SHIRT SHOW

Rachel Rogers | Star Cadet | Shirt Show 293

Star Cadet is a creative commerce company. Its mission is to deepen the connection between creators and their communities, and its captain is Rachel Rogers. After helping her husband, Olan Rogers (OG sketch comedy YouTuber) connect with his audience outside of the comments section, Rachel’s crash course experience in the merch world has launched her into a series of endeavors that would make even the boldest of the bold shake in their little space boots. It’s been a bumpy ride, but the journey is out of this world. Topics of discussion include: gratitude journals, mental and physical health, real world education, corporate retail, freelancing, the hybrid retail experience of The Soda Parlor, working with Conan O’Brien, dissolving partnerships, getting hit by a tornado, brand building, creating meaningful connections, brand licensing deals, the realness of YouTube, the love/hate relationship with social media, Mondaes, and running your business with integrity.

Kyle & Annie | Print My Threads | Shirt Show 292

We came hot out of the gate on this one, diving into discussion around finances, and the step by step processes we develop over time as shop owners. But we were sure to circle back and get the story of how Kyle went from pursuing fine art printing to landing in the shirt world, and eventually bringing Annie into the fold full time. Topics of discussion include: Starting projects during downtime, navigating large and tedious orders, pricing structures, dialing in finances, offering benefits, eco-consciousness, cease and desists, moving into a fixer-upper shop, leaving the steady career path behind, having a change of heart with DTF, a very unfortunate box cutting technique, and the unsung lengths taken to satisfy customers.

Dylan Gilligan | Upstate Merch | Shirt Show 291

The turns have tabled, and our very own host has become our first guest of 2026. With Dewey Halpaus as our guest host, and Christina riding shotgun, bear witness as they pry uncomfortable truths, uncomfortable highs, and uncomfortable-er lows out of Dylan’s life journey. Please note, all this discomfort stems from Dylan’s visceral reluctance to talk about himself, and to be a spectator of this event is uniquely joyous. Like a demon being exorcised out of a possessed child, there is sweat, cursing, and a sense of euphoria waiting at the finish line. Topics of discussion include: Small town childhood, working odd jobs, coming up in the New York hardcore scene, finding screen printing, starting Merch Buttons, selling the button business and moving to Atlanta, learning sales, starting Upstate Merch, early business mistakes, partnerships, getting involved in the industry, how your favorite podcast came into existence, the future, listener questions, and the complete list of movies that make Dylan warm and fuzzy inside.

Brooke Bradley | All American Screen Printing | Shirt Show 290

After purchasing a small print shop on a whim, Brooke spent the next 20 years living, breathing, and growing All American Screen Printing. After two decades, she has since sold her shop, and has stepped down to a production manager role. Brooke is here to provide insight into the nagging question that plagues shop owners around the globe- What if I just sell it? Topics of discussion include: getting consumed by your work, the dynamics of working with your spouse, first hires, misprints, life after selling your business, knowing the value of your business, implementing SOPs, and conveyor belt rides.

Dom & Ryan | Superior Ink | Shirt Show 289

Dom and Ryan have both been on Shirt Show in the past, but never as a duo. We’re catching up, getting the story of how these two joined forces, how they’ve handled the rapid growth and transformation of Superior Ink, and what their sights are set on for the future. Topics of discussion include: roulette, the visionary and integrator combo, restructures and investments, leaving Denver, rebuilding your crew and culture, shifting your focus from the big picture to everyday life, imposter syndrome, shop layout and green houses, small town living, finding your purpose, helping your community, the commonalities between all shops of all sizes, tech integration, and being grateful.