Join our hosts, as we talk Disney parks, Disney resorts, Disney food, Disney news, and Disney Vacation Club.
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The Voice of Retail is a weekly podcast hosted by retail pioneer, advisor and keynote speaker Michael LeBlanc and is produced in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada. Each and every week I interview the most interesting people in and around the retail industry, examining the key issues and strategies on the minds of thought leaders in Canada, the U.S. and around the world. © 2018-2025 M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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The Jack Benny Program, starring Jack Benny, was a radio-TV comedy series which ran for more than three decades and is generally regarded as a high-water mark in 20th-century comedy. Jack Benny (February 14, 1894 in Chicago, Illinois “ December 26, 1974 in Beverly Hills, California), born Benjamin Kubelsky, was an American comedian, vaudeville performer, and radio, television, and film actor. He was one of the biggest stars in classic American radio and was also a major television personalit ...
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Human Pride: Optimizing Your Human Potential in a Digital Job Market with bestselling author and veteran front-line retail executive Ron Thurston
34:21
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34:21In this energizing and thought-provoking episode, I welcome back Ron Thurston, bestselling author, veteran retail executive, and passionate advocate for the frontline retail workforce. With the launch of his second book, Human Pride: Optimizing Your Human Potential in a Digital Job Market, Ron brings a refreshing, people-centric perspective to lead…
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29:41
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 85: Polynesian Island Tower - Is the Pineapple Juice Worth the Squeeze?
1:06:55
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1:06:55Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they talk about their recent stays at the new Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Resort. A duo-studio, a standard studio, and a one-bedroom, we've seen them all. So after experiencing this new location, we give our full and honest opinions. Is the pineapple juice worth the squeeze? Follow our pages at: YouTu…
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Jenn Harper, Retail Council Canada's 2025 Independent Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year on Taking Cheekbone Beauty from Startup Dream to Indigenous Beauty Revolution
28:21
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28:21In this episode, Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics and 2025 recipient of Retail Council Canada's Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year award, joins me on the mic. Our inspiring conversation explores Jenn's remarkable journey from food industry sales to building a nationally recognized Indigenous beauty brand now availab…
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Dive into the timeless humor and impact of The Jack Benny Program, exploring its comedic genius, famed feuds, and enduring legacy.
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 84: Concierge Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge
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36:15Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they talk about Scott and Kathleen's recent stay in Concierge Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The food, the service, and all the premium Mickey bars you can eat! Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - https://www…
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RCC STORE2025 Keynote Speaker Karl Haller, Consumer Center of Competency (CoC) Leader from IBM on The AI-Powered Retail Enterprise
22:01
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22:01In this exclusive episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc interviews Karl Haller, Partner at IBM Consulting and leader of their retail and consumer products center of competency, ahead of his highly anticipated keynote presentation at Retail Council of Canada's STORE2025 conference on June 3rd. With nearly 30 years of retail ex…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 83: Jellyroll's Closing and a Bar in the Grand Floridian Lobby?
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59:08Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they talk about the recent closing of Jellyrolls, and the new bar being installed in the middle of the Grand Floridian lobby. Is this the new Disney? Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.…
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Beyond the Tariff Headlines: STORE2025 Opening Keynote Ira Kalish, Chief Global Economist for Deloitte Prepares Canadian Retailers for Economic Change
23:31
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23:31In this timely episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back frequent guest and audience favorite Ira Kalish, Chief Global and US Economist for Deloitte, who is set to deliver the opening keynote address at Retail Council of Canada's STORE2025 conference on June 3rd. This conversation offers listeners a valuable preview of the …
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 82: Ten Days at the New Polynesian Island Tower
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44:13Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they talk about Phil's upcoming ten-day stay in a one-bedroom at the new Polynesian Island Tower. Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dvcclubhouse?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_shee…
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ENCORE: Technology in the Service of The Customer with Michon Williams, Chief Technology Officer, Walmart Canada
28:11
28:11
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28:11🎧 Encore Episode Alert! Revisit one of our most popular conversations from Fall 2024 as I sit down with Michon Williams, Chief Technology Officer at Walmart Canada, for a wide-ranging discussion on leading technology innovation in Canada’s largest retail landscape. Recorded live at Walmart Canada headquarters, Michelle shares her career journey—fro…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 81: Cruising With the Disney Fantasy Clubhouse Girls
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39:54
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39:54Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they talk about the upcoming Clubhouse-Ladies-Only trip on the Disney Fantasy. Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dvcclubhouse?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIx…
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SophieGrace Founder Emma May on Tariffs, Tailoring, and Building a Community-First Brand
29:50
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29:50In this compelling episode of The Voice of Retail, I sit down again and catch up with Emma May, Founder of SophieGrace, a Calgary-based fashion brand transforming professional womenswear with modular, machine-washable designs. With a diverse background spanning law, politics, and real estate, Emma shares the origin story of SophieGrace, born from h…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 80: Clubhouse Sweet Sixteen - Resorts
