Legendary comedian Tony Woods comes to visit us in the Jungle, so Jungle and I talked to him about the world of comedy after we wrapped up our tour of the Fairfield store. Check out Tony on "They Ready" on Netflix while he preps to go on the Joe Rogan Experience in the next week or so. Then, we're joined by our seafood specialist Ross to tell us all about the world of seafood - from freshness to purchasing habits you should adopt, and so much more. Ross is so passionate and knowledgeable that you're going to love him.

This week, we're joined by Jim from International to tell us to run in and check out our insane line up of international holiday goodies. Supplies are dwindling, so listen to this episode quickly. Jim also lets us in on the secrets of how we curate such a large offering. Later, we're joined again by Christy from the bakery and her mom to give us a little history on why fruitcake is a meme and how we should actually give it another show. Spoiler alert: it's delicious. Then we meet local chocolate and treat makers from Ruby's Chocolate to share their personal story of overcoming adversity and how Jungle Jim's helped them build their brand. Music by Star Silk and Nicolas Clay. Helpful timecodes: 05:26 - Jim and International Holiday Treats; 20:30 - The Fruitcake Debacle; 37:14 - Ruby's Chocolates. 

This week, I hang out with one of our sommeliers, Michael, as he teaches me the ins and outs of the world of fine wine, including a $15,000 bottle we have in our cellar. Insanity. Then, Jungle will chat with me, the beer crew, and the team from Fifty West Brewing to talk about our new "Road to the Jungle" beer collaboration we released. You know you want to hear his review! Helpful timecodes: 04:53 - Michael, Jungle Jim's sommelier; 50:12 - Fifty West Brewing and the Jungle Jim's beer

Hey everyone - just a quick teaser episode since Tony's in town and was gracious enough to spend the afternoon with us in the store. If you're unfamiliar with Tony Woods, he's been a longtime stand up comedian, being a driving force behind HBO's Def Jam Comedy series, and famously mentoring Dave Chappelle. He's at Go Bananas Comedy club in Cincinnati this weekend - so check him out live, then check out his full interview on the show soon!

We're working off our food bender, so put on some sweat pants and listen up. This week, I'm teasing our upcoming beer collaboration with Fifty West Brewing Co., then we're talking with Leigh from The Cooking School here at Jungle Jim's Fairfield, as they've just reopened to the public! Come on in and take a cooking class with me where we can learn how to use one of the many exotic ingredients we carry in the store. Then, we're joined by Taylor from Boulder Berry Farms, to teach us about the many uses and benefits of elderberries, a popular superfruit thanks to it's immune system boosting properties - their berries are exclusively available at Jungle Jim's International Markets! Helpful timecodes: 07:36 - Leigh Ochs and the Cooking School; 25:40 - Elderberries from Boulder Berry Farms

This week, we've got our director of development Phill back in the booth to tell us a story about an el car, the Chicago Transit Authority, and how we got all these exclusive Bourbon County Stouts from Goose Island. Then, we take a trip to India to try out some international snack foods on another segment of The Taste Test. Lastly, we're joined by Suzy DeYoung of La Soupe to tell us about their mission to serve the underprivileged and how Jungle Jim's was a part of that journey! Helpful timecodes: 06:40 - Phill talks Chicago L Car and Goose Island, 21:36 - Taste Test - Indian snack foods, 32:13 - Suzy from La Soupe interview

This week, we're hitting Thanksgiving hard and early. First, we meet a new customer, David, on a segment of "What Brings You In?" on his quest for peppers, then we're diving deep into the original Thanksgiving meal plan and all the items you can get to recreate it right here in Jungle Jim's. Later, we're joined by Jake of Dust Village Co. to talk about how absurd it is to fry 60 turkeys for Thanksgiving as well as some of his best practices and round it off with delicious, seasonal desserts from Cincinnati bakery and friend of the Jungle, The Bonbonerie. Helpful timecodes: 02:44 - What Brings You In? 07:20 - Thanksgiving trivia and original Thanksgiving 25:40 - Wild Ohio Brewing interview 36:14 - Dust Village Co. Fried Turkey Tips 52:50 - Bonbonerie interview

This week, we’re taking you on a trip to Bourbon County, thanks to resident beer expert Ferdinand and the fine folks of Goose Island. Come to Ohio’s biggest Bourbon County party on November 26th right here at Jungle Jim’s in Fairfield. Then, we’re learning all about the wonderful world of soy products, thanks to Sam from CinSoy foods, right out of Cincinnati. Did you know Ohio had so many soy farms? I didn’t! Helpful timecodes: 03:45 - Bourbon County Stouts with Ferdinand, 21:59 - CinSoy Foods and that soy sauce feeling

Here's a bonus Halloween treat for all you listeners. Today, I'm reading a short, creepy story called "Staircase" by fellow podcaster Soren Narnia of the Knifepoint Horror podcast. Grab yourself some international candy and beverages from our store, turn off the lights, and enjoy this spooky tale! Happy Halloween, everyone!