The Jungle Jim's Podcast

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!

We brought in Griffin, best known as SodaSeekers, joins us this week to compare international beverages to US made ones! SodaSeekers is the largest beverage-dedicated news account on Instagram - Griffin talks all things drink and drink accessory and he felt like the PERFECT person to compare all these international sodas! He also writes for the Mythical Kitchen's site Sporked.com where you can read his reviews and some great write ups about Jungle Jim's! Tried really hard to call this episode OnlyFantas. Fanta vs. Fanta! Coke AGAINST Coke! Pepsi on PEPSI! Too hot for TV!

Today i'm joined by friend of the show, Billy Sutherland of Iron Road, and Billy brings along the excellent Teresa Lampl from The Ohio Council. If you're unfamiliar with The Ohio Council, The Ohio Council is a statewide trade and advocacy association representing over 170 private businesses providing community-based prevention, substance use, mental health, and family services throughout Ohio. Our member organizations care for individuals and families across the lifespan by offering person-centered services and support. We tend to treat physical health one way, and ignore mental health as a people - and I know this affects us all, and thought it was of great importance to dive in during trying times, so we can all support each other! Also enjoyed some Illicit Elixirs beverages, as well as Recess wellness drinks! Great stuff!

This week, we're joined by comedian Shawn Braley from the Commonwealth Sanctuary - looking forward to our future collaborations. We're trying some international treats, like Moshi's Uji Matcha White Strawberry soda, Arctic Ocean's tangerine beverage, some new samples from CPG company Fruve, and some treats from the UK. We talk about the comedic landscape changing and some of creative people we're bringing to the greater Cincinnati area, like Michael Ian Black, Rory Scovel, and Doug Benson! Don't forget to get your tickets to Sandwiches of History here at Jungle Jim's in Fairfield, OH on March 9th!

We kick it off with a short recap on Pickle Wars (only for the YouTube viewers) and announce that we are bringing Sandwiches of History to Jungle Jim's International Market Fairfield in March, and I get to be his guest star! I am SO SO stoked for this! If you haven't, check out Sandwiches of History on all social platforms. Then, I'm joined this week by musician Benjamin James Howard to talk about our favorite products that have gone by the way side, along with other products who have returned like Clearly Canadian, and Altoids Sours, which connect through his art and his new album "Vestiges."

WHOA! Ok, no words are needed for this. Two Cincinnati Titans have come together to create this incredible new treat, the Skyline Spice ice cream with oyster crackers! I absolutely loved it, which I guess is a spoiler, but I cannot wait for Cincinnati to try. I was so thankful to sit down with Shannon from Graeter's to talk all about the brand, their ideation process, how they partnered with Skyline for this excellent treat, and then we made our own versions of 3-ways in the form of a sundae! It was so awesome. If you're hearing this episode, this ice cream is now available at Jungle Jim's, and of course at Graeter's Scoop Shops as well as for shipping online through Graeter's! Let us know what you think!

This week, we're hanging out with our friend Mullet Review - if you're unfamiliar with his work, he's taken the area by storm with his excellent, authentic, and funny restaurant reviews. Maybe you've seen him on our TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram before - we love him. This week, we tried to dethrone ranch dressing by sampling things like Remia's Frites Sauce Classic, Kewpie's Onion Dressing, Alreef's Iraqi Sauce, barbecue sauce from Jordan, and more! Does this episode get a 69 out of 10 from you too?

This week I sit down with the family behind Velvet Ice Cream to learn all about their product line, the ideation process, and so many other fun things. Even cooler, they came in to make some REALLY unique sundaes with me - like the pickle ice cream sundae, a Blue Moon Orange Sherbet float, potato chip sundae, and more! I learned more about ice cream than I thought I could, which is why I've been eating so much of it while writing up this episode's details. Hugely thankful for their time coming down to Jungle Jim's, so make sure you come in and eat through their entire line, INCLUDING the spumoni! Hope to visit the factory soon!

