Welcome to "Heartland Presents - Let's Talk Tanning," the ultimate podcast for UV & Sunless Business owners and enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting in the tanning industry, our mission is to educate, motivate, and inspire you. Join us as we bring you insights from industry experts, share the latest trends, and provide valuable information to help you grow and succeed. Tune in on your schedule and take your tanning business to the next level with "Let's Talk Tanning!"
Why Salon Retail Success Depends on Staff Training, Not Just Great Products
Tanning salon owners: the right retail products can do more than boost a sale—they can extend results, solve customer problems, and open new revenue streams.
Gracie from Devoted Creations shares what’s selling now, what deserves more shelf space, and how trained staff turn product knowledge into sales.
Heartland’s host Kristin Jackson puts Gracie on the spot with practical salon questions, from the threeproducts she’d stock first to the easiest add-on sale.
Get the case for Sun Honey, the overlooked potential of Socialite, and why after-tan extenders can be a natural next purchase for clients already investing in their sessions.
Gracie also explains the shift toward ultra-dark bronzers, what makes Devoted Creations’ blue-hued Devotion lotion color-correcting, and what to expect from upcoming product Excessive. Plus, she shares how staff training helpstop-performing salons connect products to customer needs, and clears up misconceptions about cruelty-free formulas and key ingredients.
If your shelves need a sharper strategy, this conversation offers specific products, talking points, and selling ideas you can put to work. Essential listening for salon owners and teams ready to make every customer visit count.
6 Oct 2026
A Sauna’s Most Surprising Stress Benefit: You Can’t Scroll Your Phone
A sauna can be more than a warm place to unwind: it maysupport heart health, recovery, stress relief, and more.
Tori Quanstrom shares five reasons regular sauna sessions have become her favorite wellness reset, plus how to start without overdoing the heat. From the rise in heart rate and circulation to easing post-workout stiffness, Tori explains what happens in your body during a session and why sauna use can complement - but never replace - exercise.
She also shares the benefit she values most: a rare stretch of uninterrupted quiet, where there’s nowhere to scroll and space to slow down.
You’ll discover how heat may help with muscle recovery, why researchers are investigating links between frequent sauna use and cognitive health, and what to keep in mind if you’re new to saunas.
Tori’s practical starting point? Begin with just five minutes and build gradually as your body adapts.
If you’re looking for a restorative habit that can fit into a busy routine, this episode offers an approachable look at the science, the potential benefits, and the simple pleasure of stepping away from the noise. Press play, take a breath, andenjoy the heat.
23 Sept 2026
Navigating Employee Termination with Joe Schuster
Insights on handling difficult staff decisions in small businesses
In this episode of Heartland Presents, Kristin Jackson and Joe Schuster tackle the challenging topic of employee termination. It’s a conversation many avoid, yet it’s essential for any small business owner.
The Importance of Clear Expectations
Joe emphasizes that employee termination often stems from unclear expectations set during the hiring process. When employees understand the standards—like dress code, attendance policies, and performance expectations—they are less likely to face termination.
"Employee termination is an unavoidable responsibility for any small business owner. The process is most effective when expectations are clearly defined at the outset of the employment." — Joe Schuster
Setting these parameters not only protects the business but also fosters a professional environment.
The Communication Triangle
Kristin brings up a compelling point about communication. Joe explains that different people absorb information in various ways, so it’s crucial to use multiple methods when conveying expectations:
1. Verbal Instructions: Clearly state what is required.
2. Written Documentation: Provide a written outline of the expectations.
3. Demonstration: Show how to perform tasks.
This multifaceted approach ensures clarity for everyone involved.
Hard and Fast Rules
Kristin questions how small business owners can balance leniency with accountability. Joe shares his perspective that while some rules should be non-negotiable—like no-call, no-show incidents—others may warrant a second chance, depending on the context. Establishing a 30-60-90 day review can help track performance and offer opportunities for improvement.
"What I see as hard and fast rules are the ones: no call, no show, that's a no-brainer." — Joe Schuster
Dealing with Long-Term Employees
The discussion takes a poignant turn when Kristin asks about long-term employees who suddenly underperform. Joe suggests having open conversations to understand any underlying issues. If a trusted employee begins to compromise the business’s integrity or reputation, it may be time for difficult decisions.
"If there's some questionable finance work going on where you think that money was going out the door to that person, obviously unprofessional behavior is a deal breaker." — Joe Schuster
Final Thoughts
Navigating employee termination is never easy, but with clear communication and defined expectations, small business owners can handle it more effectively. Tune in to the full episode for deeper insights and practical guidance on this crucial topic.
Who has been a guest on Heartland Presents- Let's Talk Tanning
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Makayla Thomas
Alex Zeedyk
Joe Schuster
Jessica Stone
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
31,693
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
19
Social presence
0
YouTube
72
Engagement
0
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