Shows
Scott's ThoughtsFrom Cannes to Commerce: Retail Media's Growing InfluenceEver wondered how the retail media landscape is evolving beyond traditional advertising? In this eye-opening exploration of insights from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, I share fascinating developments that are reshaping how brands connect with consumers through retail channels.The retail media revolution is gaining momentum as it transforms from simple website banners into a sophisticated cross-platform discipline. Today's strategies seamlessly integrate retailer websites, mobile apps, social media, and connected TV to create cohesive consumer experiences. While giants like Amazon and Walmart leverage their massive scale, don't overlook the potential of regional powerhouses—HEB in Te...2025-07-2103 min
Comprehend THIS!Episode 1: “How I Fell Into CI (and Survived)”If you’ve ever wondered how language teachers survive the messy switch to comprehensible input, this episode is your new teacher therapy.Ready to level up your teaching this year? Join our Back-to-School Bootcamp for practical CI strategies, fresh ideas, and real talk: https://imim.us/bootcampIn Episode 1, How I Fell Into CI (and Survived), I’m joined by Jodi Dinsmore and Paulino Brener as we spill all the awkward, hilarious, and downright relatable stories about discovering comprehensible input — from our “Before CI” flops to our first breakthroughs and the survival tricks that kept us going...2025-07-201h 18Scott's ThoughtsWalmart vs Amazon: Battle for Your Smart TV Shopping ExperienceThe retail media landscape is transforming dramatically as major players make strategic moves to control the space where viewing meets buying. Walmart's recent $2.3 billion acquisition of Vizio has created a powerful new ecosystem that combines the retailer's extensive shopper data with Vizio's SmartCast operating system and its 18 million active accounts. This bold move enables advertisers to create truly shoppable TV experiences where consumers can make purchases directly through their remote controls while watching advertisements.Meanwhile, Amazon has taken a different approach by forging an exclusive partnership with Roku that provides access to approximately 80 million smart TV households...2025-07-1403 min
Fr Scott Reilly LCSt. Benedict 2025St. Benedict was crucial for Europe’s development and the Catholic Church’s. 2025-07-1205 min
Comprehend THIS!Comprehend THIS! - TrailerWelcome to Comprehend THIS!, the podcast for language teachers who are tired of the same old textbook chatter and want the real talk instead.Every episode is like pulling up a chair in the copy room or leaning on the hallway wall at your favorite conference — except it’s not awkward, the coffee’s better (yours, not mine), and nobody’s grading you.Host Scott Benedict sits down with 1–2 guests — teachers, trainers, authors, CI rebels — to swap stories about what actually works in a comprehension-based classroom.We talk the good, the weird, the messy middle —...2025-07-0901 minScott's ThoughtsWholesale Clubs: Business vs. Consumer FocusRetail's wholesale club landscape is changing dramatically, but are you aware of how these shifts might affect your shopping strategy or business approach? Drawing from my extensive career in wholesale club retail, I share fascinating insights from a recent Warehouse Club Focus analysis that reveals surprising trends in how the major players are positioning themselves today.When Sol and Robert Price created the wholesale club concept in the late 1970s, it was fundamentally a business-to-business model targeting restaurants, convenience stores, and small offices. Today's reality looks remarkably different. BJ's has reduced its business-friendly assortment from 24% to just 18...2025-07-0704 minScott's ThoughtsWalmart International: More Than Just Revenue StreamsThe untapped potential of international retail operations lies far beyond simple revenue generation. When Walmart International CEO Kathryn McLay spoke about the company's global businesses at their recent shareholder meeting, one powerful insight stood out: these international operations function as sophisticated innovation engines that fuel growth and capabilities across Walmart's entire ecosystem.This revelation deeply resonated with Scott Benedict, having spent four years in Walmart's international division witnessing firsthand how global markets catalyze retail innovation. Take quick commerce as a prime example—Walmart's Chinese operations have pioneered cloud fulfillment centers for Sam's Club e-co...2025-06-3003 minScott's ThoughtsBillionaires Behaving BadlyEver feel disheartened by endless headlines about billionaires exploiting their wealth at society's expense? Scott Benedict offers a refreshing counternarrative straight from Northwest Arkansas, where wealthy families have transformed prosperity into community treasures.What makes Northwest Arkansas special isn't just its natural beauty, but the legacy of families who view their success as a responsibility rather than a privilege. Throughout the region, the evidence is unmistakable - parks, libraries, art museums, performance venues, academic institutions, hospitals, and community centers bearing the names of benefactors who chose to reinvest in their communities.The transportation i...2025-06-2302 min
