For The Gram Podcast

Evan is the youngest woodworker we have ever had on our show. Although he is now a young man, he started his impressive journey at just 10 years old. Evan is down to earth and a huge contributor to the woodworking and content creation community on social media. Listen to our latest episode as we chart shop with Evan.

This is the episode we've been waiting for. Leigh-Ann Allaire joins us LIVE from the main stage at the Calgary Renovation Show. We discuss how to DIY on a budget. How to get that designer look on a friendly budget. Leigh-Ann has years of knowledge in the industry teaching people how to DIY while saving big bucks. Listen to the boys chat with Leigh-Ann resulting in a fun and informative episode. Thank You again to the Calgary Renovation Show for having us out there! If you enjoy the episodes, please follow along, share, like and comment.Podcast Episodes Available Everywhere!

This weeks episode is fantastic. Everyone burns out at one point or another. Whether your burnout is as a result of social media, life, both, or just trying to continue to create content when struggling. In this episode, the boys discuss burnout and how they handle it. Vik talks about how he had just had enough a few weeks ago and how he quickly bounced back.  If you like the episode and other episodes like it, please like, share, follow and leave a rating/review on whatever platform you listen on. That really helps us grow. You can also help support the show by going to www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast

This is a very special episode LIVE from the Calgary Renovation Show. www.calgaryrenovationshow.com/show-features/speakers-celebrities We had an amazing discussion with Seb Clovis on the main stage. (The following is his bio on the Calgary Reno Show website) Sebastian Clovis is not just a licensed contractor; he's a beacon of excellence in every aspect of the construction process, from envisioning architectural details to executing flawless finishes. He has a commitment to crafting enduring, personalized spaces while upholding the standards in the tradition of so many great builders.His journey began in his teens under the mentorship of a master builder, but he temporarily diverted his path to pursue a football scholarship and a career in the CFL, culminating in a triumphant Grey Cup Championship with the BC Lions in 2006.Following retirement from professional football, Sebastian seamlessly transitioned back to his first love: renovations. With a diverse skill set honed over years of experience, he emerged as a versatile craftsman, excelling in multiple disciplines and earning the title of a true jack of all trades. Teaming up with his partner, Designer Ayanna Augustine, they have refined a proprietary process for curating and creating stunning homes that reflect their clients' unique visions and lifestyles. But Sebastian's journey didn't end with contracting; it was the beginning of a third career. His vibrant persona and unparalleled ability to demystify complex construction techniques catapulted him into the spotlight as the captivating host of hit home renovation shows such as ‘Tackle My Reno,' ‘Save My Reno,' and most his most recent endeavour, ‘Gut Job,' streaming now on STACKTV. In this episode, we chatted with Seb about overcoming your fear and diving right into DIY. Seb was an awesome guest with LOTS of information to provide!! Check out this episode, and all other available episodes on ALL podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review or a comment. Vik @thestumpshop www.thestumpshop.com Dom @minspiredliving www.minspiredliving.com

Our first episode since returning from the Calgary Renovation Show where we recorded a few live episodes on the main stage. We discuss some of the behind the scenes in this episode, including everything from Alberta beef to the venue itself. We had such a fun experience creating these episodes and are excited to hopefully bring you more and more live episodes in the future.

The boys are heading to Calgary to speak on the main stage and record a few live episodes of the podcast. We discuss puppy yoga and of course we are going to watch a hockey game while we are there! You don't want to miss our first episode of the 2025!! Check out Vik and Dom at: Vik @thestumpshop www.thestumpshop.com Dom @minspiredliving www.minspiredliving.com

We are back with another episode.  Do not miss this year's final episode as we are joined by our guest host Eric Spencley from @Spencleydesignco.  Eric is a content creator, YouTuber, woodworker and an avid scuba diver. Eric talks all about why YouTube is the main social media platform that you need to get into, if you are looking to make the most money.  He also tells us how to pick the best thumbnail picture and why changing your video title after a few weeks may not be the worst idea.  The boys also explain why dry walling should be left to the professionals and why re-shooting content is such a pain in the butt.  You will leave this episode laughing like a foghorn, guaranteed.  Check out Vik and Dom at: Vik @thestumpshop www.thestumpshop.com Dom @minspiredliving www.minspiredliving.com                 And our guest co-host this week: Eric @spencleydesignco https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencleyDesignCo   Please consider supporting the show and joining our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast

This week we dive right into one of our longest episodes ever. They say time flies when you're having fun and man did we have fun chatting with Thomas Gojkovich, the 1/4 Serbian owner and operator of Thomas Custom Woodworks. Thomas has built up a social media empire well into the hundreds of thousands of followers and subs across his social media platforms, and he did it all from a small one car garage workshop. Thomas also knows all about the Etsy reviews policy and we discuss how Vik deals with his negative reviews. Thank You for tuning in. You can find out more about Thomas here:https://thomascustomwoodworks.com/pages/my-storyVik:@thestumpshopwww.thestumpshop.comhttps://linktr.ee/thestumpshop?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=1261bd8b-186f-49bb-bab0-4eff7932e4f9Dom:www.minspiredliving.com

This week we get right into the details behind our upcoming Calgary trip. This will be our first official For The Gram Podcast trip and we discuss it all in this episode. Also, who's getting a dog? Vik? Dom? Both of us? We also chat about that in this episode!!! Thank You for tuning in to another episode and we are truly glad you are here!!! Please consider sponsoring the show and helping us out with bi-weekly episodes: www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast Vik @thestumpshop www.thestumpshop.com Dom @minspiredliving www.minspiredliving.com The For The Gram Podcast www.forthegrampodcast.com

Another episode, another hour of facts, humour, tips and stats. Dom and Vik discuss current social media trends, tools and of course Christmas. This episode is also full of great 'would you rathers' that will guaranteed to make you laugh. If you enjoyed this week's light hearted humour and a behind the scenes look at a content creator's life than please share this episode and leave a review.

The men have returned! Another episode, this time not focused so much on social media growth and working with brands, instead Vik and Dom just chat for over an hour. Check out what the boys have been up to in our latest episode.

Sometimes it's hard but you have to stay professional. In our latest episode, we discuss why it's important to be nice to brand representatives and stay cool. It definitely helps you in this content creation game.

The boys simply update you on what's going on in their lives. Vik discusses how his Etsy shop is keeping him busy while Dom is refinishing entire patios. As always, if you enjoyed the show, please share on your social media and consider sponsoring the show through our Patreon page. Thank You Patreon: www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast Vik: www.thestumpshop.com Dom: www.minspiredliving.com

This is a good episode! Vik and Dom discuss what seems to be on everyone's mind: Instagram insights have declined like crazy! It seems like no matter where you check, people are complaining of their numbers. Listen to the boys discuss how they handle the latest algorithm and continue to create content For The Gram! Vik www.thestumpshop.com Dom www.minspiredliving.com Patreon www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast

Between Dom @minspiredliving and Vik @thestumpshop , the boys have worked with dozens of brands on social media. Sometimes even together. They have learned some of the best...and worst ways to approach brands with the idea of creating sponsored content. In this episode, Vik and Dom share some of their most successful tips for approaching brands and landing that deal. You don't need a huge following to start making money on Instagram, YouTube or any social media. If you like this episode it would be awesome if you could share on your social media, leave a review and send us your questions.

Are you on Youtube? In this episode, the boyz discuss Youtube! Dom breaks down actual dollars and cents for our listeners while Vik explains the monetization process and Youtube requirements. Youtube analytics and insights are discussed and why you shouldn't wait any longer to start creating content. Listen to another fun, fact filled episode and please share on your social media.

Everyone is an expert...behind a keyboard! We find that DIY brings out the "experts" more than any other niche on social media. Listen to our latest episode where we discuss the comments, critiques and hard headed world of DIY on social media. We discuss DIY vs. Professionals and how the lines are often blurred on social media. Vik and Dom discuss social media and dad life every episode and appreciate the support from our listeners. Please consider supporting the boys at www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast Vik @thestumpshop Dom @minspiredliving

Are you a victim of your own over thinking? Do you seem to plan far more in your head than necessary? Just get it done! Whether it's home projects, things on life's checklist or creating content, the boys discuss how they push through those moments when their head is so full of thoughts. How do you just simply get started!! It would mean the world to us if you could leave us a review, share the podcast on your social media and tune in next time to the For the Gram Podcast. Dom @minspiredliving www.minspiredliving.com Vik @thestumpshop www.thestumpshop.com

Click bait.  Anger bait. Rage bait.  Whatever you want to call it, it can work for you! It can also work against you and get you into trouble.  Listen as the boys discuss using click bait on social media as a tool and what not to do!  For The Gram Podcast focuses on discussions around how we grew our small businesses using mainly Instagram.  Vik and Dom discuss social media growth tactics, the latest trends and overall creator life as two-family guys.  Vik @thestumpshop www.thestumpshop.com  Dom @minspiredliving www.minspiredliving.com  

The hustle, the ideas, the physical and mental strain....is it worth the effort? Creating content can be extremely fun and worthwhile however sometimes it can be such a drain on all your personal resources. If there is no interaction with your content, no brand deals getting signed, no love from the community, then what is the actual point of all the effort put into it?? Listen to our latest episode and hear what Vik and Dom think about this topic. Do the guys feel like it's worth all the effort put into creating content. Please leave a review or a good rating and share on your social media channels if you enjoy our show.

