Morning Brew Daily — "AI Actor Sparks Outrage & McDonald’s Monopoly is Back"

Hosts: Neal Freyman & Toby Howell
Date: September 30, 2025

Episode Overview

The hosts, Neal and Toby, dive into the hottest business, tech, and pop culture news of the day with their signature blend of wit and sharp insights. Major topics include:

• The paradox of booming gold prices amid a looming government shutdown
• The uproar over Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress attracting Hollywood representation
• McDonald's nostalgia-fueled return of the Monopoly game—and its infamous legacy
• The rise of the "996" work culture in Silicon Valley
• Major business headlines: Electronic Arts’ record-breaking buyout, OpenAI’s e-commerce leap, and another viral Mr. Beast controversy

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gold Hits Historic Highs Despite Looming Government Shutdown

[02:37–07:06]

• Government Shutdown
  • With a shutdown imminent, stocks remain unshaken, but gold soars to new records:

    "Gold notched a new record, topping $3,800 per ounce on Monday morning...on pace for its best year since the Iranian revolution upended the global economy in 1979." (Neal, 03:00)

  • Gold surges due to "classic safe haven play" motives—uncertainty around U.S. debt, geopolitical tensions, and interest rate cuts.
• Why Not Stocks?
  • Stock markets habitually shrug off shutdowns unless there are longer-term impacts:

    "The S&P 500 has averaged zero change during government shutdowns." (Neal, 05:27)

  • The unique risk this time is possible government worker layoffs (not just furloughs) and delayed economic data affecting Federal Reserve policy.
• Historical Context
  • In the 2018-2019 shutdown (the longest ever), there was “basically no impact on long term GDP, unemployment or markets.” (Toby, 04:46)

2. AI Actress Tilly Norwood Sparks Outrage in Hollywood

[07:15–10:52]

• The News
  • AI actor Tilly Norwood, a creation of Aline Vander Velden, is being courted by talent agencies—the first of its kind.
  • Reactions from human actors are overwhelmingly negative:

    "Melissa Barrera...wrote, 'hope all actors rep by the agent that does this. Drop their ass. How gross. Read the room.'" (Neal, 08:29) "Toni Collette posted a string of screaming emojis..." (Neal, 08:45)

• Vander Velden’s Response
  • She described AI as “not a sub for a human being,” but a “new tool, a new paintbrush... AI offers another way to imagine and build stories." (Neal, paraphrasing, 08:59)
• Industry Implications
  • Toby notes industry’s shifting stance since the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes:

    “Now we have agents… interested in the economics of this because obviously AI actresses are a lot cheaper than real life human ones.” (Toby, 09:22)

  • OpenAI-backed film "Critters" is in production mostly using AI—with huge reductions in cost and production time.

Memorable Moment:

• "Pandora’s box has been open when it comes to AI in the movies." — Neal, 09:03

3. McDonald’s Monopoly Returns — With an Infamous Legacy

[10:52–15:32]

• The Comeback
  • McDonald's is reviving its Monopoly game after a 10-year hiatus, aiming to whip up nostalgia and boost sales.
  • Customers play by collecting game pieces on their food for a chance at prizes up to $1 million.
  • The promotion heavily leverages the McDonald’s app for digital engagement and loyalty building.
• The “McMillions” Scandal Recap
  • The original game was rocked by a massive fraud scandal. Key points:

    "The ringleader...was a guy named Uncle Jerry...director of security for Simon Marketing...he actually took those [winning tickets] for himself, distributed them amongst a close group of people... and bilked McDonald's out of $24 million." (Neal, 13:20)

  • The scam was exposed by the FBI in 2001; HBO made a documentary about it.
• Strategy
  • Toby explains the dual appeal—nostalgia and loyalty app signups boost sales:

    "As long as you can bring more people into the McDonald’s app, build that loyalty program more, that is a huge priority for McDonald’s CEO right now." (Toby, 14:38)

4. "996" Work Culture Returns to Silicon Valley

[17:07–22:27]

• What is 996?
  • The “996” schedule: 9am–9pm, six days a week—an intense startup work ethic freshly imported (back) from China.
  • "It is the work schedule from hell," says Toby (17:17).
  • Ramp’s data: More corporate card use on weekends in San Francisco.
  • Cultural shift: From pandemic-era work/life balance back to hustle culture.