Cuisineist Travels Hosted By Kate Roberts and Jack MartinCuisineist Travels Take a journey and find the Sta. Rita Hills: California's Coastal Wine Jewel" with veteran journalists Elaine and Scott Harris and return to where their career started decades ago, Hosted by Kate Roberts and Jack MartinSend us a textTake a journey and find the Sta. Rita Hills: California's Coastal Wine Jewel" with veteran journalists Elaine and Scott Harris. We offer an overview of the Sta. Rita Hills wine region and describehow a unique geological formation—an east-west mountain range—channels cool Pacific Ocean breezes into the vineyards, creating an ideal climate for winemaking. Elaine and Scott also highlight the region's pioneering history, beginning over 50 years ago with Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict, and its current status with nearly 3,000 acres of vines across...2025-06-2031 minScott's ThoughtsBalancing Technology and Trust: The Future of Responsible Retail InnovationResponsible technology use in retail isn't getting enough attention. While everyone's talking about AI and personalization, we need to focus on how these powerful tools align with customer-centric strategies and ethical governance frameworks.The exciting potential of AI in retail goes far beyond basic recommendations. Today's technology enables pre-filled shopping carts based on your history, virtual personal shoppers, purchase reminders, and personalized subscription offers—all anticipating your needs based on past behavior. We're also seeing innovative approaches to capturing attention during multitasking moments, allowing purchases through social media or streaming platforms. And the merging of onl...2025-06-1605 minScott's ThoughtsWhen Tariffs Hit the Shelf: A Retailer's Survival GuideThe shifting landscape of tariff and trade policies has dramatically transformed the retail sector, pushing companies to rethink their fundamental strategies. This episode dives deep into how major retailers are responding to these pressures—from Walmart's forthright acknowledgment of price increases to Home Depot's ambitious supply chain diversification efforts and Target's strategic reduction of Chinese imports from 30% to 25% by year-end.We explore the critical adaptation strategies that separate struggling retailers from those successfully navigating these turbulent waters. Transparency emerges as a cornerstone approach, with retailers finding success through honest communication with both customers and investors abo...2025-06-0904 min
Comprehend THIS!CI Stories: CI Success Unlocked! D’Lisa McBride’s Simple, Powerful JourneyD’Lisa McBride’s CI journey proves that teaching multiple languages—English, German, Italian, and Spanish—can be simple, effective, and engaging with comprehension-based methods! 🚀 Want to level up your CI teaching this summer? Join us at CI Summer Camp for hands-on training, expert insights, and a supportive community of like-minded teachers! Sign up now at https://imim.us/summercamp! Our CI Story Series highlights real teachers who have transformed their classrooms with comprehension-based instruction. Through their experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs, you’ll discover practical strategies and inspiring insights to make CI work for you. #Compreh...2025-06-0659 minScott's ThoughtsLoyalty in the Digital Grocery CartLoyalty programs are revolutionizing how consumers interact with online grocery platforms, creating deeper engagement and significantly higher spending. Drawing from my extensive experience as a retail consultant, I examine how digital grocery services have evolved beyond mere convenience into powerful loyalty-building tools that drive both revenue and retention.Walmart's recent success offers compelling evidence of this transformation. Their Walmart Plus program now accounts for approximately two-thirds of all online grocery orders, with members spending 40% more per order than non-members. Even more telling is that these loyalty members show nearly 10% higher intent to reuse th...2025-06-0204 minScott's ThoughtsEmail vs. SMS: Surprising Effectiveness Data for RetailersWhat's really working in digital marketing for retailers today? In this eye-opening discussion, we dive into surprising findings from Listrack's annual cross-channel benchmarking report that challenges conventional wisdom about effective marketing tactics.The data reveals a fascinating paradox: while email marketing volume increased by 43% over the previous year, declining click-through rates suggest consumers are experiencing message fatigue. Meanwhile, SMS marketing emerges as an unexpected powerhouse, generating six times the revenue per send compared to email campaigns. This compelling stat transforms what many consider a supplementary channel into a critical marketing tool worth serious investment.2025-05-2604 min
