Morning Brew Daily Podcast Summary
Episode: Instagram’s Map Feature Sparks Backlash & Sweetgreen’s Future Wilts
Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Morning Brew Daily, hosts Neal Freyman and Toby Howell delve into the latest developments in the tech and business worlds. From Instagram's controversial map feature to Sweetgreen's financial struggles, the duo provides insightful analysis and engaging discussions to keep listeners informed and entertained.

Instagram’s Controversial Map Feature

Overview:
Instagram recently launched a new map view feature intended to enhance location sharing among users. However, the rollout was met with significant backlash.

Key Points:

• Feature Description:
  Instagram’s new map view allows users to passively share their location with friends, displaying locations recently tagged in posts or stories. This feature mirrors similar offerings from Snapchat’s Snap Map and Apple’s Find My Friends.

• User Backlash:
  Many users were concerned that their locations would be publicly broadcast without explicit consent, raising fears of stalking and harassment, especially for high-profile individuals, children, and women. This unease quickly attracted the attention of lawmakers.

• Legislative Response:
  Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal urged Meta (Instagram’s parent company) to remove the maps feature, citing privacy and safety concerns.

• CEO’s Response:
  Adam Mosseri, Instagram CEO, clarified the settings, stating that location sharing is off by default and can only be enabled by user choice. He emphasized that shared locations are limited to selected groups based on user preferences.

Notable Quote:

"The most popular reply to my series clarification was literally no one asked for this." — Adam Mosseri ([09:58])

Analysis:
Toby Howell explains that while the desire to share real-time locations is prevalent among younger generations, Instagram may have misjudged the level of trust users have in Meta. The perceived public nature of the feature contrasted with more private location-sharing services led to widespread dissatisfaction.

Trump’s Initiative to Privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Overview:
President Trump is pushing to bring mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac back to the public markets, aiming to exit their long-standing government conservatorship.

Key Points:

• Historical Context:
  During the 2008 financial crisis, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were bailed out by the government and placed under conservatorship to prevent bankruptcy, maintaining low mortgage rates by covering losses on mortgage-backed securities.

• Trump’s Proposal:
  The administration plans to sell stock in these companies, potentially raising $30 billion and marking the largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) in history. This move aims to return these institutions to public markets, valued at approximately $500 billion combined.

• Stakeholder Support:
  Influential figures like investor Bill Ackman and major Wall Street banks support the initiative, seeing significant financial opportunities. However, some skepticism remains regarding the feasibility and timeline of such a complex transaction.

• Potential Impacts:
  Critics argue that privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could lead to higher mortgage rates, threatening the stability of the housing market by removing the government guarantee that keeps rates low.

Notable Quote:

"They're looking to raise $30 billion. That would top Saudi Aramco's $29.4 billion listing in Saudi Arabia in 2019." — Neal Freyman ([05:06])

Analysis:
Neal Freyman highlights the unprecedented scale and complexity of this potential IPO, comparing it to the largest ever and noting the significant backing from Wall Street. However, concerns about the broader economic implications, particularly on mortgage rates and the housing market, remain prominent.

Sweetgreen’s Financial Struggles

Overview:
Despite offering premium salads, Sweetgreen has struggled to achieve profitability, leading to a sharp decline in its stock value.

Key Points:

• Financial Performance:
  In the second quarter, Sweetgreen reported an 8% decline in same-store sales and operating losses exceeding $26 million. This resulted in a 23% drop in its share price, now down 70% since the year's start.

• Leadership’s Response:
  CEO Jonathan Neiman attributes the downturn to deviating from core offerings, specifically citing the discontinuation of their popular "ripple fries" due to production complexities. Neiman also acknowledges macroeconomic trends affecting consumer spending on restaurants.

• Turnaround Plan:
  Sweetgreen plans to refocus on its main offerings by increasing protein portions and reintegrating seasonal menu items to better align with customer preferences.

Notable Quotes:

"Our stores are not delivering right now." — Jonathan Neiman ([13:38])
"Bigger scoops of chicken are in. That's the plan to put Sweetgreen back in the green." — Neal Freyman ([12:50])

Analysis:
Toby Howell discusses how Sweetgreen's attempt to innovate with items like ripple fries backfired, despite their popularity, due to the added complexity in operations. The shift back to core products and introducing more value-driven options reflects a strategic pivot to regain customer trust and financial stability.