    "Nap pods are out and energy drinks are in." (Neal, 18:45) Doc Scooter (startup founder): "No drinking, no drugs, 996, lift heavy, run far, marry early, track sleep, eat steak and eggs." (Neal quoting, 18:52)

• Does it work?
  • Toby: “Working more than 55 hours a week can create health risks, they can diminish productivity…” (19:45)
  • Neal recounts his own experience building Morning Brew: “In the early days… that was the only way to do it. You had to put in the hours.” (20:38)
• Critique
  • Pushback exists against “cosplaying” 996 if it isn’t mission-critical; real startup grind is different from performative overwork.

5. Business Headlines — Quick Hits

Electronic Arts Sets Record with $50B Leveraged Buyout

[22:27–23:19]

• EA, publisher of "Madden" and "The Sims," to be taken private in a $50B deal, the biggest in history.
• New owners: Saudi sovereign fund and Jared Kushner's firm.
• Toby: “Now they can plan these longer-term strategic shifts without having to respond to shareholders on a quarterly basis.” (23:04)
• National security concerns loom due to foreign investment and user data.

OpenAI Launches Instant Checkout in ChatGPT

[23:19–25:23]

• ChatGPT users can now buy Etsy and (soon) Shopify products directly in-chat.
• Markets react: Etsy jumps 16%, Shopify >6%.
• New revenue stream for cash-burning OpenAI.
• Big tech rivalry: "A shot across the brow of Google and Amazon..." (Toby, 24:46)

Mr. Beast’s Pyrotechnic Viral Stunt

[25:27–27:40]

• YouTuber Mr. Beast faces criticism after trapping a stuntman in a burning building for $500K.

  “Every challenge was tested by multiple stuntmen…full rescue team on standby...” (Neal quoting Mr. Beast, 26:25)

• Toby: "How do we keep falling for this?...the outrage just feeds even more views into the video." (26:52)
• Neal: “Including us.” (27:04)

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• On government shutdowns and markets:

  • "S&P 500 has averaged zero change during government shutdowns." (Neal, 05:27)

• On AI and Hollywood:

  • “I see AI not as a replacement for people, but as a new tool, a new paintbrush.” — Quoting Aline Vander Velden (Neal, 08:59)
  • “Pandora’s box has been open when it comes to AI in the movies.” (Neal, 09:03)
  • "Now we have agents…interested in the economics of this because obviously AI actresses are a lot cheaper than real life human ones." (Toby, 09:22)

• On 996 culture:

  • “[996] is the work schedule from hell.” (Toby, 17:17)
  • "Nap pods are out and energy drinks are in.” (Neal, 18:45)
  • “Working more than 55 hours a week can create health risks...diminished productivity.” (Toby, 19:45)

• On McDonald's Monopoly scandal:

  • "[Uncle Jerry] bilked McDonald's out of $24 million." (Neal, 13:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Gold & Government Shutdown — 02:37 to 07:06
• AI Actress Outrage — 07:15 to 10:52
• McDonald’s Monopoly & Scandal — 10:52 to 15:32
• 996 Work Culture Trend — 17:07 to 22:27
• EA Buyout — 22:27 to 23:19
• OpenAI Instant Checkout — 23:19 to 25:23
• Mr. Beast Fire Stunt — 25:27 to 27:40

Conclusion

The episode captures the collision of tech, business, and culture—from the practical (gold as a hedge against political chaos, McDonald's gamifying loyalty) to the philosophical (can AI ever replace humans in storytelling? Is the “996” grind a sign of entrepreneurial passion, or exploitative burnout?). Neal and Toby keep discussions brisk, informed, and laced with humor, ensuring listeners walk away smarter—and entertained.