Explore every episode of the podcast Ecomm Cowboy
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northbeam Media Buying Index | HOT JOBS | Torii Rowe x Colin Landforce x Noam Aizenberg | 24 Apr 2026 | 01:54:17 | |
DTC IS SHIFTING FAST — ARE YOU KEEPING UP? Today’s episode is packed with what actually matters in eCommerce right now:
If you’re building, scaling, or marketing a brand in 2026… this is required viewing. HOT JOBS! We’re highlighting some of the top roles in eCommerce right now:
FEATURED GUESTS Torii Rowe (DREAMLABS) From launching Pepsi’s first eCommerce store to scaling multiple brands:
Colin Landforce Interview NOAM AIZENBERG INTERVIEW
------------------------------------- Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy | |||
| Create Sued: Internet Fires Back | David Herrmann is Meta-Tired | Orlando Rios x Kip Roland | 23 Apr 2026 | 01:47:07 | |
DTC news, ecommerce headlines, and two founder interviews: Orlando Rios of Raised by Coyotes and Dropkick Ads, plus Kip Roland of Lounge Edit and the Live Selling Academy on scaling to $300K+ on Whatnot. TODAY'S DTC AND ECOMMERCE NEWSCreate Gummies gets sued and founder Dan McCormick fires back publicly on X, with Robert Freund and Taylor Sicard weighing in on the brand's legal fight. David Herrmann is tired: the Meta ads veteran sparks a full DTC Twitter debate on the state of performance marketing, with reactions from DTC Prophet, Bryan Cano, and Eric Bandholz of Beardbrand. Meta is reportedly banning accounts that use auto-reply comment tools — a direct hit on the Manychat and DM automation playbook. Walmart's Great Value private label brand is getting a full rebrand and facelift, and we debate yay or nay. The Prego pasta sauce listening device story goes viral on X. Creatine salt is apparently a real product category now, courtesy of The Strong Stuff. Netflix short-form video is officially real and coming for TikTok and YouTube Shorts. California's Attorney General accuses Amazon of price fixing against Walmart and Target. FOUNDER INTERVIEW: ORLANDO RIOS, RAISED BY COYOTES AND DROPKICK ADS Orlando Rios is the founder of Raised by Coyotes, a western performance apparel brand built to go from the golf course to the dance floor. Before RBC he ran online marketing at Onnit through its startup-to-200-employee growth run and eventual Unilever acquisition. He also founded Dropkick Ads, a DTC digital marketing agency. Raised by Coyotes crossed 6,000 orders in year one and now sells through western retailers including Cowboy Headquarters, NRS World, Outpost Western Store, and Maverick Fine Western Wear. We cover how his customers forced him to pivot RBC from a golf brand (only) into a western-culture brand, why flat-lay photography outperforms models for apparel, the Onnit marketing lessons he kept and the ones he threw out, the cash flow reality behind a 6,000-order first year, balancing an agency and a brand without cannibalizing either, building a wholesale flywheel. FOUNDER INTERVIEW: KIP ROLAND, LOUNGE EDIT AND LIVE SELLING ACADEMY Kip Roland is one of the clearest voices in live shopping commerce. His YouTube breakdown "From Amazon to $300K on Whatnot" documented how he scaled a reselling business off his Amazon foundation, and he's been publicly unpacking Whatnot's 2026 outlook. ------------------------------------- Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy | |||
| Shopify AI Toolkit | HOT JOBS | Chris Lang x Brandon Blum | 10 Apr 2026 | 01:33:58 | |
From top-tier eCommerce jobs to AI reshaping performance marketing, plus two elite operator interviews… this is the show you don’t want to miss. HOT JOBS (Get hired or get jealous) - COO & Head of Retail at a rocket ship brand (Primal Queen) - Senior Digital Merchandising Manager at Dyson - Ecommerce Category Experience Manager at PGA TOUR Superstore If you’re trying to level up in DTC—this is your sign. INTERVIEW: Chris Lang (Fresh Chile Co. / Move FWD)From homemade recipes to top 1% Shopify brand. We get into: - Why storytelling beats paid ads - Building a 30K+ community before scaling - “Unpolished” ads that outperform everything If you care about brand, community, and real growth—this is gold. INTERVIEW: Brandon Blum (New Edition)The new creative playbook for 2026. We cover: - Why Meta ads broke (Andromeda impact) - Why brands now need 10–50 creatives per week - How to build a “fractional content team” - The biggest content mistakes killing 7-figure brands - AI-powered creative systems If you’re still running ads like it’s 2022… you’re already behind. NEWS + BREAKDOWNS - Shopify’s new AI toolkit - OpenAI entering the ads game (and what that means) - Meta attribution chaos - Liquid Death x Pop-Tarts collab - “AI slop” vs actually good creative - Macro chaos: emergency Fed conversations — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Grüns Acquired | "Puptides" Are Coming | Travis Wheeler x Ryan Garrow x Chad Hetherington | 09 Apr 2026 | 01:56:17 | |
The Future of Commerce Is Here (And It’s Moving FAST) Today we’re breaking down the biggest shifts happening across DTC, social commerce, AI, and the next wave of ownership. What we’re covering: - Unilever’s $500M acquisition of Grüns → the new DTC endgame - Why “boring businesses” are the new gold rush (Travis Wheeler, Contrarian Thinking) - Amazon fees rising again… and what brands should do next - Shopify’s B2B push and why it matters more than you think - The rise of creator-led commerce (and why brands are behind) - A pill that could extend your dog’s lifespan 🐶 (yes, seriously) - The THIRD era of commerce with Third Commerce Lightning round: viral products, AI pricing shocks, collabs selling out in minutes Featuring: - Travis Wheeler (Contrarian Thinking) - Ryan Garrow (Logical Position) - Chad Hetherington (Third) If you’re building, investing, or operating in ecommerce, this episode is packed with insights on where the market is going and how to stay ahead. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Claude Mythos | PayPal x Meta: 1-Tap Shopping | George Davis x Shannon Jean x Jordant West | 08 Apr 2026 | 01:50:41 | |
Today’s episode covers a major shift in AI, the future of social commerce, and how top operators are building breakout brands in 2026. We start with one of the wildest AI stories of the year. Anthropic announced a new frontier model, Claude Mythos, capable of identifying thousands of high-severity vulnerabilities across major operating systems and browsers. Then they made a surprising move: they refused to release it publicly. Instead, access is limited to a small group of companies including Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft under a defensive cybersecurity initiative called Project Glasswing. We break down what this signals for the AI arms race, the future of security, and why the internet’s reaction has been more memes than concern. Next, we sit down with George Davis, CMO of Cozy Earth, to unpack one of the most creative growth campaigns in recent memory. The Bed Rot Challenge generated over 85 million impressions and tens of thousands of new followers, turning a simple idea into a full-funnel acquisition engine. We go deep on how the campaign started, what the MVP taught them, and how they convert attention into revenue through a tightly integrated SMS, email, and affiliate strategy. Then we’re joined by serial entrepreneur Shannon Jean, who has built and sold multiple businesses and generated millions in revenue through liquidation and resale. From sourcing luxury handbags through Costco’s liquidation marketplace to building a 2,000-member community with a $5 subscription model, Shannon shares his “buy with math” framework, how he uses AI to accelerate execution, and where the biggest opportunities exist right now for new entrepreneurs. On the news side, we cover PayPal and Meta’s new 1-tap checkout integration, which allows users to complete purchases directly inside Facebook without leaving the app, with Instagram coming next. We discuss what this means for conversion rates, creator monetization, and the broader push toward frictionless social commerce. We also bring in perspective from Jordan West of Social Commerce Club to break down how brands should be thinking about TikTok Shop versus Instagram, why checkout friction matters more than most realize, and what it actually takes to build a creator-driven growth engine across platforms. Finally, we close with a lightning round covering the rise of small-scale American manufacturing, the growing importance of offline operator communities like DTSki, notable product drops, and what recent brand shutdowns signal about the current DTC landscape. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Commerce to the Moon | Google AI Max: +80% Revenue? | Rob Freund x Jai Dolwani x Ben Hindman | 07 Apr 2026 | 01:44:14 | |
This week, we’re breaking down the moments where commerce, culture, and attention collide — from space-bound brand stunts to livestreams redefining entertainment, and the marketing plays actually winning right now. We kick things off with Netflix’s latest livestream push and what it signals about the future of content, community, and conversion. Then we head to space with Nutella’s viral moment and unpack why the best brands today are engineering attention—not just running ads. We also dive into why H‑E‑B continues to dominate social with a hyper-local, culture-first strategy, plus the rise of NASA-inspired products and what it says about where branding is heading next. Plus, we’re joined by top operators building in real time: Rob Freund (Founder, Robert Freund Law) We break down what every ecommerce brand needs to know about FTC compliance, influencer marketing, and legal risks, including: - The biggest compliance mistakes brands are making right now - How AI-generated recommendations change disclosure rules - The legal landmines in subscriptions, UGC, and pricing strategies Jai Dolwani (Founder & CEO, The Starters) From scaling Winc to building a 600+ freelancer network, Jai shares: - Why the old hiring playbook is broken - What brands actually need from talent in the AI era - How to structure a fractional team at $1–5M revenue - The biggest hiring mistakes founders make Ben Hindman (3x Founder | ex-Shopify PM) We go deep on building modern consumer brands:- What he’s launching next with Le Lick - Lessons from scaling and exiting Splash - What most merchants don’t realize about Shopify Internet & Culture Segment: - Viral brand moments and campaigns that actually hit - The best (and worst) merch drops of the week - Creator economy shifts you need to be paying attention to If you’re a founder, operator, or growth leader, this livestream will give you a real-time look at what’s working right now—and where ecommerce is heading next. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Shopify B2B for All | Pet Telehealth: Next $1B Opp | Justin Silver x Jimmy Kim x Taylor Holiday | 06 Apr 2026 | 01:47:08 | |
Today’s livestream breaks down the biggest shifts happening across ecommerce, marketing, and digital media plus live conversations with operators building in real time. We start with a major platform update: Shopify just rolled out B2B features to every merchant, signaling a massive shift in how brands think about growth, retention, and wholesale. From there, we dive into the latest trends shaping the industry from affiliate-driven scale and retail expansion to the growing backlash against AI infrastructure and what it means for the future of tech. We’re also joined by top founders, operators, and investors for deep-dive interviews you won’t hear anywhere else. In this episode: - Shopify rolls out B2B tools to all merchants (and why it matters now) - The rise of affiliate-driven brands and breakout retail moments - LinkedIn’s potential move into newsletters + media consolidation - Why people are pushing back on AI data centers - New Reddit strategies for organic growth and demand capture - Cultural commerce moments (Masters merch, celebrity product spikes) Live Interviews: - Justin Silver (Symptoguard, eCommerce Fight for Charity) From building and exiting a beauty brand to organizing one of the most unique ecommerce events ever—executives stepping into a boxing ring for charity. - Jimmy Kim (Sendlane, Commerce Roundtable) & Taylor Holiday (Common Thread Collective) Breaking down the future of ecommerce events, community, retention marketing, and what it actually takes to scale profitably in 2026. Plus: - SMS, email, and creator marketing strategies that are working right now - How top brands are scaling content and creative production The biggest stories from LinkedIn, X, and the operator ecosystem this week — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Amazon's 3.5% Upcharge | HOT JOBS! | Ben Feys x Kevin Niehoff | 03 Apr 2026 | 01:41:01 | |
We’re covering everything from the latest shifts in hiring and ecommerce strategy to Amazon’s rising costs, the growth of resale, and the creative campaigns that actually captured attention this week. Plus, we’re joined by two founders building and scaling in real time. In this episode: Hot Jobs of the Week We break down the most interesting roles in ecommerce right now — from creator-led brand building at BK Beauty to senior ecommerce leadership at Huckberry and Amika, and what these roles signal about where the industry is heading. News & Trends - Amazon introduces a new 3.5% fulfillment surcharge — what it means for your margins - Resale continues to take share from traditional retail - The best April Fools brand campaigns and why they worked Marketing Deep Dives We discuss SMS strategy with Postscript and how brands can turn it into a top revenue channel, plus how Insense is helping brands scale creator-driven content and UGC. Internet & Culture Segment We react to the latest viral moments, brand activations, and “unhinged” marketing plays that are winning attention right now. Guest Interview: PrettyBoy Skincare (Ben Feys & Kevin Niehoff) The founders of PrettyBoy share how they built a million-dollar men’s skincare brand from scratch: - Betting $70K of their own money on their first production run - Scaling from $187K to $1.1M in one year - Building a subscription engine that drives 60% of revenue - Why they’ve stayed anti-discount in a promo-heavy market - The power of founder-led content Optional Deep Dives (time permitting): - TikTok Shop + review syndication and what it means for conversion - Amazon testing Prime shipping on external websites — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Medvi: $1B One-Man Brand | Insider: Commerce Roundtable | Hal Smith x Brett Curry | 02 Apr 2026 | 01:39:21 | |
Today’s episode breaks down one of the biggest shifts happening in ecommerce right now: what happens when AI, creative, and distribution collide. We start with the story of Medvi, a $1B “one-man” AI-powered telehealth brand that’s forcing operators to rethink what a company even looks like. Is this the future of lean ecommerce, or is there more beneath the surface? From there, we unpack what’s really happening inside Commerce Roundtable Austin — who’s in the room, why the $5M–$50M brand segment dominates, and what it says about where the industry is heading next. We’re joined by three operators with deep experience across DTC, paid media, and creative: Hal Smith (Founder, H Street Digital) brings lessons from political advertising into ecommerce, breaking down why most brands misunderstand their own data, how attribution is misleading teams, and what it actually takes to acquire net-new customers profitably. Brett Curry (CEO & Co-Founder, OMG Commerce) draws on 16 years of agency experience and tens of millions in ad spend to explain why YouTube remains one of the most underutilized growth channels, what makes it work today, and how AI will reshape agencies going forward. We also cover: - The rise of AI as an “employee” inside ecommerce teams - Why bold product positioning is outperforming safe branding - The gap between platform-reported performance and real CAC - What it takes to scale creative in a post-targeting world Plus, rapid breakdowns of emerging products, trends, and viral moments shaping the next wave of ecommerce. If you’re a founder, operator, or growth leader, this episode is designed to give you a clearer view of what’s actually working right now — and what’s coming next. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Allbirds Postmortem | Consumer Confidence Down, Spending Up! | Caleb Sloop x Andre Haykal | 01 Apr 2026 | 01:40:25 | |
Today’s episode is packed. We’re breaking down one of the most shocking DTC outcomes in recent memory how Allbirds went from a $4B darling to a $39M exit and what every operator should learn from it. Then we sit down with Caleb Sloop to unpack the truth about coffee in America, why “mold-free” is becoming a real category, and what it takes to build a premium CPG brand in a crowded market. We also dive into the macro pressures hitting ecommerce right now from rising fuel prices to shifting consumer confidence and what that means for your conversion rates, pricing strategy, and demand. On the tech side, we’re covering Amazon’s leaked Rufus AI deck and what it signals about the future of shopping, plus Google’s AI-powered inbox rollout and how it could reshape email marketing as we know it. We’ll also break down standout marketing plays from Liquid Death giving away a house to Ghost Energy’s expansion into cocktail-inspired flavors and what they reveal about where brand building is headed. To close it out, Andrew Haykal joins the show to talk cold outreach, lead generation in 2026, and why the people saying it’s dead are missing the bigger picture. If you’re building, scaling, or investing in brands this one is for you. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Realtree Sues Comfrt | Amazon's LEAKED Rufus AI Deck | Chris Geiss x Brandon Maskell x Adil Mania | 31 Mar 2026 | 03:40:04 | |
Today’s Friday Feel livestream covers the biggest stories shaping ecommerce, marketing, and digital media right now—plus deep-dive conversations with operators actually building in the space. We start with one of the most talked-about brand stories of the week: Comfrt being sued by Realtree, and what it reveals about intellectual property, “copy vs inspiration,” and the real challenge of building a defensible brand in 2026. From there, we’re joined by Chris Geiss to break down the hidden infrastructure behind high-performing Shopify brands. We get into Bulk Discount Bot, why personalized discount codes outperform, what “risky” discounting actually means, and what 117 million codes reveal about how brands are leaking revenue without realizing it. Next, Brandon Maskell (Reef) joins the show to talk CRO at scale—how to approach testing, where most brands go wrong, and how to balance quick wins with high-impact experimentation across a growing business. On the platform side, we cover Spotify’s move into carousel shopping ads, Amazon’s leaked Rufus AI pitch and what it means for the future of search and discovery, and how conversational commerce could reshape how products are found and purchased. We also sit down with Adil Mania, the creator behind Silicon Mania, to talk about the future of media, AI-generated storytelling, and why tech content needs to become entertainment-first to survive. Rounding out the show, we hit a series of fast-moving stories and trends: - The voluntary dismissal of the David Protein lawsuit - Whoop raising $575M at a $10B valuation - The rise of AI-generated music and custom jingles - And a look at some of the most unexpected product launches and brand collaborations making waves right now If you’re a founder, operator, or marketer, this episode is a real-time look at what’s working, what’s changing, and where things are headed next. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Petty Lawsuit | Reddit DPA Ads | Trevor Crump x Miranda Pettinger | 30 Mar 2026 | 01:34:32 | |
