Podcast Summary: Right About Now with Ryan Alford – Episode: The 2024 Naughty and Nice Businesses List
Introduction to the Naughty and Nice Businesses List
In this engaging episode of Right About Now with Ryan Alford, hosted by Ryan alongside co-hosts Chris Reynolds and Brianna Hall, the trio delves into their annual tradition of categorizing businesses and public figures into "Naughty" and "Nice" lists for the year 2024. This segment aims to highlight which entities thrived and succeeded versus those that faced setbacks or made questionable decisions. The discussion balances humor, insightful commentary, and candid opinions, making for an entertaining yet informative listen.
Nice Businesses
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Trump Inc.
Ryan kicks off the Nice list with a surprising yet strategic inclusion: Trump Inc. He discusses the positive economic impact and the favorable sentiment surrounding Donald Trump's business ventures.
Ryan Alford [07:27]: "It's been a nice year for them... the aura around an entity. And right now it's at a very high level with all things sort of in Trump's camp."
Brianna supports this by highlighting Trump's increased net worth despite legal challenges, citing substantial revenues from golf courses, resorts, and the public offering of Truth Social.
Brianna Hall [09:13]: "Trump's overall net worth increased substantially... contributing to an estimated net worth of $6.5 billion."
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Elon Musk and Crypto
The discussion transitions to Elon Musk, lauding his strategic alignment with Trump and the resultant success of his ventures like SpaceX. Ryan emphasizes Musk's adaptability and intelligence, which have propelled him to become one of the world's wealthiest individuals.
Ryan Alford [14:31]: "I really do believe he believes in the policies and approach... SpaceX can't be denied."
Additionally, the team endorses the cryptocurrency market's promising future, advocating for continued investment despite volatility.
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Walmart and Amazon
Brianna praises Walmart for enhancing its product offerings with healthy alternatives and maintaining affordability, effectively competing with Amazon's same-day delivery services.
Brianna Hall [15:59]: "Walmart is doing it, getting it together."
Ryan echoes this sentiment, sharing his personal experiences with Walmart's efficient delivery and expanded range, which he feels surpasses Amazon in certain aspects.
Ryan Alford [17:04]: "Walmart is even kicking Amazon's ass in delivery... same hour delivery."
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Taylor Swift
While Taylor Swift is placed on both the Nice and Naughty lists, Brianna and Ryan acknowledge her significant financial success and philanthropic efforts, such as giving bonuses to her tour staff.
Brianna Hall [19:15]: "She also gave significant bonuses to the people that worked for her on her ERAS tour."
However, Ryan humorously points out the mixed public perception despite her success.
Ryan Alford [19:26]: "She didn't make a lot of money... She's raking in money while we're raking leaves here."
Naughty Businesses
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Bud Light
Ryan criticizes Bud Light for misaligning with their audience through controversial marketing decisions, leading to significant backlash.
Ryan Alford [21:12]: "How the hell do you not know who your audience is?... Send them all the way to the bottom of the naughty list."
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Mattel
Mattel faces scrutiny for containing inappropriate content on their packaging, landing them on the Naughty list.
Brianna Hall [22:36]: "Mattel on the naughty list for that porn site on their packaging."
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Toyota
Toyota is condemned for falsifying safety test results for seven vehicle models, raising serious concerns about consumer safety.
Ryan Alford [23:06]: "They lied and faked some safety tests... good enough in the metaverse."
Chris adds that Toyota's widespread presence makes this deceit particularly egregious.
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Boeing
The airline giant suffers significant financial losses, including a $350 million downturn in the first quarter of 2024, compounded by ongoing safety issues.
Brianna Hall [23:47]: "Boeing lost $350 million in quarter one of 2024. Definitely on the naughty list."
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Perrier
Known for their fancy sparkling water, Perrier is criticized for contamination concerns, undermining their premium image.
Ryan Alford [24:33]: "If you've tasted that stuff, it's contaminated all the time."
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Bad Boy Entertainment
Chris brings up Bad Boy Entertainment, highlighting ongoing scandals and the decline in reputation for founder Diddy, which has tarnished the brand.
Chris Reynolds [25:16]: "Bad Boy Entertainment... it's like every week you hear somebody like it’s Jay Z something."
Discussion on Drones and Government Transparency
Shifting gears, the hosts tackle the mysterious drone sightings and the government's lack of transparency regarding their origins and purposes. Ryan expresses concern over national security and the potential for criminal misuse, while Chris speculates on military involvement.
Ryan Alford [28:23]: "In today's technology... it's getting too much to ignore."
The conversation underscores the erosion of public trust in government institutions, exacerbated by inconsistent or evasive communications about such incidents.
Conclusion and Future Episodes
As the episode wraps up, Ryan and Chris tease upcoming content, including a special episode focused on actionable strategies for business success in 2025. They encourage listeners to engage via their website and social media platforms, fostering a community of informed and proactive entrepreneurs and marketers.
Ryan Alford [32:30]: "We're doing our top 10 things you need to do to kick ass in 2025... taking the BS out of business."
The episode concludes with warm holiday wishes, blending professional insights with personal camaraderie, exemplifying the show's unique blend of business education and entertainment.
Notable Quotes
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Ryan Alford [07:27]: "It's been a nice year for them... the aura around an entity. And right now it's at a very high level with all things sort of in Trump's camp."
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Brianna Hall [09:13]: "Trump's overall net worth increased substantially... contributing to an estimated net worth of $6.5 billion."
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Ryan Alford [24:33]: "If you've tasted that stuff, it's contaminated all the time."
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Ryan Alford [28:23]: "In today's technology... it's getting too much to ignore."
Final Thoughts
This episode of Right About Now with Ryan Alford offers a candid and entertaining analysis of the business landscape in 2024, highlighting successes and failures with a mix of humor and critical insight. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or simply interested in the interplay between business and popular culture, Ryan and his co-hosts provide a thought-provoking listen that balances seriousness with levity.
For more episodes and updates, visit www.RyanIsRight.com or follow @rightaboutnowshow and @ryanalford on Instagram.