ming chen

Ming Chen entered the world of podcasting in 2007 as one of the architects behind Kevin Smith's SModCast Network. His first responsibilities included all technical aspects of the network as well as the design, maintenance and marketing of SModCast's online presence. As the network grew and more shows were added, Ming was asked to create and co-host podcasts of his own including the award winning "I Sell Comics," "The SModCo SMorning Show" and "The Secret Stash: The Official Comic Book Men Companion Podcast." He can also be heard as an occasional guest on the massively popular "Tell 'em Steve Dave" podcast.

In 2011 Ming became a cast member of the hit AMC TV unscripted show "Comic Book Men" along with A Shared Universe co-founder Michael Zapcic. Based out of Kevin Smith's comic book store "Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash" in Red Bank, NJ, this show focuses on amazing comics and vintage toys and the stories behind them. It is the first TV show to use podcasting as part of its narrative.

Based on the popularity of the show, Ming became a frequent featured guest at numerous comic book conventions around the world. These conventions include the New York Comic Con, Comicpalooza in Houston, Walker Stalker Con, Heroes and Villains FanFest, Edinburgh Comic Con, Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo, C2E2 in Chicago and more. It was at these conventions that listeners of Ming's podcasts began approaching him for advice on starting their own shows. These interactions became the genesis behind A Shared Universe PodcaStudio.

In 2017 Ming Chen and Mike Zapcic decided to open A Shared Universe in Eatontown, NJ in an effort to help aspiring podcasters start their own shows and to help experienced podcasters become even better. Their goal is to create an amazing environment where all podcasters can create, collaborate, record and be inspired by this amazing new medium.

more about ming:

Favorite podcasts: 30 for 30 Podcast, This American Life, Hollywood Babble-On, I Was There Too, How I Built This, The Nerdist

Top 5 movies: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Aliens, The Shawshank Redemption, Highlander & Back to the Future

Favorite quote: "People who go to bed the same day they wake up are quitters"

Contact Ming Chen:

Mike Zapcic

Mike Zapcic began podcasting in 2011 when he was asked by Kevin Smith to co-host the "I Sell Comics" podcast on his SModCast Network. Today, this award winning podcast is listened to by tens of thousands of fans worldwide and is nearing it's 300th episode. Mike can also be heard co-hosting the "Ming & Mike Show" and the "Secret Stash: The Official Comic Book Men Companion Podcast."

Mike's love of comic books and pop culture came to the forefront when he became a featured cast member on the hit AMC TV unscripted show "Comic Book Men." On the show and in real life Mike is known as the comic book encyclopedia. Mike can pinpoint comic book storylines, writers, artists, release dates, anecdotes and more with an uncanny level of accuracy.

After attending and guesting at numerous comic book conventions and being asked about his podcast knowledge, Mike was inspired to help fellow podcasters launch their shows. In 2017 he teamed up with Ming Chen to launch A Shared Universe PodcaStudio.

When Mike is not at A Shared Universe, he can be seen behind the counter at Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash - a position he has held for over 15 years.

Contact Mike Zapcic: