Merch Minds Podcast
The podcast where we discuss everything about the Merch by Amazon business and the print on demand industry.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 163: Interview With Singer and Creator Ashten White
11/08/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 163: Interview With Singer and Creator Ashten White
This week I had the opportunity to talk to the lovely and talented Ashten White. She is a singer who recently got into Merch by Amazon. She shares her journey into POD and how she is trying to scale her account. She talks about how she designed a shirt for herself and was then approached by her friends to make them one. If you want to see her shirt, the link is below. Buy one for yourself, and let's make this shirt go viral. Titty Tee Instagram
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 162: Interview With Ryan Hogue
11/02/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 162: Interview With Ryan Hogue
This week I got a chance to talk with Ryan Hogue. Ryan has a very successful YouTube channel where he has been documenting his POD journey. Regardless of whether you like him or not, he's been making an impact in the POD community. Ryan talks a lot about his automation process. While he's a one-person operation, he does have tools to help him scale his account. Make sure and subscribe to his channel below.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 161: The Return of Hustler Hacks
10/19/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 161: The Return of Hustler Hacks
Glen Zubia makes his return to the Merch Minds Podcast. After answering why Glen stopped doing Merch by Amazon to a few listeners, I invited him back on the show. Glen and I had a blast catching up and talking POD. Make sure and subscribe to his channel if you're looking for other ways to make money. Glen has made a career of reselling sneakers for a profit. The link to his channel is below.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 160: Discussing Trademarks With Dave Cadoff
10/04/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 160: Discussing Trademarks With Dave Cadoff
As a small business owner and being involved POD, this will be the most important episode. Dave Cadoff joins me this week to discuss trademarks. If you don't take trademarks seriously, it can get you banned from Amazon and other platforms. Dave shares a lot of information, so please pay close attention. If you want to get involved, then make sure and join the Trademark Watchdogs Facebook group. The link is below.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 159: Kelli Roberts Returns to the Merch Minds Podcast
09/27/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 159: Kelli Roberts Returns to the Merch Minds Podcast
Kelli Roberts, a long time friend of the Merch Minds Podcast, returns to catch us up in her POD journey. Kelli is no longer publishing low-content and no-content books on KDP. As many of you know, Kelli was my mentor when it came to KDP Publishing. Kelli discusses why she is no longer publishing on KDP and primarily focused on Merch by Amazon. She discusses her strategies and what she is expecting for Q4 this year. Make sure and subscribe to her YouTube channel.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 158: Dean and Courtney Jayroe from TeeDuel
09/20/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 158: Dean and Courtney Jayroe from TeeDuel
Dean and Courtney Jayroe return and talk about their own printing business. They were initially on the show back in 2018 on episode 108. A lot has changed for them since they were originally on the show. They have scaled their business and purchased a second DTG printer. They also have employees now, so they could focus more on running their business instead of printing shirts. If you would like to contact them, their website is listed below.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 157: Interview With Jeff Davidson
09/05/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 157: Interview With Jeff Davidson
This week I talk to Jeff Davidson from San Diego, CA. Like many of us, Jeff started his side hustle career in reselling and then got into print-on-demand. Jeff is on various platforms such as Merch by Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Jeff also does a lot of woodwork where he creates custom pieces for his customers. He also does vinyl and 3-D printing. The one important lesson we can learn from my interview with Jeff is that we can all benefit from multiple income streams.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 156: Interview With Hella Bella
08/28/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 156: Interview With Hella Bella
This week I had Hella Bella on the show, and we had a long conversation about anything and everything. At the age of 26, she has accomplished more than people her age. She's an entrepreneur, homeowner and has a popular YouTube channel. Bella documents her journey on Merch by Amazon and is very transparent about her journey. Like myself, she openly shares her numbers and doesn't sugarcoat anything. Make sure and subscribe to her YouTube channel and follow her journey as she becomes a Merch by Amazon rock star. Hella Bella YouTube: Hella Bella Instagram:
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 155: Interview With Myrna Gomez
08/21/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 155: Interview With Myrna Gomez
This week I talk with Myrna Gomez. Myrna is a great ambassador for Merch by Amazon in the Hispanic community. She runs a very successful Facebook group and has a YouTube channel for Spanish speakers interested in print on demand. We talk about how she leverages her culture to make designs for the Hispanic community. Myrna understands the importance of her heritage and manages to make positive designs. Make sure and subscribe to her YouTube channel to show her support. Merch by Amazon and Print on Demand in Spanish (Facebook Group) KDP in Spanish (Facebook Group) Myrna Gomez YouTube Channel
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 154: Getting Down and Dirty With Filthy Phil
08/16/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 154: Getting Down and Dirty With Filthy Phil
Love him or hate him, Filthy Phil is making more money than most of us on Merch by Amazon. Having been on Amazon for four years at the time of recording this episode he's now making an average of $15k per month. That's more than what most of us make at our day jobs. Filthy Phil shares his story on how he got started and how he was able to scale his account. He was able to teach himself design and Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. From there he never looked back and is now sitting pretty at the 200,000 tier and continues his hustle. Make sure and check out his YouTube channel.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 153: Getting Inspired With Eric Patrick Thomas
07/31/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 153: Getting Inspired With Eric Patrick Thomas
I was introduced to Eric Patrick Thomas last year. Unfortunately, we never recorded his episode due to COVID-19 and the issues I was dealing with in my personal life. Today I had the privilege of talking to Eric and this might be the most inspirational episode to date. In 1997, Eric suffered a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the neck down. While most people in his situation might have made excuses Eric decided to make the best of his situation and thrive. He now runs a successful apparel brand and design business. Get "Inspired" by Eric Patrick Thomas. Personal: inspire brand: #inspire #inspireFriday #alctw EZ Awareness by Design: #withoutawarenessyourinvisible
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 152: I'm Back and My Conversation With Ken Reil
07/22/2021
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 152: I'm Back and My Conversation With Ken Reil
Hello, all you cool cats and kittens! What a year it has been since my very last episode. A lot has happened since then, and there have been some significant changes on Merch. So I invited my good friend Ken Reil to come and talk Merch with me on my return episode. I apologize in advance for the quality of the audio. I'll be honest with you. It's been so long that I almost forgot how to record my very own show. I promise that it will get better. In the meantime, ignore the clicking sound and enjoy my conversation with Ken Reil.
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A Tribute to My Father
08/15/2020
A Tribute to My Father
In this episode, I talk about the hardest working man I've ever known. Rest in peace, abeoji.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 151: Why Hasn't There Been Any New Episode of the Merch Minds Podcast
07/19/2020
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 151: Why Hasn't There Been Any New Episode of the Merch Minds Podcast
I read your emails and messages, and in this episode, I talk about why I haven't been putting out much content. I am going through some changes in my personal life, which I reveal in this episode. Listen to this episode, and you will understand why there hasn't been much content from me.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 150: Interview with Nancy Badillo
06/23/2020
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 150: Interview with Nancy Badillo
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. I am still under quarantine and going through some changes in my personal life. Everything is fine, and I'm making some changes which I will explain in the near future. In this episode, I interview Nancy Badillo. She has a popular YouTube channel and makes a full-time living selling digital products on Etsy. I know this podcast is about print-on-demand, and technically digital products are print-on-demand products. Listen to the episode, and Nancy explains more. The two best POD platforms are behind on production, and many of us suffered the past few months. Now is the time to rethink our strategy and diversify our income streams. Learn more about Nancy's new course in this episode. I am not an affiliate for her course.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 149: Quarantine Episode with RJ Martinez
04/05/2020
