Checked Out Podcast – New Episodes Drop on Tuesday Mornings!

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Episode 9: Relationships in Business: Family, Politics, & Community

01/27/26
In this episode of the Checked Out Retail Stories podcast, the Sprankle Brothers, Ryan and Doug, share their unique experiences in the grocery business, reflecting on their family legacy and the challenges of running a retail operation. They introduce their first guest, Kurt Masser, who has extensive experience in family business and government relations. The conversation delves into the importance of relationships in business and politics, with Kurt sharing insights from his journey in both sectors. The discussion also touches on the evolution of their businesses, the impact of regulations, and the necessity of adapting to changing market conditions, especially in the wake of COVID-19. As the episode progresses, the brothers and Kurt share personal anecdotes about their family businesses, the weight of responsibility that comes with them, and the importance of community engagement. They highlight the significance of maintaining strong relationships with employees and customers, emphasizing that success in retail is about more than just transactions—it's about building a community. The episode wraps up with a humorous retail story and a discussion on bizarre brand crossovers, showcasing the lighter side of their experiences in the retail world.

Episode 8: Navigating The Retail Landscape: Lessons from the Road

01/20/26
In this episode of the Retail Stories podcast, hosts Ryan and Doug reflect on their journey through the retail industry, sharing personal anecdotes and insights. They discuss the importance of partnerships in retail, highlighting their headline sponsor, PA Skill Champion, and the role of genuine skill games in supporting local businesses. The conversation shifts to memorable family road trips, filled with humorous stories about their childhood experiences, including a memorable trip out west that involved unexpected encounters and sibling rivalry. As the episode progresses, they delve into retail history, discussing the National Retail Federation's big show and the significance of maximizing opportunities at industry events. They also touch on the challenges of retail theft and the implementation of restocking fees by major retailers to combat return culture, emphasizing the need for accountability among consumers.

Episode 7: From Poker to Retail: A Journey of Stories

01/13/26
In this episode of the Retail Stories podcast, hosts Ryan and Doug explore various themes related to retail, personal experiences, and community support. They discuss the impact of the Poker Boom on their lives, the significance of the Euro in retail history, and the challenges posed by the retail apocalypse. The conversation also delves into customer service stereotypes and the importance of community resilience during crises, highlighting personal stories that shape their retail experiences.

Episode 6: Navigating the Retail Landscape: The Deli Coup

01/06/26
In this episode of Retail Stories, Ryan and Doug discuss their journey in the grocery business, touching on their origins, the importance of partnerships, and the challenges of running small stores. They delve into retail history, highlighting January sales and the influence of Wanamaker. A captivating story unfolds about a tumultuous employee situation involving love, drugs, and a coup, showcasing the complexities of managing a retail workforce. The conversation shifts to modern retail trends, particularly loyalty programs and the integration of cryptocurrency. They also humorously address the stereotype of the check writer at the register and conclude with a detailed account of negotiating the Saxonburg store, emphasizing the importance of diligence and uncomfortable conversations in business negotiations.

Episode 5: New Year Traditions & Tech Impact on Retail

12/30/25
In this episode of the Checked Out podcast, the Sprankle Brothers share their journey from childhood experiences in retail to the evolution of their family business. They reflect on New Year traditions, the impact of technology on retail, and memorable stories from their experiences. The conversation also touches on the challenges of running a retail business, the importance of adapting to change, and humorous anecdotes about customer behavior. The episode concludes with a discussion on the pivot of a liquor company to produce hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the resilience and creativity required in the retail industry.

Episode 4: Chaos & Competition: The Retail Christmas

12/23/25
In this episode of the Checked Out Podcast, hosts Ryan and Doug discuss the challenges and stories from their experiences in the retail industry. They reflect on the constant competition faced by independent retailers, the importance of evolving and adapting to market changes, and the significance of customer appreciation. The conversation also touches on holiday traditions, the history of Christmas shopping, and the challenges faced during the holiday season. Additionally, they emphasize the need for preventive maintenance in retail operations and explore current trends in social media and grocery shopping stereotypes.

Episode 3: Evolution & Survival in Retail

12/16/25
In this episode, the Sprankle brothers discuss the evolving landscape of the retail grocery market, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on the challenges faced by small businesses. They explore the importance of adapting to market changes, the dynamics of partnership in business, and share a gripping story about stress and survival in retail. The conversation highlights the need for innovation, understanding customer behavior, and the pressures of running a grocery store in a competitive environment.

Episode 2: Twinkies and Redemption: A Retail Tale of Second Chances

12/09/25
In this episode of the Checked Out podcast, the Sprankle Brothers share their experiences in the retail industry, discussing the challenges they face as second-generation retailers. They reflect on the evolution of shopping from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, the impact of winter weather on retail operations, and the importance of loyalty programs. The conversation also touches on humorous encounters with customers, the spectrum of retail clientele, and personal stories of retail theft. Ultimately, they emphasize the significance of customer relationships and the stories that make retail a unique experience.

Episode 1: Butcher Shop to Stores, The Roots

12/03/25
In this episode of Checked Out Retail Stories, the Sprankle Brothers, Ryan and Doug, discuss their journey in the competitive retail landscape, sharing personal anecdotes from their family legacy in the butcher business. They reflect on the challenges faced by independent retailers, the significance of family dynamics during holiday gatherings, and the impact of AI-driven hyper-personalization in retail. The conversation is filled with humor, nostalgia, and insights into the evolving nature of retail.