Checked Out Podcast - New Episodes Drop on Tuesday Mornings! - Sprankles Neighborhood Market

Episode 20: Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer. PART II

04/14/26
In this episode, we explore retail stories, marketing strategies, and leadership insights with Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary. We delve into the evolution of business, the importance of creativity, and navigating challenges in retail and politics. In this engaging episode, the hosts explore retail challenges, innovative ideas, and humorous stories, including retail theft issues in Canada, creative marketing strategies, and the history of McDonald's. They also share personal retail stories and fun facts about bananas and the Big Mac, providing valuable insights for small business owners and retail enthusiasts.

Episode 19: Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer PART I

04/07/26
In this episode, we interview former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer to gain insights into leadership, communication, and the importance of authenticity. We also share retail stories, discuss marketing strategies, and explore the fascinating history of local malls. keywords Ari Fleischer, White House, leadership, communication, marketing, retail stories, mall history, authenticity, public speaking, business strategy

Episode 18: Ravioli Legend John Kaczor's Journey

03/31/26
Behind the Scenes with this week's Guest Ford City, PA Business Legend John Kaczor. Join us in this lively episode as we chat with John Kaczor of Kaczor Ravioli Company about his journey from home-based food maker to local culinary icon. Dive into hilarious stories, insights on small business perseverance, and the importance of community support in local markets. In this episode: John shares his inspiring story of starting a ravioli business in his late 40s, passing on family recipes from Poland and Italy. Discover the Polka Festival in Johnstown, his favorite event, and its nostalgic roots. Guys will also share hilarious tales of broken baby bottles, mud, and chaos of parenting during a hectic week, insights into local retail myths like the "magical back room" and stocking strategies.

Episode 17: Mrs Pennsylvania Ashley Stremme: Presented by www.paskillalliance.org

03/24/26
In this episode, retail and racing expert Doug shares a gripping story of managing a power outage at his store, highlighting the importance of preparation, teamwork, and resilience. Guest Ashley Stremme, Mrs. Pennsylvania, discusses her journey in racing, broadcasting, and balancing family and business, offering insights into the racing community and her inspiring story. Join us as we explore the inspiring stories of resilience, community, and passion in racing, pageantry, and small business. Our guest shares personal journeys from dirt track racing to national pageants, highlighting the importance of support, determination, and turning pain into purpose.

Episode 14: ManLand, Reality Show & Refrigeration Tales

03/03/26
In this episode of the Checked Out Retail Stories Podcast, Ryan and Doug Sprankle discuss various themes related to retail, personal anecdotes, and family stories. They explore the stereotype of customers leaving items behind in stores, share childhood memories, and delve into retail trends such as Ikea's 'Man Land' in Australia. The conversation also touches on the history of commercial refrigeration and the impact of power supply contracts on small businesses. Additionally, they recount their experience with a reality show that was cut short due to COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of community support and resilience in the retail industry.

Episode 13: Shane Chojnacki: From Wrestling to Banana Ball

02/24/26
In this episode, the Sprankle Brothers reflect on their journey in the retail industry, share personal stories, and introduce their guest Shane Schonecki, a multi-sport athlete. They discuss the dynamics of family businesses, the challenges of professional wrestling, and the importance of creating engaging digital content. The episode also features humorous retail stories, insights into current retail trends, and the significance of customer stereotypes in the shopping experience.

Episode 11: Liver, Retail Theft, & Korean Restaurants

02/10/26
Join Ryan and Doug as they dive into the chaos of retail life, sharing hilarious and shocking stories from Western PA. Discover how a small grocery store battles fierce competition and extreme weather, while navigating theft and legendary snowstorms. Learn real-world lessons on resilience, community support, and the surprising origins of the UPC barcode. Perfect for retailers and entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration to turn chaos into opportunity. Whether you're a store owner or just love great stories, tune in for laughs and insights that prove perseverance is key to success.

Episode 10: Keys to Successful Family Business & Story of Mike The Meat Man

02/03/26
In this episode of the Checked Out Podcast Ryan and Doug share personal anecdotes, business insights, and humorous stories from their lives and the retail industry. They discuss the challenges of running a grocery business, the importance of family, and the journey of their guest, Mike the Meat Man, who shares his experiences in the meat industry. The conversation also touches on retail trends, customer interactions, and fun facts about the grocery business, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging tone.

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.