The Best Idea Yet — 🎬 That’s a Wrap on Season 1 | Episode 51

Podcast: The Best Idea Yet
Hosts: Nick Martell & Jack Crivici-Kramer
Date: September 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode serves as the celebratory send-off for Season 1 of "The Best Idea Yet," Wondery’s podcast that explores the untold stories behind iconic products and the risk-takers who propelled them to pop culture fame. Hosts Nick and Jack reflect on the podcast’s remarkable debut season, share behind-the-scenes insights, and express gratitude to their listeners, production team, and supporters. They also tease their daily news show, "The Best One Yet," and highlight their recent award nominations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Season Reflection and Milestones

• The hosts mark the official wrap of Season 1 (00:07) with excitement and camaraderie.
• Podcast Growth: Six straight months of growth, peaking with an all-time high in July (02:21).
• Chart Success: Hit number two in overall podcast business charts (02:38).
• Award Recognition: Nominated for both the Signal Award and the Ambie for Best Business Podcast.
  • “Yetis, we got nominated for the Ambie award of Best Business Podcast. Although we lost a guy, Raz, but that's like losing to the Yankees in podcasting…” – Nick (02:28)

The Show’s Origin Story

• The idea for the show stemmed from an interest in the deep-dive, evergreen format and a desire to focus on uplifting success stories rather than the prevailing Hollywood trend of "downfall stories."
  • “We noticed a few years ago that untold origin story of McDonald's and the Happy Meal and how it was started by a mom in Guatemala.” – Nick (01:36)
• The show was developed “Hollywood style,” beginning with a pitch in Los Angeles and greenlit by Wondery (01:52).

Celebrating Impactful Episodes

• The show’s catalogue includes 50 episodes, spotlighting stories like the McDonald's Happy Meal, Ben & Jerry’s unexpected origins, Air Jordans’ NBA ban, and Super Mario’s “Infinite Game” marketing strategy.
  • “The Frappuccino one. Instant classic.” – Nick (03:34)
• Hosts reminisce about unique stories:
  • The Happy Meal’s roots (03:39)
  • Ben & Jerry’s gas station start (03:45)
  • Patagonia fleece and its unlikely beginnings (toilet seat cover!) (03:50)

Gratitude & Team Acknowledgments (04:00 – 04:55)

• Special thanks to the behind-the-scenes team: fact-checkers, researchers, writers, sound engineers, producers, and Wondery executives.
  • “The fact check and researchers who found every juicy detail...who made our stories more accurate than that original sketch of the Birkin bag.” – Nick (04:08)
  • “The writers who took these facts and composed a compelling narrative that was never expected and always kept us wanting more.” – Jack (04:16)
  • “The sound engineers who supplemented our show with that Lego click. Could we get one of those clicks? Yeah, that one.” – Nick (04:23)

Transition to Daily Show and Listener Call-to-Action

• Season 1 is on hiatus; listeners are invited to follow Nick and Jack’s daily business podcast “The Best One Yet” for regular news and insights.
  • “It’s the same storytelling style you know and love from this show, the same takeaways, but it’s a daily news show, not a weekly deep dive show.” – Nick (03:09)
• Over 1,500 episodes produced of the daily show (03:21).
• Voting call to support their Signal Award nomination (01:05).

Community and Sign-Off

• The hosts thank their dedicated audience (“Yetis” and “Besties”) for their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the season.
  • “You have been there for us hitting play on those episodes every week.” – Jack (03:53)
• They hint at a possible Season 2, promising listeners will be first to know about its status (02:55).

Signature Farewell

• The pair conclude with their signature catchphrase (05:07):
  • “The untold origin stories of the products you’re obsessed with and the bold risk-takers who made them go viral. This is Nick and this is Jack. And we’ll see you on our daily news show, the Best One Yet.” – Nick & Jack (05:18)
• Episode closes with an energetic jingle and a final invitation to join them on their other show (05:41).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Podcast’s Ethos:
  • “Crucially, it was episodes that would make you feel better because they're success stories.” – Jack (01:56)
  • “You know, there's a fetish in Hollywood right now for downfall stories. Yeah, that's not what we wanted to do.” – Jack (02:02)
• On Teamwork:
  • “We also want to thank the greatest team in podcasting. And we got the numbers and receipts to prove it.” – Nick (03:57)
• Reflecting on Success:
  • “Our moms called us. They did. They did. They were pumped. Thank you, Jennifer. Thank you, Alice.” – Jack & Nick (02:45)
• Looking Ahead:
  • “And besties, you'll be the first to know if and when season two is coming.” – Nick (02:48)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:07 — Season 1 wrap and reflections
• 01:19 — The show's origin and intent
• 02:21 — Listener and chart milestones
• 02:59 — Teaser for Season 2 and segue to daily podcast
• 03:28 — Highlighting favorite episodes and series impact
• 04:04 — Production team acknowledgments
• 05:07 — Signature sign-off and farewell jingle

Summary

This finale episode is both a look back at a milestone season for "The Best Idea Yet" and a celebration of creativity, perseverance, and the power of telling uplifting origin stories. Nick and Jack’s energetic and affable banter keeps things light yet sincere, making this a rewarding listen for fans and new listeners alike. Their clear gratitude for their audience and production crew, coupled with their passion for business storytelling, promises much more to come – whether it’s Season 2 or daily doses on “The Best One Yet.”