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

    7 Highlights from Vegas Market: Property Brothers, PranaSleep, and ECS+Leggett & Platt's Glow Up

    Discover the 7 Vegas Market secrets shaking up the mattress world—plus Property Brother Jonathan Scott’s big reveal! Sleep industry insiders only. Missed the energy of Vegas Market? We’ve got you covered! The FAM Podcast hit the floor with “boots on the ground” to bring you 7 can’t-miss highlights, jaw-dropping innovations, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Property Brothers’ mattress mastery with Jonathan Scott. From the electric King Koil happy hour (Jonathan reveals why he’s hands-on with every mattress) to Prana Sleep’s West Coast breakthrough, Leggett & Platt’s showroom “glow up,” and the organic revolution at Jelly Sleep and Naturepedic, it’s a whirlwind recap of what’s next in sleep science. We also unpack Bed Tech’s inversion base (why your grandma’s inversion table might be obsolete), how AI is transforming mattress retail, and the emotional power of industry community (including the legendary FAM house party). PLUS: Get the inside scoop on Sleep Summit’s first female keynote (Nora Gomez, Beyond Inc.) and a DIY trick that’ll upgrade your style at the next show. If you’re a retailer, sleep enthusiast, or health-conscious pro, these insights could change how you sleep—and sell—forever. Timestamps: 00:00 - Vegas Market recap: The 7 can’t-miss moments 02:15 - The Property Brothers’ “no assholes” secret to mattress trust 08:20 - Prana Sleep’s game-changing West Coast expansion 13:40 - Leggett & Platt’s biggest showroom transformation ever 19:55 - Why organic cooling beds are the new must-have 25:10 - The adjustable base that does what inversion tables can’t 31:05 - AI, sleep retail, and the $1.2 billion mattress revolution 38:33 - The story behind 20,000 meals packed for kids in need 42:10 - The surprise DIY style hack for market pros 45:00 - Sleep Summit’s history-making keynote announcement 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

    30 min

  2. JAN 26

    Inside ISPA’s 2026 Strategy: President Alison Keane on Big Shifts Shaping the Mattress Industry

    What does a $1 million recycling breakthrough mean for your mattress—and why is 2026 the mattress industry's turning point? Find out inside. Ever wondered what happens to your old mattress—or why tariffs and tech are shaking up your sleep? ISPA President Alison Keene joins Mark Kinsley to reveal the inside story on mattress industry advocacy, the surprising science of recycling (including wallets made from old foam!), and how AI is poised to transform everything from manufacturing to retail. If you’re a sleep retailer, manufacturer, or just someone who cares about healthy sleep and sustainability, this is your guide to the biggest changes ahead. Alison shares what really goes on behind the scenes in Washington D.C., how ISPA is expanding membership to adapt to a rapidly evolving industry, and the wild innovations coming to ISPA Expo 2026—including real products made from recycled mattresses. Hear how $1 million annually is being invested in game-changing recycling research, why state laws could make or break the future of mattress sustainability, and how AI can help your business work smarter (not harder). Plus: the unexpected team-building lesson from a guacamole competition! Stay to the end for actionable insights on advocacy, trade, and what ISPA's 2026 vision means for every corner of the industry. Timestamps: - 00:00 – The guacamole challenge: A spicy lesson in disruption - 06:30 – How ISPA is changing and who it serves now - 11:02 – The real impact of mergers, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer trends - 13:20 – How AI is transforming the mattress business (and what you can do today) - 14:44 – The 'tariff whiplash' explained: What DC doesn't tell you - 20:06 – Fighting unfair pricing: The inside story behind anti-dumping and trade - 27:37 – 15 million mattresses recycled: How MRC is changing the game - 31:13 – $1M per year in recycling research: The wild new products born from old beds - 35:11 – Innovation Stage: The hottest new ideas at ISPA Expo 2026 - 39:25 – How to connect with Alison Keene and get involved 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

    40 min

  3. JAN 19

    The "Her Story" Series: Kristina Espinoza Reveals the #1 Habit She Preaches (But Breaks)!