25:21
25:21
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25:21Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they hold a draft for their top sixteen choices for resorts at Walt Disney World. Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dvcclubhouse?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0M…
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(ENCORE) Radical Innovation, Leadership and Winning Every Race with Craig Baxter, Group President of Techtronic Industries Canada Inc. (Milwaukee, Ryobi, and Hoover)
37:13
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37:13In this compelling encore episode of The Voice of Retail, I reconnect with Craig Baxter, Group President of Techtronic Industries Canada Inc., a division of the $13.7 billion global manufacturing giant known for its market-leading brands including Milwaukee, RYOBI, Hoover, and Dirt Devil. Our conversation spans decades of experience, lessons learne…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 79: Clubhouse Sweet Sixteen - Table Service Restaurants
25:45
25:45
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25:45Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they hold a draft for their top sixteen choices for table service restaurants at Walt Disney World. Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dvcclubhouse?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sh…
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The world’s smartest AI-merchandising engine with Anabel Maldonado, Canadian Founder & CEO of PSYKHE AI
28:32
28:32
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28:32In this enlightening episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc interviews Anabel Maldonado, Founder and CEO of PSYKHE AI, a company at the forefront of using psychographic intelligence and generative AI to transform the future of e-commerce merchandising. With a rich background that spans neuropsychology and luxury fashion—having worked …
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 78: Clubhouse Sweet Sixteen - Rides
25:45
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25:45Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they hold a draft for their top sixteen choices for rides at Walt Disney World. Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dvcclubhouse?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzI…
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Hudson's Bay's Untimely Demise, Retail Turnarounds & Consumer Trends: A Conversation with Phil Wahba, Senior Writer at Fortune
32:53
32:53
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32:53In the latest episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Phil Wahba, Senior Writer at Fortune, to explore the ever-evolving landscape of retail leadership, consumer behavior, and strategic transformations. Wahba reflects on more than a decade covering retail bankruptcies, leadership shifts, and innovation, highlighting that…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 77: Clubhouse Sweet Sixteen - Quick Service Dining
30:43
30:43
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30:43Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they hold a draft for their top sixteen choices for Quick Service Dining locations. Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dvcclubhouse?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc…
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Strategic Resets for Thriving in Turbulent Times with Dr. Rebecca Homkes (Encore)
29:00
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29:00In this special encore episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Dr. Rebecca Homkes, a globally recognized high-growth strategy expert and author of the acclaimed book Survive, Reset, Thrive: Leading Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times. Dr. Homkes, who holds faculty positions at the London Business School and Duke Uni…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 76: We Are the World (Showcase)
27:43
27:43
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27:43Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they debate what country they would add to Epcot's World Showcase. Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dvcclubhouse?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== TikTok …
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Transform Your Fraud Prevention Strategy: Yale Holder, VP of Customer Experience at Moneris, Shares Trends & Expert Tips
30:01
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30:01In the latest episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc speaks with Yale Holder, Vice President of Customer Experience at Moneris, about emerging retail fraud prevention trends and strategies for payment security. Drawing on Moneris’ extensive transaction data—covering billions of annual payments—Yale explains how fraud cases in 2024 dro…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 75: What's Going On With Disney Dining Reservations?
35:35
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35:35Join Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they discuss the shocking availability of Advanced Dining Reservations recently. What's causing this recent phenomenon, and has Disney finally reached the point that guest budgets are being stretched too thin? Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/…
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Retail Revolution: When AI Took Over The Voice of Retail (And Almost Nailed It)
18:49
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18:49In the latest groundbreaking episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc presents a true innovation in nearly 500 episodes of broadcasting – the first 100% AI-generated episode, created entirely by Google's Notebook LM AI tool. This experimental episode marks a significant milestone in retail podcasting. LeBlanc uploaded a PDF of h…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 74: Clubby Award Showdown (Tie-Breaker Episode)
52:58
52:58
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52:58Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they debate the results of the First Annual Clubby Awards. With numerous ties, and the Clubhouse weighing in with their opinions, we attempt to argue for our resorts and sway each other into joining our sides! Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook…
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From Clicks to Bricks: Silk & Snow’s Next Chapter in Retail with CEO and Co-Founder Albert Chow
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25:30In this episode, I welcome back Albert Chow, co-founder & CEO of Silk & Snow, to explore the company’s dramatic evolution from a digital-native sleep brand to a powerhouse in physical retail. The conversation dives into Silk & Snow’s ambitious expansion plans, with 14 new stores set to open across Canada by the end of the year. Albert shares the br…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 73: Goodbye VQ (What Attractions are Worth 60 Minutes?)