Have you been down in the dumps? Even if you currently aren't struggling, has there been a time when social media was just kicking your butt? Listen to Vik and Dom discuss how they overcome a lack of creativity and motivation in the latest episode of the For the Gram Podcast. When your drive and motivation for creating content is gone, it becomes extremely difficult to keep going. Before quitting, please listen to this episode as the boys share little tips and tricks to help you get out of your rut. If you enjoyed the episode, please share on your social media and give us a rating or review. Available on all major podcast platforms incl. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc. Vik @thestumpshop www.thestumpshop.com Dom @minspiredliving www.minspiredliving.com

When it comes to Social Media, nothing is more frustrating then....everything! Social Media is such a burnout these days and the boys discuss it ALL in the latest episode. Please consider sponsoring the guys with a few bucks over at www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast Vik: www.thestumpshop.com Dom: www.minspiredliving.com

This is the ultimate episode to listen to if you want to make money from social media. Leigh-Anne has such an extensive history in the traditional media and social media world and she spills the beans from the behind the scenes. Leigh-Anne and the boys discuss how to work with brands and form long term relationships and get paid to create content. Check out our Patreon and support the show if possible: https://www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast Check out Leigh-Anne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighannallaire/

Why create content for just one social media platform? If you make a video for Instagram, post it to Tik Tok, then post it to Instagram again in a few weeks or months. Capitalize on your own videos and spread your content as wide as possible. In this episode, the boys discuss their latest Instagram strategies and share some valuable tips for reusing old videos. Please leave a review and share on your social media channels. If you enjoy the podcast, consider supporting the show through our Patreon page. patreon.com/forthegrampodcast

Honestly this should be called our Seinfeld episode because it is about nothing. Somehow yet it still manages to be one of our best episodes ever. We had an awesome time chatting with Pete Capar from @ptreesworkshop about all types of things. If you enjoy the show and want to see more, consider joining our Patreon. Every share, like and penny helps us grow. www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast Check out Pete at https://www.instagram.com/ptreesworkshop/

Make sure to listen to our final episode...of 2023. We recap the year and go over some of our stats and share some insights. We also go over our latest ask us anything questions that listeners sent us. As our final podcast episode of the year, we wish to thank all of our listeners especially our Patrons. See you all in 2024.

Remember when people used to post 60 second videos, minutes long IGTV videos and even long stories. Then the 5-7 second phenomenon happened mainly because of Tik Tok. Everyone started making absolutely pointless videos and didn't want to go longer than a few seconds. What is the benefit of those videos? What can you show or teach someone in 5 seconds? That then lead to the whole "read the caption for the rest" era. Listen as we discuss our views and opinions on long form videos vs. short form videos and why Vik has been finding success in long videos.

The sequel we've all been waiting for. Not sure how accurate that is but part 2 is here. We continue to chat about growing your social media, how to grow on YouTube and why Instagram sucks. Eric Spencley from Spencley Design Co. tells us some great information on making YouTube videos, appealing to a certain audience and how to make money on Instagram. If you enjoy the podcast, any amount of support would be much appreciated and awesome. https://www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast Eric @spencleydesignco Dom @minspiredliving Vik @thestumpshop FTG Podcast @forthegrampodcast

This is a special episode this week since we have an awesome guest. We bring in our buddy Eric Spencley from Spencley Design Co. Eric is a fun dude with a great story. Listen this week as we discuss how Eric grew his YouTube channel, how little he cares about Instagram and all about his own Podcast...Off the Cut Podcast. The boys also share some absolutely disgusting would you rathers, talk about growing your social media account and focus on tips to growing your YouTube channel.

