Tampa Stories: New Podcast Spotlighting Small Businesses and Community Voices Launches Next Week

Chuck Merlis
Aug 2
3 min read

Updated: Aug 6

It's no secret Tampa is changing — and fast. Beneath the change are the people behind the scenes — the business owners, artists, and everyday locals making it happen.

Official logo of the Tampa Stories Podcast.

This is the story behind Tampa Stories, a new podcast and video series that goes beyond the headlines and into the lives of the people building the city's future.

In this post, we'll explain what the series is all about, why Tampa needs a podcast, and what you can expect when you press play.

What's Happening?

Set to launch next week, Tampa Stories is a hyperlocal podcast that captures the authentic voices shaping the city. Created by Chuck Merlis, a local journalist and content creator, the show highlights the people and places you already love — and introduces you to the ones you haven't discovered yet.

Each episode features a sit-down conversation with someone making an impact in the Tampa Bay Area. Think restaurants, shop owners, creatives, and community leaders. Our goal is simple: tell the stories that don't make the 6 o'clock news — but should.

You can listen to the podcast on these platforms:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Amazon Podcasts
YouTube

Why Tampa Needs a Podcast

Tampa is in the middle of a massive cultural and economic shift. Places like Hyde Park Village and Channelside are booming. Restaurants in South Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg are packed. And neighborhoods like Ybor City and Seminole Heights are receiving massive economic investments.

But for that growth, it's easy to lose sight of the people driving it.

Tampa Stories flips the lens. It doesn't just showcase a flashy storefront or a curated Instagram feed — it digs into the stories behind them. It's about legacy businesses and first-time entrepreneurs — dreamers and doers — building the spirit of Tampa Bay.

In a media landscape where everything feels national, Tampa Stories is hyper-local — on purpose. It adds humanity to the headlines and depth to what we're seeing around every corner.

What You Should Know

Here's what makes Tampa Stories different — and why it's worth a listen:

It's story first: Every guest gets the space to share honest conversations and unfilted stories — not overproduced soundbites.
It's rooted in place: You'll hear familiar names — Channelside, Ybor, Hyde Park, South Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete — and you'll meet the people adding color to those neighborhoods.
It's made for locals: Whether you've lived here your whole life or just moved to the Tampa Bay Area, these stories give you a way to connect with the city around you.
It's built for discovery: Love finding new restaurants? Curious about the people behind your favorite shop? This is the best podcast for you.

Upcoming Episodes:

The first episodes of Tampa Stories are coming soon — kicking off with a conversation with Chris McVety, managing partner of Jackson's Bistro, a staple on Harbour Island, and one of the city's best restaurants.