The future of marketing, ecommerce, and content is shifting fast—and this episode is a full breakdown of what’s actually happening right now. We’re covering everything from the rise of AI-generated content and automated creator marketing to new ad platforms, platform risk, and why brands can’t rely on the same playbook anymore. If you’re an operator, founder, or marketer trying to stay ahead, this is your pulse check. We also sit down with some of the sharpest minds in the space—people actively building, scaling, and navigating these changes in real time. WHAT WE’RE COVERING - The rise of “petty lawsuits” and what it says about attention, culture, and modern business - Why “Millennial marketing” is dying—and what’s replacing it - The risks of automating authenticity with AI-generated content - Why brands must diversify beyond Meta (and where to look next) - AppLovin’s breakout moment and what makes it different from traditional platforms - Reddit launching shopping + DPA ads—opportunity or risk? - Platform risk in ecommerce (and how it can kill businesses overnight) - The reality of paid media then vs now (from 800% ROI to today’s landscape) - Why distribution and audience ownership matter more than ever - Amazon, TikTok, and the evolution of content + commerce - Emerging trends like AI-native products, micro-drama content, and new hardware concepts FEATURED GUESTS Trevor Crump (Bestie Media, Bestie AI) - Why safe, “on-brand” marketing no longer works- The shift toward personality-driven, high-risk content- Why MER and customer data matter more than ROAS Miranda Pettinger (Glamnetic) - Scaling across Meta, Google, AppLovin, and more- Going from $0 to $80K/day on AppLovin in 7 days- What winning creative looks like across platforms — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| ChatGPT Images 2.0 | eComFuel Trends Report | Resale-as-a-Service | Philip Lee Joins | 22 Apr 2026 | 01:20:26 | |
Chris Hall and Colin Dougherty break down the biggest stories moving DTC, ecommerce, and retail media today — plus a founder interview with Philip Lee of ENAK Seasonings. ON TODAY'S SHOW OpenAI launches ChatGPT Images 2.0 and the DTC world reacts in real time. Chubbies opens a dedicated resale site as secondhand goes mainstream for menswear brands. The new EcomFuel report drops with fresh industry benchmarks. Instagram's nostalgia filter kicks off the "Nostalgia Core 2026" aesthetic wave. TechCrunch reports an unauthorized group has accessed Anthropic's internal cyber tool Mythos. Meta announces it will record employee keystrokes to train its AI models. TikTok Live creators go viral with half-court basketball shots. FOUNDER INTERVIEW: PHILIP LEE, ENAK SEASONINGS Philip boarded a plane to China in 2009 expecting to stay a year and ended up spending eight years across China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. He came home to Alabama, became an IRONMAN, and launched ENAK Seasonings after a coach's talk called "Enter Action with Boldness." He pre-sold an 18-pack of sampler boxes before half the blends existed, then invented them on the fly. Every bottle ships with the story behind the flavor. We cover the birth of ENAK, the Indonesian name behind a Korean-leaning lineup, category whitespace in a maxed-out spice aisle, what IRONMAN taught him about building a business, the new Cajun Heat launch, and the single highest-leverage retention play for a founder-of-one CPG brand. ------------------------------------- Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy | |||
| Meta's Brain Encoder | ¡HOT JOBS! | Cody Wittick x Anthony Gustin x Ritwik Pavan | 27 Mar 2026 | 01:37:09 | |
Today’s episode breaks down the biggest shifts happening across ecommerce, AI, and consumer brands right now—and what they actually mean for operators. We start with a look at the latest “Hot Jobs” across DTC, unpacking what top brands are hiring for and why roles in growth, retention, and digital experience are evolving into full-funnel ownership. From there, we dive into Meta’s latest AI developments and what TRIBE V2 signals about the future of advertising. As automation accelerates, we discuss whether media buying is being replaced—and why creative strategy may become the last true edge. Next, we analyze Pop Mart’s explosive growth and why its 91% member-driven revenue and 51% repeat purchase rate may represent the most important case study in modern commerce. This isn’t just retail—it’s a loyalty engine. We also break down a viral “reindustrialization” moment and ask whether these narratives are authentic shifts or engineered for attention, followed by a real-time look at the realities of building in public and how founders navigate pressure when things aren’t going to plan. On the distribution side, we cover Brez entering Target and what it actually means for DTC brands moving into retail—where the tradeoffs are, and what changes operationally. We then get into personalization, sparked by a Klaviyo misfire, and explore why most brands still get it wrong despite having more data than ever. We also discuss the rise of brand collaborations as a growth lever and whether partnerships are becoming a more effective channel than paid media. The episode features two in-depth interviews: Dr. Anthony Gustin, founder of Lineage and Equip Foods, joins to discuss the future of health, building multiple brands in the same category, and what separates lasting companies in the wellness space. Ritwik Pavan, Chief Business Officer at Fragile and creator of Hardware Nation, shares why hardware may be the next major frontier, how AI is enabling a shift toward physical products, and what it takes to build recurring revenue in traditionally one-time purchase categories. If you’re building, scaling, or investing in consumer brands, this episode is a deep dive into where the market is going next—and how to position for it. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Shopify Agentic Storefronts | The End of Endless Scroll? | Connor Gross x John Mark Pero | 26 Mar 2026 | 01:49:34 | |
Today’s episode covers one of the biggest shifts happening in ecommerce right now: the move toward AI-powered, agent-driven shopping experiences—and why Shopify may be positioning itself at the center of it all. We break down what “agentic commerce” actually means for brands, how it could change customer acquisition forever, and whether storefronts as we know them are becoming obsolete. We also dive into a major legal development that could reshape the future of social media. A recent verdict against Meta and YouTube may signal a new era of accountability for platform design, addiction mechanics, and user harm—with thousands of similar cases waiting in the wings. On the commerce side, TikTok Shop continues to evolve rapidly, now testing new ways to share return costs with sellers. We discuss what this means for margins, platform trust, and whether TikTok is becoming a true competitor to Amazon. From there, we explore one of the most overlooked macro trends in retail: the rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs and how they’re already reshaping apparel demand, sizing trends, and consumer identity. This isn’t just a health trend—it’s a structural shift with real implications for brands. We also highlight standout marketing moments and product drops, including a Made-in-USA golf brand and KFC’s unexpected move into wearable merch, and what they reveal about modern brand building. The episode features two in-depth conversations: Connor Gross on why hiring is broken, how AI is changing what companies look for, and why most brands should rethink when and how they hire. John Mark Pero of Levers Health on building a telehealth company in a highly regulated space, competing in the GLP-1 boom, and why combining clinical infrastructure with ecommerce may be the ultimate moat. We close with rapid-fire insights on lifecycle marketing strategy, the rise of AI-generated creators, and why top brands are aggressively investing in creative strategy as the new growth lever. If you’re building, operating, or investing in ecommerce, this episode will give you a clear view of where the market is heading—and what actually matters right now. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Meta & Stripe | Sora Shut Down | Carter Kuo x Fil Pejic x Torii Rowe | 25 Mar 2026 | 01:51:36 | |
Today’s show is packed with major shifts across payments, AI, logistics, and growth strategy — plus deep-dive interviews with some of the sharpest operators in the game. From Stripe enabling native checkout inside Facebook… to FedEx launching 2-hour delivery… to Meta quietly changing how ads actually work — this is the new playbook for 2026. WHAT WE’RE COVERING Stripe x Facebook Checkout Stripe just partnered with Meta to enable native checkout directly inside Facebook ads. No landing pages. No friction. What this means for conversion rates, attribution, and the future of ecommerce. Carter Kuo (Concho) Interview From college startup to major licensing deals with brands like Miller Lite — how Carter built a culturally relevant hat brand and scaled it through distribution, creators, and identity. Fil Pejic (Bedford) Interview 500M+ emails sent. 5M+ subscribers. Fil breaks down what brands STILL get wrong about retention — and how to actually maximize LTV in a rising CAC world. Torii Rowe (Dream Labs) Interview From cop to elite media buyer. Torii shares what Meta is really optimizing for now (hint: not ROAS), what’s coming in Q2, and how brands should adapt. AI Shakeups: Sora + Disney x OpenAI AI video is heating up — but major deals are falling apart. What’s actually happening behind the scenes? FedEx Same-Day Delivery FedEx just launched 2-hour delivery. Is this the first real alternative to Amazon logistics for DTC brands? RAPID FIRE - TikTok Shop continues to explode (BK Beauty hits #1 in LIVE GMV) - Superpower x IM8 partnership - Chewy hits record spend per customer - Postscript making noise at Shoptalk WHAT YOU’LL LEARN - Why checkout is moving inside platforms - The shift from ROAS → new customer acquisition - How top brands are winning with retention, not just ads - What faster delivery means for your margins - Where AI actually fits (and where it doesn’t) — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| OpenClaude | AI Fruit Love Island | @MaxxChewning x Will Bailey x Isabel Washington | 24 Mar 2026 | 01:38:21 | |
