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