Episodes

  • Bonus Episode: How 8 CX Leaders Are Making AI Work—Right Now
    Dec 23 2025

    In this Bonus episode of the CX Mixer, host Larry Thoma explores the fast-changing world of AI-powered customer experience with leaders from Glossier, Dr. Squatch, Caraway, Bobble Bar, 32 Degrees, True Classic, and Wyze. Guests share real world examples of using AI—from personality-driven chatbots to fraud prevention and sales support—while balancing automation with the human touch. The conversation highlights key challenges, best practices, and practical strategies for scaling AI, preserving brand voice, and delivering better CX. Tune in for actionable takeaways on future-proofing your cx strategy with artificial intelligence.

    Timestamps
    0:00 – Intro & Episode Overview
    01:00 – Brianna on AI in Commerce & Chatbots
    06:00 – Human vs. AI: High-Touch Experiences
    12:00 – Kayla on Scaling CX & Phone Automation
    21:00 – Dr. Squatch’s AI Chatbot & Sales Use Cases
    33:00 – Bobble Bar: Onboarding & Social AI
    44:00 – Caraway: Strategy & Vendor Evaluation
    55:00– True Classic: AI for Repetitive Tasks & Training
    1:07 – Wyze: Deep Integration & Pre-Sales AI
    1:19 – Glossier: Triage, Sales, & Community AI
    1:29 – Wrap-Up & Fun Takeaways

    Socials
    Larry:https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrythoma/
    Brianna:https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanna-moreno-183a8459/
    Caela:https://www.linkedin.com/in/caela-castillo-29a73770/
    Tess:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasnuva-awal/
    Maritza:https://www.linkedin.com/in/maritza-mejia-46129b56/
    Nancy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-gurd-17b67a209/
    Jordan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordangesky/
    Logan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/logandunn/
    Cati:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cati-brunell-brutman-5355b04a/

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 33 mins
  • 0 to 100: Building CX From Day One
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode of the CX Mixer, host Larry Thoma welcomes customer experience experts Breanna Moreno and Dan Kaparski for a dynamic discussion on building CX from day one. Dan Kaparski shares his approach to launching a celebrity-backed fashion brand, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, tech stack essentials, and proactive fraud prevention. Breanna draws on her experience scaling True Classic from its early days and offers hard-won lessons on process, vendor partnerships, and the realities of handling Black Friday chaos. Together, they tackle myth-busting around AI, navigating inventory shortages, and the ongoing evolution of customer journey strategies. Listeners will gain actionable insights into balancing lean teams with premium CX, handling rapid growth, and pivoting with industry trends. Whether you’re launching a startup or reimagining your brand’s customer journey, this episode delivers practical playbook tips and candid confessions from two CX pros.

    Socials

    Larry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrythoma/

    Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dankaparski/

    Breanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanna-moreno-183a8459/



    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Quiet Luxury, Human CX: Everlane & Vuori on Premium Experiences Without the Snob Factor
    Nov 20 2025

    In this episode of the CX Mixer, host Larry Thoma welcomes Lisa from Everlane and Chad from Vuori for a lively discussion on what it means to deliver “quiet luxury” in customer experience. Together, they explore how their brands balance premium quality, approachability, and sustainability while adapting to evolving customer needs. Listeners will hear candid insights on the power of transparency, building trust, and crafting seamless, almost “invisible” experiences that let products—and people—shine. Chad and Lisa share strategies for handling returns, leveraging AI thoughtfully, and eliminating pain points, all while keeping the human touch front and center. With real stories, confessions from the frontline, and actionable CX tips, this episode offers fresh perspectives for brands looking to elevate their experience—proving that what really matters is making customers feel understood, valued, and prioritized. Perfect for anyone seeking practical inspiration for premium, customer-centric service.

