One of DSN’s most popular podcasts has a new vision, a new host and a new name.
Direct Selling News is ushering in a new era for one of its most popular media platforms.
After nearly 100 episodes and three years of conversations with some of the direct selling channel’s most respected leaders, the Shift podcast has evolved into something new: What’s Working in Direct Selling, hosted by industry coach, consultant and author Rob Sperry.
The transition marks more than a rebrand. It represents a renewed commitment from DSN to provide field leaders, distributors and executives with actionable insights, trusted perspectives and real-world strategies from across the channel. Having worked closely with both corporate teams and field leaders for more than two decades, Sperry hopes to help each side better understand what’s actually driving growth in today’s marketplace.
Originally launched by long-time industry leader Blake Mallen, shift was created to fill what he described as a “gap” in the profession—a trusted platform where distributors and entrepreneurs could hear directly from top performers.
“Over the last nearly 100 episodes, we’ve had a front-row seat to some of the most successful top performers and achievers in the channel,” Mallen said during the podcast’s finale episode. “People who took time away from their teams and families to transparently share the greatest shifts in mindset, methodology and strategy that helped them become who they are today.”
Now, DSN is building on that foundation with a refreshed format and a new voice behind the microphone.
Sperry, who has spent more than two decades coaching leaders and consulting with direct selling companies, brings a uniquely broad perspective to the role. A former top field leader himself, he has trained more than 1,700 verified six- and seven-figure earners and worked closely with both corporate executives and distributor leaders.
“This feels like an emotional episode,” Sperry said during the handoff conversation with Mallen. “You put your heart and soul into this. I feel honored to help take that mantle and do my best to continue it.”
Unlike traditional interview podcasts that focus primarily on inspiration or storytelling, What’s Working in Direct Selling is designed to deliver highly practical, implementation-focused insights listeners can immediately apply in their businesses.
“People want to cut through the noise and know what’s actually working,” Sperry explained. “Every guest will come in focused on the one thing they do exceptionally well, and we’ll break that down into actionable takeaways.”
The structure is intentional. Sperry plans to focus each episode around “the rule of three”—three practical lessons, strategies or systems that listeners can implement immediately.
For DSN, the evolution aligns perfectly with the organization’s longstanding mission of serving as a trusted source of information and leadership for the channel.
“DSN is always looking for new ways to serve the direct selling channel with timely, practical and trustworthy content,” said Stuart Johnson, Founder and CEO. “Shift built a strong foundation. Rob and What’s Working in Direct Selling will take that mission even further by giving leaders direct access to the strategies, insights and conversations shaping success in today’s marketplace.”
Mallen believes the timing for the podcast’s evolution could not be more important. “We are still in this season of rapid evolution and transformation as a channel. We need access to people who are willing to share what’s working today and how they’re navigating change.”
The new format also reflects broader shifts happening across entrepreneurship, social selling and digital business building. Rather than relying solely on broad motivational messaging, Sperry says today’s leaders are searching for clarity, specificity and duplication.
“What works is what duplicates. If someone is getting results with Facebook groups, tell me the top three things they’re doing. If someone is building face-to-face, show me exactly how they’re doing it. I want listeners leaving every episode with ideas they can implement immediately.”
The balance between inspiration and implementation helped make shift resonate with listeners across multiple generations of direct sellers. Over nearly 100 episodes, the podcast featured conversations with legendary leaders, rising stars, executives and entrepreneurs from virtually every corner of the profession.
Reflecting on the experience, Mallen said one of the biggest lessons from hosting the show was discovering the common patterns shared by successful leaders—regardless of company, background or generation.
Those themes will continue into the next chapter of the podcast, but with an even sharper focus on actionable leadership and field execution. Subscribers to shift will automatically continue receiving episodes under the new What’s Working in Direct Selling brand across all major podcast platforms.
For Sperry, the mission behind the microphone remains simple. “My goal is to bring out the best from every guest and share strategies that can genuinely help people grow.”
And for DSN, the evolution represents another step in its ongoing effort to serve the direct selling profession through credible journalism, meaningful conversations and practical leadership resources that help the channel move forward.
From the July/August/September 2026 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.