The future of ecommerce, AI, and retail is changing FAST—and today we’re breaking it all down. From AI-generated viral content (yes… Fruit Love Island is real) to Amazon’s new one-hour delivery push, to YouTube turning creator marketing into a fully automated machine… this episode is a full-on pulse check for operators, founders, and marketers. We’re also joined by some incredible guests who are actually in the trenches building and scaling: - A one-man marketing team powered by AI. - A creator who turned a candy brand into a Hershey acquisition. - A fast-growing RTD coffee brand redefining dairy. - If you’re in DTC, ecommerce, or marketing—this is what matters right now. WHAT WE’RE COVERING - AI-powered “Fruit Love Island” and the rise of AI-native content - CapCut’s latest AI creative tools (and what it means for ads) - Amazon rolling out 1-hour delivery across the U.S. - YouTube’s new AI-powered Creator Partnerships (goodbye influencer agencies?) - The most American product ever: flavored whole eggs. FEATURED INTERVIEWS Will Bailey (Whiskey Bent, RosCo, Dirt Pile Creative) → What a “one-man marketing team” looks like in 2026 → How AI tools like Claude are changing daily workflows → The real future of marketing jobs in an AI-first world Maxx Chewning (Founder, Sour Strips) → From YouTube creator to scaling into 7,000+ retail locations → The grind of building a CPG brand from scratch → What actually changes after a life-changing exit Isabel (Founder, Laurel’s Lattes) → Why A2 dairy is a game-changer in RTD coffee → Scaling into Whole Foods, Erewhon, and beyond → How content drives real retail growth KEY THEMES - AI is removing constraints—but raising the bar for creativity - Speed and convenience are becoming the ultimate moat in retail - Creator marketing is becoming automated, scalable, and data-driven - The best brands are still built on taste, insight, and execution — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Paid Ads are Crude?! | Best Content on the Internet | 23 Mar 2026 | 01:24:53 | |
We’re diving into the growing sentiment that the use of paid ads are broken are a bad sign with top operators and investors calling out how platforms optimize for spend over outcomes. If you’ve ever felt like your ad dollars disappear overnight, this conversation will hit. From there, we unpack one of the biggest emerging ideas in content right now: effort is the new signal. In a world flooded with AI-generated everything, the brands and creators winning are the ones proving they actually tried. We also break down YouTube’s new “Reimagine” tool, what it means for the future of content creation, and whether we’re heading toward infinite creativity… or infinite noise. On the ad front, we cover: Why ChatGPT ads are underperforming (for now) How Google, Meta, and Amazon are consolidating power Why X is paying advertisers to come back And the simple reason most brands are losing: confusing ads + broken landing pages Plus, we get into some of the most interesting brand and product trends right now—from functional CPG like sleep ice cream to the question of whether hot brands can cool off faster than ever. Featured Interview: Dan Vinson (Founder, Wild Gym)From wildland firefighter to founder, Dan breaks down: - Why “being comfortable being uncomfortable” is a business advantage - The philosophy behind training outdoors vs the gym - How to build a product that stands for something deeper than utility - And why not all competition is worth worrying about (even if it’s cheaper) — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| HOT JOBS! | Nordstrom Email Disaster | Robbie Salter x Carson Hoffman | 20 Mar 2026 | 01:22:21 | |
We’re breaking down the most interesting jobs in ecom right now, reacting to what’s happening across X, and sitting down with founders and operators who are actually in the trenches building brands. From Hollywood → dandruff disruptor… to ads that intentionally piss people off… to whether brands are quietly killing refunds — this one covers it all. If you’re in DTC, ecommerce, or marketing… this is your weekly pulse check. 🚨 What We’re Covering Today - The hottest DTC jobs (Nike, WHOOP, Heart & Soil, Sesh & more) - Why email + SMS might be the most underrated growth lever - The real story behind Jupiter’s rise (and a $500K shampoo heist) - Why “people hate ads” is completely wrong - The return of OOH (and when it actually works) - What’s going on with legacy brands like Brooks Brothers - Why apparel is still one of the hardest (and most misunderstood) categories - AI + “rent-a-human” services and what that means for the future - Marketing mistakes from major brands (and what to learn) Featured Conversations Robbie Salter (Jupiter)From Hollywood & law → building a modern haircare brand now in 1,200+ Target stores Turning a stolen shipment into a viral campaign Carson Hoffman (Madvertising)Why the best ads don’t play it safe—and how tension & humor drive performance — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Stitch by Google: Figma Dead? | Creators Get Zuck Bag | @mikemanheimer x @jeremy_olive_ | 19 Mar 2026 | 01:43:47 | |
Today’s show is packed. We’re breaking down the biggest shifts happening across eCommerce, AI, and consumer behavior—from Google’s latest design tool to Amazon quietly redefining how people shop online. We also dive deep into what might be the most underutilized revenue channel in the game right now… SMS. And we’ve got two powerhouse interviews you don’t want to miss. What we’re covering: - Stitch by Google — Is AI about to replace your creative team… or just flood the internet with bad design? - Amazon Shop Direct Expansion — Amazon is becoming a search engine for everything (even products it doesn’t sell) - Beef Tallow Goes Mainstream — Why brands are spending millions on animal fat (and still can’t get enough) - Creators Getting Paid to Move Platforms — The attention war is heating up - Agentic Commerce — Is AI shopping for you the future… or a fantasy? - Blue Collar x AI — The biggest AI opportunity might not be where you think - One-Man Brands Rising — Why solo operators are becoming the most dangerous players in commerce - Master’s Candy Bar — A case study in perfect product timing Featured Interviews: Mike Manheimer (Postscript) We break down why SMS is massively underutilized—and how brands are missing revenue by treating it like email instead of a real-time conversation channel. Jeremy Sernick (Oliva Dorado) A one-man premium olive oil brand challenging a fraudulent industry with radical transparency, premium pricing, and a quality-first philosophy. Key Themes: - AI is changing how products are discovered, not just built - Retail, content, and commerce are blending together - The brands that win will move faster and think deeper - Attention, trust, and distribution are everything — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| World Premiere: Prophit Engine | Andromeda is Awesome | Taylor Holiday, Barry Hott, Danil Saliukov | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:53:38 | |
We’re breaking down the biggest shifts happening right now across ecommerce, advertising, AI, and retail — plus exclusive interviews with some of the sharpest operators in the game. WHAT WE’RE COVERING PREMIERE: CTC’s Prophit Engine Commercial We’re debuting the brand new spot from Common Thread — and unpacking what it really means for the future of ecommerce in the “10% OpEx Era” and why brands may need to cut costs in HALF to survive. Is the “one-person marketing team” actually real? RETAIL AS A MARKETING CHANNEL Cotopaxi doubling stores (with 20% revenue from retail). Are stores now just a marketing channel? Parker Thatch turns a store into a livestream studio. Is physical retail becoming content infrastructure? INTERVIEWS Barry Hott (Ad Creative Master) Do brands have ANY chance of refunds after the Meta outage? Why “ugly ads” outperform polished creativeHis new tool URLLove.It Who’s actually winning with ad creative right now Danil Salukov (CEO, Insense) - What Meta’s Andromeda update actually means - Why creative diversity is greater than iteration - How to win with UGC + partnership ads in 2026 - How to actually find the right creators INTERNET MOMENTS & TRENDS Dave Stickland selling (Franklin’s Popcorn) Paul Saladino making waves again Software engineering jobs hitting a 6-month high “The Metaverse is over” New YouTube pop-up just dropped? — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Meta Outage, Major Spend | The World's First AI CMO? | Brett Fish x Aman Advani | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:40:23 | |