Is it still super important to be part of a niche on Instagram? Does "forming a tribe" still matter? Listen as Vik and Dom discuss their thoughts on the topic. The boys also go through the top 9 niches on Instagram. Please share our episodes on your socials and Thank You for listening. Our Patreon page is back on so please support us if you can. www.patreon.com/forthegrampodcast

Wondering about life after social media? Ever thought of closing your Instagram account? Is Instagram worth it? This episode is a must listen. Thinking of quitting social media or have you ever thought of completely logging off forever? We interview one of our good friends, who was one of the original OG wood workers on Instagram, Stephen Mitchutka aka @thewoodpastor. Stephen was one of the first "big" accounts in the woodworking niche. He was on Instagram for a long time, had a big following and made some cool stuff. Then one day he decided to simply quit Instagram completely. He shut down his account and actually closed it...FOREVER. Listen this week as Vik and Dom chat with him about all the reasons for quitting and explains how life is after social media. If you liked the episode and enjoy our podcast, it would mean a lot if you could share on your social channels. Follow us on Instagram, leave us a question or two and leave a review on whatever podcast platform you listen on. Vik @thestumpshop Dom @minspiredliving For the Gram Podcast @forthegrampodcast

Listen to Vik and Dom discuss some of their least favourite parts of being on social media. The boys chat about some of the most frustrating features of Instagram as well as some of the things that people do on Instagram that drive people crazy. Listen on all major podcast platforms and please leave a review, send us your questions and share on your social media. Vik @thestumpshop Dom @minspiredliving Podcast @forthegrampodcast

Welcome to another episode and thank you for listening. Today, as the summer ends and kids return to school, we discuss how we've been doing on social media over the past few months. Vik really goes deep into insights over the last 3 months while being Meta Verified. Vik tries to answer the question, Is Meta Verified worth it? We also chat about getting a 6 pack and how to do it in your 40's, lol. The answer is simple.... Listen as we discuss our everyday lives, Instagram, content creation and living the maker lifestyle. Please SHARE and leave a review if possible on whatever Podcast Platform you use. Vik: @thestumpshop Dom: @minspiredliving Podcast: @forthegrampodcast

How often do you post these days? Both of us agreed that maintaining a daily posting schedule can be brutal. If coming up with fresh yet valuable social media posts every single day is stressful, stop posting everyday! It's better for your mental health and sanity if you go through the social media waves at your own personal capacity. If you are able to manage posting daily and that works for you, who the hell are we to say stop it. We are simply talking about how often we post, what the experts say you should be posting and to tell you that it's ok Not to post daily!! Then how often should you post to social media? including Tik Tok, Instagram, etc. Listen to this episode and we share some valuable insights. If you enjoyed this episode, please share with your friends and on your social media. Continue sending us questions, comments or concerns to the FTG IG inbox and we will ALWAYS shout out thosew that send us questions or interesting facts about their social media pages!! Website referred to in this week's episode: https://louisem.com/144557/often-post-social-media Vik : @thestumpshop Dom : @minspiredliving Podcast: @forthegrampodcast

The perfect way to make the most of your hard work. Taking old content and recycling it into new social media content. Vik and Dom discuss ways to make your own social content stretch as far as possible. There's several different ways to take an old video and refresh it into something new and fresh. Make sure to share on your social media if you like our show. Please leave us a review and send us your questions.

Threads just released earlier this week and it is all the hype! A special guest host joins Vik to discuss the latest chat based app from Instagram. Are you on it? What do people use it for ? We discuss our thoughts on Threads and how we've been using it for the first few days.

Instagram is constantly changing daily. Instagram algorithm updates are never ending. Instagram features are changing rapidly and it's nearly impossible to keep up. In this week's episode we discuss some of those changes and which features we don't have access to yet.

The Meta verification service is finally available in Canada and Vik jumped on it immediately and discusses in this episode what he thinks so far. Are there benefits to getting Meta verification? Does Meta verification help with engagement. We answer all these question in this newest episode. Please share, subscribe and send us more and more questions so we have stuff to talk about. Available on all major podcast platforms. Vik @thestumpshop Dom @minspiredliving

Do content creators take vacation? It's an interesting topic to discuss. Physically possibly yes but mentally are content creators able to "turn it off"? Listen as Dom and Vik discuss their thoughts and explain why the answer may surprise you.

