Are We On The Air?©

QVC was expected to release its fiscal year 2025 numbers by now—but continued delays are raising serious questions, with some speculating that bankruptcy could be on the horizon. In this episode, we break down what these delays might mean for the company and the broader live shopping industry. We also dive into the growing legal drama, as lawsuits emerge involving Invicta, ShopHQ, and a vendor taking action against QVC. What's really going on behind the scenes? And how could this impact brands, hosts, and viewers alike? But first, we begin on a somber note, honoring the life and legacy of one of the longest-serving hosts in the industry—a true pioneer whose presence helped define an era of televised retail, as she faces down cancer.

For decades, TV shopping networks ruled the airwaves—turning late-night channel surfing into billion-dollar sales. But today, many are asking: Is TV shopping dying? In this episode, we talk with JW Cudd, an expert in online, app-based, and influencer-driven marketing, about the seismic shift happening in how products are sold. From TikTok creators moving thousands of units in minutes to AI-powered shopping apps, the game has changed. So what happens to a giant like QVC? Can it evolve—or will it be left behind? Let's break it down.

The headlines are buzzing — QVC may be facing bankruptcy, and the future of America's most iconic shopping networks hangs in the balance. What went wrong, and what comes next for QVC and HSN? In this episode, we dive deep with Marvin Segel, son of QVC founder Joe Segel, to uncover the story behind the headlines and explore what this could mean for the future of televised retail as we kick off 2026 with a major conversation.

As 2025 winds down, we're rolling back the clock on one of the wildest years the television shopping world has seen. From headline-making shakeups to unexpected triumphs, QVC, HSN, and the entire industry have served up a year packed with drama, reinvention, and a few eyebrow-raising moments. And today, we've got a very special guest to help us unpack it all: Marvin Segel, son of QVC founder Joseph Segel, who brings his insight, sharp perspective, and a few stories you won't hear anywhere else. Buckle up—this is the year-end wrap-up you don't want to miss.

On this edition of Are We On The Air?© We're taking a deep dive into one of television's great forgotten stories — the rise and fall of the Cable Value Network. For three short years in the late 1980s, CVN was the shopping channel to beat — bold, ambitious, and ahead of its time. But behind the flashing graphics and on-air deals lay a story of rapid growth, fierce competition, and an ending no one saw coming. Join us as we uncover how a network that once led the pack ultimately became part of QVC's empire.

On this episode, the always-inspiring Manuela Marcheggiani by to share the inside scoop on her next big adventure — taking her legendary Isomers brand to a brand-new home, HSN! After decades at another network, she's ready for a fresh chapter, and she's bringing her brilliant scientific mind (and a few beauty secrets) along for the ride. Plus, our host Shawn Wilsie is ready with some skin-deep questions that just might reveal what's next in the world of Isomers. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!! Make sure you listen to the end for an update on the previous episode.

It's official — Season 5 of Are We On The Air?© is underway. In this episode, we dive into two fascinating developments shaking up the home shopping world. First: what's really happening at ShopHQ? The network vanished from the airwaves, but like a phoenix reborn, it's back — and the story behind its return is one you'll want to hear. Then, we turn our attention to HSN, where new hosts are stepping into the spotlight and the iconic Isomers brand is making its grand debut.

Special Edition Alert! Buckle up for a wild ride on this episode of "Are We On The Air?©" as Shawn sits down with the one and only Joey Mazzant—social media wizard, Orlando tourism guru, and all-around powerhouse of personality! From skyrocketing his career through smart, savvy social media moves to becoming the go-to guy for everything travel and theme parks in Orlando, Joey brings stories, laughs, and insider secrets you won't hear anywhere else. Ever wondered how to beat the lines at Disney or what are the hidden gems in Americas top tourist destination? Joey's got the answers—and trust us, you don't want to miss this one. Tune in and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even plan your next vacation!

In this can't-miss Part 2 of our deep dive into QVC history and its future, we're back with Marv Segel—son of QVC founder Joseph Segel—and the legendary original host Paul Kelley. We kick things off with a nostalgic (and slightly spicy) look at the early QVC days—before guests, before glitz. Was it better back then? Paul shares behind-the-scenes stories from his wild ride on the "50 in 50" tours, traveling coast to coast in the name of live TV. We also dish on some of QVC's most iconic hosts (yes, those names come up), then fast-forward to the present to unpack what's happening at QVC and HSN in 2025. From the shift to social media to sharp insights on where the home shopping biz is headed, this episode is a fascinating, funny, and surprisingly smart ride through retail history and its evolving future. If you've ever bought something at 2AM—or just love a good story—this one's for you.

In this episode, the drama behind the glittering screens of QVC takes center stage. Your host, the always insightful Shawn Wilsie, is joined by two heavyweights from the world of televised retail: Marvin Segel, son of QVC's legendary founder, and Paul Kelley, one of the network's original on-air personalities. Together, these industry insiders rewind the tape to QVC's golden days—sharing untold stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and what made the network a retail powerhouse. Then, they fast forward to today's rocky terrain, dissecting what's gone wrong and where the future might lead.

From QVC icons to comedy greats, a surprising number of stars in the TV shopping world—and beyond—have roots in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. In this episode, host Shawn Wilsie dives into the mystery: What is it about Minnesota that produces so much on-air talent? Joining him is Tom Oszman, media historian and founder of TC Media Now, the go-to archive for decades of Twin Cities television. Tom shares fascinating stories and rare insights into the rise of Minnesota-born personalities—from the polished presence of Nancy Nelson to the unforgettable Louie Anderson. Whether you're a fan of vintage broadcasts, Minnesota history, or just curious about where TV legends come from, this episode is packed with nostalgia, surprises, and answers. TC Media Now

Buckle up for Part Two of our conversation with the always entertaining Steve Sedahl! This episode dives into the wild world of two lesser-known TV shopping networks Steve worked at — stories you definitely haven't heard before. Then, we get into what everyone's been waiting for: how Steve landed a role on Comedy Central's cult classic Let's Bowl, and what it was really like behind the scenes. But before the laughs, we touch on a somber note — the recent and unfortunate closure of Minnesota's own ShopHQ (formerly Evine, Evine Live, ShopNBC and ValueVIsion), and what it means for the many employees affected. It's a rollercoaster of stories, surprises, and showbiz nostalgia you won't want to miss! Financial Pizza podcast on Spotify Financial Pizza Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Everyone knows QVC and HSN, but back in the late 1980s, the dominant name in the world of TV shopping was the Cable Value Network—better known as CVN. On this episode, we rewind to 1986 and sit down with original CVN host Steve Sedahl. Best known to some as "Chopper" from the cult comedy series Let's Bowl, Steve has enjoyed a long, dynamic career across multiple TV shopping networks. Today, he shares stories from the earliest days of the industry—what it was like behind the cameras, the wild west days of live selling, and how it all laid the groundwork for the shopping channels we know today. Join us for a nostalgic look back with one of the voices who helped define an era. Financial Pizza podcast on Spotify Financial Pizza Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Breaking News: QVC/HSN has just announced that 900 employees are being let go as part of a major downsizing. So, how is ShopHQ still thriving and staying ahead in the game? Plus, we're honoring the legacy of an infomercial icon, who we recently lost.

The latest annual results for QVC/HSN are in, and let's just say they're not looking pretty—that's the shocking first chapter of today's podcast. But don't worry, we've got something special in store after that! The legendary Bob Circosta returns to the show for an unforgettable walk down memory lane, reflecting on the golden days of HSN—the Home Shopping Network. Tune in for an emotional and nostalgic ride as we celebrate the moments that made HSN a household name!

Get ready for a blast from the past as we welcome Bob Circosta, the original HSN host (Home Shopping Club), to the podcast! With the iconic home of HSN in Tampa/St. Petersburg closing its doors and relocating to West Chester, PA, Bob takes us on a fun, behind-the-scenes journey. He'll share the fascinating origins of the network, the moment they realized they needed a bigger space, how the first hosts were chosen, and what makes legendary talents like Bobbi Ray Carter stand out. Tune in for stories, laughs, and all the juicy details you won't want to miss!

In part two of our exclusive interview with Aaron Kessler—dubbed "the future of the TV shopping industry"—he opens up to Shawn about his childhood and the experiences that shaped him into the dynamic force he is today, so watch out QVC and HSN. But that's not all! Food lovers in Minneapolis and St. Paul, you'll definitely want to tune in—Aaron's sharing some insider secrets that will have you hungry for more!

Qurate Retail Group, the powerhouse behind both QVC and HSN, has made a bold move: they're shutting down the iconic HSN campus, which has been the heart of home shopping for decades. In 2025, all operations will be consolidated at QVC's state-of-the-art "Studio Park" facility in Pennsylvania. What does this major shift mean for the future of HSN and its dedicated team members? We dive into the impact and explore what's next. But that's not all! Joining us is the dynamic Aaron Kessler, the charismatic host of ShopHQ, which is also making waves with the announcement that its TV operations will cease in late February 2025. Aaron brings his signature energy to the conversation as he shares his journey into the world of TV shopping, and reflects on the unique culture that has made ShopHQ such an extraordinary place to work. Don't miss this inside look at the changing landscape of TV shopping!