Jirk's Podcast

This week is the last episode of Jirk's. However, we end it with a bang  and have two amazing guest: Carlotta Mast and Shelly Sapsin of New Hope Network.Carlotta and Shelly answer all the questions about New Hope, namely EXPO WEST. From quality control of exhibitors, to sexual harassment, this convo covers it all. This was such an honest and insightful podcast that it was truly one of the best ways to end. Give it a listen and I think you will agree. Jeremy and Kirk bring their honest insight in a fun and highly opinionated way. It's always fun, and always entertaining.  Give it a listen. Be sure to catch up on past episodes here: https://jirks.buzzsprout.com/This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

The LIV, a Middle East backed professional golf league, was making headlines as their first tournament kicked off. It was very polarizing for those who love the sport, and just residents of Portland where it kicked off. And, don't get us started on the World Cup being held in Qatar this year. Talk about corrupt. Yikes.The Supreme Court gave the police more rights on top of forcing women to not have control over their bodies. They are out of control and truly don't care about the rights of our citizens. Politicians don't help. They only have their best interest in mind when speaking towards our interest, so that we think that they have our best interest in mind, while maintaining the status quo with lobbyists and corporations helping their best interest. Yeah, read that sentence twice. haha. And, it still boggles the mind as to how Donald Trump became president and STILL has people who mindlessly follow this buffoon. Ugh, please go away. Jeremy and Kirk bring their honest insight in a fun and highly opinionated way. It's always fun, and always entertaining.  Give it a listen. Be sure to catch up on past episodes here: https://jirks.buzzsprout.com/This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

With the overturning of Roe V. Wade, there were several justices who lied about overturning it. Not only do they continually deny equal rights to marginalized people, but lied when they said that they would uphold the law in accordance to how it helps the masses. And women have lost autonomy over their bodies, once again. Lightyear, the new movie by Pixar, was getting ridiculed for the same sex couple represented in the film. People say that it didn't align with the wholesome family dynamic that Disney stood for, which is under aged girls fall in love with a prince, get married, and live happily ever after. Prime heterosexual indoctrination that raises good heterosexual children. Ugh.And Lizzo, the queen of Hip Hop & R&B, changed a lyric in one of her songs because it was harmful to a group of disabled bodied people. She apologized, removed the song, changed the lyric, and then upoladed it again. A beautiful gesture and sincere way to handle a difficult situation. Jeremy and Kirk bring their honest insight in a fun and highly opinionated way. It's always fun, and always entertaining.  Give it a listen. Be sure to catch up on past episodes here: https://jirks.buzzsprout.com/This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

We have Alex Bayer of Genius Juice back with us this episode. And, it is as eclectic and fun as you would expect. We cover the Golden State Warriors winning a championship and how that work ethic and teamwork can benefit any business that wishes to succeed. We also speak a little bit about Beyond Meat, Star Wars, and what Alex's favorite food is. And it's not coconut.You can find Alex Bayer on linkedin.com/in/alex-bayer-503a6711. Check out his ventures: • Genius Juice at https://geniusjuice.com/• 15 minutes of Genius https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/15-minutes-of-genius/id1571858263• Friday Vibes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friday-vibes/id1606039290Jeremy and Kirk bring their honest insight in a fun and highly opinionated way. It's always fun, and always entertaining.  Give it a listen. Be sure to catch up on past episodes here: https://jirks.buzzsprout.com/This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

Jeremy's company Launchpad Group USA got Urban Remedy's new plant-based organic bars into Costco and Jeremy goes over that adventure. We also talk about the coup at the Capitol and how the actions by those people play into the narrative and rhetoric being spewed by those at Fox News and the GOP. And last, but not least, the corporate world and how it plays into the capitalistic dynamics of this country. Jeremy and Kirk bring their honest insight in a fun and highly opinionated way. It's always fun, and always entertaining.  Give it a listen. Be sure to catch up on past episodes here: https://jirks.buzzsprout.com/This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