It's a week of snow days here in the greater Cincinnati area, but Jungle Jim's International Market is open for YOU! This week, Lucky and I dive into some comfort foods with a twist - can we prepare them inside of this Pokemon-themed panini press we got from our toy department? I think the answer is mostly yes. In the meantime, we talk about our personal opinions on dyes in food, chemicals in food, all while pressing Screaming Sicilian Pizza, fresh bao, and much more in our panini press! Weird week! Stay warm!

This week we're hanging with Rachel DesRochers, responsible for bolstering so many creatives and foodies in Cincinnati, teaching us great tips about life, bidets, and so much more. It was such a funny time with her - make sure to take some extra time to show some gratitude this week after you listen!

This week, i'm joined by Alex and Jacob of the Fairfield Community Foundation. The Fairfield Community Foundation (FCF) is a not-for-profit organization that supports the community through grants, scholarships, and other initiatives like grants, scholarships, community initiatives, and more! It's the holiday season and this felt like a nice way to give back. Hugely grateful for Alex and Jacob's time, even if we mostly talked about Remedy Games' and the brutalist architecture of the Oldest House from Control. What a show.

Stephanie and Shelby join me from the Eastgate location to go through their fun snackleboxes, crazy lights, bluetooth speakers, plush toys, purses, and so many other great gifts for the holiday season! But first, Jayna and I joined by some of my friends, JK and Margaret, to help pick the GREATEST Egg Nog in the store. I guess this is my holiday special.

Jason Brewer of Wandering Monsters joins Ferdinand and I to talk about about their upcoming special pint night here at Fairfield Jungle Jim's on this special episode of the Jungle Jim's podcast. Lets dive into their wild lineup of beers and what inspired both Jason and the brand to make all of these REFRESHING drinks!

When you need some help, can you say "I got a guy?" - I can and i'm going to introduce you to him this week, Lou! Lou's a relatively new add to the Jungle family and he's partly responsible for all the great deals you've been seeing in the stores these days! Who else gets us 3 for a $1 packages of gnocchi? Then, i'm joined by the Tackett family best known as the Happy Human Adventurers. We met them years ago with Dr. Karen in the store and became friends quickly. After years of hearing you all request us to do something a little more cozy and distracting from all the family craziness of Thanksgiving week, we decided to keep it low key and try some products they brought us, along with some quick Thanksgiving leftover tips. We even get to try the Hot Fudge Sundae Liquid Death water. It was weird! Be good to each other, and we'll see you after the holiday! Get the Jungle Jim's app for deals, and follow the Tackett Family at https://www.youtube.com/c/TheHappyHumanAdventurers/

Did you know The Jungle Jim's Podcast is syndicated on The Oasis FM here in Cincinnati? You should tune in on Sunday mornings when we do a special version of the Jungle Jim's Podcast for their show! Thankfully, a long time friend of mine works at Oasis and handles all their production and his name is Jason Newton! Jason, who you may know from his YEARS and years of experience in Cincinnati media production as "Notorious," or from the many excellent concerts he's booked and promoted in the area. Jason is responsible for so many great times in my personal life that I thought it would be great to celebrate his hard work, dive into the ins and outs of our local media scene, all while celebrating his birthday with an excellent Boston Cream Cake made RIGHT HERE in the Jungle Jim's bakery. Cool stuff. 

This week, I'm kicking it off by reminiscing about FizzFest, one of my favorite festivals that has ever happened at Jungle Jim's. I met this week's guest at FizzFest and fell in love, but only let them know about that love in person during THIS interview. I was super stoked to have Karma Water on because I believe in their product and think it tastes awesome, especially with some of the new offerings that they've has brought to the lineup recently. To give you a little info on their current lineup: Karma Probiotic Water delivers more than 10X the active probiotic cultures than yogurt. With 2 billion cultures, 100% of 6 essential vitamins, and only 20 calories, Karma Probiotic Water optimizes digestive health and immune support, and Karma Energy Water offers a proprietary blend of natural caffeine and the patented nootropic, Cognizin® Citicoline, to provide you with the push of energy and mental acuity you need to get through the day. Plus, Karma Energy Water is made without any artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, or preservatives, and it offers 100% of your daily value of Vitamin C and B-Complex. Between their energy waters and their probiotic drinks, there is a little something for everyone. I still need to try the Raspberry Peach one. Karma Water is also launching a whole new line of products that will both come into Jungle Jim's as well as be available direct to consumer and I am hyped to try their upcoming packets you can use on any refillable bottle. Awesome stuff. Learn more in the meantime at https://drinkkarma.com/ - All that and more on the Jungle Jim's podcast!

