The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast

Kirk Visola & Andy Kurtts

Arts

Frequency: 1 episode/17d. Total Eps: 105

Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts take a fun look and analysis at branding and design. The fun nuances, textures, colors, and disruption that branding and all that goes with it may take on. Their insight is fun and honest with the hopes of educating those who tune in. And, being small business owners, they face many of the trials and obstacles that others face and speak towards that as well. No matter what, it's always a good time when these two get together and you might learn a little something new about that pretty little design or branding that you just saw.

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http://www.mindthefont.com/
285 shares
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kirkandkurtts
223 shares
https://buttermilkcreative.com/
144 shares

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykurtts/
143 shares
http://www.linkedin.com/IN/KIRKVISOLA
143 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwastler/
6 shares

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1933171/fan_mail/new
105 shares
https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1933171/open_sms
99 shares
https://kirkkurtts.buzzsprout.com
24 shares

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Score global : 57%

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Tamer Kattan, Professional Standup Comedian & Brand Strategist

Season 4 · Episode 17

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • Duration 45:24

We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate our 100th episode than by sitting down with Tamer Kattan.

Tamer details his professional experience from intern to stand up comic, the trouble with having a name that rhymes with "hammer", and a life that is filled with taking risk, and following your passion.

This is one of our most fun and eclectic podcast to date, and we can't thank you all enough for joining us on this journey thus far.

Thanks again to Tamer for joining us, and be sure to follow him on social.
LinkedIn
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About Kirk and Andy.

Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. 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 http://www.mindthefont.com.

Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.

Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics

Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
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Haylee Jordan & Anthony Bradley, Co-Founders at FABRIC

Season 4 · Episode 16

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 • Duration 53:16

In this episode, Kirk and Andy sit down with Haylee Jordan and Anthony Bradley, the creative co-founders behind Fabric, a new microdose THC beverage brand that’s part mellow, part mission-driven.

Haylee and Anthony walk us through how Fabric went from concept to cans, the chaos of startup pivots, and why good design can’t be an afterthought — even when the product’s not done yet. From the gold-topped packaging to their public benefit corporation status, Fabric is trying to do things differently, on purpose.

We get into:

The brand’s unexpected founding story
What it takes to launch a cannabis beverage in a fast-moving, weirdly regulated space
Their approach to naming, product design, and mental health advocacy
Why being “cool” actually matters in CPG branding
Microdosing vs full-dose THC (and who’s drinking the 10mg cans)
Lessons from collaborating as design-first co-founders

Whether you’re into brand building, THC beverages, or just want to hear how creatives launch real products, this one’s worth your time.

Website: drinkfabric.com

Instagram: @drinkfabric

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About Kirk and Andy.

Emily Winston, Founder & CEO of Boichik Bagels, Engineer

Season 4 · Episode 7

Friday, January 31, 2025 • Duration 57:36

What makes a bagel legendary? Is it the texture, the crust, the chew, or the history behind it? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the story of Emily Winston, the founder of Boichik Bagels, a Bay Area sensation bringing old-school New York flavor to the West Coast.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Emily went from being a mechanical engineer at GM, working on car doors, to a full-fledged bagel artisan.

• The emotional connection behind recreating her taste memory of the legendary H&H Bagels from NYC.

• The challenges of scaling from a small passion project to multiple locations and a frozen bagel empire.

• The historic significance of Boychick’s flagship location, which was the original home of Noah’s Bagels, and how she got the founder’s blessing to continue the tradition.

• How Boychick stands out, not just for its bagels, but for its bold social justice stance and commitment to inclusivity.

Why listen?

Whether you’re a bagel purist, a food entrepreneur, or a branding enthusiast, Emily’s story is an inspiration. It’s a masterclass in following your passion, perfecting your craft, and building a business that resonates deeply with people.

Key takeaways:

• Great branding meets great product. How the Boichik aesthetic became a symbol of quality and authenticity.

• The bagel battle is real. Why Emily believes we’re entering a new wave of bagel wars and how she plans to win.

• Managing rapid growth while keeping company culture intact. Insights into leadership, trust, and empowering a team.

Don’t just take our word for it—get yourself a Boichik Bagel (especially the frozen ones if you’re not in the Bay Area).

Follow and subscribe to the Kirk and Kurtts Design Podcast for more deep dives into creativity, business, and the stories behind the brands we love.Connect with Emily here:

Joel Herrera, Artist, Illustrator, Poster Designer, UX Designer, Product Designer, Instructor, Teacher

Season 4 · Episode 6

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 • Duration 49:04

This week on the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast, we’re joined by Joel Herrera—visual communicator, illustrator, painter, storyteller, and former Duke art professor. Joel shares how his love for comic books and a family steeped in creativity shaped his journey as an artist.