Petri Dish vs. Peach Tree Dish. Yes, a person who is responsible for representing the constituents in their state said this. I mean, it's no Gazpacho, but it's close. We talk about how conversations between the political left and right have lost sight of actually being productive, and are nothing more than vitriolic children arguing over a toy, how Elon Musk is not a real leader, but a thief and an Oligarch, and how great Obi Wan and Moon Knight were, a myriad of other things, as well as this being a very long sentence. Jeremy and Kirk bring their honest insight in a fun and highly opinionated way. It's always fun, and always entertaining.  Give it a listen. Be sure to catch up on past episodes here: https://jirks.buzzsprout.com/This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

The horrific events that have been happening in the country in regards to mass shootings needs to stop. It is so disheartening to our nation, and the psyche of the people as a whole. Steve Kerr, Head Coach of the Golden State Warriors had strong words on the matter, since his father was gunned downed by terrorists in Beirut. His team, the Warriors are back in the NBA Finals and it should be fun. We also talk about Ray Liotta passing away and Jeremy's brief but memorable conversation with a fellow Yankee fan in an  airport lounge.Jeremy and Kirk bring their honest insight in a fun and highly opinionated way. It's always fun, and always entertaining.  Give it a listen. Be sure to catch up on past episodes here: https://jirks.buzzsprout.com/This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

Do you have friends, or acquaintances? And, do you really even need friends if you're The Batman™? Probably not. And, when are we going to let companies, like Beyond Meat, fail? Their business model isn't working, yet continually get funding. And, now that climate change is showing it's ugly head, bodies are starting to surface in Lake Meed in Nevada. Yikes. Jeremy and Kirk bring their honest insight in a fun and highly opinionated way. It's always fun, and always entertaining.  Give it a listen. Be sure to catch up on past episodes here: https://jirks.buzzsprout.com/This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

Roe V. Wade was a pivotal point in our nation's history. It followed a series of important events that happened in this nation and truly solidified a woman's right to choose what happens to their body. Last week the Supreme Court had information leak that would overturn this revered right for women. This week we speak with women on our podcast and hear their perspective and how a woman's right to choose played a role in their lives, and the effect that this ruling could have on other civil rights as well. It's one of our best and most powerful episodes yet. This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

Getting old sucks. And, with that, comes achy joints and nagging health issues. Jeremy and Kirk both talk about their bad hips, how the oil industry is slowly killing us, why abortion is a woman's right to choose, Elon buying twitter when he could have ended world hunger, holding strong to your morals and integrity, breaking up the country into smaller countries, World Cup, and watching movies. Yeah, very eclectic, but super fun and insightful as usual.  This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

Let's talk Passover, Easter, and other religious fairy tales. It's amazing how the majority of problems in this world are created and solved by religion. Speaking of deities, let's stop glamorizing terrible people like The Tiger King and Anna Sorkin. Also, Kirk touches on the fact that no matter his past successes as a Black man, he is still at risk every time he leaves his home. We then talk a little bit about the new Moon Knight Series and how great that is. Man, that show is a head job. The conversations are always involved, always fun, and always honest. This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk"._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

History was made this episode. The Honorable Justice KBJ was confirmed to the supreme court, baseball started, Kirk complained about technology like an the old man he is (Get off my lawn!!!!),  and Jeremy does not want people in his car. This is one of our most eclectic episodes to date and it's guaranteed to be entertaining. Well, entertaining to us anyway. Give it a listen.This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk".Ok, just to clarify some wrong shit said in this episode: Kirk didn't mention Thurgood Marshall on purpose to talk shit about Clarence Thomas. Also, the Apple still has an HDMI and Memory card slot. _______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

Mental health and prejudice has always been an important part of our society. To us, we viewed the incident at the Oscars as a cry for help. It was a lapse in judgment, as well as a public display of machismo that we have not witnessed on this level, especially from the person involved. There are so many nuanced iterations of what really went down, that it is hard to sort it all out, but we do our best to speak towards it on this episode. And, oh yeah, Kirk went to Wondercon. He touches on that briefly as well. This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk".And with that, welcome to Jirk's Podcast._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