Meta goes down. Unilever shifts 50% of its budget to influencers. AI is now acting as a full CMO? And brands are quietly losing thousands because their tracking is broken. If you’re building, scaling, or operating in ecom—this is the episode. WHAT WE’RE BREAKING DOWN Meta Outage + Overspending What happens when your entire growth engine runs wild overnight—a lot of impressions get served to audiences you wish it hadn't, and your ad budget disappears. Rise of the AI CMO (Okara)? Unilever Moves 50% of Budget to SocialA $60B company just went all-in on influencers and TikTok Shop. What happens when giants enter the same channels as DTC brands? The Tracking Crisis (TagHero) Most brands think their data is accurate. It’s not. We break down how broken tracking is quietly killing performance. Aman Advani (Ministry of Supply) From hacking dress socks to building a performance apparel brand. How he spotted the shift before everyone else. JCPenney’s Anti-Elitism Play - A fashion show in Paris… Texas. Why this campaign actually works. Burger King’s Creative Edge - Why bold, internet-native creative is outperforming safe corporate ads. Meta Layoffs, Stock Up - What layoffs + AI + efficiency actually signal about the future of teams. Lineage Bars Launch - Creator-led CPG is here. Is personal brand now the biggest advantage in building products? If you work in ecommerce, DTC, marketing, or brand building, this is the show where we unpack what’s actually happening in the industry. Subscribe for weekly conversations with founders, operators, and marketers building the future of consumer brands. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| David IS 150 Calories | You're Being Sued for Tariff Refunds | @orenmeetsworld x Joseph Rotondo Join | 17 Mar 2026 | 01:26:55 | |
Today we’re breaking down the biggest stories shaping ecommerce, marketing, and internet culture — from viral CPG drama and AI video tools to tariff lawsuits and the future of creative strategy. We start with the internet debate surrounding David Protein and the viral “150 calories” controversy, which turned into one of the most talked‑about CPG moments on X this week. Then we dive into the legal battle brewing after the Supreme Court struck down Trump‑era tariffs — and why consumers are now suing companies like Costco to get refunds on the $180B in tariffs they paid. We also discuss ByteDance pausing the global rollout of its Seedance 2.0 AI video generator after Hollywood studios sent cease‑and‑desist letters over AI‑generated movie scenes. Plus two incredible conversations with founders and operators building in the trenches. Joe Rotondo, founder of Smearcase, joins us to tell the story behind FroCo — frozen cottage cheese ice cream — and how his brand went from an apartment kitchen to 400+ Sprouts stores in under two years. Then Oren John, the internet’s creative director, joins the show to talk about the evolving culture of marketing, why brands must become “interesting,” and what the future of creative strategy looks like in the AI era. We also break down several viral internet moments including the rumored iPhone Ultra, a new ecommerce mannequin product going viral, and the latest dropshipping trend circulating across social media. If you’re a founder, operator, marketer, or creator in ecommerce — this episode is packed with insights on brand building, internet culture, retail strategy, and where the industry is heading next. Topics We Cover • The viral debate around David Protein and “150 calories” • Why CPG drama on X has become a marketing channel • Consumers suing Costco and FedEx over tariff refunds • The $180B tariff ruling and what it means for retail pricing • ByteDance pausing the global launch of Seedance 2.0 AI video generator • The future of Hollywood vs AI‑generated video • How Smearcase built a protein ice cream brand in 400+ stores • Why “speed over perfection” wins in CPG • The return of bold marketing and the “Status of Hot” • Why creative strategists may be more important than ever • Apple’s rumored iPhone Ultra • Viral ecommerce tools and product trends If you work in ecommerce, DTC, marketing, or brand building, this is the show where we unpack what’s actually happening in the industry. Subscribe for weekly conversations with founders, operators, and marketers building the future of consumer brands. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Commerce Roundtable - Day 2 | 22 Apr 2026 | 03:24:34 | |
------------------------------------- Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy | |||
| Live Selling: +30% AOV | HOT JOBS | Lucas Hazan x Carson Dimond x Thomas Lalas | 14 Mar 2026 | 01:40:49 | |
Today’s livestream covers everything from high‑paying ecommerce jobs and live shopping trends, to retention strategies that unlock real growth. We’re joined by incredible guests including Thomas Lalas, Lucas Hazan, and Carson Dimond, sharing insights from inside subscription brands, venture‑built startups, and the ecommerce hiring market. If you’re a founder, operator, or marketer in ecommerce, this episode is packed with insights on growth, hiring, retention, and the future of digital commerce. What We Cover Today • The hottest ecommerce jobs available right now (including roles paying up to $250k) • Why brands obsess over acquisition but ignore retention and repeat purchases • The first 14 days after a customer’s first order and why they matter most • Building DTC brands across hardware, SaaS, venture, and consumer products • Why sleep and wellness products are exploding in ecommerce • What the ecommerce hiring market actually looks like right now • The rise of TikTok Shop and social commerce roles • Why live shopping may drive 20–30% higher AOV • New AI tools connecting directly to Instagram workflows Featured Guests Thomas Lalas Author of Retention Economics and advisor to top subscription brands including Everyday Dose, RYZE Superfoods, Physician’s Choice, Obvi, and more. Lucas Hazan Partner at Happy Labs and builder across hardware, SaaS, venture, and DTC. Currently launching the sleep wellness brand NOKT. Carson Dimond Founder of one of the fastest‑growing recruiting firms in ecommerce, helping brands hire operators across marketing, ecommerce, and social commerce. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| HOMESTEAD ACQUIRED | Amazon: 16k More Layoffs | Jake Castillo x Andrew Foxwell Join | 13 Mar 2026 | 01:40:00 | |
We’re breaking down the biggest stories shaping ecommerce, retail, and digital marketing — from acquisitions and layoffs to brand strategy and internet culture. We start with the acquisition of Homestead Studio and the growing trend of operator‑led brand portfolios like Easy Street Brands, which includes Hollow Socks, Nose Gym, and Mars Men. Then we dive into the latest Amazon layoffs, what they signal about the future of tech and AI, and why the workforce may be changing faster than most people realize. We also unpack Fabletics launching its first denim collection as the brand expands beyond activewear into full “lifewear,” and examine why TJX is aggressively buying inventory — and what that says about the current retail cycle. Plus: the internet reacts to Buffalo Wild Wings’ wing‑flavored espresso martini, brands like KFC and DUDE Wipes jump into the conversation, and we discuss what makes social media marketing actually work today. We also look at the surprising news that Eddie Bauer stores are closing after failing to find a buyer, and what it means for legacy retail brands. Interviews We’re joined by two guests with deep experience in the ecommerce ecosystem: Jake Castillo – Founder of Cal AI• Bootstrapping a company to $50M+ ARR• Scaling with 150+ influencers• Running 12+ TikTok accounts for growth• Lessons from the MyFitnessPal acquisition Andrew Foxwell – Foxwell Digital• Key insights from the State of Agencies report• Why agencies still struggle with pipeline• The role AI is actually playing in advertising workflows• What agency owners should be doing differently in 2026 If you work in ecommerce, DTC, marketing, or brand building — this is the show where we unpack what’s actually happening in the industry. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Amazon's Vibe-coded Outage | Chomps (Breakfast?) Chicken Sticks | Nick Wetta x Cherene Aubert | 12 Mar 2026 | 01:34:25 | |
Welcome back to the show — the place where operators, founders, and marketers break down what’s actually happening across tech, ecommerce, and consumer brands. We’re diving into AI-driven infrastructure chaos, the future of marketing jobs, a fascinating new CPG breakfast play from Chomps, and a series of headlines shaping the next wave of internet businesses. Plus two incredible interviews with founders and operators building at the frontier of ecommerce and marketing. Today’s Topics Amazon’s “Vibe-Coded” Outages AI Could Disrupt 65% of Marketing Jobs Chomps Launches Chicken Meat Sticks Why Did Meta Buy Moltbook? CPG Legal News • LMNT sued for false advertising Featured Interviews Nick Wetta | West Major We talk about: • Why he chose to manufacture in the United States Cherene Aubert | Growth Capital We discuss: • Why she launched a new agency now — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Moltbook Acquired by Meta | OpenAI: Goodbye Instant Checkout | Joe Putnam x Tyrel Johnson (3.10.26) | 11 Mar 2026 | 01:36:57 | |