Winners of the Weekend

1. Bed Bath & Beyond’s Comeback Attempt

Overview:
Bed Bath & Beyond has reopened a store in Nashville, marking its first new location since filing for bankruptcy two years ago.

Key Points:

• Rebranding Efforts:
  The new store is branded as "Bed Bath and Beyond Home," emphasizing a renewed focus on home products. The Brand House Collective, new owners, plan to launch six stores in Nashville with potential expansion plans.

• Complex Revival Process:
  The revival journey involved Overstock.com acquiring the brand’s intellectual property, rebranding to Beyond Inc., and partnering with Kirkland’s (now Brand House Collective) to open new stores. This intricate process mirrors the complexity of large-scale financial deals like the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac IPO.

• Market Challenges:
  The current housing market's struggles pose significant challenges for home decor retailers, requiring sustained consumer spending to ensure success.

Notable Quote:

"If you know this inflation reading comes in hot, then it makes the Fed's dilemma even worse." — Toby Howell ([25:33])

Analysis:
Neal Freyman and Toby Howell reflect on the tough road ahead for Bed Bath & Beyond, drawing parallels with other retail giants that have attempted comebacks post-bankruptcy. The success of these efforts remains uncertain given the broader economic conditions.

2. AOL Dial-Up Internet’s Final Farewell

Overview:
AOL has announced it will wind down its dial-up Internet services by the end of September 2025, marking the end of an era.

Key Points:

• Service Legacy:
  AOL was instrumental in bringing millions online during the early days of the Internet. Despite technological advancements, dial-up services persisted in rural areas and among tech nostalgics until now.

• Final Acknowledgment:
  The closure was quietly announced on AOL’s help portal, surprising many with the service's longevity.

Notable Quotes:

"It's a way to transmit data over a telephone line." — Toby Howell ([22:07])

Analysis:
The hosts reminisce about the nostalgia of AOL’s dial-up service, acknowledging its historical significance despite its obsolescence. The closure symbolizes the relentless progress of technology and the fleeting nature of even the most iconic services.

Major Events to Watch

1. Intel CEO's White House Visit

   • Context: Intel’s CEO Lip Bhutan is set to discuss the company’s future with President Trump, who has previously called for Bhutan’s resignation over conflicts of interest with Chinese investments.
   • Implications: This meeting underscores the administration's focus on American chip manufacturing as a national security priority. Success could solidify Intel’s strategic role in the U.S. economy.

2. Trump-Putin Meeting in Alaska

   • Context: A rare face-to-face meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled, following Putin’s ceasefire proposal in Ukraine, contingent on Ukraine ceding territory.
   • Concerns: European leaders worry this could marginalize Ukraine, though efforts are underway to include Ukrainian President Zelensky in the discussions.

3. July Inflation Report

   • Importance: The forthcoming inflation data will be closely monitored to assess economic trends, especially in light of recent tariff-induced price increases. This report will influence Federal Reserve policies and market expectations for potential rate cuts.

4. Earnings Season Highlights

   • Notable Reports: Key earnings from theater chain AMC and recent IPOs like Core Weave and Circle Man will be scrutinized for insights into market performance and investor confidence.

5. Sports Highlights

   • Events: The Little League World Series, the release of Madden 26, and the commencement of the English Premier League’s new season are key sports events to watch this week.

Conclusion

Neal Freyman and Toby Howell wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast's interactive elements, such as their ongoing password game. They also promote their appearance on the Morning Brew Work Life podcast, discussing workplace dynamics and camaraderie.

Closing Remarks:

"Thanks so much for starting your morning with us and have a wonderful start to the week." — Neal Freyman ([26:13])

Final Notes

For those looking to catch up on business news with a blend of wit and insight, Morning Brew Daily continues to be a valuable resource. This episode underscores the interconnectedness of technology, finance, and consumer behavior, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of current events.

Produced by Emily Milian, Raymond Lu, Olivia Graham, Olivia Lake, and Devin Emery for Morning Brew.