Sometimes the best Thirsty Thursday episodes are the ones that have the worst kind of beer and go a little sideways—and this week’s edition is no exception. From mystery drinks to role reversals (and yes, a pink hoodie), this one had laughs, strong opinions, and a great piece of branded drinkware that we actually wanted to keep.
This time, Jade, Kirby, and Briar took their usual seats—except they didn’t. Jade and Briar switched spots, and for reasons that will only make sense if you watch the episode, Briar ended up wearing Jade’s bright pink zip-up hoodie. It was silly from the start… and only got sillier.
Watch the full episode here:
The Drinkware: 22 oz Full Color Big Game Stadium Cup from Hit Promo
Let’s start with the star of the show—the drinkware.
This week, we sipped (and struggled) from the 22 oz Full Color Big Game Stadium Cup from our friends at Hit Promo.
It looked like a Guinness, smelled like a Guinness… but that’s where the resemblance ended.
The flavor? Thin, watery, and confusing.
Briar’s now-infamous quote: “It tastes like a spit cup.”
Oof.
Whether you’re a diehard Guinness fan or just curious about NA options, we’ll say this: proceed with caution. If you’re after that classic stout flavor without the alcohol, this may not be the one to get you there.
The Vibe: Pink Hoodies and Punchlines
Beyond the drink and the cup, what made this episode fun was the energy. From the moment Briar zipped up Jade’s hoodie and took her seat, the tone was set. It was loose, unscripted, and full of laughs—the kind of vibe that makes Thirsty Thursday what it is.
One of the best things about this series is that it’s not just about drinkware—it’s about real reactions, real people, and relatable branded merch. Whether the drink is a hit or a flop, we always walk away with a product we’d be proud to recommend.
Want to Get Your Hands on Thirsty Thursday Drinkware?
We’ve tested dozens of drinkware items on the show—and we’ve put together a curated shop featuring some of our favorite pieces, including this week’s stadium cup.
Whether you’re planning a company event, onboarding kit, or just want to elevate your branded merch game, these products are tested, reviewed, and team-approved.
Final Thoughts
This episode had everything:
A fun branded item we truly loved
A mystery drink we’ll try hard to forget (with the worst kind of beer).
And the kind of spontaneous, lighthearted energy that makes branded merch feel personal and fun
Thirsty Thursday isn’t just about taste tests—it’s about helping you discover branded drinkware that people will actually want to use, paired with a little laughter along the way.
Thanks for tuning in! As always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
In this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby are back with a blend of wellness talk, favorite work tools, and one branded merch item that’s a hole-in-one.
This episode includes:
Real talk about work-life balance
The non-traditional products they swear by to boost their workday
A peek inside their morning routines
Product of the Week: The Magnetic Golf Towel from Gold Bond
A shoutout to the incredible work being done by Chili Baptist Community Church
Listen or watch the full episode here:
Let’s dig into the highlights.
Tips for Work-Life Balance: Grace, Boundaries, and Intention
The conversation around work-life balance is always a hot one—and this episode was no different. Jade and Kirby each offered a unique take:
Jade’s perspective: Balance starts with intention. Whether it’s time-blocking, setting boundaries, or saying no to protect your energy, being mindful of how you spend your time is critical. You can’t be everywhere at once—but you can choose where you want to be.
Kirby’s take: He pushed back on the idea of perfect balance. “There’s no such thing,” he said. “It’s about recognizing the season you’re in and giving yourself grace.” Some days work takes more. Some days family does. The trick is not trying to achieve a perfect 50/50, but being honest with yourself and being present where you are.
Bottom line? Balance isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice.
One Non-Traditional Product That Improves Their Work Life
We’re always fans of useful tools, and this week, Jade and Kirby each shared a non-traditional product that has improved their workdays in a big way.
Jade’s pick: A quality mouse and keyboard. It may sound simple, but having tools that feel good, reduce strain, and enhance productivity makes a big difference when you’re spending hours at your desk.
Kirby’s favorite: His microphone and webcam setup. As a content creator and host of multiple podcasts and video series, investing in the tools that improve video and audio quality has elevated his ability to connect—and keeps things running smoothly across platforms.
