Wrapping Things Up

Introducing Wrapping Things Up — the podcast that tackles packaging automation without putting you to sleep. No jargon. No gatekeeping. Just proven insights from the people who’ve been there (and have the busted bag samples to prove it). New episodes drop monthly to bring you dependable relief from your biggest packaging automation headaches — just by tapping ‘Play.’

Wrapping Things Up is a business podcast hosted by Viking Masek, with 12 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Viking Masek hosts Wrapping Things Up, a business show with 12 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #12

  What Packaging Equipment Downtime Really Costs, and How to Minimize It

  Jun 3, 202634 minS1

  <p>Every packaging operation has experienced it — a line goes down, the clock starts, and the dominoes begin to fall. Lost product, missed delivery windows, stressed staff, and customers who need answers you don't have yet. The question isn't whether unplanned downtime will happen. It's whether your operation is set up to see it coming.</p><p>In this episode, Meredith sits down with Hunter Wessel, Technical Training and Support Specialist at Viking Masek, for a ground-level look at what actually drives packaging equipment downtime — and what operations, maintenance teams, and plant leadership can do about it before a failure forc...

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  Episode #11

  What’s Driving Packaging Automation Investment Right Now

  May 4, 202636 minS1

  <p>The packaging industry is moving faster than ever — and the decisions companies make about automation in the next 3–5 years will define whether they keep up or fall behind.</p><p>In this episode, Meredith sits down with Bryan Lacy, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Viking Masek, for an unfiltered look at what's actually happening in the packaging equipment market right now. Bryan brings nearly 14 years of industry experience to the conversation — and he doesn't hold back.</p><p>What we cover:</p>Why labor shortages (not growth targets) are the real driver behind packaging automation investmentThe generational knowledge gap hi...

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  Episode #10

  Why the Best Brands Treat Co-Packers Like Strategic Partners

  Apr 6, 202628 minS1

  <p>In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, guest host Robert Barkley sits down with Mike Reilly — VP of Engineering, Maintenance & Safety at MSI Express and former General Mills veteran — for a candid conversation on how co-packers and co-manufacturers actually work, what brands get wrong, and how to build partnerships that last.</p><p>In This Episode:</p>Co-packing vs. co-manufacturing — and why the difference mattersWhy 30–40% of annual volume at a co-packer comes in on short noticeHow emerging brands can bridge the gap from commercial kitchen to retail shelfWhat co-packers wish their customers understood about contracts and pricingMSI Express's move into gum...

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  Episode #9

  Packaging Psychology and Why Shoppers Choose What They Choose

  Mar 2, 202638 minS1

  <p>In this episode of Wrapping Things Up, Meredith Denning and Alex Sielaff sit down with packaging design consultant Vicki Strull to explore the psychology behind great packaging. From first impressions on the shelf to the “moment of truth” when a product is opened at home, Vicki breaks down how design, touch, structure, and storytelling influence buying decisions.</p><p><br/></p><p>You’ll learn:</p>What really happens in a shopper’s mind in those first few secondsWhy tactile, “premium” packaging can increase purchase likelihoodThe difference between the first and second moment of truthEmerging packaging trends for 2026, including human-center...

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  Episode #8

  How Packaging, Automation, and Supply Chains Advance Humanitarian Aid

  Feb 2, 202628 minS1

  <p>In this inspiring episode of Wrapping Things Up, host Alex Sielaff sits down with Jim Raynor, Senior Director at Convoy of Hope, to explore how packaging is playing a key role in feeding the world. Jim shares the powerful story behind Convoy’s global mission, from feeding over 640,000 children daily to responding to natural disasters, and how a new packaging facility in partnership with Viking Masek will help scale that impact.</p><p>What to expect:</p>How Convoy of Hope serves millions through food, disaster relief, and empowerment programsThe vision behind their new automated food packaging facilityWhy dignity an...

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