Talking Texas HistoryIn Conclave, Part 2: Texas Ties, Hollywood Takes, and Vatican StakesEver wondered what really happens when Catholic cardinals gather to elect a new pope? In this episode, we continue our conversation with canon lawyer Benedict Nguyen of the University of St. Thomas in Houston.The timing couldn't be more perfect—recorded during the recent papal conclave, our conversation explores the fascinating tension between Hollywood portrayals (like the trending film "Conclave") and the authentic spiritual process. Nguyen distinguishes between procedural accuracy and the deeper theological substance that drives papal succession, offering insights into what happens behind those famous locked doors.Of course, we tackle the burning quest...2025-05-2231 minScott's ThoughtsRetail's Incomplete Sustainability JourneyTwenty years have passed since Walmart's landmark sustainability commitment under CEO Lee Scott, yet the retail industry still faces significant challenges in fully embracing sustainable practices. The disconnect is particularly evident in household goods categories, where consumer demand for eco-friendly options continues to grow without matching retail commitment.Consumer awareness about climate change and environmental sustainability is rising globally. Research consistently shows shoppers want to make more thoughtful choices aligned with their environmental values. However, they often lack access to clear information that would enable truly informed purchasing decisions. This represents not just a...2025-05-1904 minScott's ThoughtsDigital Revolution in the Grocery Landscape: How Economic Pressures are Reshaping Consumer BehaviorIbotta's annual State of Spend report reveals significant shifts in grocery shopping behaviors due to economic pressures, with 72% of consumers prioritizing essentials and showing increased price sensitivity at the expense of brand loyalty.• Consumer spending on groceries continues to rise annually while discretionary categories like personal care face declines• Digital promotions are proving effective with 36% of shoppers discovering new products through digital offers in the past month• 68% of shoppers now use digital tools during in-store shopping to find deals or locate products• 44% of consumers have used grocery delivery services in the past 30 days, indicating a shift...2025-05-1204 minTalking Texas HistoryIn Conclave: A Texas Canon Lawyer's Guide to Papal TransitionThe passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2023 set in motion ancient protocols refined over two millennia of Catholic Church history. For the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide—including approximately 40% of Texans—this moment represents a pivotal transition guided by traditions few outside the faith fully understand. Religion is an important part of culture and history for many Texans, yet often overlooked by historians.We're joined by Benedict Nguyen, a canon lawyer and Associate Vice President at St. Thomas University in Houston, who expertly guides us through the intricate process of papal succession. Whether you're Catholic, belong to anoth...2025-05-0829 minScott's ThoughtsSpecialty Retail's Journey Toward Seamless Omnichannel ExperiencesSpecialty retailers are rapidly adopting unified commerce strategies with increased technology investments in AI-driven personalization, real-time inventory management, and integrated CRM systems to meet consumer demands for consistent experiences across all touchpoints.• Adoption rates for omnichannel strategies have significantly increased among specialty retailers• Many specialty retailers have implemented or plan to implement unified commerce strategies this year• Consumers now demand consistent and personalized experiences across all touchpoints• Key challenges include integrating data across channels, aligning departments for collaboration, and scaling solutions• Recommendations include investing in scalable technology platforms, leveraging data analytics, and prioritizing employee t...2025-05-0504 min
Comprehend THIS!CI Stories: Tracey’s Secret to CI Teaching SuccessMeet Tracey Collazos, a dedicated French and Spanish teacher, and discover how she transformed her classroom with Comprehensible Input (CI)—making language learning easier, more engaging, and truly effective! 🔥 Want to level up your CI teaching this summer? Join CI Summer Camp for practical strategies, expert guidance, and a supportive community! Sign up now: https://imim.us/summercamp 🌍 Our CI Story series showcases real teachers who have embraced CI and revolutionized their classrooms. These inspiring stories highlight the challenges, breakthroughs, and successes that prove CI isn’t just effective—it’s achievable for every teacher! #Comprehe...2025-05-021h 08Scott's ThoughtsThe Hybrid Retail Revolution: Finding Balance in a Post-DTC WorldRemember when direct-to-consumer brands were going to revolutionize retail forever? Those billion-dollar valuations for companies like Casper, Away, and Glossier seemed to validate a future where traditional retail partnerships would become obsolete. Fast forward to today, and the landscape looks dramatically different.What happened to the DTC revolution? The challenges became increasingly apparent as these brands scaled. Customer acquisition costs skyrocketed as digital advertising grew more expensive, eroding the cost advantages that made the model so attractive. Operational complexities proved daunting for brands attempting to handle logistics, fulfillment, and customer service without retail partners. Perhaps most significantly...2025-04-2804 min
