The Fresh Bunch

Jet Fresh Flowers
  • 5.0 (10)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Fresh Bunch (formerly '2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers') is your all-access pass into the wild and wonderful world of flowers. Hosted by Michael Black, Mimi Pacheco, Ryan Black, and producer, Joel, keeping us sounding fresh—we bring you unfiltered conversations about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the floral industry’s trends, challenges, and characters. From flower fails to petal-powered success stories, each episode blends laughs, insights, and special guests from all corners of the flower world. It’s part podcast, part therapy, and all fresh—welcome to The Fresh Bunch - a Jet Fresh Flowers podcast.

  1. 4D AGO

    Ep. 218 - Honoring Fernando “The Fern Show” Ortega

    Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode of The Fresh Bunch is a very special tribute to one of our original hosts and a beloved part of the Jet Fresh Flowers family, Fern “The Fern Show” Ortega. Known for his unforgettable intros, contagious laugh, incredible energy, and surprise rap and song moments, Fern brought joy and personality to every episode and to everyone around him. More than a podcast host, he was a friend, a teammate, a family man, and a true lover of the floral industry. In this memorial episode, we share just a few of our favorite Fern moments and celebrate the laughter, passion, and heart he brought to 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers and to so many lives. We send our deepest condolences and love to Barbie, Mia, Logan, the Ortega family, friends, and everyone whose lives Fern touched. His memories, his passion, and his legacy will live on forever. Rest in Peace, Fern. 💚 Love, your JF Family https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a56waQhkY4Y

    1h 51m

  2. MAY 15

    Ep. 217 - Blooms Everyday with Flower Moxie & Petal Icon: Amy McCord

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Fresh Bunch, the crew welcomes floral powerhouse Amy McCord AIFD, CFD, founder and CEO of Flower Moxie and now author of the visually stunning new book, Blooms Everyday: A Modern Guide to Flower Arranging. Amy joins Jimi, Pinky, Ryan, Mimi and Joel to talk flowers, creativity, confidence and the journey behind creating a floral book designed for both flower lovers and floral pros alike. From “Flower Commandments” to an incredible flower library packed with inspiration, the team shares their favorite moments and why this book is already becoming a must-have resource.  Amy shares her inspiration and approach to creating the book.   The conversation also dives into Amy’s newest adventure, The Petal Icon, a fresh and innovative concept that completely blew the Fresh Bunch crew away with its stunning visuals and unique approach to connecting people with flowers. There are laughs, floral insights, behind-the-scenes stories and plenty of inspiration packed into this episode. Tune in, then grab your copy of Blooms Everyday here: https://a.co/d/03v3jIRG Check out: flowermoxie.com https://petalicon.com   And don’t forget to support the power of flowers this Memorial Day and visit: www.memorialdayflowers.org Flower Moxie Bulk Wedding Flowers | Fresh Flowers for Weddings SLAY your DIY wedding flower game with fresh, wholesale flowers that turn your Pinterest board into a reality. Shop 40+ types of flowers online, today!

    1h 1m

  3. MAY 8

    Ep. 216 - Mother’s Day Mayhem & Fresh Bunch Fun

    Send us Fan Mail This is a very special Mother’s Day episode of the Fresh Bunch.  Full of laughs, flowers and behind-the-scenes floral chaos. Jimi’s jokes are back, Mimi grabs the reporter jacket and microphone, and there may even be a surprise appearance from Mike… you’ll have to tune in to find out. We hear from all kinds of Fresh customers sharing what Mother’s Day looks like from their side of the floral world as the industry gears up for one of the busiest holidays of the year. The team also reflects on one year in the new Jet Fresh building, discusses fragrances, and debates which Jet Fresh member would actually survive a camping trip. We have a special Giveaway announcement, so listen in to see how you can win.   Special love to all the Fresh Bunch Moms and the incredible women who pour their hearts into this industry every single day. And to every floral pro listening… YOU deserve a day off too.

    1h 4m

  4. MAY 1

    Ep. 215 - From DC to Doral: Policy, Presentations, and Motivational Monologues

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Fresh Bunch, we’re covering ground from Washington, D.C. to Doral.  We discuss a few events that happened in the floral industry in April.  But first, we get some motivation from Head Coach Mike, who breaks down big floral holidays the best way he knows how—through sports analogies and classic movie-style monologues. It’s how his sales team stays focused when the pressure’s on. Jimi heads to D.C. for his first SAF Congressional Action Days, representing the flower industry and sharing what really goes on in those meetings—plus a side conversation on the “bearded presidents” you didn’t know you needed. Back in Miami, Mimi recaps the 6th Annual Doral Art & Flower Festival in the “City of Flowers.” From large-scale floral art to an AIFD educational day focused on Miami and Latino designers, the event brought together a strong mix of creativity and community. With AIFD President Renee Tucci, Alejandro Figueira Fernandes, and a lineup of designers—including our own Olga Ramirez—it was a meaningful moment for education and representation in the industry.

