Synopsis
The galaxy's greatest mattress podcast.
Episodes
-
Is Your Sleep Tech Lying? SleepScore Labs’ Dr. Elie Gottlieb Lifts the Lid on 80,000 Nights of Data
30/06/2025 Duration: 48minDiscover the transformative power of sleep science in this insightful episode featuring Dr. Elie Gottlieb, Head of Applied Sleep Science at SleepScore Labs. Host Mark Kinsley explores how cutting-edge research and technology are not only helping people sleep better—but also driving innovation and growth for businesses in the sleep industry.What You’ll Learn:* How SleepScore Labs validates product claims with data* The connection between personalized sleep solutions and business performance* Why pillow fit can make or break your sleep* How to build “sleep pressure” during the day for better rest at night* The role of consistency in healthy sleep habits* Eye-opening insights into social jet lag and sleep hygiene* What the future holds for personalized mattress shoppingWhether you’re a sleep-deprived professional or a brand looking to improve your product’s credibility, this episode is packed with practical advice and fascinating science.Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction to Dr. Elie Gottlieb and SleepScore Labs01:
-
Helix Goes Retail. Brooklyn Goes Viral. And 3Z Buys Southerland? CEO John Merwin Unpacks the Moves
23/06/2025 Duration: 42min3Z Brands CEO John Merwin returns to The FAM Podcast to talk about the future of mattress retail. From Helix’s brick-and-mortar rise to the viral impact of Brooklyn (his daughter and the brand), and the surprising acquisition of Southerland—a legacy wholesaler—Merwin reveals how the lines between DTC and traditional retail are being redrawn.
-
Bedgear's CEO Speaking at Sleep Summit: [Replay] Adding To (Not Disrupting) the Mattress Industry
16/06/2025 Duration: 45minThe FAM is excited to announce that Bedgear's CEO Eugene Aletto is speaking at Sleep Summit 2025. In honor of the announcement, we are replaying last year's most listened to episode, featuring the bad boy of bedding himself!Buckle up for an eye-opening chat with Eugene Alletto, the maverick CEO of Bedgear, who's revolutionizing the bedding industry with his bold and innovative approach. Dubbed the "bad boy of bedding," Eugene shares how his immigrant upbringing instilled the principle of being additive rather than disruptive. In this lively episode, Eugene and host Mark Kinsley delve into the importance of innovation, the power of words in branding, and the value of inclusive, customer-centric business practices.Join us for a rollercoaster ride through Eugene's fascinating career, filled with anecdotes that underscore his relentless drive and unique approach to transforming the bedding market. Whether it's connecting the dots in a disjointed industry or emphasizing the need for e
-
How to Use Manus.ai and AI Agents to Outmaneuver Local Mattress Competitors—No Coding Needed
09/06/2025 Duration: 30minCan you build a competitive intelligence dashboard with no coding skills? Yes—and Mark Kinsley shows you how. In this episode, Kinsley demos how he used Manus.ai to create a mattress industry market tracker that monitors local competitors, scrapes promotional data, and identifies strategic threats. He also built a real-time stock dashboard to follow public companies like Sleep Number and Purple. If you’re a mattress retailer, supplier, or manufacturer, this episode offers a masterclass in using AI tools to make better business decisions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI Tools and Manus.ai02:59 Building a Competitor Intelligence Dashboard05:54 Understanding AI's Capabilities and Limitations09:10 Creating a Stock Tracker for the Mattress Industry12:05 Improving Communication with AI Systems14:46 Real-Time Data Integration and Market Insights17:57 The Role of Vision in AI Implementation21:14 Empowering Teams with AI Tools
-
$117 Million Pay Out: How Sleep Train Founder Dale Carlsen Built an Employee-Owned Empire
02/06/2025 Duration: 01h14minDive into the inspiring journey of Dale Carlsen, the visionary behind Sleep Train, and discover how he reshaped an industry and gave back to his community.Join host Mark Kinsley as he sits down with Dale Carlsen, the legendary founder of Sleep Train, who built a 317-store empire with a unique culture of employee ownership and community support.In this episode, Dale Carlsen shares the story of building a mattress empire and the transformative power of employee ownership. Discover how his innovative approach not only skyrocketed business growth but also changed the lives of countless employees and foster children. Dale's commitment to doing the right thing extends beyond business, highlighting the importance of community engagement and the impact of giving back.Timestamped Breakdown:[00:01] - Meet Dale Carlsen: The Visionary Behind Sleep Train[01:20] - Challenging Industry Norms: The Warranty Revolution[03:19] - Empowering Employees: The Birth of the ESOP[05:18] - Cultivating Ownership: Building a Culture o
-
