Jirk's Podcast

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".
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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.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 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.us

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

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