The FAM Podcast with Mark Kinsley

The FAM Podcast
  • 4.9 (36)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Sleep industry secrets revealed! On The FAM podcast, host Mark Kinsley interviews innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders shaping the future of the sleep industry.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ireland Meets Innovation: The Power of Collaboration Over Competition with Patrick Noel Daly

    Startup mistakes are costing mattress innovators millions—here’s how a medical mattress inventor cracked the code for success and sleep health. What can a medical mattress founder, five-time author, and serial entrepreneur teach us about surviving—and thriving—in the sleep industry? In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Patrick Noel Daly, author of "Just Startup" and "Stand Your Ground, Never Quit," to reveal surprising truths about innovation, collaboration, and the hidden costs of going solo. Patrick’s journey—from a tiny Irish village to inventing life-changing sleep tech—shows why the next big mattress breakthrough may come from outside the mainstream. He unpacks the real difference between “good business” and “business slop,” how AI is transforming (and sometimes hurting) startups, and why collaboration—not competition—drives lasting success. If you’ve ever wondered why some mattress innovations flop, how to protect your biggest investments, or how to balance ambition with real-world risk, this episode is for you. Patrick shares candid stories about costly mistakes, licensing secrets, and a game-changing product for the 25 million Americans with asthma—all with practical advice you can use today. Industry insiders and newcomers alike will find new strategies for launching products, avoiding burnout, and creating a business (and life) that truly satisfies the soul. Don’t miss the most actionable insights from two decades on the front lines of mattress innovation. Timestamps: - 01:24 – The moment that sparked a global journey in sleep innovation - 05:30 – Why mattress industry rivals should work together (the win-win-win model) - 09:18 – Hidden costs: What entrepreneurs lose chasing startup dreams - 13:57 – “Singing in your soul”: The mindset every founder needs - 17:50 – How AI is changing (and endangering) the way we launch sleep products - 21:48 – The dangerous rise of ‘business slop’—and how to beat it - 26:46 – The mistake that almost cost an entrepreneur his home - 31:42 – Calculated risk: The rescue pilot lesson every founder must learn - 50:22 – The “SimCair” story: Inventing a mattress topper for 25M asthma sufferers - 57:30 – Why abundance and collaboration are the future of sleep retail Connect with The FAM Podcast: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4 🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

    59 min

  2. MAY 4

    NBA Stars Turn to Dr. Chris Winter for Expert Sleep Strategies to Maximize Performance

    Why are pro athletes obsessed with their mattresses—and are you making the #1 sleep mistake they avoid? Discover what really improves your sleep. If you’ve ever wondered whether your mattress actually matters for your sleep, you’ll want to hear this episode. We sit down with Dr. Chris Winter—bestselling author, neurologist, and the so-called “Sleep Whisperer” to the pros (Ariana Huffington’s words, not ours!). Dr. Winter has helped thousands in the NFL, NBA, and MLB unlock peak performance by optimizing their sleep setup—and he’s here to share what REALLY works. We kick off with a surprising truth: Most people treat their mattress as furniture, not a critical piece of sleep equipment. But Dr. Winter reveals it’s a game-changer for both sleep quality and daily energy. You’ll also learn why the explosion of sleep gadgets might actually be hurting your rest, how pro athletes and even the military approach sleep, and the “Zen master” mindset that makes falling asleep effortless—without all the tech and tension. Ever wondered why you jerk awake as you’re falling asleep? Or if sleep trackers and AI can truly help? Expect myth-busting insights, actionable tips, and a peek into how influencers (not experts!) are reshaping America’s sleep habits. Join us for laughs, science, and the real secrets to sleeping like a champion. Timestamps: 00:58 - The real reason athletes obsess over their mattress 03:12 - Should you treat sleep like a battle? Why “kitting up” isn’t always better 06:16 - The surprising “Zen” sleep method Dr. Winter swears by 09:14 - Why your body twitches when you fall asleep (and how to stop punching neighbors on planes) 13:28 - Are sleep trackers and gadgets making you anxious—or helping you sleep? 16:47 - AI and the future of personal sleep coaching 24:45 - What NBA pros do differently for sleep (and how you can steal their hacks) 32:57 - Military secrets: How elite soldiers sleep anywhere, anytime 41:02 - Debunking viral “military sleep hacks” on TikTok and YouTube 48:05 - The #1 “leave behind” tip for adults AND parents struggling with sleep Connect with The FAM Podcast: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4 🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