A Qué Te Dedicas? One Question to Spark the Soul on Two Wheels in Spain
19/05/2025 Duration: 16minUncover the hidden question that transforms how you connect with your passion and purpose.Kinsley embarked on a transformative journey through Catalonia, Spain, where he met Harvey, an exceptional guide who poses a life-changing question: "A que te dedicas?" This episode dives into cultural insights and personal reflections that redefine the meaning of work and dedication.Join Mark as he reflects on cycling through the breathtaking landscapes of Catalonia, where he and Tara experienced the rich culture and history of Spain. From awe-inspiring medieval villages to a heartfelt tea ceremony, Mark shares stories that highlight the profound question, "To what do you dedicate yourself?" This exploration not only enriched his understanding of purpose but also tied back to his work in the mattress industry, emphasizing the value of dedication in both personal and professional life.Timestamps:00:09 - The Power of "A Que Te Dedicas?" 05:20 - Cycling Through Catalonia: A Journey of Discover
-
From Funnel Cakes to Fortune: The Art of Event Selling and Biz Dev with Jason Goodman
12/05/2025 Duration: 42minHow do you transform a crowd focused on funnel cakes and fun houses into a line of eager mattress buyers? This week on The FAM Podcast, host Mark Kinsley sits down with Jason Goodman, the head of business development for City Mattress, to discuss the art of selling at high-traffic events like state fairs and rodeos.Goodman shares how to sell outside traditional retail environments. Learn how to convert high foot traffic events into lucrative sales opportunities and discover the essential elements of successful business development.[00:01] - Introduction: Turning funnel cake crowds into customers[01:02] - Meet Jason Goodman: From Michigan to City Mattress[06:00] - The Event Selling Blueprint: Finding the right place, product, and people[09:47] - The Best Events for Selling: Why rodeos and state fairs work[13:19] - Sales Tactics: Quick qualifying and the art of the close[20:08] - Product Matters: The importance of differentiation[26:43] - Business Development Strategy: Identifying and solving the right problems
-
40x Productivity with AI & ChatGPT: The Secrets I've Been Teaching Mattress Executives
05/05/2025 Duration: 32minDiscover how to 40X your productivity and revolutionize your business workflow with the power of AI!In this episode, Mark Kinsley reveals how to dramatically enhance your productivity using ChatGPT and generative AI, sharing insights from his teachings to mattress industry executives. Learn how AI is reshaping business operations, from idea generation to task automation, and why becoming a "prompt boss" is crucial for staying competitive. Dive into real-world examples and discover how you can leverage these tools to transform your workflow.Timestamps:00:01 - Introduction: 40X Your Productivity02:15 - Behind the Scenes with ChatGPT05:40 - AI in the Mattress Industry: A Case Study10:22 - From Toy to Tool: Mastering AI15:55 - Real-life Productivity Boost: ChatGPT in Action20:34 - The Role of Prompt Engineering25:47 - Future of AI: What to Expect30:12 - How to Start Your AI Journey35:00 - Closing Thoughts: Embracing AI in Business
-
City Mattress’s Secret Sauce — and How PranaSleep Became the Star of Their Retail Recipes
28/04/2025 Duration: 39minDiscover the secret sauce behind City Mattress, one of America's most esteemed family-owned retailers. Join host Mark Kinsley as he delves into the recipe for success with Jason Goodman, Head of Business Development at City Mattress. This episode uncovers the blend of tradition, innovation, and quality that defines their retail strategy.In this episode, we explore the unique business strategies that have propelled City Mattress to the forefront of the retail industry. From their proprietary PranaSleep mattresses to the cultural ethos driving their success, Jason Goodman shares insights on maintaining quality and passion over decades. Learn how City Mattress combines a family-centered approach with cutting-edge product development to achieve remarkable market presence.00:00 - Introduction to the City Mattress Secret Sauce01:16 - Jason Goodman: From Outsider to Insider02:14 - Jason's Journey in Retail and Return to Mattress Business04:37 - The Prana Sleep Factory: A Tour of Excellence06:13 - Prana Sleep's Uniqu
-
How Falling in Love with Accountability Transforms Your Business: Insights from Dream Camp 2025
21/04/2025 Duration: 39minGet ready to dive into the unforgettable experience of Dream Camp 2025 at the iconic Hotel Emma!Join host Mark Kinsley and co-host Tara Kinsley as they take you through the transformative journey of Dream Camp 2025, hosted at the stunning Hotel Emma. This episode features highlights from the event, including insights from Hernani Alves, former president of Sleep Train, and the unforgettable guacamole competition.Discover how Dream Camp blends professional development with unique experiences to foster growth and connection. From the culture of accountability to the importance of hospitality, learn how these lessons can elevate both personal and professional life.00:00 - Welcome to Dream Camp 2025: A sneak peek into San Antonio's Hotel Emma.02:30 - The Evolution of Dream Camp: From mountain biking to professional development.06:45 - Hotel Emma's Impact: Why the setting was a game-changer for attendees.12:15 - Spotlight on Hernani Alves: Transforming accountability in business.19:50 - Culinary Competitio
