In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner takes listeners back to visit an era and a place mythologized by one of the most popular Christmas stories of all time: A Christmas Carol. The story, which was written by Charles Dickens and published in 1843, addresses a number of economic and social issues that not only marked the impact of the Industrial Revolution and emerging middle class, but how poverty was viewed and treated by society at the time.
More Podcast Episodes
food supply chain innovation
Podcast
March 27, 2026
The Buzz: Supply Chain Shocks, Cocoa Crunch & HelloFresh Innovation
From geopolitical tensions impacting global energy markets to rising food costs and shifting delivery networks, today’s supply chains are navigating a perfect storm of disruption and transformation. At the same time, innovation is accelerating—from AI-powered logistics to tech-enabled food platforms redefining how we eat at home. The stakes are high, and the pace of change is only increasing… welcome to The Buzz, powered by project44! In this episode, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker explore how global conflict is impacting energy and supply chains, how rising cocoa prices are reshaping the food industry, and what Amazon’s shift away from USPS means for last-mile delivery. Plus, HelloFresh COO Dan Seidel joins us to share how AI, robotics, and supply chain innovation are transforming the home cooking experience. Key Learnings & Takeaways: Geopolitical conflict continues to disrupt global supply chains Oil price volatility impacts nearly every industry Cocoa shortages are driving product and pricing innovation Amazon’s delivery strategy shift could reshape last-mile logistics Strategy is evolving toward speed, flexibility, and resilience AI and robotics are enabling more responsive supply chains HelloFresh is redefining convenience, personalization, and freshness Disruption isn’t slowing down—but neither is innovation. The organizations that stay agile, customer-focused, and ready…
EasyPost shipping platform
Podcast
April 22, 2026
Uncertain Times, Skittish Consumers, and the Impact on Shipping Costs
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Tevon Taylor are joined by Lori Boyer, Head of Content Marketing at EasyPost and host of Unboxing Logistics. Together, they break down what’s really driving shipping challenges today, from fragmented consumer demand to rising costs hidden in accessory fees, packaging inefficiencies, and routing decisions rather than just carrier rate increases. The discussion highlights how demand has become less predictable, with promotion-driven spikes creating operational strain and forcing reactive, costly decisions. At the same time, customer expectations have shifted. Cost, reliability, visibility, and accuracy now matter more than speed, pushing companies to rethink how they design their shipping strategies. Lori also shares how leading teams are responding by improving visibility, aligning service levels with customer needs, and using AI to support faster, data-driven decisions. This episode offers a practical look at how organizations can reduce costs, adapt to uncertainty, and build more resilient and efficient shipping operations. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Connect with Lori Boyer Learn…