    1h 15m

  3. APR 27

    Dolphins, Tattoos, and Team Spirit: The Unforgettable Dream Camp 2026 Experience

    What happens when Dream Camp loses power for 20 hours—and why did it lead to the most creative breakthroughs of the year? Find out now. Ever wondered what brings the sleep industry’s brightest minds together—and what happens when the lights go out? In this special Dream Camp 2026 recap, Mark and Tara Kinsley reveal how a massive overnight power outage turned a picturesque Santa Barbara retreat into a crash course in agility, creativity, and human connection. From CPAP machines suddenly stopping to AV teams scrambling for power banks, this episode delivers a behind-the-scenes look at how sleep pros handle the unexpected. You’ll hear how King Coil, Bed Tech, and Naturepedic families turned adversity into opportunity, and why a room lit only by candlelight became the birthplace of breakthrough ideas. Join us as we dive into innovation exercises led by Kaiser Yang (including writing backward with your non-dominant hand), the dolphin strategy for outsmarting “sharks” in business, and rare moments like up-close humpback whale sightings and spontaneous beer shotgunning with a mysterious beach knife. If you’ve ever felt stuck in business (or life), this is your playbook for shaking things up—no matter what goes wrong. Plus: Why Dream Camp’s tradition of community, creativity, and a little chaos might spark your next big idea. Timestamps: - 00:45 – The surprising Dream Camp tradition (and who has 5 tattoos!) - 03:30 – Power outage panic: How the sleep pros handled “lights out” - 07:10 – What happens when CPAP machines fail at a sleep industry event? - 11:25 – Innovation under candlelight: Kaiser Yang’s creative brain hacks - 17:40 – Whale watching and the “dolphin strategy” for disruptive thinking - 22:15 – Why community matters more than competition (dolphins vs. sharks) - 26:50 – How adversity forged new industry friendships - 32:10 – The knife, the beer, and the lesson in resourcefulness - 37:15 – Key takeaways for growing your business from Dream Camp Connect with The FAM Podcast: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4 🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

    24 min

  4. APR 20

    The Her Story: The Sleep Industry's Biggest Social Media Mistake (And How to Fix it)

    Did you know posting less can actually drive MORE sales for mattress brands? Discover Erica Batterman's secrets to sleep industry social success! Ready to unlock the real power of social media for your sleep or mattress business? In this episode, Erica Batterman—social media strategist, content creator, and the “better half” of Bed Head’s Brent Batterman—pulls back the curtain on what actually works online. Erica reveals the counterintuitive truth: most retailers and brands are sabotaging engagement by focusing on quantity over quality. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to keep up with endless posting or wondered why your mattress content isn’t converting, this is the episode you need. You’ll learn: - Why consistency and authenticity beat viral trends every time - The key differences between Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for the sleep industry (and how tiny tweaks can massively boost results) - How to turn your audience’s pain points (like back pain and sleep struggles) into content that builds trust—and sales - The real reason customers check your socials before buying (and what to do if you haven’t posted since Christmas) - Plus, Erica’s personal journey from oil & gas to food influencer to sleep industry expert, and how battling breast cancer changed her entire approach to risk, connection, and business. If you’re ready to attract the right customers (not just more followers), join us for actionable insights, relatable stories, and a few laughs. Industry experts and top creators tune in—now it’s your turn. Timestamps: - 01:25 – The “offline” secret to Erica’s creative recharge - 05:23 – How slow mornings fuel social media brilliance - 10:05 – The confidence myth: What 15K followers don’t see - 15:56 – From oil & gas to 15K followers: Erica’s journey - 19:37 – The one thing mattress brands get wrong on social - 21:46 – Why posting less can mean selling more - 23:13 – How customers judge your business by your last post - 24:53 – Platform power: Instagram vs. LinkedIn for sleep retailers - 29:45 – The career risk Erica wishes she’d taken sooner - 35:19 – The “superpower” every sleep pro wishes for Connect with The FAM Podcast: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4 🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