-
How Nate Cangemi Built a Dream Store Without Selling His Home
14/04/2025 Duration: 41minDiscover how Nate Cangemi transitioned from rock and roll to mattress mogul without selling his house!Join host Mark Kinsley as he sits down with Nate Cangemi, the dynamic frontman behind Golden Dreams Mattress and the official band of the Sleep Summit. Nate shares his journey from contemplating selling his house to launching a successful retail experience that redefines mattress shopping.Episode Summary: In this episode, Nate reveals how a pivotal mastermind session at Sleep Summit and the support of a thriving community helped him turn a dream into reality. Learn about the unique experiences he crafted at Golden Dreams Mattress and the invaluable lessons he gathered from industry experts. Whether you're a retail enthusiast or an entrepreneur at heart, Nate's story is sure to inspire.Timestamps:00:01 - Introduction to Nate Cangemi: The Rockstar Retailer00:45 - From Vision Boards to Reality: Nate's Motivation to Open a Store01:51 - The Hot Seat Experience: A Turning Point in Bentonville03:21 - The
-
From Fitness to Franchise Rocket: How Brad Taylor is Disrupting Sleep Retail with Snooze
07/04/2025 Duration: 44minWhat do fitness, franchising, and Super Bowl champions have to do with mattresses? Brad Taylor explains it all.Join Mark Kinsley as he welcomes Brad Taylor, VP of Franchise Development at Snooze Mattress Company. With a background in fitness and franchising, Brad brings a fresh perspective to the sleep industry. In this episode, you'll hear how he's helping Snooze scale nationally, why wellness is the future of sleep retail, and how NFL champions Kevin Minter and Andrew Adams became brand ambassadors.What You’ll Learn: Brad shares his playbook for awarding franchises (not selling them), why choosing the right location is crucial, and how Snooze is going beyond beds to promote holistic sleep health—including CPAP awareness, partner disturbance, and light exposure. Plus, get insider stories from Super Bowl events and tips for living a healthier life starting today.Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Brad Taylor, former Snap Fitness exec turned mattress mogul 01:30 – How Matt Smith recruited Brad into Snooze 04:1
-
How Greenhushing Backfires & Barbell Boomers Are Driving the Economy: ISPA Conference 2025 Unwrapped
31/03/2025 Duration: 21minWhen silence on sustainability speaks louder than words—and boomers quietly steal the economic spotlight—you know it’s time to rethink everything.In this episode of The FAM podcast, host Mark Kinsley recaps big takeaways from the 2025 ISPA conference in St. Pete’s, featuring fresh insights from Scot Case, VP of Sustainability at the National Retail Federation, and economist Dr. Christopher Kuehl of Armada Corporate Intelligence.Episode Summary:Mark takes us behind the scenes at ISPA 2025 where the talk of the conference was “greenhushing”—the risky new cousin of greenwashing. Scot Case explains why being eco-silent may cost you consumer trust, while economist Dr. Christopher Kuehl breaks down the "barbell economy," proving that boomers are now powering home-related spending. From AI-powered green shopping to emotional consumer decisions, this episode flips traditional retail thinking on its head.3 Key Takeaways:Greenhushing is a PR Risk: Saying nothing about your eco-efforts can be just as damaging
-
Behind the Scenes with Tambra Jones and the Specialty Sleep Association
24/03/2025 Duration: 27minIn the mid-90s, as the popularity of waterbeds waned, a new wave of sleep products began to emerge. This shift paved the way for the formation of the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA). Tambra Jones, executive director of the SSA, played a pivotal role in this evolution, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, and futon experts. The SSA organized trade shows and established a permanent showroom in Las Vegas, providing a platform for emerging mattress brands to thrive.A Journey Through the IndustryTambra's journey in the furniture industry began as a trade show manager in San Francisco. She cultivated an environment where small companies could showcase their products and connect with potential buyers. This experience laid the groundwork for her later involvement with the SSA. Tambra’s passion for fostering connections and supporting new entrants in the industry has remained a core aspect of her work.Innovations on DisplayThe SSA showroom at the Las Vegas Market has become a hub for innovative sleep tech
-
You Wont Believe How the Sleep Industry Transformed in the 90s!
