In this episode of the Con Culture Convo, Tim Hyde, Chris Bower, and Ariel Heart discuss the evolution of their podcasting journey, from the origins of the Con Job podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic to the launch of Ariel's new podcast, The Con Floor. They reflect on the challenges faced in maintaining the original podcast's vibe and the decisions that led to Ariel's departure. The conversation highlights the importance of community in podcasting and the excitement surrounding new ventures in the pop culture space.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Con Culture Combo
03:12 The Evolution of Con Job Podcast
06:54 Transitioning to The Con Floor Podcast
10:15 Exploring the Concept of The Con Floor
13:08 The Future of Podcasting in Con Culture
15:56 Final Thoughts and Farewell
21:16 Podcast Outro

Summary

In this episode, Tim and Chris discuss a variety of topics related to fast food culture, including Chris's growth on YouTube, the nostalgia surrounding fast food mascots, and the potential for a fast food convention. They delve into the history of fast food, share personal anecdotes, and even engage in a fun quiz about fast food mascots. The conversation highlights the impact of nostalgia on consumer behavior and the challenges of documenting fast food history.

Chapters

00:00 Weather Woes and Travel Plans
03:16 YouTube Growth and Analytics
06:24 The Fast Food Nostalgia Phenomenon
10:01 The Concept of a Fast Food Convention
13:10 The Business of Fast Food and Marketing Strategies
16:09 Costco's Soda Switch and Personal Choices
19:34 Exploring Taste Preferences in Beverages
20:56 Cider vs. IPA: A Beverage Debate
21:46 Food Adventures in Dallas
22:52 Charleston: A Culinary Destination
24:48 Charleston vs. New Orleans: A Showdown
26:08 Fast Food Nostalgia: A New Direction
31:36 The Challenge of Documenting Fast Food History
33:43 Fast Food Mascot Quiz: Testing Knowledge
39:44 Nostalgic Fast Food Mascots and Video Games
41:32 The Quirky World of Dairy Queen and Bazooka Joe
44:44 The Humor and History of Bazooka Joe
50:42 Reflections on Childhood and Advertising
53:56 Food Cravings and Late-Night Snacks
55:22 Podcast Outro 1.mp4

Summary

In this conversation, Tim Hyde and Chris Bower discuss their expectations and goals for the year 2025, reflecting on past experiences and the challenges they face in the convention business. They explore the importance of adapting to changes in the market, the impact of travel on their work, and strategies for improving profitability amidst increasing competition. The discussion also touches on the effects of tariffs and inflation on their businesses, while maintaining an optimistic outlook for the upcoming year.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to 2025: New Beginnings
03:15 Exciting Shows and Events Ahead
06:18 Travel Challenges: The Case for Driving
09:13 Business Goals for 2025
12:19 Adapting to Change: New Strategies
15:27 The Great American Road Trip
18:15 Exploring the Vastness of Russia
21:21 The Impact of Transportation on Society
25:30 The Vastness of Russia and Travel Plans
30:18 Profit Margins and Show Costs
32:03 The Reality of Show Profitability
32:57 Anticipating Successful Shows
33:31 Optimism for 2025
34:25 Albuquerque's Rising Potential
35:31 The Challenge of January Shows
36:39 Inflation and Grocery Prices
38:38 Impact of Tariffs on Business
41:07 Navigating Industry Saturation
43:38 Goals and Strategies for 2025
50:41 Final Thoughts on Profitability
54:14 Podcast Outro 1.mp4