    44 min

  5. APR 13

    The Her Story: Surprising Lessons From a Mattress Entrepreneur (That Challenge Industry Myths)

    Even mattress CEOs break sleep rules—and reveal why most "cooling" beds are just clever marketing. Get the real story from Big Mattress Outlet's CEO! Think the people who run mattress companies always practice what they preach? Think again. In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Kelly Charles, CEO of Big Mattress Outlet, who admits she breaks nearly every sleep hygiene rule—despite knowing the science. Kelly shares how her definition of success has evolved from non-stop hustle to building a business that gives her more time with family. She opens up about the real (and often ignored) challenges of being a woman in the mattress industry, how "cooling" has become a misleading industry buzzword, and why most people—including experts—struggle to follow perfect sleep routines. If you’ve ever felt guilty for late-night screen time or not following every sleep tip, you'll relate to Kelly’s honesty. She discusses practical, realistic approaches to better sleep, like focusing on daytime habits rather than strict bedtime rules. Plus, hear her take on industry fluff, the realities of franchising, and the importance of knowing your strengths before launching a business. Whether you're a sleep professional, retailer, or just want better rest, this episode delivers candid insights and actionable (realistic!) advice. Join a community that values transparency—and a few good laughs. Timestamps: - 00:58 – Success redefined: From hustle to freedom - 05:39 – The sleep habit CEOs can’t stick to - 08:29 – Why most sleep rules go ignored - 11:21 – What men miss about women in the mattress industry - 13:54 – How store temperature drives women away - 16:26 – “Cooling” mattresses: Industry myth or magic? - 19:34 – Quitting corporate: The real reason to go solo - 26:47 – Are you ready to own a franchise? The truth - 31:15 – Kelly’s unfiltered sleep routine (and her dog’s!) - 35:53 – Vacation dreams and the art of splurging Connect with The FAM Podcast: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4 🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

    42 min

  6. APR 6

    Badcock's Collapse: How Matt Pridemore Built 22 Hometown Furniture Stores in 18 months

    A 90-day collapse, 22 new stores, and one mattress vendor who saved it all—discover the untold secrets behind Hometown Furniture’s epic comeback. What would you do if your entire business vanished in 90 days? That’s exactly where Matt Pridemore found himself as Badcock—his family’s furniture retail foundation for generations—collapsed overnight. In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Matt to reveal the wild, true story of resilience, resourcefulness, and relationships that fueled the rise of Hometown Furniture from empty showrooms to 22 thriving locations. You’ll hear how one vendor, Heritage Mattress, stepped up when everyone else retreated—proving the mattress industry’s family roots run deep. Learn why most retailers fail (and what Matt did differently), the “certainty principle” that turns browsers into buyers, and how to build local brand loyalty when everything else changes. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate business disaster, motivate teams through uncertainty, or train sales staff who actually convert, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and emotional moments you won’t find anywhere else. Join the FAM for an insider look at the comeback story everyone in the sleep and furniture industry is talking about. Timestamps: 00:00 - The 90-day collapse: Badcock’s shock and aftermath 04:45 - The vendor who showed up first (Heritage Mattress’s game-changing move) 06:40 - How to rebuild from zero: Matt’s first steps 09:55 - What Matt ditched from the old model (and why) 11:56 - The secret to local retail fame and community loyalty 14:48 - Defining the new customer: Surprising findings 17:47 - Why Hometown turned off e-commerce (and what happened next) 18:52 - The Sales Academy advantage: Training sales teams for trust 21:45 - Building value in yourself (not just the product) 24:19 - Matt’s “certainty principle” and closing more sales 28:34 - The transition that’s killing sales (and how to fix it) 39:23 - How to make retail sales a real career, not a stopover 44:35 - Matt’s vision for the future: Scaling local, building legacy Connect with The FAM Podcast: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4 🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

    52 min

  7. MAR 30

    50% Price Step-Downs: The Mattress Sales Move to Increase Average Tickets by $400

