The FAM Podcast with Mark Kinsley

The FAM Podcast

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. 6d ago

    Death of GOLS Latex Standard: Expert Ely Battalen Unpacks What's Changing (and Introducing Morganic)

    Did you know the “organic” label on your mattress might be meaningless? Discover the truth about GOLS, new standards, and what brands must do now. Is your mattress really organic—or just labeled that way? In this episode, Mark Kinsley is joined by sustainability certification expert Ely Battalen to unpack the truth behind “organic” and “natural” claims in the mattress industry. With the GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certification disappearing and the new Morganic standard emerging, confusion is at an all-time high for both brands and consumers. If you’re a retailer, manufacturer, or just someone who cares about what you’re sleeping on, this conversation is essential. Ely reveals why most “organic” claims on mattresses are technically incorrect, how certifying bodies like GOTS and GOLS actually work, and what changes as Morganic steps in. Learn how brands can avoid costly legal mistakes, what certifications really mean for your product, and why supply chain transparency is now non-negotiable. Industry insiders will love the behind-the-scenes look at certification audits, supply chain tracking, and how getting certified can actually streamline your business and reduce costs. Plus: What every retailer and brand should do right now to stay compliant and build consumer trust. Timestamps: - 00:58 – The surprising truth about “organic” mattress claims - 02:09 – When using “organic” is actually illegal (and why) - 03:54 – What GOTS really means (and how brands misuse it) - 06:48 – Why mislabeling is rampant (and how it’s policed) - 08:54 – The real reason GOLS certification is disappearing - 10:55 – Meet Morganic: What’s changing and why it matters - 13:36 – How new standards impact your supply chain - 15:28 – Where to find the truth about certifications - 18:22 – Audits aren’t as hard as you think—real business benefits - 20:06 – How to reach Ely for consulting or questions 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

  2. Jul 13

    Her Story: Why “Having It All” in the Mattress Industry Is a Myth — And What Really Drives Success

    Ever wondered which sleep habits mattress experts secretly break? Industry insider Kelly Christal spills the truth—and it’s not what you think! This week on Her Story, Tara Kinsley sits down with Kelly Christal, 18-year mattress industry veteran and co-owner of Mattress Firm South Dakota. From recharging after long days in retail to the sleep rules even experts break, Kelly gets real about the myths and realities of sleep health. You’ll learn: - Why “having it all” is a myth—and how gratitude can change your outlook instantly. - The surprising electronics habit even sleep industry leaders can’t quit (yes, even with all their expertise!). - How Kelly navigated a male-dominated industry to become a successful owner, and the advice she'd give her younger self (hint: don’t wait for a seat at the table—demand it). - The real value of women’s voices in retail and why supporting each other is still a daily challenge. - Behind-the-scenes stories: growing a 6-store chain, what it’s like to work with mentors, and the wild adventures of Kelly’s family (including a DIY Caribbean sailor dad!). If you’ve ever felt stretched thin, wondered how top sleep retailers actually unwind, or struggled to advocate for your voice in business, you’ll find actionable, relatable stories and practical wisdom here. Timestamps: 00:00 – The gratitude hack for “having it all” in life and business 05:30 – The sleep habit industry experts secretly break every night 10:10 – Sailing the Caribbean without experience: Kelly’s family story 15:00 – From design grad to mattress owner: Kelly’s unconventional career path 18:20 – What women wish men knew about retail meetings 22:45 – The one piece of advice Kelly gives every young professional 27:00 – The moment she almost quit—and who convinced her to stay 31:00 – How a 25-store ownership group creates its own “mastermind” 35:00 – If women ran the mattress industry: what would change overnight? 40:30 – Real-life sleep routines (including the gadget Kelly swears by) 44:00 – Lightning round: espresso martinis, Rubik’s Cubes & superpowers 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

  3. Jul 6

    Her Story: Why Women in the Mattress Industry Are Changing the Game—One Rule at a Time

