IS THIS WHAT RESPECT FEELS LIKE?

Contest of Challengers

#Books #Business #Brower #Graphic #Dal #Patrick Brower #Entrepreneur #Arts #Novels #Challengers Comics Conversation #Comics #Challenge

28:52

Retailers are facing a rapidly evolving landscape where consumer expectations, AI advancements, and social media platforms like TikTok are redefining engagement. It feels like the holiday shopping season just ended, but when do retailers start planning for the next one, and some retailers already behind the curve for this season? Joining us today is Carey Cockrum, Director of Consulting at Cella by Randstad Digital, where she helps major brands and marketing teams optimize their strategies with data-driven insights, AI-powered content creation, and cutting-edge retail marketing trends. With the holidays just around the corner, she’s here to share what’s next for retail marketing, campaign optimization, and how brands can stay ahead in a hyper-competitive space. ABOUT CAREY COCKRUM Carey has been a part of the Creative Agency space for nearly 30 years. She has served as Designer, Creative Director, Creative Operations Lead and Agency Lead in both internal and external agencies (big and small). Carey has worked directly with C-suite stakeholders to understand organizational strategies that inform effective creative solutions. She is a bit of a data nerd and loves demonstrating results. Brands she’s supported include Fruit of the Loom, Wendy’s and Humana. In her free time, she enjoys going back to her creative roots through painting and drawing. She also spends her time improving upon the house she lives in today in Southern, MI - inside and out. RESOURCES Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

13 days ago 1:12:32

MP3•Episode home

---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #733

Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

736 episodes

IS THIS WHAT RESPECT FEELS LIKE?

Contest of Challengers

published 13 days ago

MP3•Episode home

---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #733

736 episodes

#Books #Business #Brower #Graphic #Dal #Patrick Brower #Entrepreneur #Arts #Novels #Challengers Comics Conversation #Comics #Challenge

All episodes

Contest of Challengers

1
THIS IS DUMB, JUST, PERIOD. 1:04:04

6 days ago1:04:04

1:04:04

THIS IS DUMB, JUST, PERIOD.•Free Comic Book Day week prep. •Upcoming events! •Now that BOOM! Is distributed by Penguin Random House… •New Comic Book Day constant shipping woes. •Every month keeps getting bigger for Godzilla! •Scholastic, one more publisher Diamond has just stopped supplying. •Comics talked about in this episode: SUPERGIRL #1 ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN INCURSION #1 This episode is dedicated to both Michael B. Jordans. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #734 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
IS THIS WHAT RESPECT FEELS LIKE? 1:12:32

13 days ago1:12:32

1:12:32

IS THIS WHAT RESPECT FEELS LIKE?•Dal already has thoughts for next year’s C2E2! •It’s our C2E2 2025 recap episode! It was a pretty great show and got us more excited to be doing what we do. •Who we met/talked to! •Dal’s Dan Mora story! •Patrick’s first-ever CGC grading experience. •Diamond Comic Distributors has an official, legal buyer. •Our cloudy front window. This episode is dedicated to Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last match in the United States. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #733 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
ABSOLUTE UNITS OF DESTRUCTION (with MORGAN PERRY) 1:24:19

20 days ago1:24:19

1:24:19

ABSOLUTE UNITS OF DESTRUCTION•Patrick is joined by MORGAN PERRY, Marketing Manager at Square Enix, Inc. •Square Enix has a new program for comic shops, Comic Partner, and Morgan is here to tell us about it! •Getting manga into the hands of manga fans new and old! •Upcoming manga series you cannot miss! •Morgan’s email: mperry@us.square-enix.com (for retailers who want to join Comic Partner and/or just learn more about Square Enix) •Morgan’s previous CoC appearance: https://challengers.libsyn.com/i-literally-do-not-live-in-a-world-without-comics This episode is dedicated to the Square Enix Comic Partner program. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound?Contest of Challengers #732Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill)Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol (with an assist from Google Translate)Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon HamptonPhoto of Morgan and Patrick (outside of Club Lago): Patrick---------- Challengers Comics + Conversation1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
IT’S NOT LIKE YOU’RE CONFUSING THE CHILDREN 1:00:27

27 days ago1:00:27

1:00:27

IT’S NOT LIKE YOU’RE CONFUSING THE CHILDREN•Tariffs in comics. •Dal’s take on Lost Fantasy #1. •Cover designs. •The closure of ThingsFromAnotherWorld .com. •Thanks, Patrons! •Publishers missing from Diamond. •Updating Sidekicks! This episode is dedicated to IKEA Kallax shelving. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #731 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
APOLOGIZING FOR THINGS NOT OUR FAULT 1:07:29

5 weeks ago1:07:29

1:07:29

APOLOGIZING FOR THINGS NOT OUR FAULT•Trying to buy a Will Ospreay print by Rob Schamberger. •MORE problems with Lunar shipments! •MORE problems with Diamond shipments! •2 annoying online transactions (one eBay, one Challengers). •Alliance Entertainment enters into an agreement to purchase Diamond Comic Distributors! What do we know about Alliance? •We’re 17!! This episode is dedicated to the 22% of small businesses that make it to 17 years. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #730 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
RELIABLY FRUSTRATING 1:12:51

