Are We On The Air?© artwork

Are We On The Air?©

by Shawn Wilsie

The podcast about DRTV, marketing on television/internet, tv shopping networks, infomercials and commercials, hosted by 30 year veteran of the television shopping industry, Shawn Wilsie.

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Latest Episodes

May 13, 2026 · 21 min
The QVC bankruptcy saga rolls on — but this time, the end may finally be in sight. In this episode, we dive into the latest twists in the bankruptcy proceedings, uncover who's owed what, and follow the money as the retail empire tries to survive its biggest crisis yet. Then: the CEO got paid HOW muc…
Apr 18, 2026 · 20 min
It's official, QVC has filed for bankruptcy.  On this episode a full explanation of what bankruptcy means for now, and for the future of QVC and HSN.  Plus, remembering Paul Kelley.
Apr 1, 2026 · 19 min
QVC was expected to release its fiscal year 2025 numbers by now—but continued delays are raising serious questions, with some speculating that bankruptcy could be on the horizon. In this episode, we break down what these delays might mean for the company and the broader live shopping industry. We al…
Mar 18, 2026 · 32 min
For decades, TV shopping networks ruled the airwaves—turning late-night channel surfing into billion-dollar sales. But today, many are asking: Is TV shopping dying? In this episode, we talk with JW Cudd, an expert in online, app-based, and influencer-driven marketing, about the seismic shift happen…
Feb 13, 2026 · 34 min
The headlines are buzzing — QVC may be facing bankruptcy, and the future of America's most iconic shopping networks hangs in the balance. What went wrong, and what comes next for QVC and HSN? In this episode, we dive deep with Marvin Segel, son of QVC founder Joe Segel, to uncover the story behind t…
Dec 5, 2025 · 19 min
As 2025 winds down, we're rolling back the clock on one of the wildest years the television shopping world has seen. From headline-making shakeups to unexpected triumphs, QVC, HSN, and the entire industry have served up a year packed with drama, reinvention, and a few eyebrow-raising moments. And to…
Nov 19, 2025 · 19 min
On this edition of Are We On The Air?© We're taking a deep dive into one of television's great forgotten stories — the rise and fall of the Cable Value Network. For three short years in the late 1980s, CVN was the shopping channel to beat — bold, ambitious, and ahead of its time. But behind the fla…
Nov 5, 2025 · 27 min
On this episode, the always-inspiring Manuela Marcheggiani by to share the inside scoop on her next big adventure — taking her legendary Isomers brand to a brand-new home, HSN! After decades at another network, she's ready for a fresh chapter, and she's bringing her brilliant scientific mind (and a …
Oct 22, 2025 · 23 min
It's official — Season 5 of Are We On The Air?© is underway. In this episode, we dive into two fascinating developments shaking up the home shopping world. First: what's really happening at ShopHQ? The network vanished from the airwaves, but like a phoenix reborn, it's back — and the story behind i…
Jul 16, 2025 · 36 min
Special Edition Alert! Buckle up for a wild ride on this episode of "Are We On The Air?©" as Shawn sits down with the one and only Joey Mazzant—social media wizard, Orlando tourism guru, and all-around powerhouse of personality! From skyrocketing his career through smart, savvy social media moves t…
Jun 11, 2025 · 30 min
In this can't-miss Part 2 of our deep dive into QVC history and its future, we're back with Marv Segel—son of QVC founder Joseph Segel—and the legendary original host Paul Kelley. We kick things off with a nostalgic (and slightly spicy) look at the early QVC days—before guests, before glitz. Was it…
May 28, 2025 · 37 min
In this episode, the drama behind the glittering screens of QVC takes center stage. Your host, the always insightful Shawn Wilsie, is joined by two heavyweights from the world of televised retail: Marvin Segel, son of QVC's legendary founder, and Paul Kelley, one of the network's original on-air per…
May 12, 2025 · 38 min
From QVC icons to comedy greats, a surprising number of stars in the TV shopping world—and beyond—have roots in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. In this episode, host Shawn Wilsie dives into the mystery: What is it about Minnesota that produces so much on-air talent? Joining him is Tom Oszman, media histo…
Apr 28, 2025 · 39 min
Buckle up for Part Two of our conversation with the always entertaining Steve Sedahl! This episode dives into the wild world of two lesser-known TV shopping networks Steve worked at — stories you definitely haven't heard before. Then, we get into what everyone's been waiting for: how Steve landed a …
Apr 14, 2025 · 30 min
Everyone knows QVC and HSN, but back in the late 1980s, the dominant name in the world of TV shopping was the Cable Value Network—better known as CVN. On this episode, we rewind to 1986 and sit down with original CVN host Steve Sedahl. Best known to some as "Chopper" from the cult comedy series Let…
Mar 31, 2025 · 20 min
Breaking News: QVC/HSN has just announced that 900 employees are being let go as part of a major downsizing. So, how is ShopHQ still thriving and staying ahead in the game? Plus, we're honoring the legacy of an infomercial icon, who we recently lost.
Mar 18, 2025 · 24 min
The latest annual results for QVC/HSN are in, and let's just say they're not looking pretty—that's the shocking first chapter of today's podcast. But don't worry, we've got something special in store after that! The legendary Bob Circosta returns to the show for an unforgettable walk down memory lan…
Mar 3, 2025 · 30 min
Get ready for a blast from the past as we welcome Bob Circosta, the original HSN host (Home Shopping Club), to the podcast! With the iconic home of HSN in Tampa/St. Petersburg closing its doors and relocating to West Chester, PA, Bob takes us on a fun, behind-the-scenes journey. He'll share the fasc…
Feb 17, 2025 · 15 min
In part two of our exclusive interview with Aaron Kessler—dubbed "the future of the TV shopping industry"—he opens up to Shawn about his childhood and the experiences that shaped him into the dynamic force he is today, so watch out QVC and HSN. But that's not all! Food lovers in Minneapolis and St. …
Feb 3, 2025 · 29 min
Qurate Retail Group, the powerhouse behind both QVC and HSN, has made a bold move: they're shutting down the iconic HSN campus, which has been the heart of home shopping for decades. In 2025, all operations will be consolidated at QVC's state-of-the-art "Studio Park" facility in Pennsylvania. What d…