ShopTalkPodcast

Welcome back to another episode of ShopTalkPodcast. This week, J and Dame are back in the building talking through everything from new tech struggles to aging gracefully, career growth, music, boxing, and the wild world of internet narratives.

Dame finally enters the MacBook era and immediately turns the pod into a live tech support session while J tries to walk him through passwords, microphones, and basic computer survival skills. The fellas also recap Dame going viral on Twitter, discuss getting older, family responsibilities, and why people are so afraid of aging in the first place.

They revisit old work stories from their Comcast days, talk about leadership, making real money for the first time, and how those early jobs shaped their careers and perspective on life. The conversation then shifts into music with reactions to Drake’s ICEMAN, the state of modern rap, industry marketing, and whether Drake still has a classic album left in him.

The guys also debate Rick Ross as a “character,” Max B disrespecting Big Daddy Kane, the mythology of Dipset, and how certain rappers get romanticized over time despite questionable catalogs. Plus thoughts on Claressa Shields, boxing culture, celebrity mystique disappearing in the social media era, and much more.

Music Pick of the Week:

* Deante Hitchcock — Junkie in the Sun

Listen. Laugh. Subscribe. Repeat.

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* Twitter/X: @jjohnson313 | @damegonewild | @TheShoptalkPod

On this episode of ShopTalkPodcast, J and Dame are back for another week of conversation, laughs, and a little foolishness. This week they’re joined in the studio by returning guest KELO for a special episode celebrating 313 Day.

The fellas kick things off with some Detroit-themed trivia and a few fun games in honor of the city, testing their knowledge of Detroit culture, history, and iconic moments.

The conversation then shifts to music as they discuss KELO’s latest project, Trap Worship 2, along with broader hip-hop topics and lifestyle conversations throughout the episode.

To close things out, KELO ends the podcast with a powerful prayer that puts a meaningful and uplifting finish on a great conversation.

Tap in, enjoy the episode, and be sure to check out KELO’s new project.

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Episode 525 – Take It To The Grave

J and Dame are back for another week of Shop Talk conversations covering everything from motherhood and loss to politics, sports, Wu-Tang, relationships, and the lies people commit to forever.

The episode opens with a heartfelt Mother’s Day conversation as both hosts reflect on their mothers, grief, family relationships, and the lessons that still stay with them years later.

From there, the fellas celebrate the Detroit Pistons’ playoff run and talk about Cade Cunningham’s rise, the future of the franchise, and whether Detroit might really have a superstar on its hands.

Other conversations include:

* Watching the Wu-Tang Hulu series and gaining a new appreciation for the group’s music and legacy

* Why storytelling changes how people connect with artists

* Michael Jackson’s unmatched celebrity status and why comparisons to modern artists don’t really work

* Obsessions with watches, Rolex culture, and luxury collecting

* The viral “unhinged biography” AI trend and what ChatGPT had to say about J and Dame

The second half of the episode shifts into deeper territory:

* Killer Mike backlash and political groupthink

* Why people struggle to disagree respectfully

* Voting based on personal interests vs party loyalty

* Social media outrage culture and internet tribalism

The episode also includes hilarious stories about:

* getting caught in lies

* sticking with stories even when the evidence says otherwise

* relationship coverups

* suspicious bullet holes

* and why some people are committed to “taking it to the grave.”

As always, the show closes with music picks, jokes, real-life perspective, and classic Shop Talk energy.

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Connect With Us

Instagram: @Shoptalkpodcast @jjohnson313 @damegonewild

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Episode 524 – Shop Talk Podcast

J and Dame are back for another week of unfiltered conversation, blending real-life perspective with culture, music, and a little chaos.

This episode starts with a deep dive into modern dating dynamics—relationships vs. situationships, honesty in intimacy, and how expectations shape everything. The fellas unpack the realities of communication, accountability, and how past experiences and reputations follow you into new connections.

They also get into a broader conversation about growth, maturity, and what it really means to “live your truth,” challenging some of the narratives around dating, commitment, and personal responsibility.

From there, the discussion shifts into culture:

* A breakdown of the New York Times “Greatest Songwriters” list and why certain names made it (and others didn’t)

* A strong case for Jermaine Dupri’s legacy as one of the most overlooked hitmakers

* Thoughts on Jay-Z’s recent interview and how people misinterpret his perspective on aging in hip-hop

The episode also includes:

* A review of the new Michael Jackson biopic and a conversation about his legacy, impact, and public perception over time

* Debate around celebrity relationships (Meg Thee Stallion & Klay Thompson) and how the internet inserts itself into situations it doesn’t understand

* A discussion on money, taxes, and the “tax the rich” narrative

* Detroit Pistons playoff talk and hometown pride

To close things out, Dame shares music picks of the week, and the show wraps with a thought-provoking “Whose Mans Is This?” segment.

Another well-rounded episode full of humor, perspective, and real conversation.

⸻

Listen & Follow

❶ iTunes: Search #shoptalkpodcast

❷ YouTube: YouTube.com/jjohnson313

❸ SoundCloud: SoundCloud.com/shoptalkpod

❹ Website: www.shoptalkpod.com

Connect With Us

Instagram: @Shoptalkpodcast @jjohnson313 @damegonewild

Twitter/X: @jjohnson313 @damegonewild @TheShoptalkPod

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ShoptalkPod/

EP523 - Last Time Wasnt This Time by @shoptalkpodcast

EP522 | Regalia (feat. @whereiswallace) by @shoptalkpodcast

Shop Talk | EP521 — Live from the West Side

J and Dame are back for Episode 521, and this one's different. They're recording live on location from the west side of Detroit at a new content warehouse and event space being put together by Ant P and his cousin Pat. The spot's got tall ceilings, a boutique area, a stripper pole (don't ask), and enough room to host podcasts, shows, photo shoots, and whatever else the culture needs. They also have a liquor store next door. It's that kind of place.

