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. 6d ago

    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/

  2. 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/

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Jun 19

    Ep. 221 - The OG Hip Hop Florist; Ogbanna Coates on Culture & Creativity

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Fresh Bunch, longtime BFF of the show, Ogbanna "The Hip Hop Florist" Coates, joins us for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, culture, flowers, and community. Ogbanna shares his journey from working in mass-market during COVID to recognizing the power and necessity of flowers in people's lives. Fueled by creativity, music, and a vision of Hippy Psychedelic Roses, he has built a unique path in the floral industry. We also celebrate an exciting new chapter as he opens his creative shared workspace, today on Juneteenth. We discuss the influence of music on his entrepreneurial journey, creating opportunities for others, and why flowers truly are for everybody. Ogbanna also shares his Father's Day flower pick fit for a king—the mighty King Protea. Plus, in a fun twist, Ogbanna turns the microphone around and interviews us for a change! Joining the conversation is our very own Rose Expert, Celine, while Mimi even breaks into song along the way. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we reflect on its history and the power it holds to bring people together through understanding, culture, and community. And of course, it wouldn't be a Fresh Bunch episode without a little food talk. Don't miss this heartfelt, uplifting, and entertaining conversation with our dear friend, Ogbanna Coates.

  6. Jun 12

    Ep. 220 - World Cup of Flowers: Predictions & Petals

    Send us Fan Mail It's World Cup week, and we're bringing the excitement from the pitch to the flower cooler! Join Coach Mike (on his birthday, no less!) as he welcomes two passionate fútbol fans for the ultimate World Cup of Flowers showdown. We're assigning floral positions, building dream lineups, making bold predictions, and debating which blooms deserve a spot on the starting roster. The featured players are Majo Flores from Jet Fresh Growers and JD from Deliflor—broadcasting from the Netherlands while proudly repping Colombia—this episode is packed with flower talk, fútbol passion, panini card trading and plenty of laughs.

  7. Jun 5

    Ep. 219 - Let's Talk Legacy

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Fresh Bunch, we're exploring the powerful topic of Legacy. In light of the recent loss felt throughout the floral industry & Ortega family, we invited several friends and industry leaders to share their perspectives, experiences, and reflections. Willie Armellini opens up about the unique pressures and responsibilities that come with being part of a legacy family. Cameron Pappas of Norton's shares his thoughts on navigating grief while continuing to lead and support others. Together, we discuss the significance of floral tributes—the responsibility they carry and the comfort they can provide during life's most difficult moments. We also feature a short but heartfelt interview between the mother-and-daughter team behind The Flower Clique, who interview each other about personal legacy, family, and the impact we leave on those we love. It's an insightful, emotional, and deeply human episode that serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing our thoughts, stories, and feelings with the people who matter most. Join us for this meaningful conversation on The Fresh Bunch.

  8. May 22

    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

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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
    226
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Fresh Bunch
  • Show Website
    The Fresh Bunch

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