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The Rainmaker is back! In this powerhouse episode, Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, joins Kirk and Andy for an unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, burnout, and the journey back to balance.

Jake’s infectious energy and passion have fueled Mid-Day Squares’ rise from a startup to a $47 million business. But with success came immense pressure, a relentless pursuit of “winning”, and ultimately, a wake-up call that forced him to reassess everything. He shares his personal struggle with burnout, the mental and physical toll of constant hustle, and how he rebuilt himself—one small step at a time.

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The cost of chasing external validation and redefining success.

✔️ Jake’s breaking point at Expo West—and why it changed everything.

✔️ How hypnotherapy helped him regain control and mental clarity.

✔️ The power of showing up, making real connections, and being present.

✔️ Why authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage.

From family business dynamics to building an emotional brand that resonates, this episode is packed with raw insights, hard-earned lessons, and straight-up real talk. Whether you’re a founder, creative, or just someone grinding toward their goals, Jake’s story is a must-listen.

💡 Final Thought: “All that matters is where your two feet are.” – Jake Karls

👉 Tune in now and let it rain! 🎧🔥

📍Get your Mid-Day Squares fix: mid-daysquares.com

📍Connect with Jake here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/

🎙️ Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

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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

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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:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-winston-8392672/

Support the show

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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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/

Support the show

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:
Support the show