Lesson: Don’t underestimate the value of the “little things.” Sometimes the gear that doesn’t get talked about much has the biggest impact on your daily experience.
Morning Routines: How They Start the Day Right
When it comes to productivity, how you start your day often sets the tone. Jade and Kirby each walked through their morning routines—and they couldn’t be more different.
Kirby’s morning routine is structured and intentional, including:
Coffee (non-negotiable)
A morning run or workout
Meditation or mindfulness
Push-ups
Breakfast (often at the Coshocton Regional Medical Center cafeteria)
It’s not just about routine—it’s about creating momentum early in the day.
Jade’s mornings are more fluid, but she emphasized getting the body and brain moving—whether it’s journaling, taking a walk, or just having a slow moment before diving into work.
The common thread? Start with something that fills your cup—before the day starts pouring out of it.
Product of the Week: Magnetic Waffle Golf Towel from Gold Bond
This week’s Product of the Week is a favorite for golf fans and corporate event planners alike: the 28” x 12.5” Magnetic Waffle Golf Towel from Gold Bond.
The magnet built into the towel allows it to easily attach to golf carts or clubs—making it super practical on the course
The waffle texture is both absorbent and sharp-looking
It’s a great branding opportunity—especially for company tournaments, charity outings, or corporate gifts
If your audience includes golf lovers, business development pros, or team-building organizers, this towel is a memorable and useful choice.
Shoutout of the Week: Chili Baptist Community Church
This week’s shoutout goes to a group doing incredible work in Coshocton County—Chili Baptist Community Church.
Not only are they building a beautiful new facility to serve their congregation and the greater community—they’re doing it themselves. With the help of volunteers and faithful determination, this group is pouring time, effort, and heart into something truly special.
We applaud the dedication, craftsmanship, and servant leadership they’re showing—and can’t wait to see the finished result.
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was full of insight, energy, and ideas you can use—whether you’re leading a team, working from home, or just trying to figure out how to get going in the morning.
Here’s your quick recap:
Work-life balance is more about grace and intention than perfection
The “little” tools like a mouse or mic can transform your daily workflow
Morning routines don’t need to match—but they should be meaningful
The Maggy golf towel is a sleek and functional branded item for events
And we’re inspired by the dedication at Chili Baptist Community Church
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing. As always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
This week on Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade are back with another lively conversation that ranges from nostalgic mascots to how to support remote workers—and of course, some fun branded merch to sweeten the deal.
In this episode, they cover:
Their favorite brand mascots (with some fun surprises)
A shoutout to Gentlebrook for their investment in Coshocton County
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Mascot Madness: Who’s Winning Our Hearts
Kirby and Jade kick things off by discussing something we don’t talk about enough in marketing—mascots.
Jade’s pick: The Duolingo Owl, who has gone viral on social media for its sassy, slightly unhinged behavior. Whether it’s dancing on TikTok or sending guilt-laden reminders to complete your lesson, this owl has become an unlikely fan favorite.
Kirby’s favorite: The one and only Energizer Bunny. Still going strong after all these years, this iconic pink battery-powered mascot represents brand consistency and staying power.
They share a few other honorable mentions too—but you’ll have to tune in to hear the full lineup. Spoiler alert: it’s a mix of nostalgia, clever marketing, and pure mascot chaos.
Advice We Don’t Always Agree With
Next up, the duo takes on a classic topic with a twist: bad advice that sounds good.
One that’s especially common? “Follow your passion.”
Sure, it sounds great on paper, but Kirby and Jade both caution against taking this advice too literally. Sometimes, your passion doesn’t make a sustainable business—or doesn’t pay the bills right away. A better strategy? Follow your skills. Develop your passion into something practical.
Jade also confesses her hesitation with the advice to “just trust your gut.” While intuition can be valuable, she explains why she sometimes needs data, reflection, and a second opinion before making big decisions. The conversation turns funny, relatable, and refreshingly honest.
Supporting Work-From-Home Teams the Right Way
As more businesses embrace remote and hybrid work, the conversation naturally shifts to how we support our WFH team members.
Jade’s take: Having a great home office setup is key. Comfortable, functional, and personalized space helps improve both productivity and mindset. She recommends investing in tools that make daily work easier and more enjoyable.