24/03/2025 Duration: 27minWhy it matters:The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) is reshaping the sleep industry by providing a platform for innovative products and fostering connections among manufacturers and retailers.Key Insights:In a recent episode of the FAM Podcast, Mark Kinsley and SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones discussed the history and mission of the SSA, which has evolved since the days of waterbeds.Historical Context: SSA was formed in the late 90s, merging various sleep product associations to create a dynamic trade environment.Innovation Showcase: The SSA showroom in Las Vegas features cutting-edge sleep technology, including sound and mood-enhancing products like Cambridge Sleep's systems.Community Connection: The SSA serves as a networking hub, connecting new companies with established brands and fostering collaboration.Consumer Awareness: Today's consumers are more discerning, often seeking organic and sustainable sleep products, but many manufacturers struggle with greenwashing accusations.Innovative Produ
-
ChatGPT, Automation & Ironman Suits: The AI Revolution with Rex Harris
17/03/2025 Duration: 47minWhat if you could automate your most tedious tasks, save hours every week, and finally feel like Tony Stark in your own AI-powered Ironman suit? Host & Guest Introduction:In this episode, Mark Kinsley, is joined by Rex Harris, an AI consultant and product manager whose resume boasts stints at Amazon, Pandora, Electronic Arts, and Bright. Rex is here to break down AI's role in business, how automation can 40X your productivity, and why taste and creativity still matter in an AI-driven world.Summary of the Episode:This episode is a masterclass in how AI is reshaping business operations. Rex explains how large language models like ChatGPT, AI automations, and digital agents are revolutionizing workflows. He also shares insights on automated lead research, AI-powered voice agents, and even web scraping for smarter sales strategies. Plus, find out how AI tools like Zapier, ChatGPT, and voice automation can give you a competitive edge—and why human creativity still reigns supreme.Key Takeaways:1) AI isn'
-
-
Traction, Tears & Teamwork: Saying Goodbye to the FAM Mom
03/03/2025 Duration: 30minWhat happens when the Mom of the FAM makes a big move? You get a rollercoaster of emotions, heartfelt goodbyes, and some seriously witty banter. In today's episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Adrienne Woods—the woman who has kept the FAM running smoothly behind the scenes—to talk about her next big adventure, the wildest part of working with Mark, and the unexpected way she’s using Traction (yes, the business strategy book) to parent her kids.
-
Why Customers Trust AFW: Inside the Billion-Dollar Buying Strategy with Ashley Kaminiski
24/02/2025 Duration: 34min -
From Corn Husking to Mattress Selling: Chad Fisher’s Playbook for Independent Retailers
17/02/2025 Duration: 25minWhat happens when you mix 20 years of independent retail experience with a passion for mattresses? You get Chad Fischer, the new Director of Bedding at BrandSource, and he’s on a mission to shake things up in the sleep industry!Mark Kinsley welcomes Chad Fischer, a seasoned leader in the bedding industry, who has stepped into a brand-new role at BrandSource. Chad shares his journey, his vision for growing the bedding division, and why independent retailers should be paying attention.Summary:In this episode, Chad Fischer dives into his priorities at BrandSource, a powerhouse buying group focused on independent retailers. He explains why BrandSource created a dedicated bedding division and how he plans to elevate it. From vendor partnerships to marketing strategy and merchandising, Chad outlines the roadmap for independent retailers looking to stay competitive in an evolving market. Plus, he and Mark break down Nebraska trivia (spoiler: Chimney Rock is involved), husking corn techniques, and the importance of i