The conversations on Slingin’ Shoes Episode 5 run the gamut from the deeply personal to the outer limits of Artificial Intelligence. Co-host Chris Farley shares a story of a random encounter with a shopper that resonated deeply with him. Steve DeMoss of Big Peach Running talks about how his fascination with Artificial Intelligence is being put to use in the store, and Ben Stewart , VP of Tech Performance at Skechers, pulls back the curtain on how the brand is working to become more meaningful in run specialty.

On Episode 4, Mark and Chris analyze the annual Best Stores list: what well known stores didn’t make it, what’s the deal behind one of the Best Stores conspiracy theories and how did the list grow from 50 to 60+ stores.

We also discuss the ASICS resurgence with Kevin McHale and learn how he started his career as a shoe slinger at Potomac River Running.

And we spend time with an up and coming Slinger, Naim Bell of Charlotte Running Co.

On Episode 3, we take a deep dive with Bob Dyer and Jennifer Henderson, who share the story of their hands-on approach to opening a run store in the competitive market of Saint Louis. The couple shares both the personal and business issues they faced and how eight years later, Running Niche is a perennial selection to The Best Running Stores List.

On the brand side, Chris Brewer and Drew Magaha of Mizuno USA discuss the brand’s considered focus on the specialty channel and how their “smooth” approach to product is building momentum.

On Episode 2, we’re Slingin’ Shoes across the USA, starting with Jenni Peters from Varsity Sports in Baton Rouge, LA who discusses her real estate strategy and how she is rolling up her sleeves to help her community develop a trail network. Then from Fleet Feet Montclair, NJ by way of Brooklyn, we interview Axel Arroyo, shoe slinger extraordinaire, who shares how his experience and street smarts allow him to send customers home happy. And Josh Higgins of OS1st offers ideas on how to boost sock sales at run specialty by announcing a contest for stores to boost their sock to shoe sales ratio. First prize is in the Slingin’ Socks with purpose is a $500 credit and a Slingin’ Shoes hoodie (and the hoodies are really nice).

Josh Levinson, founder of CEO of Charm City Run, with 8 stores in the Baltimore area, pulls back the curtain on a topic many store owners think about but don’t always act on: succession planning. Josh discusses what steps he has taken to sell equity to top members of his team and what the future holds for him, them and Charm City.

This episode also includes an interview with Joe Toth, head of sales for Altra Running. He talks about the brand’s (and its parent company’s) promise to specialty and the opportunities he sees in the running business.

Our Shoe Slinger of the week is Farrin Saba, assistant manager for a Pacer’s Clarendon store. Farrin has a Masters in Public Health and talks about how her studies in social connections helps her understand and service customers.

Welcome to Episode Zero of Slingin’ Shoes!

Slingin’ Shoes is a new podcast that will be co-hosted by Mark Sullivan, founder of The Running Event, and Chris Farley, owner of Pacers Running. In this introductory episode, the two discuss what led them to develop the podcast and share the story of how Chris made the co-founder of Whole Foods cry during an interview. The two also elaborate on their plans for Slingin’ Shoes to offer insight, analysis, fun and community. In short, everything that makes the run channel special.

Slingin’ Shoes will produce two episodes a month and will include interviews with store owners, sales associates, brand executives, athletes and other personalities who are shaping the business we all care so much about.

We promise to be succinct and honest and will strive for the right mix of serious conversations, humor and irreverence when appropriate.