The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

Anne Thomas, co-founder of DesignPacks, dives into Shopify's AI-driven features unveiled at Editions.dev 2025. Ezra Firestone, founder of Smart Marketer, discusses the implications of a global cart and the evolving e-commerce landscape. Karl Meisterheim, author of Liquid Weekly, highlights the integration of AI for app development and theme customization. They explore challenges and innovations, including Shopify's push for enhanced site quality and user experience. Expect a blend of humor and insight as they navigate the future of commerce together!

What if your Shopify brand could sell 16 million cans and hit $28M in its first full year? Aaron Nosbisch did just that with BRĒZ, a microdose drink brand that taps into the decline of alcohol, the rise of wellness, and a smarter ecommerce playbook. In this episode, he breaks down the entire journey—from ignored category to household name.Show LinksAaron Nosbisch: https://twitter.com/AaronJNosbischBRĒZ: https://drinkbrez.comLucyd: https://www.wearelucyd.comSponsors:Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnelsCleverific – Smart order editing for ShopifyViralsweep – Create sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways.Work with Kurt:Grow your Shopify store: https://ethercycle.com/applyJoin the newsletter: https://kurtelster.com/Subscribe for more Shopify founder stories.

Jonathan Strauss, the founder of Neven Eyewear and former CMO of Freestyle Watches, shares how a lost pair of sunglasses turned into a multi-million dollar eyewear brand through innovative BOGO offers. He discusses the challenges of bootstrapping a Shopify store, the impact of shifting Meta ad strategies, and the importance of adaptability in e-commerce. Additionally, he highlights the significance of customer trust, operational efficiency, and new product features like 360-degree views that enhance engagement.

Jeff Oxford, an e-commerce SEO expert and founder of 180 Marketing, shares crucial insights for Shopify merchants in 2025. He discusses how AI tools are reshaping SEO strategies and why some pricing strategies might harm rankings. Jeff emphasizes the importance of high-quality, original content over keyword stuffing, and provides actionable tactics for managing collection pages and diagnosing traffic drops. Listeners will also learn how to enhance Average Order Value with upsell strategies and the effective use of internal linking.

Kurt Bullock, an ad strategist from Produce Dept, specializes in enhancing Meta Ads for e-commerce. He reveals how Meta’s new AI-driven ad system, Andromeda, is changing targeting and scale. Discover the shift towards creative content and algorithm-driven strategies allowing lesser-known brands to thrive. Kurt discusses the importance of machine learning for optimizing ads based on shopping behavior and the integration challenges of AI in maintaining brand consistency. Insightful tips on engaging diverse audiences make this an essential listen for Shopify merchants.

Lucy Jeffrey, founder of Bare Kind and Candid Founders, shares her captivating journey from banking to building an eco-friendly sock empire. She reveals how she transformed Bare Kind into a B2B success on Faire, emphasizing the power of content creation for client acquisition. Lucy also discusses the challenges of scaling, especially during seasonal sales, and the surprising success of ditching paid ads for profitability. Tune in for insights on sustainable business practices and the balancing act of managing multiple ventures—plus how one turtle sock sparked it all!

Also available on YouTube: youtu.be/Pi20dFaHoVgBen Attwood left agency life to create a men’s skincare brand he actually wanted to use. With no investors, no marketing budget, and no prior product experience, he built Clubhouse Skin using TikTok, Shopify, and a lot of trial and error.In this episode, Ben shares how he:Sold out his first product run—twiceBuilt a loyal customer base by building in publicUsed Shopify Sidekick to find superfans and boost conversionsLeveraged AI to do what agencies charge thousands forLanded in retail by rallying his TikTok followersWhether you're launching a product, bootstrapping a brand, or curious about real-world uses of AI in ecommerce, this one’s packed with practical takeaways.Show Links:Clubhouse SkinClubhouse SkinTikTokInstagramShopifyShopify MagicGetting started with SidekickShopify Newsroom: AI helped these founders fast-track their way to first saleSponsors:Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnelsCleverific – Smart order editing for ShopifyBoost AI Search & Filter – Collection filtering + smart searchSubscribe for weekly interviews with Shopify founders and experts.

Smriti Jayaraman, a venture capitalist at Corazon Capital specializing in early-stage tech investments, dives into the future of e-commerce strategies. She discusses how AI is reshaping SEO and marketing, with brands leveraging gamified funnels and personalized experiences. The conversation touches on the importance of authenticity and innovative tools, like AI-powered sizing tech that enhances shopping. Smriti also emphasizes the shift from traditional ads to community-driven, membership-like approaches for better customer engagement.

Cathy Yoder, known as "The Queen of Air Fryers," has built an impressive content-driven Shopify business with over 700K YouTube subscribers. She shares how she transformed viewer engagement into sales through successful cookbooks and air fryer accessories. Cathy discusses leveraging YouTube as a lead generator, creating user-focused products, and the balance between perfection and progress. She emphasizes the power of audience feedback, effective monetization strategies, and the importance of authenticity in connecting with fans.

Chris Garcin, CEO of Pit Viper, shares the wild journey of transforming a quirky idea into a multi-million dollar sunglasses brand. It all began with a broken pair of military surplus shades during a ski trip. The discussion touches on their unconventional marketing tactics, cultivating authentic brand ambassadors, and maintaining a unique identity in a competitive market. Chris highlights the power of humor in their marketing, along with creative promotions that resonate with audiences, showing that sometimes a joke can truly pay off!