Episodes

Today we’re talking about two of the most iconic—and oddly shaped—trophies in the world: Wimbledon’s Venus Rosewater Dish and the Stanley Cup. If you’ve ever stared at a silver plate and thought, “That’s what victory looks like?” then this is the episode for you. We’re digging into the curious history of why some of the biggest wins come with even stranger hardware.

Today we’re discussing the histories of two of the most iconic posters (and characters) in the world: Rosie the Riveter and Uncle Sam. If you’re looking for something to volunteer for, if you’re ready to be part of something bigger than yourself...then listen to our wartime propaganda episode!

Today we’re talking about a couple of state flag designs. And just like everyone here in the bar, they have unique appearances and colorful histories. In one corner we have the funky flag from Ohio, and in the other we have the boldly graphic flag of Maryland. It’s time to order a couple of Aviation cocktails. We’re gonna be getting into some different states of mind today in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and mo...

Today we’re getting all literary, getting in touch with our bookish sides. We’re not being antisocial, but we’ve brought a couple of books to the bar. And in spite of that phrase we all hear so often, we're gonna judge two books, Jurassic Park and The Great Gatsby, by their covers.

Today we’re going aaaalllll Hollywood. We're talking about movie studio logos, quite possibly the oldest examples of liquid branding, with one logo that's been relatively unchanged over close to 100 years and another that has gone through a bit of an identity crisis only to return to a familiar form: 20th Century Fox and Warner Brothers. So have your people call our people, because we’re having a three martini lunch and making some amazing deals here in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episo...

Today we’re going to be talking about game show logos – the good, the bad and the ugly — and how sometimes all of those qualities could be found in a single piece of artwork. We’re zeroing in on a couple that are loud, busy and colorful, just like the era they were created in and the sets they were created for: The Gong Show and Match Game. So grab the remote, ask the bartender for a couple of Slot Machine cocktails and join us once again as we spin the wheel and roll the dice right here in the...

Today we’re going to be talking some more about postage stamps. The way they reflect pop culture and how they are an art form that celebrates other art forms. We’ve got some stamps with fluid line work and a whole lotta shakin’ going on… Al Hirschfeld and Elvis have entered the building. Mix-up a couple of 2-Cent Stamp cocktails and join us once again as we send you a couple more stories from right here in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we d...

Today we’re going to be talking about postage stamps. We touch on the controversy of who invented the stamp, the fraud associated with early mail and how the U.S. Postal Service misprinted a commemorative stamp for Swede Dag Hammarskjöld on purpose.

What do Betty Crocker, Charlie Tuna, Tony the Tiger and the oddball characters from Off Limits Cereal have in common? Along with fellow creatives Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts of the “Kirk and Kurtts” design podcast, they were all our drinking buddies one evening! We chewed the fat with Kirk and Andy about some classic characters and their impact on pop culture (and snacking), and why these same techniques invented decades ago still work today. Order a Bedrock Fizz for yourself (and maybe a few ...

Cats. You may love 'em, hate 'em or feel indifferent, but there's no escaping their power, especially if you spend any time online. Cats have a long history in the world of advertising. In our latest episode, we invite friend and poster expert Paul Hennessey back into the bar to discuss the appeal of cat posters aesthetically and financially, discuss a few of our favorites and decode why their traits and quirks make them perfect for so many different types of products. - - - - - Visit our ful...