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Sean McHenry

Associate Producer

SHORT BIO

Sean is based in Los Angeles, California.

He works on the flagship broadcast show “Marketplace,” where he produces host interviews, first-person stories via the “My Economy” series, and directs (he’s one of the people who picks the music you hear on the show).

Sean graduated from the University of Michigan and got his formal entry to radio as an intern on Michigan Radio’s daily newsmagazine “Stateside.” Before that, his notable jobs include writing teacher, barista, and he was briefly a janitor. He enjoys being a big nerd over coffee and TV, especially sci-fi and reality TV.

Episodes by Sean (4)

Corner Office from Marketplace

Running a contemporary art museum is a balancing act

Feb 10, 2020
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Corner Office from Marketplace

For "The Walking Dead's" Scott Gimple, a story needs sadness to make the happiness real

Oct 30, 2019
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Corner Office from Marketplace

Dick's Sporting Goods' Ed Stack on taking a stand

Oct 7, 2019
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Corner Office from Marketplace

Dany Garcia runs one of the most influential companies you probably haven't heard of

Sep 25, 2019
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Latest Stories (399)

For this Maine chocolatier, costs are starting to cool down

by Sean McHenry
Jan 12, 2023
After raising prices last fall, Kristin Thalheimer Bingham, co-owner of Dean's Sweets, describes her expenses and product pricing.
"Our biggest challenge going forward is to get our inventory back up and ready for Valentine's Day," said Kristin Thalheimer Bingham, co-owner of Dean's Sweets. Above, nonpareils from the shop.
Melissa Mullen Photography
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A Mississippi record and comic store deals with the January "dead zone"

by Sean McHenry
Jan 10, 2023
OffBeat owner Phillip Rollins says January and summer are his "most hated months" because business is so slow.
OffBeat in Jackson, Mississippi, had a good holiday season but is dealing with the January doldrums.
Courtesy Phillip Rollins
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Over the holidays, retailers faced inventory woes and harsh winter weather

by Sean McHenry
Jan 5, 2023
Three retailers from across the country share how they did over the holiday shopping season.
"We definitely saw more late shoppers this year than in previous years, especially the week before Christmas," said Eric Champlin, co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Company in Hiawassee, Georgia.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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How 'Ivy' clothes became a century-spanning fashion mainstay

by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry
Dec 19, 2022
"Ivy was a huge clothing phenomenon in the mid-20th century," said Avery Trufelman, host of the podcast "Articles of Interest." "And over time, it evolved into what was in the '70s and '80s called 'preppy style,' and what I argue now almost has no name at all."
"In the 20th century, we went from wanting to look rich to wanting to look cool," said Avery Trufelman. "And the weird thing about it is preppy clothes have changed with all of these trends."
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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Race and Economy

A sneakers store builds a bridge where Black Wall Street once stood

by Sean McHenry
Dec 15, 2022
Venita Cooper says Silhouette Sneakers & Art is "destination retail." But the store is helped by tourists visiting the historic site.
"We have a very fraught history of separation and division," Venita Cooper says. "Sneakers is one of those things that really brings people together."
Courtesy Gary Mason
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A Seattle 'candle bar' sees its first holiday shopping season

by Sean McHenry
Dec 8, 2022
Originally started in her kitchen during the pandemic, candlemaker Colina Bruce talks about moving her business into a brick-and-mortar store and how things are shaping up through the holidays.
"Noir Lux started as kind of a pandemic passion project in my kitchen," said owner Colina Bruce. "That led into launching a whole ecommerce site, virtual candle- making classes, and that got my wheels turning about what it might look like for me to have my own space."
Cr. @kingnoir31
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For hiking outfitter, this holiday season feels like a path untrodden

by Sean McHenry
Dec 7, 2022
From dealing with surplus inventory to accommodating changing consumer habits, this Georgia retailer is trying to suss out the future.
Eric Champlin (left) and husband Rob Sollie at their shop in Hiawassee, Georgia. "Consumer buying patterns are definitely shifting," Champlin says.
Courtesy Champlin
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PR emails are a given in the publicity business, but do they really work?

by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry
Nov 29, 2022
Slate writer Dan Kois said "yes" to most of the publicity emails he got in a single day. In return, he got a firsthand look at how the publicity business works.
"I get a lot of PR emails every day," said Slate writer Dan Kois. "You know, over 100 just sort of roll in."
Jewel Samad/AFP via Getty Images
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Amid Black Friday sales, retailers are still dealing with inflation

by Sean McHenry
Nov 23, 2022
From records to chocolate to bicycles, three small businesses describe how they're doing ahead of Black Friday.
As shoppers flock to stores this Black Friday, small businesses are still weighing how to handle rising prices.
Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images
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In the pre-holiday scramble, small businesses see a little bit of supply chain relief

by Sean McHenry
Oct 26, 2022
The owners of a record and comic book shop, a toy store, and a greeting card and outdoor gear business share their experiences.
Shelves of comic books and record bins at Phillip Rollins' new OffBeat location, in Jackson, Mississippi.
Courtesy Phillip Rollins
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