀 Zoe Kahn - CEO of The Inevitable Agency, early team member at Ghost & Chomps 👕 Bart Szaniewski - Co-founder of Dad Gang, eCommerce veteran ⚡ Nick Shackelford - Partner and Head of Retention at Brez and a serial entrepreneur 🎤 John Coyle - Typical white guy who talks a lot and thinks others MUST want to hear his opinions. ⚡ Subscribe for more eCommerce insights, brand breakdowns, and unfiltered takes! 📢 Follow us on social media: Nick Shackelford Twitter/X: https://x.com/iamshackelford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickshackelford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickshackelford/ Zoe Kahn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zoekahn_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kahn-5b61aa129/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/_zoekahn_ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZoeKahn Bart Szaniewski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theszef/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-szaniewski-374b1141/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSzef John Coyle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnjhcoyle Twitter/X: https://x.com/johnjhcoyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjhcoyle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-coyle-1bb231120/ 📩 Business inquiries: [email protected] Chapters:  00:00 - Welcome to The Checkout Podcast 🎙️ 02:15 - Meet the crew: Who’s on today’s episode? 05:45 - Why do all famous men have an alcohol brand? 10:20 - Alcohol, cannabis, and mind-altering brands: What’s next? 14:50 - The LTV advantage of vice brands vs. other categories 18:35 - Why female celebrities lean toward beauty & wellness brands 22:10 - The psychology behind celebrity brand loyalty 27:05 - Can non-celebrities still win in alcohol & beauty? 30:45 - The cannabis beverage boom & market opportunity 36:00 - eCommerce fraud: The problem nobody talks about 41:30 - Chargebacks, customer scams, and fraud prevention tools 45:15 - AI-powered agents in customer service: Game changer or overhyped? 50:55 - The future of AI in marketing & media buying 55:40 - The Vessi agency drama: When should agencies claim credit? 01:02:15 - Do agencies really help brands scale, or just take credit? 01:08:45 - AI’s impact on eCommerce jobs—will it replace humans? 01:15:30 - When AI starts making purchase decisions for consumers 01:21:55 - Could AI change how we buy everything online? 01:28:20 - Final thoughts & wrap-up