    What’s the one sleep rule even industry insiders can’t follow? Discover the real habits (and secrets) behind the scenes in sleep health. Ever wondered if sleep industry pros really practice what they preach? In this candid conversation, Tara Kinsley sits down with Anna Hermosillo—marketing powerhouse, softball coach, and sleep industry veteran—to reveal the real-life habits, confessions, and leadership lessons shaping the world of mattresses and sleep health. If you’ve ever grabbed a 4pm coffee (knowing you shouldn’t) or struggled to truly “unplug” after work, this episode is for you. Anna shares her honest take on late-day caffeine, the surprising value of keeping your inner circle tight, and why boundaries aren’t just a buzzword—they’re essential for success and peace of mind. Get inspired by Anna’s journey from skeptical newcomer to industry leader, and hear why she believes women—and supportive leadership—are transforming the future of sleep. Plus: - The #1 thing that would change if women ran the mattress industry - How working from home boosts productivity (and sanity) - The secret power of mentorship (and why it matters more than ever) - A behind-the-scenes look at balancing work, motherhood, and personal growth Stay tuned for relatable confessions, actionable insights, and a few laughs—including why true crime podcasts and coffee aren’t just guilty pleasures. Timestamps: 03:10 – The sleep habit even pros secretly break 06:00 – The real way Anna recharges (not the Instagram version) 10:25 – Why boundaries are the secret to peace and productivity 13:40 – The unexpected story of how Anna joined the mattress world 15:30 – The single biggest change if women led the industry 17:55 – How working from home redefines success (and focus) 21:12 – The leadership lessons sports taught Anna 25:28 – Do women really support women in sleep? Anna’s answer 27:40 – Anna’s surprising self-care ritual (hint: it’s not a spa day) 31:07 – What’s in Anna’s bag? A softball coach’s secret tool 34:36 – Lightning round: Sleep, travel, and guilty pleasures 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

  4. Jun 29

    Her Story: The Power of Quiet Leadership

    Ever wondered which sleep rule even mattress execs secretly break? Becky Gray reveals her surprising bedtime truth—and what it means for real sleep health. What does “success” really look like after 20 years in the mattress industry? In this episode, Tara Kinsley sits down with Becky Gray, Chief Sales Officer at Bluebell Mattress Company, for a candid conversation that shatters industry myths. From her humble start in a tiny Vancouver factory to leading a major North American mattress brand, Becky opens up about the real work-life balance, the sleep advice she doesn’t always follow, and how women can (and can’t) support each other in a male-dominated field. You’ll discover: - The one sleep hygiene rule even Becky can’t resist breaking—yes, your phone is involved! - Why “having it all” is a misleading myth, and how success actually ebbs and flows for high-achieving women - How introverts can thrive (and lead) in a loud, competitive industry - The outdated industry practice Becky’s ready to ditch for good (hint: it’s not just about mattresses) - Why building your network early could be the best career move you ever make If you’ve ever felt pressure to do it all—at work, at home, or even just to get a good night’s sleep—this episode is for you. Join thousands of sleep-optimizers, industry pros, and health-conscious listeners for a refreshingly honest look inside the world of sleep and success. Timestamps: 00:53 – The definition of success nobody tells you about 04:01 – How to stay connected when your family’s thousands of miles away 06:20 – The surprising truth about competition and introverts 09:02 – The sleep habit Becky breaks (but still preaches!) 13:24 – How Becky accidentally launched her mattress career 15:23 – The networking mistake most young professionals make 18:22 – Do women really support each other in bedding? 21:26 – The moment Becky almost quit—and what made her stay 25:58 – The outdated office tech Becky wishes would disappear 28:01 – Why treating yourself is essential (not selfish) 30:44 – The career mascot that perfectly fits Becky’s leadership style 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