We dive into:

•The accidental (and slightly annoying) way Joel discovered his talent

•Why every artist feels like their work isn’t good enough

•The importance of putting your art out there—even when it’s scary

•Joel’s love for alternative movie posters and storytelling

Whether you’re a designer, an artist, or just someone trying to make something meaningful, Joel’s story will leave you inspired and ready to tackle your own creative challenges.

Connect with Joel here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-herrera-ux/

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About Kirk and Andy.

Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of . He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work .Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: by Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:

Alex Center, Founder at CENTER, Design Director, Graphic Designer, Packaging & Branding, Part Two

Season 4 · Episode 5

Monday, December 23, 2024 • Duration 27:48

In part 2, Kirk and Andy continue chatting with Alex Center, founder and creative force behind Center Design, to discuss the art and strategy of building iconic brands like Ayoh! mayonnaise and BERO beer. From the high stakes of crafting products for big-name personalities like Molly Baz to designing a "lived-in yet fresh" aesthetic, Alex dives deep into the challenges and joys of creating consumer packaged goods that feel both timeless and trendy.

Highlights:

How Molly Baz's reverence for classic sandwich shops inspired *Ayoh!*’s nostalgic yet modern design.
The unique approach of making new brands feel like they've been around forever—and why it's a winning formula.
The collaboration process at Center Design: stakeholder interviews, team synergy, and blending client vision with expert execution.
Alex's thoughts on balancing pressure, passion, and creativity when working on high-stakes projects.\

Kirk and Andy also geek out over the Americana vibe behind Ayoh! and sandwiches as a universally loved staple, sharing their own sandwich-making rituals and thoughts on the role of nostalgia in branding.

Whether you're a designer, a brand enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good sandwich (with the perfect mayo, of course), this episode is packed with inspiration and laughs. As Alex puts it, "Design is a team sport," and this conversation is proof of that collaborative magic.

See more of Alex's work here: https://center.design/

Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcenter/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

About Kirk and Andy.

Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of ™. 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 .

Alex Center, Founder at CENTER, Design Director, Graphic Designer, Packaging & Branding, Part One

Season 4 · Episode 5

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 • Duration 38:00

In this episode, Kirk and Andy sit down with the brilliant Alex Center—Brooklyn-based designer, founder of the branding studio Center, and creative visionary behind some of today’s most iconic brands. From his early days designing for Vitamin Water to a decade-long tenure at Coca-Cola, Alex shares his unique journey of building brands that resonate—and yes, there’s even a story about 50 Cent dropping a “you spit hot fire” compliment!

Alex dives into his transition from in-house powerhouse to independent studio founder, giving a candid look into the value of in-house design work. While many designers chase agency dreams, Alex champions the versatility, speed, and breadth of working across all touchpoints of a brand. Whether it’s retail, packaging, or campaigns—Alex reminds us how being in-house shaped his holistic understanding of brands and prepared him to make waves with clients like Liquid Death, New Balance, Kinder Forge, and United Sodas of America.

The conversation heats up when Kirk and Andy unpack Alex’s latest masterpiece: Bero, a non-alcoholic beer brand co-founded with Hollywood’s own Tom Holland. From the elegant design details, iconic gold can tops, and tactile finishes to capturing the essence of premium British pub culture, Bero sets a new gold standard in branding. The team nerds out over the power of differentiation in crowded markets and how good design is both tactile and timeless.

Along the way, Alex shares stories of:

Breaking the “stigma” of in-house design and why it’s anything but boring.
The magic of working across multiple expressions of a single brand.
The delicate balance of “elevating, not alienating” in branding.
How heritage and modernity shape Bero’s standout look and feel.

Prepare to be inspired by Alex’s passion for brands, his unfiltered takes on design, and his knack for storytelling that makes every project personal. Whether you're a designer, marketer, or just someone who loves beautiful brands, this episode is packed with gems on design strategy, aesthetics, and pushing the creative envelope.See more of Alex's work here: Connect with Alex here:

Autumnal Beers & Jeers, Pumpkin Beer Review

Season 4 · Episode 4

Monday, November 25, 2024 • Duration 40:23

In this festive fall edition, hosts Kirk and Andy get together for their annual pumpkin-themed design review. With their signature wit and charm, the duo explores the bold, bizarre, and beautiful world of pumpkin-inspired product packaging and branding.

From Andy’s critique of a pumpkin-spiced spiked latte with questionable flavors but stellar design, to Kirk’s enthusiasm for non-alcoholic craft beers with spooky seasonal vibes, this episode is packed with insightful design breakdowns. Listen as they:

Celebrate standout packaging from brands like Go Brewing, Rogue, and Dunkin’s innovative spiked latte line.
Discuss the creative risks (or lack thereof) in the seasonal branding world.
Highlight clever typography, textures, and storytelling elements in limited-time packaging.

