Inside Trader Joe's: Probably the only branded podcast I'll ever recommend
The Premise (from Apple Podcasts):
From our humble beginnings as a small chain of eclectic Southern California convenience stores, Trader Joe’s has grown to become a national chain of 490 (and counting) neighborhood grocery stores, employing more than 45,000 Crew Members. How? By being comfortable being different. For the first time, our Captains (store managers) and Crew Members (employees) are taking you Inside Trader Joe’s...
Series or standalone:
Standalone
Begin listening to:
Any episode
Format:
Chat/interviews
Host(s):
Marketing director Tara Miller and VP marketing products Matt Sloan
Sound/production quality:
Very good
Rating/age suitability:
Suitable for all ages of TJ fans
Approximate length of episodes:
25 minutes
Curricular ties:
None
Similar recommended pods:
Branded podcasts have increased in popularity, but it's hard to do them well--so for now, Inside Trader Joe's is in a league of its own.
Podcast Librarian’s Review:
OK, it’s a branded podcast (which, let’s be honest, usually sucks), but hear me out. If there’s any company that can actually sustain a podcast about itself, it’s Trader Joe’s. Haven’t you ever had a lengthy conversation with a friend about all the cool stuff you like at TJ? Hosts Tara (Director of Words and Phrases and Clauses, which is the coolest job title ever) and Matt (Marketing—Product Guy) are funny and entertaining as they tackle topics like Frozen Foods, Produce, Sustainability, and more. Each episode is only about 25 minutes, so this is an easy listen for a lunch break or doing chores around the house. My favorite episodes are both from Season 3 (let that sink in—this show has been going on for a while!): Why Is Everyone So Nice? & You Asked. We Answered. In all episodes, they interview crew members and/or customers at various locations, and everyone’s enthusiasm is an immediate mood booster for me. If you want a cheerful listen that doesn’t require you to think, this pod might just be the thing! Something else cool: Transcripts are available for all episodes in the Episode Notes of the Apple Podcasts app and on the website.