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The guys are joined by guest Ant P, aka Bad Luck Bundy, aka the Prime Minister of Schoolcraft, aka Cloud Catcher, who walks J and Dame through what's been going on at the space, including a packed showcase earlier in the day that played out like a cross between American Idol and a Detroit version of Making the Band. The winner gets a slot on a show with Bizarre and a record deal through Empire. No pressure. Ant P also breaks down a busy run of upcoming performances, the Vault on 4/20, the Midwest Music Conference, and a show in July, all off the back of Schoolcraft 2 being out now.

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From there the conversation goes everywhere. J and Dame get into the Guitar Center and artist showcase industrial complex, two of the greatest scammers of all time in their respective lanes. They debate the real value of the paid artist showcase model versus the ones stacking fifty artists on a bill and hoping everyone brings twenty people. The lost art of performing without your vocals on the track comes up, with Polo and Cash Flow getting their flowers for doing it right.

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Then it's current events. Pooh Shiesty and the Gucci Mane situation gets a full breakdown, the ankle monitor, the video, the contract beef, and why "snitch" doesn't quite apply when the whole thing is on tape. All Star Jr. gets discussed, along with a broader conversation about baby mama drama, protecting your kids, and why Detroit ain't soft. A warehouse arson over wages sparks a debate about freedom fighting versus just being destructive, cost of living, cost of labor, and why burning down your own workplace isn't the answer.

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The show closes with WrestleMania predictions (the Corporation is coming back, Roman's not walking out with the title), a plug for the DraftKings Sports & Social watch party on the 18th and 19th in Troy, and early planning for the Shop Talk ten-year anniversary live event, potentially happening right there at the west side spot in June.

Music pick of the week: Stack Dough, "Fat Bobby."

Shop Talk | EP520 — Separate the Clothes, Separate the Ego

J and Dame are back for another Friday session and Episode 520 is a full one. The guys kick things off with a birthday shoutout to Ashley and a breakdown of Curve Gotti's nineties-themed fortieth party — complete with a Coney dog station, airbrush t-shirts, and a dairy Queen detour that Dame's stomach is already regretting. From there, J finally got his robot vacuum running on a schedule and he wants his flowers.

The real talk starts early when a viral bathroom confrontation out of Detroit sparks a broader conversation about hyper-masculine culture, why the city's violence has shifted from the drug trade era into something harder to explain, and what we're feeding young people on a daily basis. From there, Pooh Shiesty's arrest for allegedly pulling a gun on Gucci Mane in a recording studio — with an ankle monitor on, on video — becomes Exhibit A in a discussion about crime, consequences, and the camera that is absolutely always on.

J and Dame get into J. Cole's recent press run, the debate over whether streaming has cheapened how people engage with music, and why having skin in the game used to mean something when an album dropped. Plus a genuine conversation about music criticism, hot takes, and people who want to be in the conversation more than they want to actually listen.

The back half gets personal. Dame opens up about therapy, making small concessions in relationships, why the word "concession" might be the whole problem, and what his kid said out of nowhere that stopped him mid-verse. J and Dame talk co-parenting, compromise, living single for fifteen years, and why letting someone change your shower head might actually be the move.

Music picks of the week: J-Kwon's "Hood Hop" and Freeway's "Full Effect" — and Dame will die on that hill.

Shoptalk Podcast – Episode 519: “I Do Not Apologize”

In Episode 519, the crew returns with unfiltered energy, opening with reflections on their experience at Tampon Palooza—celebrating standout performances, emerging talent, and the importance of supporting creative spaces in the community.

The conversation shifts into everyday life moments, from surprising first-time experiences at Trader Joe’s to humorous stories about relationships, personal growth, and the evolution of self-image. As always, the chemistry between the hosts brings both humor and honesty to the forefront.

A major portion of the episode dives into a broader cultural conversation: accountability, public pressure, and the growing demand for apologies in the social media era. Using recent headlines and artist controversies as a backdrop, the hosts unpack the idea of authenticity versus public expectation, questioning when an apology is warranted—and when it isn’t.

They also explore themes of faith, personal responsibility, and societal double standards, challenging listeners to think critically about judgment, hypocrisy, and individual perspective.

Additional highlights include:

• A recap of creative projects and behind-the-scenes content production

• Reflections on music, including standout artists and new releases

• A candid discussion on interviews, media control, and industry narratives

• Commentary on current events and how they impact everyday life

With a mix of humor, real-life insight, and cultural critique, this episode stays true to Shoptalk’s core—authentic conversation without compromise.

Shop Talk Podcast – Episode 518

J and Dame are back with another unfiltered episode straight from the West Side. The guys kick things off with the heartbreak of missing out on a grail pair of Air Max 95s before diving deep into nostalgia territory — exploring what it means to grow up as "Xennials," the micro-generation caught between Gen X and Millennials that got the best of both worlds: analog childhoods and digital adulthoods.

The conversation takes a trip down memory lane through the golden era of arcade games, with the guys debating their all-time favorites — from Mortal Kombat and Ninja Turtles to NBA Jam, Pit-Fighter, and the forgotten Aerosmith shooter Revolution X. They also reminisce about waterbeds, Blockbuster Friday nights, two-way pagers, AOL chat rooms, and the very first text message.

Dame gets real in a touching moment, sharing the story of pawning his Rolex to keep his daughter in college — a raw, no-holds-barred look at what it means to show up as a father. J caps it off with thoughts on the current political climate and a heads up about their live appearances at Tampon Palooza.

Plus: Chuck Norris jokes, crumbling sneakers, hibachi etiquette, Yellowstone as the Oregon Trail, and Dame's music pick of the week.

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