    45 min

  5. APR 24

    Ep. 214 - Gathering Wisdom with Jessica Rauls of Gather Flower Studio

    Send us Fan Mail Sweet ears of the podcast realm—this week on The Fresh Bunch, we’re casting with the incredibly talented Jessica Rauls, founder of Gather Flower Studio and curator of beautiful floral varieties. Full of giggles, stories, and floral stardom, this episode blooms from Jessica’s “florally viral” Powder Puff Rose reel that first connected her with Mike. Mimi had to challenge Powder Puff with her all-time favorite, Crystal Fairy Rose—and the rest is instant floral connection.    Jessica shares her journey as a floral studio owner, content creator, and artist whose love for flowers, words, and people feels like a much-needed hug. From floral classes and brewery pop-ups to running her dreamy flower shop filled with arrangements, events, and fine art prints, Jessica talks about building trust with her customers and listening when the universe speaks. Her passion for floristry and genuine connection shine through in every word—and yes, you’ll hear it live in action. After this episode, don’t be surprised if you find yourself heading straight to social media to hit that follow button. Like a fine art masterpiece, this floral energy is rare and must be admired.   Follow Gather Flower Studio: https://www.instagram.com/gatherflowerstudio

    1h 19m

  6. APR 17

    Ep. 213 - Serving Up Style: Rebecca Merritt, The Racquet Queen of Events

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Fresh Bunch, we’re joined by Rebecca Merritt, Founder & CEO of Beyond Merritt Events. Rebecca’s firm delivers creative direction, strategy, interior design, branding, room planning, and extraordinary florals for corporate, agency, and private clients across the country. Ryan first met Rebecca at the Orchid Dinner at the New York Botanical Garden, where the two instantly connected over design and event production. In this episode, they revisit that moment and dive into Rebecca’s unique path in the industry. Often referred to as the “Racquet Queen” (even though she insists she’s not exactly sporty), Rebecca has carved out an impressive niche producing events in the worlds of racquet sports (Padel, pickleball, tennis) and culinary clients. She shares stories from working in TV floral production, discusses how to transform practical production challenges into something magical, and offers insight into executing high-profile events from New York City to Miami. From orchids and arenas to television sets and unforgettable dining experiences, Rebecca explains how thoughtful design and strategic production can turn any event into something extraordinary.

    1h 2m

  7. APR 10

    Ep. 212 - The Floral Wizard: David Kaplan on Peonies, Catkins & Global Flower Trends

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Fresh Bunch, we’re joined by the one and only Floral Wizard, David Kaplan of Above All Flowers. With decades of experience and a global network of growers, David truly has his finger on the pulse of the floral industry. David shares what’s happening across the world’s growing regions—from wrapping up the Catkins (pussywillow) season to the highly anticipated start of Peony season. After shipping more than 2.3 million peony stems last year, he dives into what makes great peonies, the importance of soil and growers, and the varieties he loves most. We also explore the emerging future of Ethiopian flower production and how new regions are shaping the global flower market. Beyond flowers, David’s true specialty is connecting people across the industry. Through his consulting work, marketing partnerships, and a newsletter reaching 25,000 readers worldwide, he helps bring together growers, suppliers, and floral professionals from every corner of the business. And of course, it wouldn’t be The Fresh Bunch without a few laughs and some good conversation about food along the way. To subscribe to Above all Flowers newsletter email: flowerwizard@aboveallflowers.net

    1 hr

  8. APR 3

    Ep. 211 - Flower Care, love & Logistics: Valentina & Kyle Armellini

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Fresh Bunch, we welcome two very special guests — Valentina Armellini, the new Marketing Manager at Chrysal USA, and Kyle Armellini, Terminal Manager at Atlanta Armellini. The married couple shares the story of how they met and how they each navigate the unique challenges of today’s floral industry from two different sides of the business. From logistics and transportation to floral spray colors and flower care, we dive into what keeps the floral supply chain blooming. Along the way, we play a fun Newlywed Game, talk about what’s ahead for both Chrysal and Armellini, and Mimi even crowns Kyle and Armellini as the NEXTGEN Prom King & Queen. It’s a lighthearted episode filled with laughs, insight, and plenty of flower care talk. A true legacy in bloom — from two powerful floral brands.  https://www.instagram.com/chrysalusa/  https://www.instagram.com/armellinilogistics/

    1h 1m
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Fresh Bunch (formerly '2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers') is your all-access pass into the wild and wonderful world of flowers. Hosted by Michael Black, Mimi Pacheco, Ryan Black, and producer, Joel, keeping us sounding fresh—we bring you unfiltered conversations about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the floral industry’s trends, challenges, and characters. From flower fails to petal-powered success stories, each episode blends laughs, insights, and special guests from all corners of the flower world. It’s part podcast, part therapy, and all fresh—welcome to The Fresh Bunch - a Jet Fresh Flowers podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Jet Fresh Flowers
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    219
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Fresh Bunch
  • Show Website
    The Fresh Bunch

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