Best Independent Store Operations Podcasts (2025)

1
HR Lessons from One of the Largest U.S. Utility Companies | Deborah Sanchez on GroceryPulse 1:02:12

19h ago1:02:12

1:02:12

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with HR consultant Deborah Sanchez, who brings nearly 20 years of experience advising one of California’s largest utility companies. From working her way up as a young mom to now consulting C-suite leaders, Deborah shares actionable insights on team culture, employee retention, and how …

1
Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service 5:02

3h ago5:02

5:02

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals practical strategies for transforming good customer service into increased sales. Learn how to train your team in service techniques that naturally boost transaction values and create more profitable customer int…

1
Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool 4:55

6d ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for turning satisfied customers into your most effective marketing team. Learn how to create experiences that inspire customers to spread the word about your store without spending a fortune on ad…

1
Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty 4:55

14d ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for transforming casual shoppers into devoted customers who drive business growth. Learn how to build meaningful customer relationships that increase sales, encourage word-of-mouth marketing, and create a community a…

1
Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance 6:12

21d ago6:12

6:12

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in our compliance series as he shares strategies for transforming compliance from a set of rules into a core part of your store's identity. Learn how to create an environment where doing things the right way becomes …

1
Episode 14: Regular Audits and Reviews - Your Path to Compliance Success 5:38

27d ago5:38

5:38

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Regular Audits and Reviews - Your Path to Compliance Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for implementing effective audit systems that protect your business and prevent compliance issues. Learn how regular reviews can transform from tedious tasks into valuable tools f…

1
Episode 13: Training Your Team for Compliance Success 5:48

1M ago5:48

5:48

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Training Your Team for Compliance Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for developing effective compliance training programs that stick. Learn how to transform procedures from paper documents into daily practices that protect your business and customers. Episode Overvi…

1
Leading Retail: Lessons from James W. Keyes, Former 7-Eleven & Blockbuster CEO by Innovar Marketing Agency | GroceryPulse Vol. 12 1:16:53

1M ago1:16:53

1:16:53

In this episode of GroceryPulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin welcomes James W. Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, and Chairman of Wild Oats Marketing LLC. James brings decades of leadership experience from some of the most iconic brands in retail, and today, he shares his unique insights on leadership, innovation, and the futu…

1
Episode 12: Navigating the World of Regulatory Compliance 5:57

1M ago5:57

5:57

Smoke Break - Episode 12: Navigating the World of Regulatory Compliance Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential compliance strategies that protect your business, customers, and reputation. Learn how regulatory adherence can become a competitive advantage rather than just a necessity. Episode Overview Master …

1
Episode 11: Balancing Short-Term Sales with Long-Term Success 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Balancing Short-Term Sales with Long-Term Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for finding the perfect balance between immediate sales boosts and sustainable business growth. Learn how to create promotions and pricing approaches that drive both today's revenue and t…

1
Episode 10: Building Trust Through Honest Pricing and Promotions 5:43

2M ago5:43

5:43

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Building Trust Through Honest Pricing and Promotions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for creating transparent pricing and promotions that build lasting customer relationships. Learn how honest business practices can become your store's most powerful competitive advantage. Episod…

1
Sebastian Öhrn, Founder of Myrqvist / Premium Footwear 24:08

2M ago24:08

24:08

Myrqvist's journey began in 2016, starting small — like most things do — but with a clear vision: to craft high-quality footwear with a timeless design at a fair price. A product designed to stand the test of time and trends alike. How do they balance top-tier craftsmanship with a modest price point? At Myrqvist, they take pride in their dedication…

1
Episode 9: Using Data to Drive Pricing and Promotion Decisions 5:53

2M ago5:53

5:53

Smoke Break - Episode 9: Using Data to Drive Pricing and Promotion Decisions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform your store's data into powerful pricing and promotion strategies. Learn practical approaches to analyze sales information and make data-backed decisions that boost your profits. Episode Ove…

1
Adem Oygur, Founder of Adem London / Bespoke Hairstyling and Organic Products 18:10

2M ago18:10

18:10

Belgravia stylist Adem Oygur’s journey began in a small town east of Istanbul, where he spent his childhood on his family’s hazelnut farm. Much of his time was spent planting, nurturing and harvesting hazel trees, although his true dream lay in hairstyling. At just 14, Adem made the bold decision to move to Istanbul, where he began his career as a …

1
Episode 8: Mastering Promotions That Drive Sales 6:03

2M ago6:03

6:03

Smoke Break - Episode 8: Mastering Promotions That Drive Sales Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for creating promotions that boost sales while protecting profits. Learn how to design and implement effective promotions that build customer loyalty and grow your business. Episode Overview Master essen…

