Slingin’ Shoes Podcast

Q. What made you decide to start Slingin’ Shoes?

Sullivan: We had talked about doing this for a few years, but I was busy working for the new owners of The Running Event and following my daughter’s college softball career. My daughter graduated in May and my contract with TRE expired at the end of June, so finally, I was free to do this.

Farley: We also felt this was an ideal time to create a platform for the industry to talk about issues and opportunities. There are so many great retailers out there and we wanted to give them a voice and allow them to tell their stories.

Q. What’s the format?

Sullivan: By now, I hope many RIA members have listened, but for those who haven’t, Slingin’ Shoes features at least one retail guest every episode, and we talk to a brand executive, as well. One of our goals was to promote open, honest dialogue in the business, between retailers and between brands and retailers. We are striving for lively, honest, pithy conversations and we try to pack it into 45 minutes or less.

Farley: We’ve also been talking to associates, the true shoe slingers in our business and we hope all the store owners encourage their staff to listen. They share their secrets and tips on handling customers and discuss what they like about their jobs. One store owner shared how much he liked the episode where we interviewed Josh Levinson of Charm City, but said the interview with Farrin Saba, who works in one of the Pacers stores gave him “goosebumps.”  That’s high praise.

Q. What have been some of the best interviews thus far?

Sullivan: Josh Levinson from Charm City talked about succession planning and that was super interesting. That’s a topic that’s important to all store owners and Josh was very honest about the process of selling the store to his employees. Jenni Peters of Varsity in Baton Rouge was also excellent. She talked about her real estate strategy and listening to her, it’s no wonder that she’s so successful. And Steve DeMoss from Big Peach came on and talked about how he’s using Artificial Intelligence, and my brain is still reeling from that.

Q. How has the reaction been to Slingin’ Shoes?

Farley: We have really touched a nerve. People in this business are passionate about what they do and that comes through in the texts and e-mails we receive. One store owner told us our episode about The Best Stores awards was “cathartic,” which was great to hear. Honestly talking about that and some other topics was cathartic for me, too. We always talk about how our customers have emotional connections to our stores. Well, as store owners we have emotional connections with our customers and our communities, and it’s been great to talk about that and get feedback from all the store owners.

Q. How are the sponsors involved?

Sullivan: Of course, they support the programming costs, but they also contribute ideas and occasionally appear on the show to talk about the market. One of our goals is to drive more engagement between brands and retailers and we love that OS1st is sponsoring a contest for stores to boost their sock to shoe sales ratio. It’s not about selling more OS1st products, it’s about selling more socks. You can learn about the contest here

Q. What’s coming up?

Farley: We have some great guests who will appear between now and The Running Event. Mike Cosentino of Big Peach will talk about franchising; Kris Hartner of Naperville Running will talk about how he compensates staff. We’re open to any other ideas that make sense, too. So anyone reading this who has suggestions or ideas, they can reach me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mark at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All Episodes of Slingin’ Shoes can be found at slinginshoes.com

Slingin’ Shoes is a new podcast that is co-hosted by Mark Sullivan, founder of The Running Event, and Chris Farley, owner of Pacers Running. In the introductory episode, the two discuss what led them to develop the podcast and share the story of how Chris made the co-founder of Whole Foods cry during an interview. The two also elaborate on their plans for Slingin’ Shoes to offer insight, analysis, fun and community. In short, everything that makes the run channel special.

Slingin’ Shoes will produce two episodes a month and include interviews with store owners, sales associates, brand executives, athletes, and other personalities who are shaping the business we all care so much about. We promise to be succinct and honest and will strive for the right mix of serious conversations, humor, and irreverence when appropriate.

Some content and resources may not be visible because you're not logged in. If you are a current member, use the login form below. Not yet a member? Join today!