Comprehend THIS!Gregory’s CI Story: Achieving Results Faster Than You Think!Experience how Gregory Schwab, a passionate Spanish teacher, transformed his classroom using comprehension-based methods and see how you can too! 👉 Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join us at COMPREHENDED! 2025, the ultimate CI-based conference designed for world language teachers. Explore sessions from top educators and gain tools to elevate your classroom. Register now at https://imim.us/conference! The CI Story series highlights inspiring journeys of educators who’ve embraced comprehension-based instruction to unlock their students’ full potential. From overcoming challenges to achieving remarkable results, these stories showcase practical strategies, valuable insights, and actionable tips to help te...2025-04-251h 04Scott's ThoughtsHow Tariff Policies Are Reshaping Retail and Tech IndustriesTrade tensions and government tariff policies are creating significant disruptions across retail and tech sectors, forcing companies to rapidly adapt their strategies and operations.The economic landscape is shifting beneath our feet as government tariff and trade policies send tremors through both retail and technology sectors. What started as policy announcements has quickly evolved into real-world business challenges that are reshaping how companies operate and how consumers shop.Major retailers are demonstrating remarkable adaptability in this new environment. Amazon is contemplating a complete restructuring of Prime Day, potentially extending it across an entire month to...2025-04-2105 minScott's ThoughtsHow Walmart is Setting the Standard for AI EthicsPrepare to dive into the intriguing world of artificial intelligence in retail and discover how it's changing the landscape of shopping as we know it. This episode uncovers the positive impact of AI technologies on customer service, supply chain optimization, and marketing strategies, highlighting how companies are leveraging data to understand consumer behavior better. Scott Benedict shares valuable insights into Walmart’s pioneering efforts in ethical data usage and AI, emphasizing the company's commitment to digital trust.Explore thought-provoking discussions surrounding the balance between innovation and privacy. Learn how Walmart's Responsible AI Pledge sets ethical standards that sa...2025-04-1405 minScott's ThoughtsShifting Standards: Lessons from Kroger's Leadership Shake-UpThe unexpected resignation of Kroger's CEO, Rodney McMullen, has sparked serious conversations around workplace professionalism and the expectations we place on leaders. In the episode, Scott Benedict explores not just what led to McMullen's departure, but the broader implications for businesses navigating the post-pandemic landscape. Have we, as a society, allowed our standards of conduct to slip in recent years? Scott reflects on the changes in professional standards that have emerged since the pandemic, and addresses the alarming trend of excuses and lower expectations that seem increasingly normalized in our work environment. Utilizing the...2025-04-0705 min
Comprehend THIS!Discover Lynne Hendrick’s Easy CI Path to Engaged German Students!Lynne Hendrick, a dedicated German teacher, shares her incredible journey of transforming her classroom with comprehension-based teaching strategies. 👉 Take your teaching to the next level! Join us at COMPREHENDED! 2025: https://comprehended.co/register. CI Stories is a live interview series that spotlights the real-life journeys of language teachers embracing comprehension-based methods. Each episode explores their challenges, successes, and actionable strategies, providing valuable insights to help educators transform their classrooms. Whether you’re new to CI or looking for advanced tips, CI Stories offers inspiration and practical ideas for teachers at all levels. #ScottBenedict, #Immed...2025-04-041h 03Scott's ThoughtsTariffs and Trade: Navigating the New Retail LandscapeDive into the complexity of tariffs and trade policies in the retail industry that affects your shopping experience more than you might think! We explore how shifting global dynamics challenge retailers, forcing them to rethink sourcing strategies and adapt their business models. In this engaging discussion, we break down the current tariffs, the impact of unpredictable trade policies, and what it means for pricing in stores. Retail leaders share their frustrations with the uncertainty surrounding these policies, stressing the importance of diversifying sourcing strategies post-pandemic. It’s clear: relying on a few global markets can lead to pit...2025-03-3103 min