1
Episode 7: Smart Pricing Strategies That Work 5:45

3M ago5:45

5:45

Smoke Break - Episode 7: Smart Pricing Strategies That Work Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical pricing strategies that help maximize your store's profitability while maintaining customer satisfaction. Learn how to implement pricing approaches that work for both your business and your customers. Episode Overv…

1
Episode 6: Building Strong Communication and Supplier Relationships 6:20

3M ago6:20

6:20

Smoke Break - Episode 6: Building Strong Communication and Supplier Relationships Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for developing effective communication systems and strong supplier partnerships that enhance your store's operations. Learn how to create robust networks that support your business …

1
Grocery Media’s Impact: Trends, Insights, and the Shelby Report Bob Reeves by Innovar Marketing Agency | GroceryPulse Vol. 11 52:19

3M ago52:19

52:19

In this episode of Grocery Pulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin sits down with Bob Reeves, Executive Vice President and Associate Publisher at Shelby Publishing. As a grocery media expert and USC Food Industry Management Program alumnus, Bob shares insights from over two decades of documenting and influencing the grocery industry. The conve…

1
When big banks withdraw, where do YOU take your business? Credit unions say, "we're over here" 6:55

3M ago6:55

6:55

At least ten branches of major banks have closed in NL over the past few years. But Candace Matthews says when one bank account closes, perhaps a credit union account needs to open. Matthews is manager of member experience and communications with The Atlantic Edge Credit Union. It has 16 branches serving rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrad…

1
Tackling the tariffs: people in NL are buying local, as a way to fight back against Trump's tariffs 4:55

3M ago4:55

4:55

Many people in this province are double-checking their grocery lists, to find out what is and isn’t Canadian- made. President Donald Trump has threatened a 25-per cent tariff on most Canadian goods, and some Canadians been boycotting all American products, finding ways to support Canadian. The CBC’s Amy Feehan took to the streets of Corner Brook on…

1
A picture may be worth a thousand words - and sometimes a thousand dollars. Amateur photographer from this province who just won a national prize from Canadian Geographic magazine 6:42

3M ago6:42

6:42

Amateur photographer Stu White is pretty happy these days. He's originally from Stephenville and lives in Mount Pearl, and his photo of a pair of red fox cubs in Bonavista just won him a big prize. Canadian Geographic magazine has judged his picture the best of the year in the "flora, fauna and fungi" category for the last year. White spoke with th…

1
NL Premier Andrew Furey relieved but cautious, after Trump delays tariffs against Canada 4:15

3M ago4:15

4:15

Many people in this country breathed a sigh of relief last evening. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to delay threatened tariffs by 30 days. The tariffs would have affected a wide-range of industries across the country, and the seafood industry in this province would have been among the hardest hit…

1
30 years ago, the Berlin Wall fell. Retired NL teacher Jerome Jesseau worked in Germany when it did 9:28

3M ago9:28

9:28

A retired teacher from this province is reflecting on a historic event from 35 years ago. Jerome Jesseau is sharing his stories with some people tonight in Corner Brook. Jesseau was teaching in Germany at the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany. He joined us in our studio.…

1
Offering a lift: NL government helps communities offer free bus rides to seniors, young people and people on income suppor 9:01

3M ago9:01

9:01

Public transit in Corner Brook and St. Anthony is getting a boost from the provincial government. The province announced last week that a bus pass pilot project will give some people in those two towns free rides on public transit. The help will be for seniors, young people and people on income support. Corner Brook MHA Gerry Byrne and Corner Brook…

1
February is Black History Month, as Black youth in NL share their talents and their thoughts about growing up here 4:03

3M ago4:03

4:03

February is Black History Month, and Laurabel Mba is asking young, Black people in this province to share their creativity and express themselves. She's a a diversity, equity-and-inclusion and anti-racism specialist, and she hopes to encourage Black youth to talk about their own experiences of being Black in Newfoundland and Labrador.…

1
NL's minister of immigration explains why Ottawa agreed to allow an extra thousand people to come here, after cutting the numbers weeks ago 6:05

3M ago6:05

6:05

The provincial government announced on Friday that cuts to immigration numbers won't be as severe as previously thought. The federal government has agreed to add back one-thousand economic immigration spaces for 2025, including nearly 3-hundred humanitarian refugees. That's a change of heart from mid-January when the federal government announced it…

1
NHL Legends bring thrills to a Northern Peninsula town 6:25

3M ago6:25

6:25

People in the Roddickton-Bide Arm area will never forget it. The town's arena was packed this past weekend as the NHL Legends of Hockey Tour made a stop in the Northern Peninsula town. It was an exciting matchup, with former NHL players facing off against local players. CBC reporters Alex Kennedy and Leila Beaudoin were there, taking in all the act…