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34:28Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they talk about the departure if Virtual Queue for Cosmic Rewind and Tiana's Bayou Adventure. With this option now off the table, we ask the question: What attractions (if any) are worth waiting an hour in line for? Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.fa…
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Retail's Future Unlocked: AI, Fast Delivery & the New Consumer Mindset with Lindsey Mazza, Capgemini's Global Retail Lead
31:06
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31:06In this episode I welcome Lindsey Mazza Capgemini's Global Retail Lead, to explore the latest findings from their annual What Matters to Today's Consumer report. The conversation uncovers significant shifts in consumer behaviour, AI-driven retail strategies, and the future of fast delivery. Mazza outlines how 2025 marks a turning point where scienc…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 72: The Clubby Awards (Part 2)
54:20
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54:20Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they host the First Annual Clubby Awards. We nominate our choices for the resorts we think are best for different kinds of trips. This week, we offer our nominations for the following categories: The Best Resort for runDisney trips, dining, relaxation, nightlife, theme park access, and in-room dining. Follow …
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Decoding Canadian Shoppers: Insights on Value, Personalization & Pricing with Cheryl Ong Seng, Vice President of Retail at Circana Canada
29:04
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29:04In this episode of The Voice of Retail, I sit down with Cheryl Ong Seng, Vice President of Retail at Circana, to explore the latest trends shaping the Canadian retail landscape. From consumer confidence and value-seeking behaviours to the challenges of personalization and pricing strategies, they cover the key insights retailers need to know. Chery…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 71: The Clubby Awards (Part 1)
37:31
37:31
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37:31Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they host the First Annual Clubby Awards. We nominate our choices for the resorts we think are best for different kinds of trips. This week, we offer our nominations for the following categories: The Best Resort for family trips, couples trips, solo trips, girl's trips, and guy's trips. Follow our pages at: Y…
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Retail Readiness 101 with Liza Amlani, retail expert and author of the brand new book The Whole Sale: Profitable Wholesale Strategies For Brands
35:08
35:08
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35:08Retail success isn't just about having a fantastic product—it's about understanding the business of selling. On this episode of The Voice of Retail, I welcome Liza Amlani, renowned retail strategist and co-author of The Whole Sale: Profitable Wholesale Strategies for Brands. Liza shares insider insights from her 20+ years in buying, merchandising, …
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 70: Repurposing the Galactic Starcruiser
40:18
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40:18Join Amy, Kathleen, Scott, and Phil, as they debate the best use for the recently abandoned Galactic Starcruiser Hotel. The Disney Corporation has repurposed it into office space, but we think we can do better. Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - h…
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From Marketing Leader to Independent Retailer: Daryl Aitken's Entrepreneurial Journey to Fabric Spark
39:09
39:09
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39:09On this episode of The Voice of Retail, I reconnect with Daryl Aitken, the founder of Fabric Spark, for an engaging conversation on the shifting landscape of retail. Darrell's journey is a masterclass in adaptation—starting in advertising and e-commerce, then pivoting into a fabric business that blends digital and brick-and-mortar retail. Fabric Sp…
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D-Brief Podcast - Episode 69: A Day of Dining Through Walt Disney World
44:28
44:28
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44:28Join Amy and Phil, as they discuss their ultimate day of dining at Walt Disney World. Where would we have each meal, and what would we choose for a snack, if location and money were no object? Follow our pages at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DVCClubhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dvcclubhouse/ Instagram - https://www.instagr…
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Retail Strategist Carl Boutet and his latest book "Blind Spot: Navigating the Unseen Effects of Technology on Commerce"
39:45
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39:45On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc speaks with retail strategist, professor, and author Carl Boutet about his journey in academia, insights from NRF 2025, and his latest book, Blind Spot: Navigating the Unforeseen Effects of Technology on Commerce. Carl discusses his evolving role in retail education, including his work at…
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