The Fresh Bunch

Jet Fresh Flowers

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. 2d ago

    Ep. 229 - Coaching Session with Amy Balsters

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Fresh Bunch, we’re joined by Amy Balsters, The Floral Coach®—award-winning floral designer, educator, and one of the industry’s leading voices in helping florists better understand the why behind great design. Amy takes us through her journey in flowers, from learning the fundamentals of floral design to building a career focused on educating and empowering other designers. We talk about Bouquet Bootcamp®, her online floral education program designed to help florists strengthen their bouquet-making skills, build confidence, and become better, more intentional designers. We also get into a side of floristry that doesn’t get talked about enough: the physical toll of the job. Back pain, sore hands, long hours on your feet, repetitive movements—flowers may be beautiful, but the work behind them can be brutal on the body. We dive into color theory and why understanding color can completely change the way you design, the importance of continuing education at every stage of your career, and Amy’s experiences teaching and connecting with florists around the country. We also talk her workshop and presentation at CalFlowers, the Virginia Fine Arts & Flowers show, and, naturally, the important stuff—In-N-Out Burger. It’s a fun, insightful conversation about creativity, longevity, education, and what it really takes to build a sustainable life in flowers. Learn more at https://thefloralcoach.com/

  2. Aug 7

    Ep. 228 - "Having a BLAST" with Canaan Marshall

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Fresh Bunch, we sit down with the effortlessly charming Canaan Marshall—the floral designer bringing vibrant energy, warmth, and floral flair to the flower world. From growing up with a natural knack for all things green to transforming everyday spaces into elegant masterpieces across Macon and Atlanta, Canaan shares how he turned a lifelong passion into a standout career featured in Southern Living and Flower Magazine. We dive deep into his journey on the national stage, reflecting on his time competing in Season 2 of HBO Max’s Full Bloom and designing for high-profile events like the prestigious NYBG Orchid Dinner. Canaan breaks down how fashion, fine art, and architecture fuel his creative process, and how he channels those inspirations into high-impact event designs, breathtaking bridal bouquets, and over-the-top mantels. Plus, Canaan brings his signature "Place it, and move on" philosophy directly to our listeners. He shares practical encouragement for aspiring designers, revealing why floral arranging should be fun, intuitive, and filled with love rather than stress. Tune in for a fun, lively conversation packed with creative inspiration, behind-the-scenes stories, and the infectious energy that makes every day feel like a celebration! Learn more at https://www.canaanmarshall.com/

  3. Jul 31

    Ep. 227 - Cal Flowers' Fun n Sun - The secret sauce to an epic Floral event.

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to create one of the floral industry's most anticipated events? This week on The Fresh Bunch, we sit down with Monnaie Pepin, Lisa Fillice, and Cagney Miller from CalFlowers to pull back the curtain on Fun 'N Sun.  From the history of CalFlowers and the value of membership to the challenge of building an event that keeps people coming back, the trio shares what goes into blending education, networking, entertainment, and business into one unforgettable experience.  We also swap event-planning stories, reminisce about favorite Fun 'N Sun moments, share who deserves credit for the legendary In-N-Out Burger truck, and get a sneak peek at what attendees can expect this year.  Whether you're a longtime Fun 'N Sun fan or thinking about attending for the first time, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, laughs, and plenty of reasons to add this event to your calendar. Learn more at: https://www.cafgs.org/fns2026 Contact Monnaie for questions on the event:  monnaie@cafgs.org

  4. Jul 24

    Ep. 226 - Passion, proposals and flower parties with Pennylynn

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Fresh Bunch Podcast, we sit down with the owner and Creative Director of Blossom & Bee Floral & Event Designs in New Jersey. Pennylyn Woosley shares how she opened her own floral business at just 25 years old, built her reputation in the competitive wedding industry, and carved out her own path despite growing up in a family of entrepreneurs. We also dive into the changing wedding market, the opportunities a new Netflix studio could bring to her area, the frustrations of lengthy proposal processes and clients shopping around, and why visiting New York City's iconic 28th Street Flower Market never gets old. Plus, Penny gives us a preview of her upcoming solo show—and why she's hoping to convince Mike to be her first guest. If you're a florist, wedding professional, or simply love hearing the real stories behind successful floral businesses, this episode is packed with experience, laughs, and plenty of industry insight. Learn more at https://www.blossomandbeefloral.com/