We kick this episode off with a segment I personally call 'the Quest for the Best,' where we try to find the best things in the store - this time, we were looking to try the ultimate apple cider! We tried Beiersdorfers, Fowler Farms, and Burnham Orchards - all sold in Jungle Jim's. Then, I threw a wrench in the works by bringing in my favorite apple cider in the world, courtesy of Delicious Orchards out of Colt's Neck, New Jersey. I think we should totally carry it here and I bet you'll agree after this segment! THEN, Sahra from Nguyen Coffee joins us to teach us all about Vietnamese coffee. Nguyen Coffee has a huge line of products, and they've just launched their ready-to-drink (or RTD if you're in!) coffees in Jungle Jim's. The great news? They're amazing. Sahra is awesome for a billion reasons like amplifying Asian voices through both her coffee company and her time making documentary films like 'Deported' for NBC! You really need to try these coffees! All that and more on the Jungle Jim's Podcast!

This week, I'm checking out the new expansion here at Jungle Jim's and interrupting International Super Star Jim B. from finishing setting up the international holiday section. It's coming along awesome, Jim! Then, I'm joined by Brad, Kevin, and Jami from the Purple Monkey Project. If you're unfamiliar with the Purple Monkey Project and what they do, let me share dirrectly from them: "Reagan, or “Rey”, as she was known, was a ray of sunshine who lit up every room – she was fun-loving, energetic, sassy, sweet, and spunky. She loved dancing, the musical ‘Hamilton', her family, and her purple monkey. Reagan tragically lost her life in an accident in May of 2021, and the world stopped spinning for those who loved her – it was unfathomable that someone so wonderful was no longer here. But even in the midst of their grief, Reagan's loved ones were overwhelmed by love as their community came together to celebrate her life and to support them in the days, weeks, and months that followed. That love and support helped form the idea for Purple Monkey Project, so named for Reagan's favorite stuffed animal. Purple Monkey Project's goal is to honor Reagan's beautiful spirit by being a “Rey” of light in the world – supporting local youth and youth-centered charities and “paying it forward” by promoting random acts of kindness, all in the name of our Reagan." It's an excellent organization and they're doing cool things for Fairfield and beyond - including their upcoming lip synching event THIS Saturday, November 2nd! Details at https://www.purplemonkeyproject.org 

We kick the episode off with a visit from our pal Karl Spaeth. Karl is a comedian who once thought I called him Ted. He was wrong, but now I'm going to call him Ted. We talk about Karl's upcoming comedy special being taped RIGHT HERE in Cincinnati on November 2nd and 3rd at MOTR Pub. He's even bringing along great local comedians like Ossia Dwyer and Blake Hammond. Karl and I dive into what we dislike about social media, while trying some of his favorite road snacks. I am glad to finally find another fan of Utz brand snacks - Karl got us hooked on the special dark pretzels today. Don't forget to come in and try Live More Smoothies which we're running a special on right now too! Someone bring me a blender!

This week, we're joined by Koji from Asianati as we kick off Cincinnati's one-of-a-kind art event, Blink! It's a cool visual arts festival that takes over downtown and Asianati is opening an Asian Night Market with food, toys, and so much more for people to explore! Then, we're joined by Mike from Native Audio as well as our returning friend, Tyler of St. Mary St. Michael. We're talking all about the Indigenous history that inspired Mike to create his incredible guitar pedals, and the story behind it. But the best part? His mom made us fry bread to eat in support of his brand new addition to the lineup, the Fry Bread Fuzz pedal. We live for the unique here at Jungle Jim's! All that and more on the show!