    What sleep habit do even the pros secretly break—and why could it be sabotaging your rest? Surprise: It’s NOT what you think! Sleep science inside. Ever wonder if sleep experts really follow their own advice? In this candid, eye-opening episode of The FAM Podcast with Mark Kinsley, Tara Kinsley sits down with Kristina Espinoza (King Koil) for a revealing conversation that’s equal parts vulnerable and practical. The big reveal: Kristina preaches sleeping on your back for better health—but privately admits she’s a stomach sleeper! Why does this matter? Because, as she shares, sleep posture can affect everything from your airways to your skin and even your long-term health. If you’ve ever struggled to break a bad sleep habit (or felt guilty about it), you’re not alone—even the industry’s best have their slip-ups. But the insights go way beyond sleep hygiene. Kristina opens up about fiercely protecting her peace, setting boundaries at work and in life, and the struggle of saying no—especially to long-time friends and industry norms. You’ll hear her contrarian take on why hiring “industry veterans” may be holding back true innovation in mattress retail, and how a more emotionally intelligent approach (often championed by women) could transform the future of sleep. Whether you’re a retailer, sleep enthusiast, or just tired of one-size-fits-all sleep advice, this episode is packed with real-life stories, actionable habits, and the honest truths you won’t hear anywhere else. Timestamps: - 00:54 – The sleep habit Kristina breaks (but preaches!) - 02:00 – The hidden risks of stomach sleeping and how she tries to change - 04:10 – Boundaries Kristina fiercely protects and why it’s life-changing - 07:13 – The surprising toxicity of "helping" friends in crisis - 15:29 – Why the industry must stop hiring on experience alone - 18:23 – The moment Kristina almost quit—and what made her stay - 24:57 – How women would run the mattress industry differently - 26:05 – The emotional side of buying a mattress (and why it’s ignored) - 29:06 – The playlist that powers Kristina’s workdays - 36:03 – Market nightmare: The shoe mistake every retailer should avoid --- ** 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
  4. 6 Life-Changing Questions Sleep Industry Leaders Are Asking for 2026 (And Why Most Ignore #2)

    JAN 5

    6 Life-Changing Questions Sleep Industry Leaders Are Asking for 2026 (And Why Most Ignore #2)

    What if 6 honest questions could change your life and business in 2026? Most sleep pros skip #3—don’t make their mistake! Every January, we make resolutions—and most fade by August. But what if the right questions could shift everything? In this episode, Mark Kinsley and co-host Tara reveal the 6 future-shaping questions that top sleep and mattress industry leaders are asking themselves for 2026. From getting brutally serious about growth (hint: inclusivity is the new superpower) to the surprising power of saying “no,” we dig into the real habits that separate thriving retailers and healthy teams from the exhausted and burned out. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the grind, struggled to keep your business or life on track, or wondered how to actually build a lifestyle you love—this episode is for you. Industry leaders share what’s working, the mistakes that sideline so many, and why recognition, boundaries, and intentional living are the secret sauce to long-term sleep and business health. Stick around for a major announcement on elevating women in the mattress industry—plus a candid look at how letting go of perfectionism and embracing messy growth can be the most powerful move you make this year. Timestamps: - 00:00 – Why your questions decide your future (not your answers) - 04:20 – The New Year burnout cycle (and how to break it for good) - 10:40 – The #1 thing sleep industry insiders are getting serious about in 2026 - 15:55 – The surprising power of saying “no” as a growth strategy - 22:30 – How “hell yes” moments fuel business and personal breakthroughs - 27:45 – The truth about lifestyle design (are you really in control?) - 33:10 – The game-changing habit every team needs: recognition - 39:00 – The lasagna story: perfectionism, mistakes, and letting go - 44:50 – The personal growth question most ignore (and why it matters in 2026) - 48:00 – How to join the most inclusive community in the sleep industry 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
  5. The Inventor Who Made 20% of America Sleep Differently: Secrets of the Waterbed Revolution

    12/29/2025

    The Inventor Who Made 20% of America Sleep Differently: Secrets of the Waterbed Revolution