The biggest shifts happening across AI, ecommerce, marketing, and internet culture. From Meta acquiring an AI-agent social network to OpenAI rethinking how shopping works inside ChatGPT, we break down the stories shaping how brands and operators will compete in the next era of commerce. We also sit down with operators and founders building in the trenches to discuss what actually works — from engineering viral ads to launching a high-protein ice cream brand that landed on Erewhon shelves. If you’re building, operating, or investing in ecommerce, this livestream will help you stay ahead of the platforms, technologies, and strategies defining the industry. What We’re Covering Meta just acquired Moltbook — a social network designed for AI agents. We break down why this signals a major shift toward autonomous AI agents interacting with each other online, and what it means for the future of platforms. NVIDIA is reportedly developing an open-source agent ecosystem. Is the next major tech war about who controls AI infrastructure and agent frameworks? Guest: Joe Putnam — Creating Viral Ads Joe Putnam breaks down the psychology behind viral content and the “6 Buttons of Buzz” framework brands can use to dramatically increase the chances of their ads spreading. We discuss: • Why most “funny ads” fail Guest: Tyrel Johnson — Founder of Natty Ice Cream Tyrel Johnson shares the story behind launching Natty Ice Cream, a high-protein ice cream brand that went from an apartment kitchen to shelves at Erewhon. Topics include: • The origin story behind the brand OpenAI Scales Back Instant Checkout OpenAI is stepping back from letting users purchase products directly inside ChatGPT. Instead, purchases will now happen inside retailer apps. We discuss what this means for AI-driven commerce, product discovery, and the future of online shopping. AI-Driven Return Fraud Fraudsters are now using AI to: • Generate fake receipts Is ecommerce entering an AI arms race between fraudsters and retailers? Salvation Army Launches a Thrift Store on Roblox The Salvation Army launched a virtual thrift store inside Roblox to reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha where they already spend time online. Camp Snap — The Rise of “Intentional Tech” A new screen-free digital camera is betting consumers want less technology, not more. We discuss the growing trend toward intentional tech and digital minimalism. Lean AI Companies Anthropic reportedly has just one growth marketer. What does this signal about the future of marketing teams in AI-native companies? — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Banned: RIP Your Meta Account | Next Gen Mall Rats | Drew Marconi x Jacob Posel Join (3.9.26) | 09 Mar 2026 | 01:34:08 | |
Today we’re breaking down the biggest stories shaping ecommerce, marketing, and the future of consumer brands. From Meta ad account bans and TikTok Shop strategy to Gen Z retail trends and the rise of the “sleep economy,” we’re unpacking what operators need to know right now. We’re also joined by Drew Marconi from Intelligems to talk about the future of experimentation, dynamic pricing, and what ecommerce testing actually looks like when it drives real revenue. Plus Jacob Posel joins us to discuss AI tools for operators, vibe coding, agency operating systems, and what the “singularity” might actually mean for ecommerce. If you're a founder, marketer, or ecommerce operator, this episode is packed with tactical insights and industry perspective. Topics We Cover • Why Meta ad account leveraging Claude and Facebook apps are getting permanently banned — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Hot Jobs | Nike Burns $300m | Jordan West, Taylor Holiday, Matt Mullenax Join (3.6.26) | 09 Mar 2026 | 01:20:24 | |
Today on the show we’re breaking down the biggest shifts happening in eCommerce right now — from TikTok Shop strategy and the future of marketing teams to Nike’s $300M reset and UPS unwinding its Amazon relationship. We’re joined by Jordan West (Social Commerce Club), Matt Mullenax (Founder of Huron), and Taylor Holiday (CTC) to unpack what founders and operators need to know to win in 2026. We also dive into the latest industry headlines and share the hottest jobs in eCommerce this week. If you're building, scaling, or operating a brand — this episode is packed with tactical insights. What we cover: • The biggest mistakes brands make when launching on TikTok Shop — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| 2026 State of Agencies Report | Netflix + Amazon Data ($30 CPMs) | Sean Stone x Jason Levin Join | 09 Mar 2026 | 01:28:16 | |
We dive into the State of the Agency Report from Andrew Foxwell and what it reveals about how agencies are evolving as AI reshapes marketing workflows. Are agencies growing — or just working harder for the same margins? Then we sit down with Sean Stone of Spillover Commerce to talk about a major trend happening behind the scenes: why successful Amazon brands are increasingly investing in Shopify storefronts. We unpack the strategy, the risks, and the “halo effect” Meta ads can create across both platforms. Next, we talk about the future of AI in marketing with Mike Manheimer, CMO of Postscript and member of AdWeek’s AI Power 50. We also bring in Jason Levin (Memelord) to talk about one of the most underrated marketing strategies on the internet: memes. Why do memes outperform polished brand campaigns? How have they opened doors for some of the biggest names in tech and politics? Plus we cover several major stories shaping the industry right now: • Netflix partnering with Amazon to bring shopping data into streaming ads If you care about the future of commerce, marketing, and internet culture, this episode is for you. Join us live, jump into the chat, and let us know what you think. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter:https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJc Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Macbook Neo, Nothingburger? | Meta Employees Are Literally Watching You | @codyschneiderx Joins | 04 Mar 2026 | 01:39:34 | |
Apple just launched a brand-new laptop aimed directly at Chromebooks — the MacBook Neo, starting under $700. Is this Apple’s play to dominate the education market and lock in the next generation of users? Then we’re joined by Cody Schneider to talk about one of the most important shifts happening in marketing right now: how operators are using Claude and AI systems to build better ads, analyze performance data, and create entirely new go-to-market workflows. We’ll also break down some of the most interesting stories across commerce and culture this week:
Plus we’re looking at some fascinating product and brand moments across the internet:
If you’re building, operating, or investing in ecommerce, this show is designed to help you stay ahead of the ideas, technologies, and cultural shifts shaping the industry. Tune in live and join the conversation. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Spotify Apple Podcasts | |||
| OpenAI "Airpods" DO Exist | Meta's New Invoicing: Verified | Andrew Gazdecki x Noah Friedman Join | 03 Mar 2026 | 01:35:55 | |
Today we’re breaking down the biggest stories shaping ecommerce, AI, and digital ownership — and bringing on some of the sharpest operators in the game to make sense of it all. The OpenAI "AirPods" Covert Marketing Campaign Andrew Gazdecki (Acquire.com)
Noah Friedman (Outer Signal) We dive into customer intelligence, identity enrichment, influencer seeding, privacy debates, and what’s possible when you truly understand who is buying from you. Meta Invoicing Chaos & Threads Ads Rollout Brand & Culture Breakdown
What wins — hype, value, or execution? If you’re an operator, founder, marketer, or builder trying to stay ahead of the curve in AI and ecommerce — this one is for you. Subscribe. Turn on notifications. Drop your questions in the chat. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Spotify Apple Podcasts | |||
| War is On, Claude is Down | Burger King's "All-Seeing" AI | Andrew Faris, Ryan Dreyer Join (3.2.36) | 02 Mar 2026 | 01:42:46 | |
We’re kicking things off with absolute chaos in AI world — Claude goes down and the internet panics. What happens when your leverage depends on tools you don’t own? Are we entering the era of AI infrastructure wars? Then Andrew Faris joins the show — every growth marketer’s favorite growth marketer. We’re talking:
From there we shift gears with 6x Ironman Ryan Dreyer — founder of Tribal Training and now building Maple Boost. What does elite endurance teach you about entrepreneurship? Is the athlete mindset the ultimate unfair advantage in business? We also break down:
Plus insights on scaling creative, AI workflows, DTC margin, small-town dominance strategies, and what actually wins in 2026. If you’re building in ecommerce, media, AI, or consumer brands — this one’s for you. Live. Unfiltered. Operator-level thinking. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Spotify Apple Podcasts | |||
| Commerce Roundtable - Day 1 | 21 Apr 2026 | 03:56:22 | |
MEGASTREAM 23:16 - @AaronWarshawsky 42:44 - @bennydotevents 50:19 - @TaylorHoliday 1:11:53 - @colinvmcguire 1:34:03 - @deanginsberg_ 1:53:39 - @jaustinball 2:06:46 - @stevenborelli 2:24:21 - @MikeLeeBoxing 2:42:00 - @ecomchasedimond 2:58:49 - @Kev_heuer 3:12:21 - @SarahLevinger 3:36: 31 - @MaxorrLloyd ------------------------------------- Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Block Layoffs: Canary in the Coalmine? | HOT JOBS | Dean Brennan Joins (2.27.26) | 27 Feb 2026 | 01:12:37 | |
We break down the hottest roles in ecommerce right now — from $225K commerce leadership at SKIMS to data strategy at Peter Millar, planning at G/FORE, lifecycle at Crocs, and CX leadership at Good Ranchers. The talent market is shifting… and it’s clear what brands value in 2026.Then we sit down with Dean Brennan to talk about:• Why the best DTC leaders are in the terminal building tools• Cashflow forecasting as a competitive advantage• What his team thought when he shipped an internal AI-powered tool• Culture as a force multiplier (yes, steaks included)• Why he’s bullish on primal health in 2026We also cover:• A CEO firing 40% of the company… and the stock going UP 20%• What that signals about the efficiency era we’re entering• The gritty reality of selling on WhatNot and live commerce• Why using AI on your resume might get you rejected• New Balance’s “Recovery Days” creative and lifestyle positioning• And the internet-native marketing energy brands can’t fakeIf you run a DTC brand, manage a team, hire talent, build culture, or care about where ecommerce is heading — this one’s for you.Live chat is open. Drop your takes.— — —Welcome to DTC's daily—what's now/next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive.Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/Made possible by:Postscript - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyAMP - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboySeguno - https://www.seguno.com/?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyFollow Ecomm Cowboy:https://x.com/ecommcowboyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboyhttps://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJchttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Meta: No More Credit Card Points! | NEW AppLovin Campaigns | John Roman x Matthew Gattozzi Join | 26 Feb 2026 | 01:24:09 | |