    Can one change add $400+ to every mattress sale? Discover the surprising secrets from Nationwide’s Primetime event—plus a shocking pillow study! If you’ve ever wondered how top mattress and furniture retailers consistently boost their average ticket by $400—or why some stores keep thriving while others plateau—this episode is your playbook. Join Mark and Tara Kinsley as they report from Nationwide Marketing Group’s Primetime event in Fort Lauderdale, sharing actionable strategies from industry leaders and AI experts. First, get the inside scoop on how to merchandise your store to sell the entire sleep system—adjustable bases, pillows, sheets, and protectors. (Hint: It starts before the customer ever walks in.) Learn why dressing your beds like mannequins and using bundle offers (good, better, best) can turbocharge conversion and make upsells effortless. You’ll also hear about an industry pro who used AI to build a custom executive coach for 28 managers—and how you can deploy similar tools, no tech background required. Plus, the episode reveals a new approach to price drops that makes customers talk themselves into higher-end mattresses. Don’t miss the shocking results of a pillow fitting study: properly fitted pillows gave customers 8 extra hours of sleep per month—a stat you can use to close more sales and improve customer health. Whether you’re a retailer, sleep pro, or consumer wanting better sleep, these tips from industry insiders, brand leaders, and AI innovators will change the way you do business. Timestamps: 03:10 – The $400 ticket increase: Merchandising secrets revealed 07:25 – Adjustable bases: The #1 way to boost dollars (and comfort) 12:40 – The pillow fitting study: 8 extra hours of sleep/month 18:15 – Bundling like a pro: Good, better, best offers made easy 22:02 – The AI Accelerator Lab fail (and how it’s fixed) 25:45 – Real-world AI: Building an executive coach for 28 managers 31:55 – Price drop psychology: Why the 50% rule shocks customers 36:10 – Social media secrets: Consistency, trust, and the “search everywhere” mindset 41:00 – How leading brands (Ashley, Tempur-Sealy, Sweet Dreams) use AI and marketing 45:15 – The next big thing: Retailers demanding more from manufacturers Connect with The FAM Podcast: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4 🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

    32 min

  8. MAR 23

    The Her Story: The Mattress Warranty Myth: Why It Persists and Why It’s Time to Move On

    Why are mattress warranties stuck in the past—and who’s brave enough to change them? Discover the inside story from a top sleep industry leader. What really happens behind the scenes in the sleep industry? In this episode, Tara Kinsley sits down with Julia Rosin, VP of Marketing for Leggett & Platt’s Bedding Division and veteran travel writer, to crack open the most persistent myths holding the mattress world back. Julia reveals why the “authenticity” buzzword is more fluff than substance, and how extended mattress warranties could be misleading both retailers and consumers. If you’ve ever wondered why mattress ads still rely on outdated tropes—or why 25-year warranties persist when most people swap beds every decade—this conversation is a must-listen. Julia shares honest insights on what needs to change, the real impact of diversity at the decision table, and how sleep routines and self-care protect your sanity in a 24/7 business. You’ll also hear about the role of women’s organizations like WithIt, and why genuine leadership is more collaboration than command. Industry experts and newcomers alike will find actionable takeaways, from sleep hygiene tips to marketing “don’ts” that could cost you credibility with today’s consumers. Tune in for candid stories, practical advice, and a peek at what’s next for the mattress world. Timestamps: - 01:25 – “You can have it all—just not at once”: Julia’s honest career insights - 05:23 – The extrovert myth: Why Julia recharges in solitude - 10:19 – Leaving Blackberry for bedding: How Julia shaped a company’s digital future - 13:01 – The #1 thing Julia would change if women ran the sleep industry - 15:30 – Why “authenticity” is the most overused—and misunderstood—industry buzzword - 17:08 – The truth about mattress warranties (and why it’s time for change) - 19:49 – How WithIt is changing the game for women in sleep and home furnishings - 22:39 – Julia’s real-life sleep routine (and the power of unplugging) - 26:22 – If you could give the industry one superpower… - 28:37 – Travel, self-care, and life lessons from a global perspective Connect with The FAM Podcast: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4 🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

    33 min
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4.9
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Sleep industry secrets revealed! On The FAM podcast, host Mark Kinsley interviews innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders shaping the future of the sleep industry.

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