The conversation doesn’t stop at beverages! Kirk and Andy also reflect on what makes seasonal designs resonate emotionally with consumers, the importance of nostalgia in marketing, and the missed opportunities of brands playing it too safe.

Crack open your favorite fall drink (pumpkin or not) and join the fun! 🍂✨

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About Kirk and Andy.

Lex Evan, Founder, CEO & Chef at LEXINGTON BAKES, Designer, Creative

Season 4 · Episode 3

Friday, November 15, 2024 • Duration 48:32

Join hosts Kirk and Andy in this deliciously inspiring episode! We welcome the audacious and innovative Lex Evan, founder, CEO, and chief of Lexington Bakes (LXB), an eco-conscious luxury dessert brand redefining nostalgic treats. With 15 years of experience leading design and strategy for global beauty and wellness giants, Lex has seamlessly blended their passion for storytelling, sustainability, and creativity into every bite of LXB's award-winning offerings.

Dive deep into Lex's journey from design school overachiever to CPG visionary as they share the unexpected path that led them from corporate design at Johnson & Johnson to establishing a premium dessert brand. Learn about the trials, triumphs, and lessons of building a startup, how ADHD shaped their creative process, and why supporting women and gender minority leaders is at the core of their mission.

Whether you're a design enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just a fan of brownies, this episode is packed with insights on navigating ambiguity, balancing brand strategy with bold risks, and embracing the joy of creation. Plus, discover how Lex turned a casual Instagram post into a thriving business with a little hustle and a lot of heart.

Connect with Lex here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexevan/

Buy some brownies here:
https://lexingtonbakes.com/

Send us Fan Mail

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About Kirk and Andy.

Samantha Fagan, Website Strategist and Developer, Web Design, UX/UI, and WordPress Expertise

Season 4 · Episode 2

Monday, October 28, 2024 • Duration 54:40

In this episode of the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast, Kirk and Andy chat with Sam Fagan, a "Swiss Army knife" of digital design and development. Sam’s skill set spans website design, HTML/CSS coding, WordPress development, project management, and copywriting. Beyond her technical expertise, she’s dedicated to helping small businesses and nonprofits turn customers into passionate fans by creating strategic, engaging digital experiences.

Sam shares her journey from New York to Arkansas, tracing her path through various roles that shaped her expertise, resilience, and love for storytelling.

The discussion dives deep into mentorship. Sam reflects on her own challenges finding guidance early in her career and her commitment to now mentor others. Kirk and Andy emphasize the importance of mentorship within creative industries, noting the need for role models who understand both creative and business perspectives.

Packed with humor, wisdom, and advice, this episode offers insights for anyone navigating design, development, or digital branding. Tune in to learn how embracing curiosity and storytelling can transform your work—and your approach to life.

Connect with Sam here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthafagan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthafagan/

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About Kirk and Andy.

Fred Hart, Creative Consultant & Design Strategist at Hart Brands, Advisor, Mentor

Season 4 · Episode 1

Monday, September 30, 2024 • Duration 51:40

Kicking off Season 4 of the K+K show!!!

In this episode we welcome Fred Hart, a dynamic designer, strategist, and sneaker aficionado who recently went on his own after nine years at the helm of Interact. Fresh off a major life transition and celebrating his child's first birthday, Fred sits down with Kirk and Andy K, to dive into a conversation packed with creativity, culture, and career reflections.

Fred’s journey into design started with a love for sneakers and basketball, growing up in Hawaii and inspired by the likes of Jordan, Garnett, and Iverson. From sneaker sketches in notebooks to studying architecture, visual communications, and eventually finding his niche in packaging design, Fred shares how his passion evolved into a flourishing career. The episode is peppered with sneaker talk, from favorite Reebok and Nike designs to the cultural impact of footwear on art and identity.

The conversation also touches on the challenges and joys of navigating the creative world. Fred, with his wealth of experience, discusses how building strong relationships with clients can make all the difference in design projects. He reflects on the strategic side of design—understanding what clients need beyond just visuals—and how aligning design with business objectives is crucial for success. Kirk and Andy add their own perspectives on the design industry, from working with challenging clients to developing genuine business relationships built on mutual respect and trust.

This episode is more than just design talk; it’s about life, relationships, and how design connects to larger business challenges. Fred emphasizes the importance of staying authentic to oneself while understanding the client’s world and how a strategy-led approach to design can be a game-changer.

Listen in as Fred Hart drops insights on creativity, business strategy, and the journey from sneakers to brand strategy. Get ready for laughs, deep dives, and a refreshing take on what it means to truly love what you do.

Connect with Fred here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredwhart/

The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

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The Kirk + Kurtts Design Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

LinkedIn56

Buzzsprout8

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

LinkedIn56

Buzzsprout8