Jayna from the deli comes back on the show to help show off a bunch of new awesome products she brought in from Greenridge Naturals. From beef sticks, to our favorite chicken sausages, there are SO many. We tried the classic Bavarian brand frankfurter, the spinach and feta cheese chicken sausage, the smoked bratwurst, the black forest with pepper jack cheese, along with their excellent, organic spicy brown mustard, and their champagne honey mustard. There are so many options to choose from. In the meantime, we do traditional podcast things like say snarky things to one another. It's a fun time! Come in and check out the line from Greenridge Naturals and learn more at https://greenridgenaturals.com/

We kick the show off with returning guest, Johnny Catalano of The Plaza Theatre and the Catalano Film Festival to talk about an upcoming event we're putting on, where I will be hosting a screening of the fun 1996 movie, "The Frighteners!" Don't worry, we'll be back after we chat with St. Elmo's at the end of the episode to dive into more nerdy film stuff. Speaking of, we finally get Tyler from St. Elmo's on the show. St. Elmo Steak House has been a landmark in downtown Indianapolis since 1902. It is the oldest Indianapolis steakhouse in its original location, and has earned a national reputation for its excellent steaks, seafood, chops and professional service. They now have a huge line of products that we carry here at Jungle Jim's, from their incredible cocktail sauce, all the way to their new line of ready-to-drink cocktails and spirits! Their espresso martini was a huge hit in the office, and I can't say enough great things about their sauces. Shout out to their Root Beer Glaze, which we did not feature on this episode, even though I love it too much. As promised, Johnny and I return to chat about Peter Jackson and how he went from being a weird indie director, rising through the failure of The Frighteners, only to turn around and make the Lord of the Rings trilogy. All over a delicious glass of St. Elmo's Elmo Cola. All that and more on the Jungle Jim's Podcast!

Jungle Jim's and Third Eye Brewing have come together to make a delicious double New England IPA beer and it's pretty amazing. Using unique hops from New Zealand to create a tropical and juicy mouthfeel, curbing the bitterness oft associated with IPAs, this one is a real treat for the beer fanatics out there. We're joined by Third Eye's brew team - one of which recently joined from New Zealand so he drops some international knowledge on all of us. Sounds like a follow up episode is in the works. The beer lands THIS Friday at Jungle Jim's (both locations) and come try it at the Fairfield store's pint night on Friday from 5-9pm!

This week kicks off with me hopping on my soap box to talk about high prices at the competition that I experienced during my leave this summer. Don't worry, I'm still mad about having to pay almost $10 for a bottle of body wash that is 3.99 here. Jump past the ranting about 15 minutes into the show to get to the main focus. Speaking of, the main focus this week is a new product to Jungle Jim's, from one of the coolest groups of people in town - Mom 'N' Em coffee! They've got two locations in the Cincinnati area and we're one of the best places to come pick up their beans to make it at home. We sit down with the Ferrari Bros, Austen and Tony, as well as their brilliant roaster Colin to talk about all aspects of the coffee business. From Tony and Austen building the space for their first location and all the changes that went in there, from the incredibly detailed discussion from Colin about how your beans get to be as good as they are. We talk about some of their seasonal flavors and some upcoming offerings as well. I got so cranked up on coffee, I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, but obviously not enough to not-type it into this episode description. GET SOME BEANS ALREADY!

This week, we're ready to launch into fall vibes and flavors and we're trying a ton of fall-themed treats in the store:  Little Debbie Brownie Pumpkins Coastalo THC Soda - Pumpkin Spice Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Coffee Drink Pop Daddy Dutch Apple Pie Pretzels Jungle Jim's Pumpkin Gummies Wafer Master Rolls - Pumpkin Spice (from Turkey) Jelly Belly Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Juice Better Butter - Pumpkin Spice Butter Tootsie Caramel Apple lollipop Doh Joy Vanilla Wheat Bread Liquid Death Psycho Cider We're joined by former employee of Jungle and current employee of Dr. Pepper, Pat, as it's his last week with all of us before he takes a new career path in Washington - lets wish him well!

We are SO back! This week, Lucky joins me on the show to help parse through some of our most interesting Japanese snacks and products. Do you think we are going to love the little hamburger shaped cookies? What about Pocari Sweat? Jungle Jim's has so many wild products we will experience the heat death of the universe before we try them all. What are some of your favorite international items that you'd like us to try?

We're bringing Italian food in in a BIG WAY! I'm easing back into the studio, talking about the Weekend of Fire hot sauce festival that just passed, and helping launch some new products in the store. Eddie from OGI joins me to talk about the excellent internationally produced foods that they're bringing to our Italian section. I'm pretty excited about the spumoni, as you can tell here, but the Italian ices are going to get the midwest excited with me! So many new products in here, croissants, cookies, pastas, you name it!

This week is the Weekend of Fire at Jungle Jim's International Market! That's right, an entire festival dedicated to everything hot and spicy - you'll find some of your new favorite hot sauces there. Speaking of finding your new favorite hot sauces there, I found one of my favorites in Stanky Sauce - they've got flavors from mild to wild and they're bringing TWO NEW EXCLUSIVE hot sauces to the festival this weekend. Find out more with Stanky Sauce owners Eddie and Eric! See you at the festival this weekend - you can get your tickets now at www.Junglefests.com

This week we're talking all about two fun new products coming to Jungle Jim's soon! First, is Coca Cola's collaboration with Oreo! Per our friends at CandyHunting on Instagram: Coca-Cola and Oreo have collaborated to launch two new, limited edition products internationally! New Oreo Fizzy Cookie flavored Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola flavored Oreos will be out in countries including the US, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, and "more," according to the press release. The official date for the US launch is Monday, September 9. The Oreo Fizzy Cookie flavored Coca-Cola will be out only as zero sugar. In the US, it will be available in 12 oz sleek cans, 20 fl oz bottles, and 12 and 6 packs of mini cans. The Coca-Cola flavored Oreos have one chocolate cookie made with Coca-Cola syrup, one red-colored golden cookie embossed with Coca-Cola designs, white creme, and popping candy. Sounds delicious! Next, our pals at Liquid Death are cooking up a killer limited fall edition that should be landing at Jungle Jim's this Friday (August 16th 2024) called Psycho Cider - here's more: Murder your thirst with this fall 2024 limited edition flavor from Liquid Death. It's a delicious combination of apple pear and cinnamon flavors - get some Psycho Cider while you can!

Finally got linked up with the fine folks of ShineWater, a new tasty drink - 100% of your daily vitamin D, zero sugar, and more! I've found myself enjoying quite a bit of the samples I got to try during my "wheelchair era" while recovering at home. So far, the Strawberry lemonade is my favorite. We talk about the inception of the brand, some of the struggles of standing out in the marketplace, how they create new flavors, and a few teases of what's on the horizon! All that and more on the Jungle Jim's podcast!

We're launching a ONE PIECE CARD GAME Official Pop-Up Shop & Gashapon Bandai Official Shop at the Jungle Jim's Eastgate location and our director of development, Phill Adams is here to tell us all about it along with the mastermind behind this (and one of our store's buyers), Martha. We get to learn about the exclusive stuff they're bringing to the store as well as seeing the 300 Gashapon machines they're bringing into Jungle Jim's! The card game shop is open from August 1st to August 11th, and the Gashapon machines will be in store from August 1st to September 30th! Get in and get some when you have the chance!