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 149: Quarantine Episode with RJ Martinez
In the last episode, my good friend Greg Johnson and I talked about the importance of having different income streams. We're literally in a recession, and a lot of people are out of jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, don't let that stop you from providing for your family. I wanted to hold myself accountable and decided to sign up for Postmates, which is a food and grocery delivery service. Just a couple of days ago, I started my career as a food and grocery courier. In this episode, I recap my first experience as a driver for Postmates and how much I made. RJ Martinez joined me as we talk about diverse income streams and being a courier for various food delivery services. Also, it's great entertainment while most of us are in quarantine. Finally, if you want to sign up for Postmates, make sure and use my promo code. From my understanding, we both get a signup bonus if you use it. Postmates
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 148: Extra Income Opportunities with Greg Johnson
03/23/2020
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 148: Extra Income Opportunities with Greg Johnson
These are uncertain and confusing times since the COVID-19 virus became a global pandemic. We went from a stable economy to be in a recession overnight. With a few states being under the place in shelter order, many businesses are closes, and more states will follow. In this episode, I invited Greg Johnson back to the podcast. He is a small business owner who is also suffering, just like most Americans. However, over the years, he created multiple income streams for himself and have that extra cushion to support him and his family. Greg recently created a free Facebook group called Extra Income Opportunities. It's a small group where he brings together like-minded individuals to brainstorm and talk about how to make money on the side. Many of us might be out of jobs, but there are other opportunities that we can take advantage of. If you're one of the many Americans that need direction and encouragement, I highly recommend you join this group. You can learn a thing or two outside of print-on-demand and create various income streams for yourself. These are challenging times, but with support, we can make the best of it. Extra Income Opportunities
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 147: Zero to Hero With Joseph Gallegos
02/28/2020
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 147: Zero to Hero With Joseph Gallegos
I heard you loud and clear. I've read your messages and emails. You have been asking when I was going to come back, blaring into your earbuds. Well, here I am with another episode of the Merch Minds Podcast. I initially met Joseph Gallegos back in 2017. He was getting his feet wet with Merch by Amazon, and his journey has paid off. He is now making a full-time income with Merch, and there is no turning back for him. He surpassed me and is looking to grow his account further. So how did he do it? In this episode, I pick Joseph's brain and ask him for suggestions on how to get more sales. You will be surprised by his answers. In short, he owes everything to hard work.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 146: How to Start a Podcast With Helen Kinson From Merch Money
02/04/2020
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 146: How to Start a Podcast With Helen Kinson From Merch Money
This week Helen Kinson from Merch Money and I discuss how to start a podcast. It might seem complicated, but it's actually pretty easy. You can start a podcast for free or even on a very tight budget. We discuss everything about what services we use, types of equipment, the questions we ask, and even about affiliate marketing. Anyone can do it, and Helen and I compare notes. Helen is so humble, but she is a force to reckon with as a content creator. Also, this is your final chance to sign up for Pixel Pod Studio and its bonuses. We heard you loud and clear! We are now offering PowerPoint files with all our interiors. Because of this special announcement, we extended the signup date to 11:59 pm this Sunday, February 9, 2020. While you can sign up anytime, the bonuses won't last long. Let's review what you're getting below. Ten ready to upload KDP interiors (PDF) including INDD, IDML, and now PowerPoint files 50 Transparent PNG custom line drawings Facebook group for support Weekly live calls InDesign tutorials on how to customize and resize interiors Keyword and listing optimization tutorials The bonuses are: Ten additional ready to upload KDP interiors (PDF) including INDD files and IDML files (Total of 20 for signing up) 100 Transparent PNG custom line drawings (Total of 100 for signing up) There are no long term contracts so you can cancel at any time. Again, the subscription is only $24.97 per month. Sign up today and separate you from the rest of the competition.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 145: Announcing the Launch of Pixel Pod Studio!
01/23/2020
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 145: Announcing the Launch of Pixel Pod Studio!