  5. Jul 17

    Ep. 225 - Outsmarting Deceptive Order Gatherers with Amanda Jedlinsky of SAF

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Fresh Bunch Podcast, Mike, Joel, and Mimi welcome Amanda Jedlinsky, Senior Director of Content and Communications at the Society of American Florists (SAF), for an episode that's equal parts sunshine and storm clouds. We kick things off with the fun stuff—summer gardens, what's thriving in Amanda's growing zone, and some of her favorite flowers to grow. Then we look ahead to SAF's Annual Convention in Amelia Island. With hundreds of floral professionals already registered, the Outstanding Varieties Competition, Educational Experience Zones (come say hi to Mike & Mimi!), and countless opportunities to learn and connect, it's shaping up to be an incredible event. But enough fluff... Let's talk about the ugly side of doing business online. Amanda shares the story behind SAF's investigation into deceptive order gatherers and the powerful article she and the SAF team created after speaking with florists who have been affected. We also hear from Sam Bowles of Allen's Flowers, who weighs in on the growing trend of website accessibility and cookie-related lawsuits impacting businesses across the country. From Google and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) to protecting your brand, your website, and your online reputation, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and plenty of laughs along the way. If we're going to keep growing this industry together, we have to be willing to talk about the beautiful... and the not-so-beautiful. Resources Read SAF's article on Deceptive Order Gatherers in the July/ August Floral Management www.safnow.org Learn more about Deceptive Order Gathering & even report them here: https://safnow.org/deceptive-order-gatherering/

  6. Jul 10

    Ep. 224 - Fresh Bunch LIVE! at AIFD Elevate in Orlando, FL

    Send us Fan Mail In this special LIVE episode of the Fresh Bunch, we're taking you to Orlando, FL at the Signia Hotel for AIFD 2026. We were invited back for a second year to record a special podcast live, on-site during the American Institute of Floral Designers annual convention.  Listen in as Ryan is joined by 3 special guests and a live studio audience as they discuss all things AIFD, whats new for this year's ELEVATE theme, and what to expect for St. Louis in 2027.  Special guests include Renee Tucci AIFD, PFCI, AAF, AIFD's current President, Brent Leech AIFD, CFD and AIFD's incoming President, and AIFD volunteer and designer, Dennis Kelly of Fiddleleaf Florals in PA. Learn more at https://aifd.org/

  7. Jul 3

    Ep. 223 Heat Domes, Highways & a new baby!

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to our Fourth of July Roadtrip Special! Mimi catches up with Mike and Mommy from the road as they talk about everything from the current state of the floral industry and summer heat domes to the surprisingly important topic of America's best rest-stop Buccee’s—and even the history of FedEx. Meanwhile, Ryan is at AIFD setting up the Partners Table, Jimi is testing out his latest jokes on Mommy, and Mike is filling in for proud new dad Casey Black. Congratulations to Casey, Michelle, Eliza, Jet, and Nika on the arrival of Walker Austin Black, the newest member of the Jet Fresh family. Buckle up for a fun, and unpredictable episode of The Fresh Bunch! Happy 4th of July & 250th Bday USA.

  8. Jun 26

    Ep. 222 - Growing Organically: Family, Gratitude & Big Dreams with Karl

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Fresh Bunch, we're joined by our cousin from Canada, Karl of Greenpark Nursery. A grower by heart and a businessman by necessity, Karl shares the values that have shaped his family business: attention to detail, an unwavering commitment to quality, and the philosophy that if you wouldn't want to see it in a wedding bouquet, it shouldn't leave the farm. Known for its premium-cut ornamental branches and foliage, Greenpark Nursery has always focused on doing things the right way rather than the easy way. Karl gives us a look into his family's long-time dream—a new farm project set to begin production in 2029/2030—and discusses the challenges and rewards of building a business organically. Karl flips the questions to Mike and his decision to invest in a farm in Ecuador and the lessons learned along the way. The episode is filled with reflections on gratitude, family, and staying rooted in what matters most.

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5
out of 5
12 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
    230
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Fresh Bunch
  • Show Website
    The Fresh Bunch

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