Great-ish news everyone, only about 4 more weeks of recovery for me. I assure you, i'm losing my mind. This week on the show, we're talking about some new samples that just arrived from Levity Cannabis spirits. Levity has a whole line of pre-made cannabis (Delta 9) cocktails, as well as actual cannabis spirits like a play on whiskey, tequila, and more. I also received the new high dose, 25mg can of Orange Soda from Coastalo, which also uses Delta 9. Coastalo is from the brains of Urban Artifact, known for their Midwest Fruit Tart beers. Pretty excited to try all of these. Then we dive into Pickle Day at Urban Artifact, a collab between them and us here at Jungle Jim's. I sat in a motorized wheelchair and it was one of my first times out in public. Huge thanks to Devin and Scott at Urban Artifact for literally carrying me out of my house. Congrats to the winner of the pickle eating competition that you're about to enjoy now! 

Day 298 of being trapped in my house! I went full YouTuber on this episode. In my time out of the office, I've been setting up for remote interviews - but I was bummed that I missed out on so many fans coming through the store this summer. One listener reached out and we'd planned to do this episode together in the studio, but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. I gave Kevin some Cincinnati favorites, and he brought me a bunch of St. Louis favorites! Even cooler is now you can get some of these items, like Fitz's Root Beer and other sodas; hopefully i'll get these chips in at least! I tried a classic ooey gooey butter cake, Imo's Pizza, Louisa's Toasted Ravioli, Old Vienna's Red Hot Riplets. Kevin reviewed Glier's Goetta for us on the show, and we sent him some Cincinnati chili brands, buckeyes, and Grippos - what do you think we should've made him try?

This week, we're testing out Cheddies, a killer new cheese cracker sent in for me to try and available for all of you on the shelves at Jungle Jim's right now. They come in three flavors and so far, I'm loving them! We're chatting up our upcoming wine events, and of course the Weekend of Fire hot sauce festival coming up in August! There's even going to be a car show. Make sure you follow Jungle Jim's on Eventbrite for upcoming event information, and download the Jungle Jim's app to keep up with all our deals, and get exclusive prices on select products! Lastly, we're joined by Bruce from Slumber Sleep Aid to help launch their product line inside Jungle Jim's. 

We're back after a week of acclimation. I'm entering my wheelchair era. This was one of my favorite recent interviews, and since I can't make it to the farm anytime soon, I thought i'd share this engaging interview. Regina was really smart and knowledgeable and I learned a ton about goats and their milk, raw milk, and other interesting things about farming. Their process to create their goat milk soaps, lotions, and more was really intriguing to me and I think you'll feel the same.

This week, we bring in some great grab-and-go pizzas from La Pizza Italiana! Then, Mark heads off to Trophy Pizza to learn to make pizzas and have a conversation with their owners, Jim and James. Convenient names, gents. We talk about the controversy behind pineapple on pizza, what it takes to truly make a great pizza pie, and the difficulty in bringing true New York style pizza to the midwest. Mark probably discusses his distaste for LaRosas at some point. Even cooler, you can go to Trophy Pizza's Norwood location's grand opening and try the pizza Mark made on the show - get yourself a slice of the "Local Favorite" starting this weekend and help him beat James Beard award winner, Jose Salazar, for the best slice! A man can dream, can't he? Huge thanks to Trophy Pizza's Zachary George for his help producing this episode, it's a great one - make sure to check out the video version on YouTube!

This week, we sit down with Lisa from Henrietta Said, a cool female-owned company bringing peanuts back into the snack game. They've got cool, scandalous branding, with all kinds of fun flavors inspired by chicken wings like buffalo, ancho kim chi, and so much more! We talk about the obstacles you overcome in the industry, as well as how they're ensuring peanuts make a huge comeback. I also talk about the upcoming Jungle Jim's International Beerfest occurring on June 14th and 15th, and you can still get tickets by visiting this link: Jungle Festival Tickets!

Jackson's sent me some samples of their tasty Sweet Potato Chips, conveniently fried in avocado oil and while I was originally just supposed to do a review, they inspired me to do something else with their spicy jalapeno option. In the world's largest grocery store and international market, we've got so many options of similarly spicy chips, Lucky and I had to find the best ones - so here we are today, selling ourselves out to find the ultimate spicy chips in Jungle Jim's!