Happy New Year! This episode is all about my latest venture. My good friends, Manny, RJ, and I decided to start offering KDP interiors for people in the low-content publishing business. If you don't like being marketed to, I suggest that you don't listen to this episode. However, if you're interested in high-quality interiors for your low-content and no-content publishing business, please proceed. We're proud to announce the launch of Pixel Pod Studio. So what is Pixel Pod Studio? I teamed up with my friend Manny who has a very successful design career both in corporate and freelance. We decided to team up and offer the KDP community interiors that have never been offered until now. We're providing premium interiors that Manny and I are personally designing ourselves. Nothing is being outsourced. All interiors are designed in Adobe InDesign and not PowerPoint using premium fonts. In return, you get the highest quality interiors on the market. Listen to the podcast and hear for yourself what you're getting. Ten ready to upload PDF interiors for KDP, including INDD and IDML files 50 transparent PNG custom line drawings Facebook group for support Tutorials on how to personalize and customize each interior using Adobe InDesign Keyword & Listing Optimization Tutorials As a special bonus offer. If you get sign up before January 31, 2020, you will receive the following bonuses. Ten ready to upload PDF interiors for KDP, including INDD and IDML files 50 additional lined drawings Sign up today before the bonuses are gone.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 144: Year In Review and Goals for 2020
12/31/2019
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 144: Year In Review and Goals for 2020
This is the very last Merch Minds episode of 2020. Since I started the year with a Spanish co-host, it's only fitting that I end the year with a Spanish co-host. RJ Martinez joins me to recap some of the highlights and lowlights of 2020. Thank you everyone for your support, and I'll catch up with you next year.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 143: Interview with Juna Duncan at Detour Shirts
12/29/2019
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 143: Interview with Juna Duncan at Detour Shirts
Happy Holidays everyone! This week I speak with the very talented Juna Duncan at Detour Shirts. Juna comes to us from Salt Lake City, which is where the next Merch by Amazon Conference will be held. Juna also happens to run one of the most popular and active Instagram accounts for POD. Juna also talks about the popular style of designs that are resonating with the youth. He talks about the unique Kawaii style of design that originated in Japan. The best way to describe the Kawaii style is that it has a lot of pastel colors, and everything is CUTE. Make sure and follow Juna and Detour Shirts on IG. He breaks down his designs and shows how they can be made with just simple shapes. He also shares a variety of niches, so make sure and show him support on IG. Detour Shirts Instagram:
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 142: Discussing Licensing Agreements and DesignerCon with Ken Reil
12/12/2019
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 142: Discussing Licensing Agreements and DesignerCon with Ken Reil
Every episode is a special episode, but this episode is extra special. This week my father Ken Reil stops by, and we discuss licensing agreements and DesignerCon. We had the opportunity to attend DesignerCon in Anaheim a few weeks ago, and we recap our experience. Ken also drops some valuable nuggets on how to succeed on Merch by Amazon. We're very fortunate that Ken has connections with the staff at Merch by Amazon, and he's always sharing what he can with the community. Ken drops some hints on what's coming in 2020. I was always very vocal about how saturated the Merch by Amazon marketplace is. However, Ken reassured me that there is still money to be made. Let's all start making goals for 2020 and make sure to share your goals with us in the comments.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 141: Interview with Illustrator and Designer Jay Reed
12/01/2019
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 141: Interview with Illustrator and Designer Jay Reed
This week I talk to the talented artist and illustrator Jay Reed. Jay resides in Southern California, specifically in Orange County. He's been doing print on demand long before Merch by Amazon even existed. Jay makes a full-time living doing print-on-demand and commission work. It's obvious that he knows what makes a good design and understands how to be successful. Jay shares on how he comes up with concepts and other strategies that we can all implement. Check out Jay's work for yourself. Website: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter:
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 140: Interview with Michael Webster from the Strugglepreneur Podcast
11/14/2019
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 140: Interview with Michael Webster from the Strugglepreneur Podcast
Michael Webster represents the struggle. He is your average guy with big goals. Like most of us, he's seeking financial freedom. He wants his wife to be able to retire and be able to support his five children. How can you not support him? For Michael, it's not about him but more about his family. He talks about his journey into POD and as always he gives my audience a little surprise on how he makes money with local sales. Make sure and support Michael and his podcast, the Strugglepreneur Podcast. He documents his journey and struggles as an entrepreneur. Let's encourage him to put out more episodes by subcribing!