    How did one student’s “crazy” invention capture 20% of America’s beds? Discover the comfort science and wild culture of the original waterbed. What if the most comfortable sleep you’ve ever had was invented by a master’s student... and nearly ignored by the entire mattress industry? In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Charlie Hall—the original inventor of the waterbed—for a candid, behind-the-scenes journey into the world of sleep innovation. Learn how Charlie’s quest to solve pressure and temperature pain points led to a radical new kind of mattress, sparking both a cultural phenomenon and a $6 million legal battle. If you’ve ever wondered why your hips ache on a camping mattress, or why “firm is better” was the industry’s biggest myth, you’ll love Charlie’s insights. Hear about celebrity early adopters, the wild days of waterbeds in head shops, and why modern mattresses still can’t match the floating comfort of the original design. Plus: what’s the future of sleep tech, and why do some diehard fans refuse to give up their waterbeds—even today? Industry experts, inventors, and sleep enthusiasts: this episode is your backstage pass to the invention that made America rethink comfort. Timestamps: - 00:29 – The accidental invention that changed sleep forever - 03:56 – Why women finally said “yes” to camping (and how the sun shower changed everything) - 05:35 – Pressure points, temperature, and the science of real comfort - 10:51 – The first waterbed prototype: trial, error, and cold surprises - 12:54 – Art galleries, “pleasure pits,” and the wild early days - 16:33 – Frolicking, fame, and the cultural sizzle of the waterbed - 18:49 – Knockoffs, head shops, and the mattress industry’s resistance - 22:37 – $6 million lawsuits and the fight for invention rights - 27:33 – Why nothing feels like a waterbed (and why loyalists won’t quit) - 33:40 – The surprising truth about mattress comfort today 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

    41 min
  6. City Mattress’s Secret Sauce — and How PranaSleep Became the Star of Their Retail Recipes

    12/22/2025

    City Mattress’s Secret Sauce — and How PranaSleep Became the Star of Their Retail Recipes

    Ever wondered how City Mattress sells higher-ticket beds and keeps customers raving? Discover the “secret sauce” that’s changing the mattress game. What really sets City Mattress apart from the crowd? In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Jason Goodman, Head of Business Development at City Mattress, to reveal the “secret sauce” behind one of America’s most respected mattress retailers. Learn how a multi-generation family business consistently commands higher prices, keeps customers loyal, and builds a company culture that sales teams love. If you’ve ever struggled to keep margins up, train sales staff effectively, or differentiate your retail experience, you’ll get actionable insights straight from a brand with nearly 60 years of proven results. Jason shares how the Prana Sleep brand became their secret weapon—why owning the factory matters, how a written “retail cookbook” drives repeatable success, and the surprising importance of *love* in business. Whether you’re a sleep industry pro or a health-focused consumer, you’ll discover: - How City Mattress balances quality, margin, and velocity for same-store margin growth - The innovative slat system that reduces returns and customizes comfort instantly - Why written processes (not just good intentions) make all the difference for scaling and consistency - The power of culture and long-tenured staff in an industry known for churn Stay tuned for real-world examples, a peek inside the most beautiful mattress factory in America, and practical tips you can remix for your own business. Timestamps: - 00:34 – The 250-Year Ravioli Recipe & City Mattress’s Family Legacy - 03:35 – “Made with Love”: Why People Are the Core Ingredient - 06:32 – Prana Sleep: How Owning the Factory Changes Everything - 09:57 – The Only Mattress Quilting Machine Like This in the World? - 12:52 – Adjustable Slat Systems: The Secret to Fewer Returns & Happy Couples - 17:20 – The “Retail Cookbook”: 4 Metrics Every Store Must Balance - 21:07 – Why Selling *With* Prana Sleep Beats Selling Against It - 24:10 – What Today’s Health-Conscious Consumers Actually Want - 25:35 – Documenting the Recipe: The Power of Written Training & Processes - 29:43 – The Chili Cook-Off Lesson: Why Writing Down Your Process Wins Every Time - 33:18 – How City Mattress Became a Rare Retail-Product Innovator 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