This week i'm joined by Blesson Wilkerson, best known as ViralTokens. The man has been blanketing the nation with his incredible feats of strength through his now-viral handstands. Maybe you were working at the Hi-Mark one night when he came in to walk down a flight of stairs, maybe you were at Jungle Jim's while we were feeding him sandwiches while he walked on his hands, or maybe you're just one of the cool people who knew about him before we did. We love a guy trying to bring a little positivity to all communities especially through something fun and exciting like this, and the least I could do was have him test out some new crisps from FLOCK that I'd received as a sample. We're also talking deals in the store this week, and we've got plenty for ya! All that and more on the Jungle Jim's Podcast.

This week, we're joined by Mark Perkins of the Necessary Entrepreneur Podcast. You can check his show out at TheNecessaryEntrepreneur.com - I obviously would recommend episode 59 since I was the guest there. Mark is one of the best interviewers I've ever met, so we sat down to talk about some of what goes on behind the scenes of podcasts, and what goes through our heads when we're trying to create something interesting. We get to try the new Black Cherry from Hoist, as well as some flavors from Wilde Chips! All this and more on the Jungle Jim's Podcast!

This week, we're diving in with Oliver's Desserts carried at both Jungle Jim's locations while we're off to the Sweets and Snacks Expo in Indianapolis! Ashley from Oliver's Desserts has a world record idea to pitch too which sounds awesome - tune in and tell us what you think!

This week is stacked - feel free to treat it as multiple courses. Up first, we welcome Claire from Vienna Beef. You will laugh way more than you thought during a beef segment. Do we think I can be outlawed from Illinois for suggesting people put ketchup on their hot dogs? Find out soon. Then, I'm joined by the Cincinnati Rollergirls who come to help kick up a little chaos with me in the store just in time for their next big match on May 11th! Visit them at  . Lastly, we're joined by filmmaker Cam Marshall who is premiering his new feature film "Blackwoods" at the Cincinnati World Cinema on May 11th as well! It's a stacked weekend for Cincinnati residents so go take in some of the excitement this city has to offer - looking forward to seeing you all out there! 

This week, we kick it off with our new friends from Rooted Grounds coffee - we've got some deals on their product in stores, come clean me out of those K-Cups before I drown! Their coffee is awesome and I had a great time with the brains behind Rooted Grounds, Patsy and David. Should we make a blend together in the future? I think so! Then, we meet Annie of Bite This by Annie, who is bringing in a whole new line of products into Jungle Jim's, including her incredible bagel bombs in the natural foods freezers, as well as her delicious brownies and snack mix called Pub Grub! I feel a little pride for this one as I discovered her at a cute Halloween market last fall!  Give her a follow on instagram at @BiteThisByAnnie - all this and more on the Jungle Jim's Podcast!

This week, we're talking butter. Both Jungle Jim's locations has a butter bar where we feature butters from all over the world. This week, we're talking to local butter purveyors, Parisian Pantry, and then traveling down under to meet the folks behind Pepe Saya butter from Australia! In the meantime, make sure you download the Jungle Jim's app for exclusive deals, discounts, and more and of course, follow us on social media to see reviews of things like these butters and some of the fun new stuff I picked up at the Lipari Food Show last week!

This week, we sit down with Aleah from Shroomacon! Shroomacon is a cool new product we carry at Jungle Jim's - simply put, bacon made out of mushrooms. It's crazy and delicious! If you haven't yet, jump on Hulu and check out their episode on Shark Tank! We're happy and proud to have them in the Jungle; you'll love our discussion around the inception of the product as well as their time on Shark Tank!

This week, we're joined by the LEGEND Billy Southerland - Billy is launching a new custom golf cart company right down the road from us at Jungle in Fairfield. Billy is hugely responsible for me getting to make the Jungle Jim's Podcast, and I absolutely love when he comes by the studio. Also make sure to look into his other business, Iron Road! Billy is the best. Then, returning favorites Michael and Amanda join us from our wine department to host a sampling and talk about some sweet upcoming events in our wine department. Don't forget to come try some wines with us every Wednesday for Back that Glass Up. More events are located on JungleJims.com - come hang out!