Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Chevin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for The Shop Talk Podcast was inspired by my experience as a barber, where I saw firsthand the unique role a barbershop plays as a place to unwind, connect, and share stories with people from all walks of life. Barbershops bring together individuals with different perspectives in a relaxed setting—a place where local culture and conversation come alive. I realized that Vancouver was missing a similar community-focused space in the digital world—a place where people could tune in to relatable, pop culture–oriented conversations that resonate with our local experience.
There’s a common misconception that Vancouver is ‘closed-off’ or lacking in social engagement, and we wanted to counter that with a platform that fosters connection, curiosity, and humor. The Shop Talk Podcast was created to fill this space, offering a go-to spot for discovering cool events, interesting facts, and fresh perspectives, all while making people laugh and feel at home in their city.
Our goal is to be a safe, welcoming space where guests and listeners alike can share insights, exchange ideas, and feel part of a lighthearted community. What excites me most is the impact we’re seeing as we highlight local events, businesses, and artists—breaking down the notion that Vancouver is a ‘boring’ or ‘clicky’ place. It’s incredible to know we’re helping people discover the vibrant, interconnected community right here in their own backyard.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
In an age where red-pill content and constant media negativity seem to dominate, we’re dedicated to creating a safe space where people can come together, laugh, and have open, lighthearted conversations about the topics shaping our social norms. Through The Shop Talk Podcast, we explore and share diverse perspectives, ranging from business ownership to the artistry of creatives, with a focus on celebrating our local community.
Our episodes cover various voices and experiences—showcasing entrepreneurs, event planners, and artists—who bring fresh insight into how we live, work, and build our communities. Our goal isn’t just to entertain but to give back by highlighting the hardworking locals striving to make life better for everyone. With regular guest interviews and monthly shoutouts, we aim to uplift other businesses like ours, cultivating an environment of mutual support and appreciation.
More than anything, we take pride in showing our love for our city and the people within it, by delivering engaging, meaningful content. We hope our listeners find delight, inspiration, and a bit of wonder with every episode.
How’d you meet your business partner?
My business partner and I first crossed paths as international students from Nigeria at Columbia College in Vancouver, BC. We were drawn together by shared experiences as newcomers, quickly becoming friends within the same social circle. Our connection deepened as we both landed our first jobs in Canada at the same restaurant, where we learned the value of teamwork and resilience in a new country. Those early days laid the foundation for a strong partnership built on shared values, experiences, and a vision for creating something meaningful together.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building our social media presence has been an ongoing journey. Initially, we relied on word-of-mouth, sharing our content with friends, family, and new connections we met at events. More recently, we started working with a marketing team and collaborating with content creators, which has significantly boosted our reach. Consistent posting and analyzing engagement metrics have proven to be our most effective strategies as we continue to grow.
For anyone starting out, our best advice is to stay persistent. Focus less on the numbers and more on refining your content and engaging with your audience. When you hone in on your voice and connect authentically, your niche will naturally find you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/theshoptalk1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shop_talk_podcast/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-godei-7a668720b/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_ShopTalk
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheShopTalk1?sub_confirmation=1
- Soundcloud: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theshoptalk1
- Other: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theshoptalk1
Image Credits
Wei Chong -First Photo
@weichongcreative/@definitelynotwei
& Jaspi Namwira- 2nd – 4th photo @jaspinams/@tng_entertainment