  5. Jun 22

    The Her Story: What the Malouf, EverRest & Sinomax Merger Reveals

    Most people have no idea what really happens when mattress giants merge—discover the truth (and the surprising impact on your sleep and business). Ever wondered what actually goes on behind closed doors when industry leaders like Maloof, Everest, and Sinomax join forces? In this episode, Tara Kinsley sits down with Ashley Dunin (Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy) and Beth Thompson (Director of Communications) to reveal the untold story of their groundbreaking collaboration. You’ll hear unfiltered insights on how three powerhouse brands are integrating teams, sharing resources, and navigating the challenges of overlapping roles—all while fiercely protecting their culture and keeping customer needs front and center. If you’ve ever felt confused by industry mergers, frustrated by mattress marketing "gimmicks," or curious how real industry leaders set boundaries and avoid burnout, this is your must-listen. Ashley and Beth open up about maintaining honesty in marketing, tackling casual sexism, and why doing the hard thing is the key to career growth—especially for women in a male-dominated space. Plus, get an inside look at how American manufacturing, global partnerships, and post-pandemic realities are shaping the future of sleep products. Ready to rethink everything you know about this industry? Timestamps: - 00:45 – The surprising way mattress execs recharge (hint: it’s not what you think) - 04:00 – The boundaries sleep industry leaders won’t compromise on - 08:10 – The #1 misconception about women in leadership - 15:00 – How Maloof, Everest, and Sinomax are changing the game together - 18:30 – The real challenges (and benefits) of merging mega-brands - 20:45 – How U.S. manufacturing and global teams are reshaping product quality - 25:00 – The truth behind Maloof’s ‘Google-esque’ company culture - 32:00 – The career advice every young professional needs to hear - 35:30 – Why ‘gimmicks’ are hurting the mattress industry (and what to do instead) - 41:00 – Fun lightning round: sleep habits, guilty pleasures, and unexpected facts 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

  6. Jun 15

    The Her Story: Rethinking Women's Empowerment in the Mattress Industry

    Can being "too nice" actually fuel unstoppable leadership? Discover the power moves women leaders use to break the REAL glass ceiling in retail. What if the advice you've heard about women in leadership is totally backwards? In this episode of The FAM Podcast, Tara Kinsley sits down with Nora Gomez—founder of Next Generation Growth and former Chief Merchandising Officer at Nebraska Furniture Mart—to pull back the curtain on the high-stakes moments women face in business and the sleep industry. Nora reveals the hidden challenges (and surprising advantages) of being called "too nice" in a cutthroat retail world—and how that label became her secret weapon for long-term success. You'll learn why most people get "having it all" totally wrong, what it's really like to pivot from a Fortune 500 C-suite to starting your own venture, and the overlooked power of relationships in advancing both personal and professional fulfillment. If you've ever felt boxed in by corporate politics, struggled with imposter syndrome, or wondered how to advocate for yourself (and others) in a male-dominated industry, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable wisdom. Plus, Nora shares insider stories from the mattress and furniture world—including how she helped introduce new product lines at Nebraska Furniture Mart and why “breaking the other glass ceiling” is about much more than just titles. Hear how AI, authenticity, and women’s voices are reshaping the future of sleep, business, and leadership—one bold move at a time. Timestamps: - 01:48 – The sleep habit leadership experts secretly break - 04:07 – The label that almost derailed Nora’s retail career (and how she flipped it) - 08:57 – Why women leaders always feel like they’re in a fishbowl - 12:12 – The “shiny object” moment that redefined success - 19:37 – How getting laid off led to Nora’s Most Excellent Adventure (and changed recruiting forever) - 25:14 – Inside Nebraska Furniture Mart: Building teams, driving change, and legacy lessons - 30:48 – The “other glass ceiling” holding women back (and how to break through) - 35:20 – Why filling the role isn’t enough: The difference between title and true empowerment - 39:57 – Bringing female voices (and wisdom) to the Sleep Summit stage 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

