The Jungle Jim's Podcast

This week, we sit down with the medical team at Kettering Health out of Hamilton, OH to teach us all about some updates to your health you might not have even thought of. The doctors took me behind the scenes to a private OR with no patients to see the newest technology, and you can all laugh at me getting to drive a million dollar piece of medical equipment with no knowledge. In the meantime, the Robodocs will be hosting some events here at Jungle Jim's on March 7th and 8th 2023, for FREE! You can come learn all about hernia health and preventative medicine, while meeting the team who are truly passionate about saving your life. Never thought this would be an angle on our show, but I love that we're getting to share this knowledge with everyone. I hope you enjoy!

Time for a format refresh as we lean into what i'm affectionately referring to as the second season of the Jungle Jim's Podcast. This week, I sit down with Carrie and Erin of the Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub to talk about some cool upcycling practices framed around how we recreate a lot of our spaces at Jungle Jim's using recycled products! Don't forget to grab your Bonne Maman and Ilchester advent calendars to taste along with me next week! Find out more about Jungle Jim's International Market and our podcast by visiting JungleJims.com

We're joined HOT by Paul Savill of Sir Savill's Ideal Rubs. Paul tells us some wild stories about the world of trucking competitions and America's Road Teams and how the practices and qualities he earned there helped him create a brand of excellent, homemade rubs and spices. In his own words, "I'm a five-time Ohio State Truck Driving Champion, and I once placed 5th at the National Truck Driving Championships. One of my greatest honors was being selected for the America's Road Team, a national safety and outreach program led by the American Trucking Associations. As a Road Team Captain, I was called on about once a month to travel the country—sometimes flying to events, other times driving one of the program's dedicated trucks. At each stop, we taught the Share the Road program, helping new drivers and the public understand blind spots and truck safety. But those events weren't just about education—they were about connecting over food, stories, and the flavors of America. From school events in Montana to outreach in Boston, I've tasted the country—one plate at a time." I want to go to one of these trucking competitions!

This week, we're joined by Cody Hefner of the Cincinnati Museum Center, and we're telling Cincinnati secrets and diving into the cool history of the Museum Center and Union Terminal! I even talked Cody into suggesting some fun Jungle Jim's themed exhibits at the museum, and a cool story about the Declaration of Independence and how he'd hide them inside Jungle Jim's! A lot of fun history here in town!

Shelby and Bryce from Eastgate come over with some of their crazy toy and candy picks for this holiday season. We go from classic candies like Chick-O-Sticks, all the way to the latest from Smiski and Funko Pop! Jungle even makes a cameo as he tries to pirate the episode! What are some of the things you're trying to get your hands on this year? Let us know in the comments! And thanks for shopping at Jungle Jim's!

This week, we're trying a few new Korean treats before we're joined by Dr. Jay Wilkins of Bionox. In their words, "At Bionox, we are committed to empowering individuals to feel better, be better, and do more. By combining the highest quality natural ingredients with innovative science, we create delicious, easy-to-use health solutions that enhance wellness and performance. Our mission is to deliver peace of mind and vitality to our customers, ensuring every product is as enjoyable as it is effective. Whether you're seeking improved energy, natural performance, or overall wellness, Bionox stands as your partner in achieving a vibrant, healthy lifestyle." I've been using their CardioGO line and I've had an excellent experience - and who couldn't use a little extra heart health? Later, the studio gets accosted by local musician Alex Salazar, who we force to sing a song as penance. It's beautiful.

This week we're joined by Eric Mahoney of the Yellow Springs Film Fest to talk about this exciting film festival happening just a little ways away from the Jungle. We chat about Ohio's rich film history, expanded on by their Rod Serling programming in this year's film festival, working with Kevin Smith to screen his classic movie "Dogma" as part of the film festival, and how important it is to support local creatives! In the meantime, a bunch of the Jungle family is in Japan, and we're setting up for Horrorhound Festival as we speak - come say hi at the Jungle Jim's booth!!!

This week, we're joined by Mark Dirksing of Unrestricted Flavor and Justin Dean of Carriage House Farm and Lost Bridge Beverage company to talk about their upcoming event in support of those with intense food allergies and FODMAP intolerance. Mark tells his heartwrenching story of the difficulties he's faced since developing some of his food intolerances, how it's caused problems in so many spaces of his life, and his struggles to overcome this. Stay tuned, as we'll update the info here when they launch their official event date. In the meantime, follow along with Mark and Justin here: YouTube https://youtube.com/@unrestrictedflavor?si=-25i2DUfAoT2Tfsc Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/618825987420680/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT LBBC https://lostbridgebeverage.com/ Also, don't forget to try these delicious limited edition chips from Cape Cod, Malt Vinegar flavor. Incredible.

This week, we're kicking off some of our 50th Anniversary coverage on the show, joined by Chris Cook of Huron Web Printing & Graphics out of Canada. They handle our print media and after spending the afternoon with him and Jungle, I had to capture their experiences and expertise on the Jungle Jim's Podcast. We talk about the changing nature of print media, that tactile feedback you get from engaging with physical media compared to digital, and all of the ups and downs in the marketing industry over the 34 years Huron has been in business. Another fascinating interview where an expert helps "give up the game," so to speak. Thankful for their time! Don't forget to visit JungleJims.com/50 to sign up to win the Jungle Jim's LEGO set!

Lets talk some new snacks, these Mochi Snacks in the tamari teriyaki flavor were great, talked about Responsibly Rain water, these 25 cent chocolate banana cakes in International, then we're dropped in by the guys from High 9ine!! High 9ine is a delta-9 THC canned beverage, crafted for your wellness using coconut water, real juice, organic vitamins, and some even include caffeine! Then Maggie from Rollhouse right here in Fairfield, and Aubry Woods of the Jovante Woods Foundation come into to talk to us about their upcoming fundraiser. If you're unfamiliar, The Jovante Woods Foundation's goal is to try and prevent the tragic loss of a loved one due to an Asthma attack or the lack of education during an Asthma attack. You can learn more about the organization and their events by visiting www.jovantewoodsfoundation.org - and don't forget to check out TheRollhouse.com to learn more about what they've got going on too!

Nutrient dense pita chips is not a phrase I thought i'd say so frequently but here we are. We sat down with Alexander Harik, founder of ZestyZ, to talk all about navigating the CPG space, launching products, tips for other creative types out there, and so much more - this was a great, emotional episode that really unlocks a lot of secrets to many peoples' success in the food industry. I love an inspiring episode full of hope, which is why I love having people like Alex on the show! ZestyZ is NOW AVAILABLE at Jungle Jim's, too! How awesome is that!?

Steamed interview questions? They're clearly grilled. We are so thrilled to have had Bill Oakley join us on the show. If you're unfamiliar with Bill and his work, let me share a little more from him directly: Bill Oakley is an Emmy-winning writer and producer best known for his iconic work on The Simpsons, where he co-ran the show during its critically acclaimed seventh and eighth seasons. He co-created the cult classic animated series Mission Hill and has contributed to other beloved shows like Futurama and Portlandia. Bill's cultural impact extends beyond television—he wrote the "Steamed Hams" scene, a segment from The Simpsons that evolved into a viral meme, earning the title of Meme of the Year in 2018 from Know Your Meme. In recent years, Bill has transitioned from showrunning to the culinary world, where his sharp humor and love for American food have made him a sought-after voice in the industry. A regular contributor to the History Channel's The Food That Built America and a guest on Afternoon Live, Bill combines storytelling with culinary expertise. His collaborations with prominent chefs like Robert Irvine and J. Kenji López-Alt have further solidified his voice as a notable comic voice in American food culture. Bill and I dove deep into his transition to the world of food, as well as getting an upclose look at the creation of the famous Steamed Hams scene and so much more. Thank you so so much for joining me, Bill!

This week, i'm joined by Pet Department Manager Mike, and we're recapping so many products from the Global Pet Expo. We've got a ton of new stuff in right now from brands like Kona, Canidae, Blue Buffalo, a hilarious collaboration with KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), Sustainably Yours, and a REALLY fun product from Kong Connects where I will be training my animals to become prized boxers. Amazing stuff. Then we're joined by friend of the show Johnny Catalano to promote the premiere of Corinthian Campbell's first feature film, "Pastime." The film is premiering on June 14th at the Air Force Museum Theatre up near Dayton, OH. You can get tickets and more info at http://www.pastimefilm.com! Changes coming to the Jungle Jim's Podcast soon - it's going to be awesome!