1
No green light for green ammonia? The market is down, but Bay St. George businesses still hope World Energy GH2 will still set up operations in the area 8:39

3M ago8:39

8:39

Plans by World Energy GH2 to produce hydrogen in the Stephenville area are on hold. A statement from the company last week said, "The green ammonia market is not maturing at the rate expected." The company also says the market will dictate the timeline for its proposed project. That leaves the business community hoping that the company will continu…

1
Episode 5: Mastering the Details in Inventory Management 6:31

3M ago6:31

6:31

Smoke Break - Episode 5: Building a Sales-Focused Store Culture Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for developing and implementing effective sales techniques in your convenience store. Learn how to train your team to transform routine transactions into valuable customer experiences that drive repeat busines…

1
Tooo much "red tape" - NL gets an "f" on a a Report Card from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business 5:15

3M ago5:15

5:15

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has given Newfoundland and Labrador an "F" on its Red Tape Report Card. The report card looks at how the regulations and policies of policy makers affect businesses and consumers. The goal is to cut through the clutter, to help small businesses grow and improve. Louis-Philippe Gauthier is the Vice-pre…

1
Gander, once the "Crossroads of the World" wants to update its "brand" 7:56

3M ago7:56

7:56

The "Crossroads of the World" is taking a fresh look at its image and how to market it. The airport town of Gander is taking what it's calling a re-branding journey, and it's looking for your help. Kayla White is the lead for the Town of Gander on communications, branding and partnership. Percy Farwell is the mayor.…

1
Cyber hack in PowerSchool. We heard how teachers and students in NL had their data compromised 7:14

3M ago7:14

7:14

People in the province were given more information this week on the seriousness of a cybersecurity incident on the PowerSchool platform. PowerSchool is an online platform that allows parents, guardians and students to see their grades, get announcements, and more. Users across North America were affected by a data breach. If you're a student or a t…

1
A special program at the hospice in Grand Falls-Windsor focuses on seizing every moment until the end comes. 7:48

3M ago7:48

7:48

When you hear the word "hospice," of course, the end of life comes to mind. But a special program at the hospice in Grand Falls-Windsor is very much focused on seizing every moment until the end comes. Lionel Kelland Hospice has a "Forever Moments" program. The most recent experience they created was a big movie night for one resident and their fam…

1
The threat of U.S. tariffs puts NL's mining industry on guard 6:37

3M ago6:37

6:37

As soon as this Saturday, U.S. president Donald Trump could impose punishing tariffs on Canadian goods that are sold south of the border. That would have a big impact on this province’s mining sector. Mining accounts for 7.3 percent of NL's Gross Domestic Product. Amanda McCallum is the CEO of the Mining Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. Sh…

1
Canadian Armed Forces member from Trout River to compete at the Invictus Games 5:58

3M ago5:58

5:58

The Invictus Games are coming up in British Columbia from February 8 to 16. It’s an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill veterans, as well as members of the armed forces who are still serving. Two men from this province will be proudly representing Team Canada. A few weeks ago, we spoke with Clifford Samms from the Codroy Valle…

1
Space - the NL frontier. We have lots of connections to the realm beyond our atmosphere 9:53

3M ago9:53

9:53

Earlier this month, we learned about a proposal to build the country's first commercial spaceport on the Burin Peninsula. The project, by Ontario-based company NordSpace promises 200 local jobs. The company is aiming for a test flight this summer and the first orbital flights in about three years. It may sound strange to think of launching rockets …

1
People in the new federal riding of Terra Nova-The Peninsulas tell us what matters most to them. 7:00

3M ago7:00

7:00

The federal riding of Bonavista-Burin-Trinity stretches from Conception Bay to Gander Bay and most points in-between. It's about to be renamed as Terra Nova-The Peninsulas, and will now include the east side of Placentia Bay. We wanted to learn what’s important to people in the massive rural riding. Troy Turner has been travelling throughout, and h…

1
It's more than 25 years old, but gamers still love it. We checked out a Super Smash Bros. tournament 7:33

3M ago7:33

7:33

The characters in the video game series Super Smash Bros. burst onto the scene in a flurry of leaps, spins, kicks and punches more than 25 years ago - and players still love them. Gamers take on the identities of characters from other popular video games and fight it out with each other. Super Smash Bros. is -- well, it's still a "smash" among play…

1
Not leaving plans up in the air. Deer Lake Airport maps out 5 years 10:19

3M ago10:19

10:19

Most of us don't think a whole lot about the running of an airport, as we fly in or out. But the folks in charge of those massive properties put a lot of thought and planning into it. On Tuesday night, Deer Lake Regional Airport set course for the next five years as the airport authority launched its new strategic plan. Tammy Priddle is president a…

1
A familiar face in health care, Dr. Pat Parfrey, is head of NL Health Services 9:46

3M ago9:46

9:46

There's a new boss in charge of health care in Newfoundland and Labrador. But he's a familiar face and voice to many of us. Dr. Pat Parfrey has been a kidney specialist and epidemiologist, but most recently, you will remember him as co-chair of Health Accord NL. Last Thursday, he was appointed as the new CEO of NL Health Services.…

1
NL is among the worst provinces in Canada for youth vaping. A non-profit group wants to cut down on nicotine use. 3:35

3M ago3:35

3:35

A non-profit group in this province is taking action to try to reduce vaping among youth. Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest rate of youth vaping in Canada. That puts young people at risk, so the Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance for the Control of Tobacco is introducing nicotine exposé kits for middle school and high school students. Melis…

1
Health Canada asks Canadians what they think of allowing people to ask, in advance, for medical assistance in dying 9:23

3M ago9:23

9:23

Medical assistance in dying, or MAiD, became legal in Canada in June 2016, but the federal government is looking at ways to improve what the law allows. Right now, Health Canada is doing a survey of Canadians about advance requests for MAiD. As it stands right now, the law does not allow medical assistance in dying to be provided based on an advanc…

1
Cutting Distractions in Grocery with Sleke by Innovar Marketing Agency | GroceryPulse Vol. 10 36:13

3M ago36:13

36:13

In this episode of Grocery Pulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin, a fourth-generation grocer and retail strategist, sits down with Austin and Brennen, co-founders of Sleke. Sleke is revolutionizing workplace productivity with its “smart dumb phone,” designed to eliminate distractions and enhance focus. The conversation explores the impact of…

1
All fired up about firefighting. We shared a good news story about the junior firefighter program in Gander Bay 12:02

3M ago12:02

12:02

We've been asking listeners for happy stories about the good that's in the world - and we were delighted to tell you about one of them this morning. A mother in Gander Bay sparked the idea of a junior firefighter program. it's been running successfully for the past three years, thanks to the Gander Bay Fire Department. Jodi Budden of Victoria Cove …

1
Anglican church members in Western Newfoundland feel a special connection to a bishop who's making headlines in the U.S. Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who made a plea to President Donald Trump, was a presenter ... 5:45

3M ago5:45

5:45

Most of us hadn't heard of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde until last Monday. She's the Episcopal bishop in Washington, D.C. who made a plea to President Donald Trump. But Anglican church members in Western Newfoundland knew her name. They'd met her in person last fall, at church meetings in Corner Brook. Rev. Mickton Phiri is priest-in-charge at St. Mi…

1
NL parents are concerned whether there'll be enough money for their children under Jordan's Principle 9:42

3M ago9:42

9:42

It's still unclear what help will be available in the months to come under Jordan's Principle, and that's causing concern. Jordan's Principle is the result of a ruling by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. It's meant to ensure that First Nations children in Canada can get the services and support they need, when they need them. There's been a dela…

1
LISTENER DISCRETION ADVISED: Mom wants answers, after her 11yo daughter had the tops of two fingers accidentally severed in an unsupervised classroom 11:46

3M ago11:46

11:46

*NOTE:The following interviews contain descriptions that some listeners may find disturbing.* Just before Christmas, 11-year-old Kamara White was on her lunch break in a classroom at Sprucewood Academy in Grand Falls-Windsor. Some of the grade six students in the room decided to play a physical game while the teacher was not present. As things got …

1
Volunteers in Corner Brook moved snow around the cross-country ski club yesterday, for racers and rec skiers 5:09

3M ago5:09

5:09

Shovelling snow is just a part of winter in this province, and some people in Corner Brook volunteered to do some EXTRA shovelling on Thursday for a good cause. Blow Me Down Trails is hosting a provincial cross-country ski race this weekend. While the ski club has had a fair amount of snow, some of it needed to be moved around a bit. Shawn Leamon i…

1
An art exhibit made from shotgun shells found on the beaches of Gros Morne shows what garbage is doing to the environment 7:03

3M ago7:03

7:03

An artist from Corner Brook is turning shotgun shells into art. Tara Young has used hundreds of shotgun shells found on beaches in the Gros Morne area. She's created a unique interpretation of sea life that also makes a point. We reached Young in Nova Scotia where she's studying art at NSCAD University.…

1
A Bonavista man died en route to hospital because the local ER was closed, so a concerned citizen's committee wants the hospital's designation changed 14:23

3M ago14:23

14:23

The story of a Bonavista man who died en route to hospital has prompted concerned citizens in the town to take action. In early 2023, Charlie Marsh had an asthma attack. The local Bonavista emergency room was closed, and he was sent to Clarenville by ambulance. Marsh didn't survive. His daughter, Shelley Marsh Gosselin, is now working with the Bona…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Independent Store Operations Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen