Hidden fees aren’t just a consumer issue – it’s a problem for businesses as well. The inability to play fair or advertise honestly eventually impacts the reputation of a company, and many times, industries as a whole. Anna Laitin, Director of Financial Policy at Consumer Reports, gives us an inside look at how they’re tackling this issue head-on for both businesses’ and consumers’ well being.

As the automotive industry drives us forward into autonomy, how does this impact data collection and privacy? John Verdi, VP of Policy at Future of Privacy Forum talks about the past, present, and future of data privacy and regulation for connected cars on this week’s episode. Enjoy the ride!

We are on the brink of a whole new era of aviation. Our skies are bound to be buzzing with drones in the coming years. Matt Scassero, Director of UMD UAS Test Site, and Miriam McNabb, Editor in Chief of DroneLife.com spark up a great discussion on the future of the drone industry and its impact on consumer data and privacy. Tune in now!

Happy New Year! New beginnings bring new trends. In this episode, we weigh in on what to expect for 2020 in business and our marketplace. We cover the gamut from self-driving cars to how the CCPA law will continue to change the landscape of data collection. Join us for a quick stroll through what to expect as we begin again in 2020!

More than ever, consumers are motivated by what their favorite influencers are endorsing through their social media channels. In this episode of The Bistro, Pam Deese, attorney of Arent Fox, walks us through what it means to hold the torch of influence in today’s digital world.  Be sure to tune in!

A global movement in data privacy law is happening as the EU is setting new standards, making data privacy a fundamental human right. Business reputations hang in the balance. Don’t let yours fall short. Cobun Zweifel-Keegan, Deputy Director, BBB EU Privacy Shield & Jon Brescia, VP Digital Advertising Accountability Program give us an inside look at what you need to know.

Consumers are committing to brands who are taking stands on social issues. More than ever, advertisers are turning towards what makes their audience tick. Sheila Millar, a partner at Keller & Heckman LLP, gives her insights on what to expect for the future of advertising regulation. Are you in or out?

Ever hear the term, “smart cities,” and think what exactly does that mean? This innovative way of living is being fueled by the evolution of AI, having us exist in the “Jetson” era sooner than we thought. Danielle Loffreda, Market Development and Consultant for Ciena introduces us to where smart cities have been and where they are going. Listening in now!

The world of technology has changed, and its time that COPPA change along with it. Dona Fraser, Vice President of the Children Advertising Review Unit joins The Bistro. She shares how she envisions COPPA evolving to meet the arising needs that our endless transforming digital environment brings.

Brian Wommack, SVP, Communications, Council for Responsible Nutrition, joins The Bistro to help us become more label wise. Your dietary supplement label is changing. Learn how and why. Be Label Wise!

We have been discussing retail on our Better Series podcast, and now, we’re approaching the time a year of “no mercy” on the wealth of ads reminding us to shop ’til we drop. So, it’s time to recap our Online Ads That Know You episode. Jon Brescia and Ayaz Minhas of the Digital Advertising Accountability Program joined us for a 2-part episode which helped demystify how to take control of the online ads we see. On the second episode, they provide tips on how we can own our online advertising...

Consumer reviews are a great source of information. Reviews allow us to learn from each other and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) considers that our right. Carl Settlemyer, Attorney with the FTC explains how businesses and consumers can both play nice in the sandbox of reviews.

Self-driving cars are no longer an idea of the future, but an innovation of the present. This life-saving technology has come off the television screen and onto the roads. In this episode of The Bistro Jamie Boone, Produce of CES at Consumer Technology Association joins us to talk about this new reality and what to expect in the future of this field.  

On the heels of Military Consumer Protection month, tune in to this episode of The Bistro to learn about the unique challenges that military families face as consumers and the businesses and organizations that work to help protect them. Melissa Bittner, Program Manager for BBB Military Line, and Steven J. Lepper, Major General, USAF (Ret.) and President & Chief Executive Officer for the Association of Military Banks of America join to delve into this topic and share findings from a new...

Gift cards are no new thing and appear to be the one consumer transaction that hasn’t evolved much over time. That is, until now. On this episode of The Bistro Jason Wolfe, Founder of GiftYa, explains how his company is revolutionizing the gift-giving industry providing consumers with a fresh gifting option. Listen in to find out more!

On this episode of The Bistro, host Elaine Espinola and Project Director of BBB National Programs Podcasts dive deeper into the conversation surrounding the retail industry by revisiting three previous episodes that each introduced a layer to the discussion: Women’s Purchasing Power, BlackFriday.com, and A Parent’s Guide for Back to School Shopping. Check out this episode to learn more about who is driving consumer spending, what we spend our money on, and how the marketplace is adjusting.

Summer has just begun but there is no time to waste in thinking about one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year. Katherine Cullen, Director of Industry and Consumer Insights at the National Retail Federation joined us last summer to provide in-depth insights and advice on how to navigate the halls of back to school shopping. Happy listening!

It’s #internetsafetymonth! We are certain that your family enjoys all of the benefits of living in a digital world. However, do you know how to stay safe online? Emily Mulder, Program Director of Family Online Safety Institute delves into the experiences of the sandwich generation, digital parenting and more. Don’t miss this great episode! 

It’s #InternetSafetyMonth and on this episode of The Bistro, Katie Goldstein, Senior Staff Attorney of the Children’s Advertising Review Unit, shares with us a twist on internet safety for children. Learn how you as parents could be jeopardizing your children’s safety online. Want more insights? Read Katie’s article in Parents Magazine.

When purchasing a property that is managed by an HOA, we seek to understand the fees but don’t inquire much further. Vivian Parra, President of the Homeowners Protection Bureau shares on The Bistro why homeowners want to go beyond the cost they are obligated to pay their HOA, before signing on the dotted line. Listen in to her great insights!

Mother’s Day is one of the top gift-giving holidays that we encounter every year. According to the National Retail Federation, it is predicted that Americans will spend a record $25 billion on mom this year. Wow, and we have an episode filled with tips on how you can save on contributing to that spend. Tune in as Trae Bodge, a consumer’s best friend, helps us shop smart on gifts for mom this Mother’s Day.    

Our new reality is this, technology has changed the way we live, work, and play and it will continue to do so. On this episode of The Bistro, we chat with J.C. Kuang, Device and Platform Analyst at Greenlight Insights about how virtual and augmented reality are changing the face of banking. Tune in to learn what you should expect from the world of FinTech!

We take a look back and bring you episodes from 2018 that helped us avoid the pitfalls of scams and taught us how to protect our data better. Join us as we revisit our episodes Internet Safety for Children, Consumer Moving Rights, and Unlocking Cryptocurrency. Gain a fresh reminder on how to ensure we do business better.

Women make over 90% of all household purchases. This doesn’t only include groceries and cleaning supplies. Oh no, we’re talking power tools, cars, and major household goods. You don’t want to skip this episode. Susan Dobscha, Professor of Marketing at Bentley University details the consumer power held by women! Happy #nationalwomenshistorymonth!