History was made this week. The Honorable Kentaji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court, McDonald's unsold the McPlant (Plant based) Burger to an astronomical failure, and conflict between Russia and Ukraine still rages on. Yeah, there is some shit to unpack here.This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk".And with that, welcome to Jirk's Podcast._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

So apparently, Jeremy got a new iMac and he was stoked about it! We talk about the manner in which he got it, as well as wanting our old iPhone 4 sized phones. We then, once again, rehash the problems with EXPO and how things could be improved, and what this holds for the food industry overall in the next few years.This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk".And with that, welcome to Jirk's Podcast._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

This was recorded prior to Kirk's journey to EXPO WEST in Anaheim. Putin is still crazy. And the police were founded on slavery. Maybe we should all take a closer look at what Colin Kaepernick did, and what he is continuing to do. It's a great listen for sure.This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk".And with that, welcome to Jirk's Podcast._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

Jamba Dunn began brewing kombucha in his own garage. He had a hunch that kombucha didn’t have to be so “kombucha-y”. He felt it could be less sugary, less vinegary, less acidic and safer. And his then three-year-old daughter challenged him to craft something superior to the existing products on shelves.Jamba will detail his trials and errors with Rowdy Mermaid, how he learned to follow his gut, and how it took two years and not 100 to make the delicious kombucha that they have today. Go visit Rowdy Mermaid to learn more and where you can purchase yours today. http://www.rowdymermaid.comThis podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk".And with that, welcome to Jirk's Podcast._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

This is Michele Simon's return to Jirk's. Last time Michele spoke about how the Plant Based foods space is being inundated with items that are claiming to be plant based when they are not. "Plantwashing™" as it were. This time, we get into the real reason behind this trend, and how it is problematic to the truth in any industry because a certain sect of individuals hold all control in this area, White cis males. We talk sexism, narcissism, and White male "Cis"ism. Speaking out is difficult and is often side stepped to avoid backlash and ostracizing. And that goes double for women and marginalized groups.  Michele is a strategy consultant and leader in the plant-based foods movement, she spoke about  of the . She founded the PBFA (Plant Based Foods Association) and has been a powerful voice for the Plant Based food space for over 25 years.You can learn more about Michele and see how she can put her knowledge, expertise, and passion to work for you at https://www.michelersimon.com/This podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk".And with that, welcome to Jirk's Podcast._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

This episode we speak with Andy Kurtts of Buttermilk Creative and Eric Read of Marketbrand. Two incredible designers that give us their perspective on how they started, how they are doing, and how much they both love design and art.It's a super fun podcast and if anybody is interested in the behind the scenes make up of a design agency, then this is for you.Andy Kurtts - http://www.buttermilkcreative.com Eric Read - http://www.marketbrand.usThis podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. You're gonna hear some shit with which you may or may not agree.  However, the perspective that is provided is open and honest. Frankly,  it's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk".And with that, welcome to Jirk's Podcast._______________________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com

Apparently there was a football game last weekend with the Forty Niners, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens didn't get into the Hall of Fame on their last bid, Neil Young left Spotify, as did we, and Cops can't keep it in their pants apparently. Well, their guns in their pockets anyway. All these things and much more when you listen to Jirk's podcast. We never know what's going to happen. After all, this podcast is all about letting people know our perspective on food, culture, and branding aspects of things. It's gonna make some people a little mad. It's not done in a way to be  assholes, but in a way to make you think of us as being jerks. After  all, "Jeremy" and "Kirk", does equal "Jirk".And with that, welcome to Jirk's Podcast._______________________________________About Jeremy and Kirk.Jeremy Smith is the President of Launchpad Group USA, and they specialize in helping brands in the Costco space, with presentations and business strategy. His expertise in the food and beverage space, as well as his depth in observation and analysis to trends in the food world, make his unique perspective valued and respected. Learn more about Launchpad Group USA https://launchpadgroupusa.com/Kirk Visola is the Founder and Creative Director of MIND THE FONT™, a full scale branding and packaging design agency. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work at http://www.mindthefont.com