Add to Cart with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak
Episode: The Best of Add to Cart: Zouk’s Cubes (Episode Zero)
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Introduction: Revisiting and Reinventing
In this special episode titled "The Best of Add to Cart: Zouk’s Cubes (Episode Zero)," hosts Kulap Vilaysack and SuChin Pak take a humorous and introspective look back at over a hundred episodes of their podcast. Acknowledging their extensive history, they jest about starting fresh with this premiere "episode zero," setting the stage for a new venture while celebrating their journey.
Kulap Vilaysack (01:18):
"We fucked up. We did. And what do you mean by that?"
SuChin Pak (01:21):
"I think we should trash our prior episodes. And this is our first episode right here."
Guest Introduction: Welcoming Jason Mantzoukas
The episode introduces comedian-actor Jason Mantzoukas as their esteemed guest. Known for his dynamic presence and creative endeavors, Jason’s involvement promises a blend of humor and insightful discussions.
Kulap Vilaysack (02:35):
"Please add to Cart. Jason Manduke. I mean, in the flesh."
Jason Mantzoukas (03:15):
"The amount I know about you in your life would shock you."
Sock Talk: Darn Tough and Drug Pockets
The conversation swiftly shifts to a light-hearted debate about socks, specifically "Darn Tough" socks. This segment highlights their differing preferences and introduces playful banter about innovative sock designs, such as drug pockets.
SuChin Pak (04:12):
"Now you're meeting, but I want to guess that you both are wearing the same socks right now."
Jason Mantzoukas (05:27):
"Why don't socks have drug pockets?"
SuChin Pak (05:58):
"Sock, Drug pocket. Question mark."
Jason Mantzoukas (06:01):
"Drug sock. How about a drug sock?"
Footwear Discussions: From Hokas to Birkenstocks
Transitioning from socks, the hosts delve into a discussion about footwear, comparing minimalist barefoot shoes with maximalist options like Hokas. They explore the importance of arch support and the impact of footwear choices on daily comfort.
SuChin Pak (06:14):
"I'm not supposed to spend so much time without any arch support."
Jason Mantzoukas (07:04):
"Hokas changed everything for me."
SuChin Pak (08:06):
"Isn't this like the way that you end up in Uggs?"
Organizational Overhaul: Packing Cubes and Pouches
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing organizational tools, particularly packing cubes and pouches. Jason shares his meticulous approach to organization, emphasizing redundancy and specificity in his packing system, while Sujin reveals a more spontaneous style.
Jason Mantzoukas (12:16):
"I'm always having two to three of any item in stock, quote, unquote."
SuChin Pak (14:37):
"I'm exhausted just hearing this. Trial and error to get you to this ninja-like level is a series of books."
Introducing "Zooks Cubes": A Side Venture
Amidst the organizational discourse, Kulap and Sujin announce the inception of a side podcast named "Zooks Cubes." This new segment focuses exclusively on packing organization, reflecting their passion for efficient travel gear management.
Jason Mantzoukas (20:07):
"Zooks Cubes. Zooks Cubes. Zooks Cubes."
SuChin Pak (21:52):
"Hello, this is Zooks Cubes."
Deep Dive: Brands and Product Recommendations
The hosts and Jason enthusiastically discuss various brands and products that aid in organization and travel efficiency. Brands like Tom Bin, Evergoods, Peak Design, and Bellroy are highlighted for their innovative designs and utility.
Jason Mantzoukas (34:03):
"Tom Bin makes all these incredible pouches that are small, large, see-through, whatever."
SuChin Pak (41:34):
"Ronny Cheng loves Bellroy. I think they're Aussies."
Humorous Antics: Balancing Organization Styles
Throughout the episode, Kulap and Sujin engage in witty exchanges that contrast their organizational habits. Sujin’s more relaxed and chaotic approach is playfully critiqued by Jason, emphasizing the comedic dynamic of the trio.
Sujin Pak (32:29):
"I twist it."
Jason Mantzoukas (33:16):
"One is zero. Two is one, three is two."
SuChin Pak (43:57):
"I'm so happy you're here."
Conclusion: Seamless Transition to "Zooks Cubes"
As the episode progresses, the focus naturally transitions to "Zooks Cubes," with the trio blending the main podcast content into their new side venture. The humorous and candid discussions set a light-hearted tone, inviting listeners to join them in exploring organizational topics further.
Jason Mantzoukas (51:08):
"This is episode zero."
SuChin Pak (51:31):
"Hello, this is Zooks Cubes."
Final Thoughts: Celebrating Organization and Humor
"The Best of Add to Cart: Zouk’s Cubes (Episode Zero)" masterfully combines humor with practical discussions on organization. The episode not only showcases the hosts' and guest's personalities but also sets the foundation for future explorations into packing and organizational tools through "Zooks Cubes."
Notable Quotes
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Kulap Vilaysack (01:18): "We fucked up. We did."
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Jason Mantzoukas (05:27): "Why don't socks have drug pockets?"
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Jason Mantzoukas (12:16): "I'm always having two to three of any item in stock, quote, unquote."
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Sujin Pak (20:23): "Zooks Cubes. Zooks Cubes."
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Jason Mantzoukas (34:03): "Tom Bin makes all these incredible pouches that are small, large, see-through, whatever."
This episode serves as both a celebration of the podcast's history and a launchpad for new content centered around organization and travel efficiency. Fans of "Add to Cart" will appreciate the seamless integration of humor and practical advice, while also looking forward to the unique insights "Zooks Cubes" will bring in future episodes.