Is social media too much these days? Keeping up with trends, posts, stories, channels, subscriptions, etc etc. Now a days with such stiff competition and the days of a photo growing your page being over, social media can easily lead to burn out. This week we discuss how we feel about social media and specifically Instagram. We drop a few facts as to how we deal with things and answer the question....Is Instagram too much these days? Please leave us a review and share on your social media. We appreciate each and every listen, thank you very much and tune in next time to the For the Gram Podcast. @thestumpshop @minspiredliving

How do you pick the perfect audio for your social media post? These days it's hard to know exactly what audio to use. Listen as we discuss voice overs, music, mixing both or simply using natural sounds. Dom and Vik are very different in their music selection yet both have done fairly well in picking the right track. Check out our latest episode and make sure to follow along on Instagram.

With the creation of Meta verified, sponsored posts, boosting posts and many other ways to grow your following, what is organic reach anymore these days? If you put any money behind growing, can it still be considered organic? We discuss this week and the answer may surprise you. If you enjoyed this episode, please share with your friends and followers. Please leave a review and check out the hosts on their own social media channels: Vik- @thestumpshop Dom- @minspiredliving

The boys chat about everything in this episode. Wrestle Mania, Blue Check Marks and Jen Woodhouse. With Meta Verified available in the United States, we are seeing more and more blue check marks. Does it devalue itself simply by being available to everyone? Will Jen Woodhouse listen to this episode? Probably not but if she does, Jen, you are being invited to co-host a future episode? What do you think? We are also looking for people to send us their episode intros so we can use them in future episodes!

We've all heard the rumour that photos are back and performing well on Instagram. Instagram itself admitted that they over invested in videos a bit too much and realize that lots of people still enjoy photos. Listen to this episode as the boys discuss their opinions on the topic and share actual insights from their recent photo posts compared to reels. Everyone wants more reach and exposure on Instagram and social media so check out our other episodes too. Catch up on old episodes, share on your social media and leave us reviews. Tune in next time to the For the Gram Podcast.

Like every week, we discuss our current Instagram dilemmas, current trends and how we manage to keep going through these times. Join us every week as we discuss social media, working with brands and running our small businesses while being full time dads. This week we talk about the death of our Instagram accounts. It seems like we have all stopped growing. What does this mean for our accounts as well as for our businesses. Please share, review and check out our new episodes every Tuesday. @thestumpshop @minspiredliving

Vik and Dom discuss in their own words the most recent do's and don'ts of Instagram. Yes, these are just our opinions but they have helped us get to where we are today. Do you have any personal pet peeves on Instagram? Please leave us reviews and share with your friends if you enjoy the show. @minspiredliving @thestumpshop

This episode is jammed packed with knowledge and information about running a business, having a presence on social media and doing it For the Gram. Jeff Mack from Jeff Mack Designs joins us to co-host this episode. Listen as Jeff shares some valuable tidbits of info on how he grew from working in a small condo to operating a massive woodworking/content creation studio/shop in Toronto. The best part of this episode is that it is our first episode filmed for YouTube. https://youtu.be/7Ja10jlRlMM Check out the video on YouTube and please leave a review, share and Thank You for listening to the For The Gram Podcast.

You probably heard the rumours about being able to buy the blue checkmark on Instagram very soon. The truth is there is a lot more to the Meta Verified Service than just a checkmark. The service will be available soon in North America. In this episode we discuss all the services that you will receive with the Meta Verified checkmark. We also discuss our personal thoughts and most importantly we will tell you whether or not we will sign up for the service. Join Dom and Vik as they light heartedly discuss Instagram, dad life, content creation and the struggles associated with trying to balance it all. For the Gram Podcast available on all major Podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc. Please share, rate and review our episodes.

Everyone needs to know a few things about being on social media. The first thing is knowing why you are on social media and why are you posting?? The second most important thing is to know your target audience. It is crucial to know who you are targeting with your content and how to reach them. We have a guest host this week, Lesley from @oakandfeatherdecor. We discuss reaching your target audience on Social media and Instagram. Listen as Lesley explains her tactics including a "split strategy". Listen to our latest episode and hopefully you can snag a few take away points and level up your social media reach and start targeting your desired audience. All three of us are on Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube. @thestumpshop @minspiredliving @oakandfeatherdecor Please share on your social media, rate us 5 stars and help spread the word about this podcast. @forthegrampodcast

The boys discuss taking a break from Instagram in this episode. Shout out to www.choosingtherapy.com for lots of actual information regarding taking a break. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review on your podcast hosting platform (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc) Until next episode, see you soon!! Vik and Dom

Not much description except it's our behind the scenes episode of our Las Vegas trip. Listen as Vik and Dom discuss their trip, the foods they ate, the drinks they consumed and how they managed to avoid social media for the most part.