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 139: Interview with Duy Truong from Portland Squad
11/07/2019
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 139: Interview with Duy Truong from Portland Squad
Duy Truong from Portland is starting a new venture with POD. He originally started Merch by Amazon back in early 2017. He's now starting a new journey into building his own brand and selling on his own platform. Duy started Portland Squad to pay homage to the city he absolutely loves. Being born and raised in Portland he hopes the city can help with his new business venture. Portland Squad is a brand that all of us can relate to because he's building his business from the ground up. Follow Duy's journey and show him some love on IG. Portland Squad Portland Squad Instagram
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 138: We're Back After a Two Month Hiatus
10/28/2019
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 138: We're Back After a Two Month Hiatus
It seems like it's been forever but finally, Glen and Yong are back. It's been two months since the last episode and we heard your voices. It's time to listen in and see what we have been up to. Make sure to listen to the very end to hear a special announcement.
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Merch Minds Podcast Update
10/04/2019
Merch Minds Podcast Update
Hi everyone! It's Yong here. I hope everyone is doing well. I sincerely apologize for the lack of content. This is just a quick update on why we have been absent but we promise to be back soon.
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 137: Take the 30-Day Etsy Challenge With Matt and RJ
09/16/2019
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 137: Take the 30-Day Etsy Challenge With Matt and RJ
Merch is dead! That's why, for the past several weeks, I put my efforts back into rebuilding my Etsy store. And it's paid because in less than two months I'm already at $600 in sales with just a little over 400 products live. This week Matt and RJ are back on the show. They are back to talk about their new 30-Day Etsy Challenge, which will motivate you to build your Etsy store. Joining them in the challenge is Dionne Baker and Jay De Souza, who are successful Etsy business owners. There are many reasons to get started on Etsy. You get better margins and analytics that you don't get on Amazon. Not just that but you have more control. While Etsy still isn't our platform, it attracts the people who are willing to spend more money. I'm excited about the challenge because as I stated earlier, I been scaling my Etsy store. I'm also enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with Matt, RJ, Dionne, and Jay. With their support, I'm looking to double my numbers by the end of October. If you're interested in joining the challenge with I encourage you to use my affiliate link. Here's the great thing about purchasing the challenge through me. I will include the following bonuses for free: Typography Dissected Poster (PDF Version) Understanding Typography for Merch by Amazon eBook Understanding Typography for Etsy Workshop The workshop will be presented after the challenge is over. I don't want to overwhelm everyone because a lot of information will already be presented to us. I will let you guys know the date soon. You get all this for just $97! Who's onboard to take the challenge with me?
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Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 136: Interview with Greg Johnson
08/28/2019
Merch Minds Podcast - Episode 136: Interview with Greg Johnson
Greg Johnson is a successful entrepreneur. He's married and has six beautiful kids that he supports and raises. With that said, it was a matter of time before we got him on the show. I'm not going to lie. I had a whole list of questions to ask in regards to Local Merch because that was something we both experimented with back when it was still new. However, the conversation completely took a left turn, and a whole new topic came up. As entrepreneurs sometimes we need to be innovative and think outside the box. And that's exactly what Greg did. He took his best selling design on Merch by Amazon and had it printed on shirts through a local printer. He then sent them into Amazon to have them fulfilled through their FBA program. Also, as mentioned in the podcast, we are trying to raise money for Dave Cadoff. He is having surgery later this week, and his colleagues in the POD community are trying to raise money for him. Whether you care about trademarks or not, Dave has committed to fight trademarks trolls on our behalf behind the scenes. I talk about how special the POD community is. If there is one time we need to come together, it is now. We may have our differences, but I think we can all agree that Dave is the one person who needs our support. Anyone that supports a minimum of $10 will get a set of five KDP interiors. Just message me with the invoice that you donated. Even if you don't donate, I'll give them to you regardless. I only ask that you give me a couple of weeks to make them. Dave Cadoff GoFundMe
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