Kirby’s focus: Communication is everything. Without the casual interactions of an office environment, leaders need to be more intentional about how (and how often) they check in. Clear expectations, regular updates, and genuine connection go a long way.
If you’re leading a remote team or part of one, this segment offers some great reminders that go beyond tech tools—and get to the heart of culture and connection.
Product of the Week: Sweeter Cards with Gummy Bears
This week’s featured product brings a literal sweetness to the episode—Sweeter Cards with Gummy Bears from Maple Ridge Farms.
It’s delicious and delightful—who doesn’t love a treat paired with a thoughtful message?
The packaging makes it feel like a gift, not just another promo item
Great for employee appreciation, client gifting, or “just because” outreach
This is branded merch that adds joy and flavor, and it’s something people will actually enjoy (and remember).
Shoutout of the Week: Gentlebrook’s Big Move in Coshocton County
We always love celebrating organizations doing good—and this week’s shoutout goes to Gentlebrook, who is investing in a brand new facility in Coshocton County.
Gentlebrook is known for providing supportive services to individuals with developmental disabilities and seniors, and their investment in the community is both inspiring and impactful.
We’re proud to spotlight organizations like Gentlebrook that are building stronger communities and making a lasting difference.
Final Thoughts
From iconic mascots to the realities of remote work, this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing had laughs, lessons, and gummy bears—what more could you want?
Quick recap:
Mascots matter—when done right, they become brand icons
Not all advice is created equal—question everything (even the stuff that sounds nice)
Supporting your remote team goes beyond Zoom—it’s about intentional culture
And we love seeing organizations like Gentlebrook investing in the future
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing. As always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday, the series where we take a mystery drink, pair it with a piece of branded drinkware, and give our honest (and usually entertaining) reviews.
This week’s episode, titled “Dehydrating Hydration,” features the full squad: Jade Crider, Kirby Hasseman, and Briar Swigert. And while our drink may have left us scratching our heads, the drinkware was a total win.
Let’s break it down.
Watch the full episode here:
The Drinkware: Buddy 24oz Recycled Shaker Bottle from PCNA
We always say Thirsty Thursday is really about the branded merch—and this week’s drinkware did not disappoint.
We tried out the Buddy 24oz Recycled Shaker Bottle from our friends at PCNA.
Sustainable: Made from recycled materials, it’s a win for your brand and the planet.
Large capacity: 24oz gives you plenty of hydration throughout the day.
Built-in mixing ball: Whether you’re mixing water, supplements, or mystery drinks, this bottle gets the job done.
Clean design: It’s sleek, functional, and has a nice imprint area for branding.
Secure lid and flip top: No mess, no fuss—just smart construction that works.
This is the kind of branded merch that employees, clients, and event attendees actually want to keep—and use.
The verdict? All three of us gave it a big thumbs up.
The Drink: Light Strike Lemon Lime
So about that drink…
This week’s mystery beverage was Lemon Lime from Light Strike—a hydration drink that’s supposed to give you a boost without sugar, caffeine, or carbonation.
We had high hopes going in, but the reactions were… let’s just say mixed.
Here’s the breakdown:
Kirby was intrigued by the flavor at first but wasn’t sure it delivered on the hydration hype.
Jade was immediately suspicious—and the first sip confirmed her doubts.
Briar was the most optimistic, but even he had a few moments of hesitation.
Overall, it felt like one of those drinks that talks a big game on the label—but doesn’t exactly win hearts at the table.
We get what they were going for, but this one might be more of a “try it and decide for yourself” situation. If you’re into lemon-lime hydration drinks with a strong kick, it might be up your alley. Otherwise… maybe not.
Why This Episode Is Classic Thirsty Thursday
This episode checked all the boxes:
One great drinkware piece
One questionable mystery drink
Plenty of laughs and strong opinions along the way
It’s a great reminder that branded merch has the power to elevate any experience—even when the beverage inside is… confusing. The Buddy Shaker Bottle handled it all with ease, and we could definitely see it becoming a go-to giveaway for fitness studios, health programs, or wellness initiatives.