Meta is reportedly restricting DTC brands from paying with credit cards. We break down what this means for cash flow, risk, and who wins (and loses) next. Then we’re joined by John Roman (CEO of BattlBox) and Cameron Carrier (Director of Social Commerce) to talk about:
Matthew Gattozzi, Founder of Goodo Studios, joins the show! We also dive into:
If you run a DTC brand, buy media, build creative, or care about where commerce is headed in 2026 — this episode is for you. Live chat is open. Bring your takes. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Spotify Apple Podcasts | |||
| Kim K's Paraxanthine Energy Drink | Truff Package Redesign | @MisterCiv x Matt Schroeder Join | 25 Feb 2026 | 01:31:08 | |
We’re breaking down Kim Kardashian’s new paraxanthine-powered energy drink, what it signals about the future of wellness, and why “biohacking baddies” might be the next billion-dollar consumer segment. Then we go deep with Matt Schroeder, co-founder of Tidalwave (Twitter’s favorite 3PL), on:
After that, we talk with Mister Civ (Kenny Cox) — the #1 Madden/CFB coach online — about:
We’re also covering:
If you’re building a DTC brand, working with creators, or trying to future-proof your edge in 2026 and beyond — this one’s for you. Live chat is open. Bring your takes. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Spotify Apple Podcasts | |||
| The Art of the Undercut | Dove's "Too Honest" Campaign | James Camp of APFX Joins (2.24.26) | 24 Feb 2026 | 01:05:00 | |
Today we’re breaking down the biggest shifts happening in marketing, ecommerce, and consumer behavior — and what they mean for operators who want to stay ahead.
This episode is about leverage. Operators who win over the next 12–24 months won’t just use AI — they’ll redesign their systems around it. They’ll understand distribution. They’ll understand psychology. They’ll understand focus. If you're building, scaling, or trying to future-proof your career — this one’s for you. Live chat is open. Bring your takes. 🔥 — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Spotify Apple Podcasts | |||
| Why AI Users Spend 35% More | The "Superman Marketer" | 2026 Consumer Psychology Trends (2.23.26) | 23 Feb 2026 | 01:13:53 | |
Are performance marketing roles collapsing into 1–2 operators? Is AI quietly building bigger baskets than your best CRO test? And is Meta about to charge you based on where your customers live? Today we’re breaking down the biggest conversations happening in commerce right now:
This is not surface-level commentary. We’re talking:
Join us live, bring your takes, and let’s unpack where commerce is actually headed. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Spotify Apple Podcasts | |||
| Google's Pomelli: Your Free Brand Photoshoot | HOT JOBS! | Sarah Levinger x Phil Kiel Join (2.20.26) | 20 Feb 2026 | 01:11:19 | |
Today we’re breaking down the future of ecommerce operators, creative strategy, and paid media — and what it actually takes to win in an AI-accelerated world. HOT JOBS: The New Operator Economy We’re reviewing some of the most interesting ecommerce roles on the market right now — including:
Interview: Sarah Levinger We go deep on buyer psychology and creative strategy:
If you run ads, build brands, or write copy — this one is dense. Interview: Phil Kiel Health & wellness brands are feeling a “category tax” on Meta. We unpack:
If you’re spending serious money on Meta, this is required viewing. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Spotify Apple Podcasts | |||
| Chubbies Launches Bikini Brand? | Ebay Buys Depop from Etsy | Rok Hladnik Joins (2.19.26) | 19 Feb 2026 | 01:11:02 | |
Resale is going mainstream. Meta ads are still a mystery. Amazon is killing robots. And Chubbies just launched a women’s swim brand the right way. Today we break down one of the most interesting brand expansions in DTC: Chubbies launching Cheekies, a standalone women’s swimwear brand built by an all-women team. Is this how mature ecommerce brands should expand? Then we sit down with Rok Hladnik for a no-BS conversation about paid media in 2026:
We also cover:
If you’re building, buying media, or thinking about the future of ecommerce — this episode is packed with operator-level insights. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Spotify Apple Podcasts | |||
| Report: AI Makes Marketing Hard | TikTok Halts End of Seller Shipping | Chris Geiss Joins (2.18.26) | 18 Feb 2026 | 01:12:24 | |
AI isn’t replacing marketers, yet — but it is raising the bar.We break down the AdWeek report that says AI isn’t cutting jobs at scale… but it is compressing timelines, increasing expectations, and creating what some are calling “quality debt” in creative.Are marketers empowered — or just squeezed?Then we sit down with Chris Geiss, founder of Seguno, to talk about the evolution of ecommerce email, what AI (and Gmail summaries) mean for operators, and why building entirely inside Shopify might be the future of SaaS. We dive into:• How email marketing has evolved over the last decade• Whether open rates still matter• Why duct‑taped tech stacks are killing attribution• The rise of the “one‑man brand” and lean marketing teams• Canva integrations and reducing creative friction• Brands crushing retention right now• Is software doomed in the age of AI?We also cover:- TikTok Shop halting its plan to end independent seller shipping after backlash- Dick’s Sporting Goods building a creator “Varsity Team” ecosystem- Why brands should bring back the jingle- Bing launching AI visibility reporting (and what that means for SEO)- And the broader shift toward DTC models in unexpected industriesIf you’re building in ecommerce in 2026 — this is a must-watch.Subscribe for weekly operator-level breakdowns, founder interviews, and real conversations about where ecommerce is headed.— — —Welcome to DTC's daily—what's now/next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive.Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/Made possible by:Postscript - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyAMP - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboySeguno - https://www.seguno.com/?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyFollow Ecomm Cowboy:https://x.com/ecommcowboyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboyhttps://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJchttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| American Eagle's Creator Playbook | Gen Z: Boredom as Entertainment | Matthew Holman Joins (2.17.26) | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:25:21 | |
We’re breaking down one of the smartest retail creator strategies in the game, going deep on the subscription playbook with one of ecommerce’s most focused operators, and unpacking the cultural shifts shaping the next wave of brands.Here’s what we’re covering:• American Eagle’s Creator Program — what they’re doing differently to win Gen Z, and what DTC brands can steal immediately• Subscription mastery with Matthew Holman (Subscription Doc) — offers, retention psychology, post-purchase leverage, and the biggest mistakes brands keep making• The new luxury status symbol (hint: it’s not a watch)• Why Gen Z is gravitating toward “boring” content — and what that means for brand building• $200 in tools → $50K in revenue — real leverage or Twitter math?• Meta’s new patented AI tech and what it means for advertisersIf you care about ecommerce, subscriptions, media buying, cultural trends, or where AI is pushing the market next — this one’s for you.— — —Welcome to DTC's daily—what's now/next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive.Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/Made possible by:Postscript - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyAMP - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboySeguno - https://www.seguno.com/?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyFollow Ecomm Cowboy:https://x.com/ecommcowboyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboyhttps://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJchttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| The Great AppLovin Debate | Ad vs. Ad | Ray Li, CEO of Sene Joins (2.16.26) | 16 Feb 2026 | 01:07:31 | |
Today we’re talking custom menswear, founder scar tissue, influencer economics, AI chaos, and whether your ads are actually good — or just expensive.Ray Li, CEO of Sene, has built one of the most interesting menswear brands on the internet — starting with custom suits you can order online (yes, really) and expanding into what might be the perfect T‑shirt.We’re digging into:- How Sene made online custom clothing actually work (fit, sizing, returns — the hard stuff)- The war stories: showrooms, wholesale attempts, retail bets that didn’t pan out- Panic attacks, cash crunches, and what survival really looks like- Why the “perfect tee” is such a powerful category in menswear- How luxury brands and Michelin-star restaurants accidentally turned Sene into a uniform supplier- What Ray is bullish on heading into 2026If you care about building durable brands (not just running ads), this one’s for you.Weekend Roundup of News:- The AppLovin debate — cheat code or risky dependency?- AI hallucinating company data (and why that should scare you)- OpenAI talent moves, Anthropic stumbles, and Meta’s always-on agents- How marketing teams are now using AI tools like Claude Code- “Truman Show” brands and the rise of performative brand-building- The shift back to IRL brands and physical activationsIf you’re building in ecommerce, experimenting with AI, testing ads, or trying to survive retail and DTC in 2026 — this livestream is for you.Subscribe, drop your questions in the chat, and let’s get into it.— — —Welcome to DTC's daily—what's now/next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive.Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/Made possible by:Postscript - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyAMP - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboySeguno - https://www.seguno.com/?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyFollow Ecomm Cowboy:https://x.com/ecommcowboyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboyhttps://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJchttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Commerce Roundtable Fomo | HOT JOBS | Phoenix Ha x Alex Griefeld | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:29:16 | |