6 weeks ago1:12:51

1:12:51

RELIABLY FRUSTRATING•Next week is maybe the biggest New Release week we’ve ever had, in both quantity and dollar amount. •Lunar shortages! •Quantity limits. •Lunar growing pains. •Marvel’s “new” ideas. •The return of Adventure Time comics. •The soap opera that is Void Rivals. •Comics talked about in this episode: ABSOLUTE FLASH #2 DARK REGARDS #1 PLAGUE HOUSE #1 BATTLE BEAST #1, #2 RESURRECTION MAN QUANTUM KARMA #1, #2, #2 This episode is dedicated to Kazuchika Okada’s 1-year Continental Championship title reign. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #729 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
I’M SURE YOU’RE GOING SOMEWHERE WITH THIS 1:06:47

7 weeks ago1:06:47

1:06:47

I’M SURE YOU’RE GOING SOMEWHERE WITH THIS •The next few weeks of New Releases are MASSIVE. •What we’re looking forward to at C2E2. •Gabi Mendez signing recap! •An upcoming art show. •Comics talked about in this episode: FIRE AND ICE WHEN HELL FREEZES OVER #1 HARLEY QUIN FARTACULAR SILENT BUTT DEADLY #1 This episode is dedicated to meals with good friends.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #728 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
THE BULLSEYE OF BULLSEYES 1:12:14

8 weeks ago1:12:14

1:12:14

THE BULLSEYE OF BULLSEYES •Godzilla vs Chicago, one week later. •New Dark Horse graphic novels immediately unavailable. •Andrea Bell signing recap! •”Reducing complexity.” •Diamond bankruptcy notices. •DTC podcast invite. •Comic talked about in this episode: ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN #1 ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #1 FREE PLANET #1 ASSORTEED CRISIS EVENTS #1 This episode is dedicated to being Satanized.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #727 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
VALIDABLE 1:06:19

9 weeks ago1:06:19

1:06:19

VALIDABLE •ComicsPRO Annual Meeting part 2! •Batman H2SH. Pronounced “huh-toosh” •Back to ComicsPRO news! •GODZILLA! •Dal vs the MCU. •Comic talked about in this episode: BATMAN #157 This episode is dedicated to Michelle Trachtenburg. ---------- This episode was edited and transcribed by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #726 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
ALL BUSINESS 1:05:36

10 weeks ago1:05:36

1:05:36

ALL BUSINESS •This IS a business podcast, after all. •It’s Tax Time (never to be confused with “Toni Time”)! •Paying vendors. •ComicsPRO news (of which there is little when we recorded). •Comic talked about in this episode: ABSOLUTE FLASH #1 This episode is dedicated to all the hard workers of the ComicsPRO Annual Conference. ---------- This episode was edited and transcribed by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #725 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
SALE APPARENT 1:16:02

11 weeks ago1:16:02

1:16:02

SALE APPARENT •Distribution shipping schedules. •How did the 2025 “I Love You But I’ve Chosen Comics” sale do for us? •Shopify user permissions. •BONUS: Dal’s favorite local chicken take-out restaurants. This episode is dedicated to chicken, in all its delicious, edible forms. ---------- This episode was NOT edited and transcribed by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #724 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
INTRODUCING UNCERTANTY TO THE PROCESS 1:03:38

12 weeks ago1:03:38

1:03:38

INTRODUCING UNCERTANTY TO THE PROCESS •Sacrificers #13 shortage and what Lunar did about it. •Upcoming bookmark! •More publishers abandoning Diamond. •DSTLRY’s digital collectibles. •A new/current Shopify headache. •Comics talked about in this episode: I WAS A FASHION SCHOOL SERIAL KILLER #1 LOST FANTASY #1, #2, #3 WE’RE TAKING EVERYONE DOWN WITH US #1 This episode is dedicated to diversity. And we’ll celebrate it forever. ---------- This episode was edited and transcribed by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #723 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
THE KYLE-VERSE with KYLE HIGGINS 1:39:14

14 weeks ago1:39:14

1:39:14

THE KYLE-VERSE with KYLE HIGGINS •It’s an extra-special, extra-long episode featuring KYLE HIGGINS (and Andrew Challenger)!! •Image’s MASSIVE-VERSE is a universe within itself featuring Radiant Black, Rogue Sun, Super-Massive, Inferno Girl Red, No/One, and more, and Kyle tells us ALL about it! •RADIANT BLACK #31 is the prefect jumping on point and is available to order from Challengers (or any local comic shop) RIGHT NOW! •Did you know Kyle blew Challengers up in the pages of Nightwing? And he ALMOST did it again during Radiant Black’s ‘Catalyst War’! What did we ever do to YOU, Kyle?!? (Don’t answer that). •It’s a double-length interview and you’re getting it almost a week early (just to make sure you have enough time to add Radiant Black #31 and Rogue Sun #25 to your subscriptions! (CoC Episode #723 will out on its regularly scheduled release date of Feb 10th) This episode is dedicated to John Sykes. Long may he shred in eternity. Say “Hi” to Phil for me! ---------- This episode was edited and transcribed by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #722 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
NO SAFETY NET 1:15:50

14 weeks ago1:15:50

1:15:50

NO SAFETY NET •How much does our Sale T-Shirt cost? •Small week of releases for the week of our Sale. •One World Under Doom vs X-Manhunt. •Patrick is a "Top 30 Women to Look Out For in 2025" candidate! •What does Diamond’s Chapter 11 filing mean for Challengers? •A last second BOOM! Announcement!•Comics talked about in this episode: BUG WARS #1, #2 FREE FOR ALL #1 MINE IS A LONG, LONESOME GRAVE #1 This episode is dedicated to the Fallen Angel Christopher Daniels. ---------- This episode was edited and transcribed by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #721 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com…

Contest of Challengers

1
CONCIERGE SERVICE 1:07:23

15 weeks ago1:07:23