    39 min
  7. The Mattress Empire That Made Millionaires: The Untold Secrets Behind Sleep Train’s 800% Growth

    12/15/2025

    The Mattress Empire That Made Millionaires: The Untold Secrets Behind Sleep Train’s 800% Growth

    What happens when you give employees 25% of your company? Discover how Sleep Train soared 800%—and changed 1,600 lives in 4 years. Ever wondered if true ownership could transform a business? In this episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Dale Carlsen, legendary founder of Sleep Train, who reveals how a daring decision—handing 25% ownership to employees—sparked an 800% surge in company value and created life-changing wealth for team members. If you’re a retailer, entrepreneur, or sleep industry pro who’s ever struggled with building a lasting culture, retaining talent, or finding your “why,” you’ll want to hear Dale’s inside stories. From the emotional moment managers learned they were the new owners, to the delivery driver who bought his mom a house in Mexico, Dale shares the secrets behind Sleep Train’s explosive growth and heart-centered mission. We also dig into why focusing on just one charity (Ticket to Dream) not only helped thousands of foster kids—but became a powerful business filter, driving loyalty and brand love. Industry experts, iconic ad campaigns, and the power of social good—all in one episode. Curious about how media personalities like Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern unknowingly helped revolutionize mattress marketing? Or why Dale refused to cut advertising, even when banks demanded it? The answers might surprise you. Timestamps: - 00:45 – The surprising origin of Sleep Train’s 25% employee ownership - 03:18 – How $117M changed employees’ lives (real stories inside) - 06:00 – The emotional “mirror moment” that redefined company culture - 09:20 – From delivery driver to “owner”: Employee impact stories - 13:06 – Why Ticket to Dream became the only charity—and how it fueled business growth - 19:58 – The heartbreaking stats about foster kids (and what Sleep Train did differently) - 28:55 – How doing good drove Sleep Train’s brand loyalty and retention - 37:44 – The jingle, the whistle, and the marketing moves no one saw coming - 46:31 – When everything almost collapsed: Lessons from the Great Recession - 56:47 – What Dale learned about trust, betrayal, and vendor relationships 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 13m
  8. Leggett & Platt Targeted: Somnigroup's Bold Bid to Take Over the Largest Innerspring Supplier

    12/08/2025

    Leggett & Platt Targeted: Somnigroup's Bold Bid to Take Over the Largest Innerspring Supplier

    Is the mattress industry about to become a monopoly? Discover what nobody’s saying about the TSI bid for Leggett & Platt – and why it matters for you. The biggest shakeup in the sleep industry is happening behind closed doors, and almost nobody is addressing it. Mark Kinsley dives deep into the Somnigroup’s bid to buy Leggett & Platt, and what this means for everyone—from mattress retailers to sleep health advocates. If you've ever worried about shrinking competition, rising prices, or the future of your business, this episode is a must-watch. We break down why Leggett’s bedding sales dropped 10% and how only 11% of Americans moved last year—the lowest since 1948—slamming demand for furniture and mattresses. Mark reveals why so many retailers are quietly moving away from TSI, and what happens when the largest manufacturer, retailer, and component supplier join forces. Industry experts and insiders are voicing fears—and opportunities—about a market that could soon be controlled by one giant player. But with every threat comes a chance for innovation. Could this be the moment for new brands, vertical integration, and upmarket products to shine? Or is it the end of real competition in the mattress world? Timestamps: - 00:00 – Why nobody’s openly discussing the TSI-Leggett bid - 02:45 – The hidden impact of low residential moves on mattress demand - 05:30 – The surprising reason Leggett & Platt’s sales are tanking - 09:10 – How COVID forced mattress makers to go vertical - 13:20 – The FTC’s warning: Monopoly fears and anti-competitive moves - 17:05 – What a $14B market cap means for the industry’s future - 21:10 – The silent retailer rebellion against TSI and Somni Group - 24:50 – Is it time to bet on innovation and upmarket products? - 27:30 – The “wait and see” mindset: What’s at stake for everyone? - 30:00 – Your next move: How to prepare for seismic industry shifts 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

    16 min
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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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