Two live interviews, five news stories, and zero fluff. Today we sit down with Phoenix Ha (VP of Social Commerce, Instant Hydration) on scaling a hydration brand in the new era of ecommerce against Liquid IV and LMNT — and Alex Greifeld (Founder, No Best Practices) on why most DTC best practices are actively hurting brands, and a sneak peek of what she'll be covering at Commerce Roundtable! Plus we're breaking down: - Meta's AI Glasses going mainstream on Fox Business this morning and what it means for DTC discovery - TikTok Slideshows automated with Claude a workflow worth stealing - Live Video Ads what's working and what's coming - Adobe's creative monopoly is it finally cracking? And we're scrolling the Commerce Roundtable live on air. — — — Welcome to DTC's daily — what's now and next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive. Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/ Made possible by: Follow Ecomm Cowboy: X https://x.com/ecommcowboy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboy Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| HOT JOBS! | TikTok Nearby Launches: New Agency Opportunity? | Josh Durham Joins (2.13.26) | 13 Feb 2026 | 01:09:42 | |
We’re breaking down the biggest shifts happening across ecommerce, creator marketing, and modern retail — plus a deep dive on why human influence may be more valuable than ever.We start with HOT JOBS — the roles brands are hiring for right now and what that tells us about where the market is headed. What skills are actually in demand? Where are operators placing their bets in 2026? If you’re building a team (or trying to become more valuable), this segment is for you.Then we sit down with Josh Durham to tackle a big question: In a world flooded with AI-generated content, do human influencers still matter?We cover:- Why human creators may be more important, not less, as AI content improves- Whether certain products are guaranteed influencer wins — or if every brand is a unique puzzle- How to think about pricing, ad usage rights, and creator negotiations- Real-world case studies, including moving product at retail and executing in tight launch windowsNext, we dig into major platform and retail news:- TikTok Nearby has launched — what does this mean for local discovery and brick-and-mortar brands? Are we watching social platforms evolve into search engines for physical retail?- Amazon is rolling out 60-minute grocery delivery in the UK. Is speed becoming the ultimate competitive moat in modern retail? What does this mean for everyone not named Amazon?- Shopify’s B2B business is growing faster than its consumer segment. Are we underestimating wholesale and B2B as the next big ecommerce unlock?We also discuss:- “Zuck’s Rule” and what it means for founders navigating platform dependency- Builder Beware: the risks of building too heavily on borrowed distributionIf you’re a founder, operator, marketer, or creator trying to make sense of what’s actually changing (and what’s just noise), this episode is packed with strategy, perspective, and practical takeaways.Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future livestreams.— — —Welcome to DTC's daily—what's now/next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive.Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/Made possible by:Postscript - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyAMP - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboySeguno - https://www.seguno.com/?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyFollow Ecomm Cowboy:https://x.com/ecommcowboyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboyhttps://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJchttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| New Status Symbol: Wasted Time | McDonald's Caviar | Johnny Hickey Joins (2.12.26) | 12 Feb 2026 | 01:12:16 | |
We kick things off with Johnny Hickey — former CMO of Perfectwhitetee, founder of Delfina, current CMO of Sunny Somewhere NY, and the force behind DTC Growth Summit. How does he make running an agency, launching brands, and hosting national events look effortless? We break down the systems, mindset, and strategy behind scaling women’s apparel, building community-first brands, and creating events that operators actually want to attend.Then we zoom out into culture.Is the new luxury… wasting time? We unpack the rise of “neo‑leisure,” conspicuous grinding, and whether effortless living has replaced hustle culture as the ultimate flex. From performative offlineness and viral “Brick” devices to the question of whether we’re enjoying life or performing it for algorithms, we explore what status really looks like now.We also cover:• McDonald’s McNugget Caviar and irony marketing• Founder-core authenticity vs absurdist brand plays• AI-generated shows and the future of content• DJ Khaled x Wegovy and the macro impact of GLP-1 drugs• OpenAI’s vision for fully automated media buying inside ChatGPT• What happens to agencies and performance marketers in an AI-led ad ecosystemThis episode is about autonomy — over your time, your brand, your marketing, and your attention.The real luxury in 2026 might not be money.It might be control.— — —Welcome to DTC's daily—what's now/next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive.Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/Made possible by:Postscript - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyAMP - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboySeguno - https://www.seguno.com/?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyFollow Ecomm Cowboy:https://x.com/ecommcowboyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboyhttps://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJchttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Top 10: The Internet's Hottest Hats | Shopify Crushes Q4 | Alex Beller Joins (2.11.26) | 11 Feb 2026 | 01:06:50 | |
Today’s livestream covers what’s actually moving in ecommerce right now — from the internet’s hottest products to the platforms and brands quietly dominating.We kick things off with our Top 10: The Internet’s Hottest Hats, powered by Particl. This isn’t based on vibes — it’s built on 30 days of real performance data including revenue, sell‑through rate, velocity, reviews, discounting behavior, and our own “swag factor.” We’ll break down what’s actually selling and why.Then we sit down with Alex Beller to talk about the bigger picture. Are agencies and SaaS in danger? Is “white collar fragility” real? Why conversational data may be the most underpriced asset in ecommerce. And what Ecom 4.0 looks like in 2026 — incumbents vs the rise of the AI‑powered one‑person brand. We also revisit Texas SB 140 and why it may be a bigger deal for ecommerce than most people realize.We also unpack major platform and brand news:• Shopify continues to compound at an absurd pace — 14%+ of US ecommerce market, $378B GMV, and $2B+ in free cash flow. What does that mean for operators?• Ralph Lauren climbs to #4 on Lyst’s hottest brands list — proving heritage and timeless design are beating trend‑chasing fast fashion.• Loyal raises $100M to extend dog lifespan — are pets becoming biotech’s most emotional category?• Hermès drops a $264,000 pool table — when does price become the product?— — —Welcome to DTC's daily—what's now/next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive.Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/Made possible by:Postscript - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyAMP - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboySeguno - https://www.seguno.com/?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyFollow Ecomm Cowboy:https://x.com/ecommcowboyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboyhttps://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJchttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||
| Are Agencies Cooked? | Why Normies Hate Ads About AI | Will Roman, Founder of Chisos Joins (2.10.26) | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:10:47 | |
Welcome to DTC's daily—what's now/next in ecommerce so founders, marketers, and operators can survive and thrive.Weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommcowboy.com/Made possible by:Postscript - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyAMP - https://postscript.io/sms-benchmarks?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboySeguno - https://www.seguno.com/?utm_source=Ecomm+Cowboy+Show&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=Ad+Read&utm_id=Ecomm+CowboyFollow Ecomm Cowboy:https://x.com/ecommcowboyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ecommcowboyhttps://www.instagram.com/ecommcowboy/https://www.tiktok.com/@ecommcowboyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0q1Pp0rW8j6cehXToNTeJchttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecomm-cowboy/id1761749693 | |||