Comprehend THIS!Greg Cracked the Code: CI Success Made Simple and Real!Discover how Greg Gross, a passionate Spanish teacher, revolutionized his classroom with comprehension-based methods in our CI Story Series! 🌟 Ready to level up your teaching? Join us at the COMPREHENDED! 2025 conference! Explore CI-based sessions, gain actionable insights, and transform your classroom. Register now at https://comprehended.co! Our CI Story Series highlights real-world language educators who have embraced comprehension-based instruction to engage students, simplify learning, and achieve incredible results. Each story dives into practical strategies and inspiring journeys to show how CI can work for every teacher. #CIStory, #ComprehensibleInput, #LanguageTeaching, #SpanishTeacher, #GregGross, #CIClassroom, #Lan...2025-03-281h 04Scott's ThoughtsNordstrom and Macy’s Bold Move Towards Financial ClarityThe retail industry is witnessing a pivotal change as Nordstrom and Macy's shift from traditional inventory accounting to cost-based methods, providing a clearer picture of profitability. This evolution emphasizes the need for accuracy and adaptability in modern retail to enhance financial health and transparency.• Nordstrom and Macy's lead a transition in inventory accounting • Traditional retail accounting creates distorted financial metrics • Cost accounting offers a clearer view of profitability • Advanced technology enables accurate financial tracking • A broader trend in the retail industry emphasizes accuracy • This shift is essential for competitiveness and investor appeal2025-03-2402 minScott's ThoughtsUnlocking AI's Transformative Power in Retail with Expert Scott BenedictThis episode explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the retail industry, highlighting how AI can enhance customer experiences, optimize supply chains, and drive data-driven insights. Key topics include personalization strategies, customer service improvements, and best practices for tech investments.• Exploring the role of AI in customer data analysis • Insights into personalization techniques across touchpoints • Importance of AI in optimizing supply chain operations • Enhancing store layouts through consumer behavior analytics • The evolution of customer service with AI technologies • Recommended approaches for tech investment strategies2025-03-1704 min
Comprehend THIS!Nicole KleinRichter’s Proven CI Journey—And How You Can Follow!Nicole KleinRichter, a dedicated Spanish teacher, shares her inspiring journey of transforming her classroom with comprehension-based teaching strategies. 👉 Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join us at COMPREHENDED! 2025: https://comprehended.co/register. CI Stories is a live interview series that highlights the real-life experiences of language teachers who have embraced comprehension-based methods. Each episode dives into their challenges, successes, and actionable strategies to help educators navigate their own CI journeys. Whether you’re new to CI or looking to refine your approach, CI Stories provides the insights and inspiration to transform your teaching. #ScottBenedict, #Immed...2025-03-151h 02Scott's ThoughtsGrocery is now an online businessThis episode explores the impactful rise of online grocery shopping, highlighting growth projections and key strategies for grocers to succeed in an increasingly digital marketplace. We discuss the importance of mobile applications, channel fluidity, and enhanced customer experiences in driving this trend forward. • Exploration of the growth trajectory of online grocery sales • Emphasis on the necessity of mobile applications for purchasing • Discussion of channel fluidity between online and in-store shopping • Importance of back-office technology in inventory management • Features like recipe integration to improve customer experience • Insights into the future of grocery retail in a digital age2025-03-1003 minScott's ThoughtsRevolutionizing Retail: Navigating 2025 with Scott Benedict's InsightsUnlock the secrets of tomorrow's retail landscape with insights from Scott Benedict. Discover how the consumer behavior revolution of 2024 is reshaping the marketplace in 2025. Whether it's the mobile commerce surge or the integration of digital wallets, we guarantee you'll learn what it takes to stay ahead. As mobile devices become the go-to shopping tool, retailers are under pressure to fortify their tech infrastructure to prevent any hiccups in the customer journey. Dive deep into how omni-channel strategies, social commerce, and the latest AI innovations can make or break your retail game plan in this rapidly changing environment....2025-03-0304 min