  7. Jun 8

    Data-Driven Mattress Marketing Secrets: How to Win Gen X Shoppers and Unlock Hidden Sleep Sales

    What if your biggest mattress sale strategy is actually scaring away Gen X buyers with the most money? The data says it’s true. Here’s why. Are your mattress marketing tactics stuck in the past? In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Nicole Bergen of Elevate—one of the sleep industry’s top consumer research experts—to reveal the hidden disconnect between what retailers think works and what actually matters to today’s most powerful buyers: Gen X. Nicole shares eye-opening data from thousands of consumer interviews, exposing why relentless discounting and “NASCAR” promos don’t work on shoppers aged 45-55. Instead, assurance and trust—like comfort guarantees and real customer reviews—win the sale. You’ll learn why most brands overlook Gen X, despite their massive buying power, and how failing to update your playbook means losing sales to online giants. Ever wondered why your brand awareness is high but conversions are low? Nicole decodes the essential marketing funnel—attention, education, offer—and reveals the number one mistake retailers make (and how you can fix it with a simple brand health “timeout”). If you’ve ever struggled to connect with skeptical, research-driven customers or feared you’re wasting ad dollars, this episode gives you the playbook to pivot. Plus: actionable tips for leveraging data, optimizing for generative AI, and turning happy buyers into raving ambassadors. Timestamps: - 01:35 – The hidden problem with mattress marketing: why Gen X tunes out - 04:30 – How relentless promos are killing in-store joy (and trust) - 06:58 – The power of assurance: Why guarantees beat discounts for big-ticket buyers - 09:40 – “Top of funnel” secrets: What attracts attention in 2024 - 12:50 – Why your ad recall is broken (and how to fix it) - 17:55 – The market-by-market myth: Why what works in Cincinnati fails in Houston - 21:15 – The “Timeout Playbook” for brand clarity (and avoiding costly mistakes) - 27:40 – Data traps: The ROAS lie and how to spot media waste - 31:20 – Unlocking Gen X: Winning strategies for the new power buyer - 36:45 – Problem-agitate-solution: Messaging that turns skeptics into buyers 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

  8. Jun 1

    Our 1st Buc-ee's Stop, Extreme, Elite, Unreasonable Event, and Sleeptronic’s Open House

    What happens when sleep pros turn ordinary road trips into epic industry breakthroughs? You won’t believe what we discovered at 3 game-changing events. Join Mark Kinsley and team as they take you inside the mattress industry's most surprising (and fun) recent events—from the legendary Buc-ee's roadside stop to the elite Sweet Dreams gathering and Sleeptronic’s family-driven open house. If you’ve ever wondered what makes sleep retailers stand out—or how the best brands build loyal communities—this episode is packed with real-life stories, fresh insights, and “aha!” moments. You’ll get the inside scoop on how Sweet Dreams shut down four stores to invest in team development, why the art of “hosting” can transform your retail experience, and how a single connection at Sleep Summit led to a powerful BedTech partnership. Plus, discover what happens when you mix family, fun, and a little bit of Texas flavor—leather air fresheners included! From hands-on AI training to giving back to veterans, this episode proves the mattress industry is about more than sleep—it’s about people, purpose, and community. Don’t miss the special announcement that could put your brand on the map! Timestamps: - 02:45 – The wild, must-see Bucky’s experience (and what retailers can learn) - 07:10 – Why “hosting” beats “selling” for in-store success - 14:55 – How Sweet Dreams shut down 4 stores for team transformation - 21:20 – The family-first secret behind Sleeptronic’s open house - 27:00 – The BedTech partnership story: From summit connection to business win - 32:15 – Surprising ways AI is changing mattress retail (and how to catch up) - 36:40 – How Sleeptronic delivered 80 mattresses to veterans in need - 41:05 – The #1 thing retailers can control in uncertain times - 45:50 – Special announcements: What’s next for The FAM and Sleep Summit 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

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4.9
out of 5
36 Ratings

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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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