Tyler from Onima Pantry stops into Jungle Jim's on his tour across America to talk about his product lines. We learn about pigeon languages, the secret behind Onima's name and origin, everything you could want to know about garums (fermented fish sauce that was used as a condiment in the cuisines of Phoenicia, ancient Greece, Rome, Carthage and later Byzantium), and so much more. We really should try to make a garum here in the studio, shouldn't we? Anyway, keep fermenting on that just like Onima Pantry's delicious sauces!

Today we're joined by Barbie of That Dam Jam - she makes all kinds of excellent spiced jams that will absolutely rule your parties this summer. Great for gifts, great for eating, and if you don't try it soon, we'll make sure you have a chance at this year's Weekend of Fire Festival. What you may not know is how many of these brands, especially those launched during COVID, got a huge boost by working with Jungle Jim's. We here at the Jungle LOVE finding about new products, so make sure you let us know - we'd love to help you branch out!

This week we're joined by not only Jungle Jim himself, but Matt from Nature Fresh Farms based out of Canada. If you're unfamiliar with Nature Fresh, here's a little more: Nature Fresh Farms® is a pioneer in greenhouse-grown produce, committed to nourishing people and the planet through innovation and sustainability. Based in Leamington, Ontario, with facilities across North America, we're not just growers; we're innovators. We build our own greenhouses, meticulously grow our produce and, market produce of our partner growers to deliver you the freshest, most flavorful, and highest-quality products. We're passionately dedicated to pushing the boundaries of greenhouse technology and advocating for sustainable farming practices. Because for us, good food isn't just about taste – it's about creating a meaningful, positive impact on our world. Join us in Growing for a Kinder Future™. To learn more about Nature Fresh Farms visit naturefreshfarms.com I need a skinless roma tomato, I don't know about all of you! Who else has a pepper pocket like Jungle?

This week, we're prepping for the Sweets & Snacks Expo, one of the best trade shows in the world. All kinds of huge brands come out and show off their best treats for the next year or so, and we get to try them. Stay tuned to our social media to see some clips! Meanwhile, friend of the show and host of the podcast "Full Spin Club," Dave Stewart, joins us to go through some of the previous year's snacks from the expo. Cmon by the Oscar Station for some bourbon and cigars on Thursday night, then join Dave at The Commonwealth Sanctuary for his "The People Vs. Blink 182" comedy show! 

This week, we dive into all kinds of international products with Rome Ntukogu, creator, designer, jacket-maker, event host, and so many more things. Rome and I explore tons of international treats together, while talking about his career as a creative and how growing up outside of America affected his perspectives in a really cool way. Hey, maybe we'll have to host one of his NiteMkt events here at Jungle Jim's!!

A few months back, we had the pleasure of bringing in the hilarious comedian, Gianmarco Soresi. Make sure you watch our video of us shopping around the store to get all of these items. We tried international produce, chips from all over the world, unique drinks, and more while talking about Gianmarco's career in comedy, discussing the effects of crowd works in the modern entertainment landscape, and so much more. Gianmarco, I can't thank you enough for being a part of this!

This week, we're trying the new Thai Yellow Curry and Korean Spicy BBQ chips from Calbee, we're talking about the Findlay Kitchen Fundraiser I'm emceeing and how you can try so many of their products RIGHT HERE in Jungle Jim's, and diving into our first live exit interview with an employee. Ray Jones was one of our head cashiers, and when he moved, I saw an opportunity to do something silly - and that opportunity turned into something sweet and heartfelt, that simultaneously gave us a good insight into the Jungle. Love that. Then, we're joined by Matthew Rolnick of Real American Beer, brother, to talk about their recent event with WWE's Braun Strowman right here at Jungle Jim's, as well as their plans for Real American Beer. As always, reach out to me with your ideas at Podcast@JungleJims.com!