Final Verdict
Drinkware: The Buddy Shaker Bottle from PCNA – Certified Thirsty Thursday Approved
Drink: Light Strike Lemon Lime – Mixed reviews, but worth a taste if you’re feeling adventurous
Vibes: 10/10 – Anytime we get Jade, Kirby, and Briar together, the energy is high and the laughs are plenty
Thirsty Thursday continues to be where great branded merch meets honest opinions and a little chaos.
And if you’ve got a drink or a drinkware product you think we should feature, let us know. We’re always up for the next sip—even when it leaves us dehydrated. And if you want to learn more or order, head to our Thirsty Thursday shop here.
On this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade are back with another round of insights, trends, and real-world lessons from the frontlines of branding and merch.
This week’s conversation includes:
The Trader Joe’s tote bag craze and what it teaches us about branding, scarcity, and audience connection*
Tariff lessons and how to respond (not react) as pricing shifts
Productivity apps that help keep the Hasseman Marketing team running smoothly
Product of the week: a name badge release program from Vault
A shoutout to the upcoming Shark Tub event in Zanesville—a pitch competition for entrepreneurs
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Trader Joe’s Tote Bags: A Masterclass in Brand, Scarcity, and Culture
You’ve probably seen it by now—Trader Joe’s mini tote bags going viral. People are lining up. Resellers are flipping them online. And social media is buzzing with hype.
So what’s the lesson here?
Jade and Kirby break it down like this:
Great brand affinity + well-designed merch = success
Create something that resonates with your audience—not just another logo slap
Add scarcity to the mix, and the hype becomes real
The bigger takeaway: branded merch works when it’s emotional, meaningful, and hard to get. Whether it’s for employees, fans, or customers, the same formula can be applied to your brand—if you’re thoughtful and intentional.
Tariff Talk: What We’ve Learned So Far
Tariffs have been front and center in recent industry conversations. Some suppliers are already adjusting pricing, others are holding firm (for now), and many distributors and clients are wondering what to do next.
Here’s what Kirby and Jade shared as key takeaways:
Don’t panic—but don’t wait. If you know you need product this year, ordering sooner can help lock in current pricing.
Confirm all pricing before reordering. Don’t assume your old quote is still valid—always double-check.
Domestic and alternative sourcing is becoming even more relevant.
Be transparent with your clients and help them plan ahead.
With so much going on, staying organized is key—and this week, Kirby and Jade share their go-to productivity apps that help them keep things moving.
Jade’s Picks:
Notion – For project management, content planning, and internal documentation.
Google Calendar – For scheduling, visibility, and shared team planning.
Kirby’s Picks:
Outlook – For email, calendar, and daily task tracking.
Trello – For visual workflows, project timelines, and marketing tasks.
Whether you’re a list-lover, a visual thinker, or a calendar junkie, the right tools make it easier to focus on what matters—and keep teams aligned along the way.
Product of the Week: Name Badge Release Program
This week’s featured product isn’t just about the item—it’s about the program behind it.
Vault’s name badge release program simplifies how companies onboard and update name badges for new employees, locations, or events.
Why it matters:
Consistency across locations or roles
Reduces the back-and-forth on proofs and reorders
Saves time for internal teams (and your promo partner)
This is one of those “simple but smart” solutions that helps businesses look polished and professional without reinventing the wheel.
Perfect for organizations with frequent new hires or multiple departments.
Shoutout of the Week: Shark Tub in Zanesville
This week’s shoutout goes to the Shark Tub Pitch Competition happening in Zanesville on April 9th. Hosted by the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, Shark Tub is all about supporting and spotlighting local entrepreneurs.
Events like this are vital for the region—they foster innovation, create connections, and help the next generation of business leaders grow. Hats off to the organizers and participants!
Final Thoughts
From tote bags and TikTok trends to name badge programs and productivity hacks, this episode had a little bit of everything. It’s a reminder that great branding is about more than just product—it’s about strategy, intention, and execution.
Here’s your quick recap:
Trader Joe’s tote bag buzz shows the power of brand + scarcity
Tariffs aren’t the end of the world, but they require planning and flexibility
Tools like Notion, Trello, Outlook, and Google Calendar keep things moving behind the scenes
Vault’s name badge release program is a smart system for growing teams
And we love seeing communities support entrepreneurship, like at Shark Tub
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