    Socials

    Larry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrythoma/

    Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisayarrow/

    Chad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadpwarren/

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • The Modern Man’s Journey: From Rugged to Refined
    Nov 6 2025

    In this episode of the CX Mixer, host Larry Thoma explores the evolving landscape of men's fashion and customer experience with Katy from Suit Shop and Nichelle from Taylor Stitch. They discuss the shift in male consumer behavior, emphasizing the growing importance of personalization and emotional connection in menswear purchases. The conversation delves into the challenges of sizing across international markets, the rise of virtual consultations, and the delicate balance between efficiency and personal touch in customer service. The guests share insights on combating return fraud, leveraging AI in customer interactions, and the importance of building lasting brand loyalty in the fast-paced world of fashion e-commerce.

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • The Fine Print: Fighting Fraud Without Losing Customers
    Oct 23 2025

    In this episode of the CX Mixer, host Larry Thomas speaks with Michael from Fanatics Live and Taylor from Nathan James about combating fraud without alienating customers. They discuss various types of fraud in e-commerce, from return abuse to warranty scams, and share strategies for detection and prevention. Key topics include educating customer service teams, leveraging technology like video verification, and maintaining customer-friendly policies while staying vigilant. The experts also debunk myths about customer experience roles and highlight the strategic importance of CX teams in driving revenue and improving business outcomes.


    Socials

    Larry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrythoma/

    Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldludwig

    Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorj23

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • From Cart to Closet to Cup Holder: CX For Modern Essentials
    Oct 9 2025

    In this episode of the CX Mixer podcast, host Larry Thoma interviews Katie from Simple Modern and Jennifer from 32 Degrees. They explore how brands can leverage AI to enhance customer experience, fight fraud, and create seamless post-purchase experiences while increasing loyalty. The guests share insights on misconceptions about selling everyday products, their CX strategies, and tools they use to improve customer interactions. They discuss the challenges of managing customer expectations for low-priced items and the importance of empathy in customer service. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in customer support and how it can be effectively integrated without compromising the human touch.

    Socials:

    Larry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrythoma/

    Katie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mitchell-37b51921a/

    Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-villalba-34999469/

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Gold Chains and Soap Bars: Female CX Bosses Revolutionizing Men's Brands | Ep 5
    Jul 24 2025

    Caela, Director of CX at Jackson, and Tess, Senior CX Manager at Dr. Squatch, discuss designing customer experience for men's brands. They challenge misconceptions about male consumers, highlighting their engagement and care for product quality. The episode explores strategies for building community, gathering customer feedback, and educating consumers post-purchase. Both leaders emphasize the importance of empathy in CX, regardless of gender. They share insights on leveraging AI in customer service while maintaining a human touch, and discuss the power of reviews in shaping brand perception.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Intro: CX for men's brands
    05:32 Misconceptions about male shoppers
    09:00 Evolution of the male consumer
    14:01 CX Playbook: AI chatbots and reviews
    19:45 Confession booth: Learning from mistakes
    30:20 Love Island and brand collaborations
    34:34 Okendo for reviews and customer insights
    40:55 Spotlight on post-purchase customer journey
    52:26 Mythbuster: Men want to engage and chat
    58:04 Advice for vendor interactions at conferences

    Socials
    Larry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrythoma/
    Caela:https://www.linkedin.com/in/caela-castillo-29a73770/
    Tess:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasnuva-awal/

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • Everywhere All at Once: Mastering CX Across Channels | Wyze & Olly | Ep 4
    Jul 10 2025

    Logan Dunn, Head of E-Commerce at Wyze, and Jennifer Peters, Director of D2C at Olly Vitamins, discuss the challenges of managing customer experience across multiple sales channels. They explore the complexities of warranty claims, inventory management, and customer data integration.

    The conversation delves into the effectiveness of direct mail marketing, the potential of TikTok Shop, and the importance of tailoring experiences for different channels. Both guests share insights on leveraging technology like Snowflake for data management and the challenges of creating consistent customer experiences in an omni-channel environment. The episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of e-commerce and retail.

    00:00 Intro: Mastering CX across channels
    05:45 CX breakdowns in multi-channel selling
    11:21 Uniting customer experience across channels
    30:22 Tools and platforms for omnichannel CX
    42:50 Customer journey disconnects and solutions
    53:35 Hot takes on TikTok Shop's future

    Socials
    Larry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrythoma/
    Logan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/logandunn/
    Jennifer:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-peters-3bbb6220/


    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min