Front and Center

Alex and Kevin are here to bring you their bottom-of-the-barrel takes on the hottest design story we’ve seen since Jaguar: Cracker Barrel. In classic form, Alex is pro-rebrand, and Kevin is against the modernization;  the two go back and forth in a spirited debate. They also discuss Caitlyn Clark’s new logo, Notre Dame Football’s new Irishman, America’s first-ever Creative Director, and more!

Alex and Kevin welcome Liliana Soorin Kim from the studio to the podcast! Liliana is currently an intern at CENTER and is in her podcast era! We briefly recap our offsite, talk a little baseball, and discuss Alex's training regimen before diving headfirst into this week's topics (mainly food and beverage related) on empty stomachs (brave). We talk about Man Cereal, Nicotina beverage, Chipotle x Carvel, Oscar Mayer EveryBun Pack, Heinz Ketchup Smoothie, Graza offering glass, IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancake, the McDonaldland meal, and more! 

Alex and Kevin bring the heat as they run through the most exciting stories happening in the world of design and branding. The two dudes talk about Oreo x Reese’s, High Noon x Celsius, the La-Z-Boy rebrand, Not so great Jeans, a new glass bottle designed for the beach, and more!

Emunah Winer and Margaret Kerr-Jarrett, creative masterminds and co-founders of Nihilo, share their journey from humble Midwest beginnings to launching impactful brands like Esther Rum. They discuss the challenges of balancing careers and family life with wit and charm. The duo emphasizes the importance of emotional connections in branding, reflecting on their Jewish roots as they inspire resilience in their work. They also dive into the evolution of branding, stressing authenticity and creativity in creating unique products that resonate with consumers.

In this lively discussion, hosts delve into the amusing escapades at Citi Field, including unique food and famous mascot antics. They share laughter over a CEO's viral moment that sparked ironic reactions about corporate leadership. The buzz around Coldplay is explored, particularly its marketing evolution fueled by social media. Creative marketing stunts from various brands are examined, along with challenges faced by Jaguar Land Rover's rebranding efforts, all while reflecting on the emotional depth in songwriting.

Alex and Kevin share their holiday tales, from thrilling moments at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest to reflections on summer activities. They dive into the chaotic joys of city life and streaming dilemmas with Netflix. Brand discussions light up the chat, highlighting Stella Artois' Wimbledon cans and TripAdvisor’s snazzy rebranding. Amusing rental car mishaps spark laughter, while they explore celebrity name changes and upcoming movie teasers. The blend of humor and commentary makes for a delightful listening experience!

Join Alex and Kevin as they humorously dive into the wild world of competitive eating and celebrity culture. They tackle everything from the absurdity of the Hot Dog Eating Contest to the quirky collaboration of Linkin Park and Haribo. The hosts also reflect on nostalgic snacks and career shifts in the industry, alongside critiques of trendy cookie brands. Expect laughs as they explore the influence of celebrities on food marketing and share personal anecdotes about work-life balance and the chaos of retail!

Diego Guevara, a multidisciplinary Creative Director at Nike and a passionate advocate for community and design, shares fascinating insights into his creative journey. He discusses the power of cultural immersion in fostering teamwork and creativity. Diego reflects on his viral passion project for Inter Miami FC, detailing the unique identity he crafted for the club. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing passion projects and mentorship in design, while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Miami and its impact on his work.

Join Alex and Kevin as they dive into the latest buzz, from Nathan's hot dog eating contest to Justin Bieber's paparazzi antics. They explore quirky celebrity products like Sydney Sweeney's soap and poke fun at NBA Finals branding mishaps. The duo also reflects on nostalgic snacks like Capri Sun and Miller Lite’s golden anniversary can. Plus, they unpack the ever-evolving protein bar market, complete with controversial ingredients. It's a lively mix of pop culture insights and humorous commentary!

Wedge is a brand and design studio based in Montreal, Canada. They create distinct brand signatures for the world we live in. Guided by the core belief that "everything can be special." Wedge has earned global recognition, winning Studio of the Year at The Dieline Awards for two consecutive years, among other accolades from D&AD, ADC New York, and more. They've partnered with founders like Matty Matheson and Blake Lively, built iconic brands like Vacation Sunscreen and Paro, and rebranded for iconic brands like Canada Dry and Mott's. We are so excited to welcome the co-founders, Justin Lortie and Sarah Di Domenico, along with (for the first time in Front and Center History) child Luca! Enjoy!