The Best One Yet: Episode Summary

Release Date: June 24, 2025
Hosts: Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell
Podcast: The Best One Yet by Nick & Jack Studios

1. Iran’s Strait of Hormuz: The World’s Most Valuable Bottleneck

In the opening segment, Jack and Nick delve into the escalating tensions surrounding Iran’s Strait of Hormuz amidst the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. They discuss the strategic significance of this narrow waterway and its impact on global oil markets.

Key Points:

• Strait of Hormuz's Importance:
  The Strait of Hormuz is a 21-mile-wide waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean, serving as a critical chokepoint for oil exports from countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar.
  Jack explains: “If they close the strait, it could stop one fifth of all exported oil in the world.” (06:32)

• Geopolitical Implications:
  Iran’s potential blockade of the strait could disrupt 85% of the oil destined for Asia, particularly affecting China more than the United States.
  Nick highlights: “85% of oil going through the Strait of Hormuz is destined for Asia.” (07:54)

• Economic Consequences:
  Morgan Stanley warns that a blockade could spike oil prices to $100 a barrel, adversely affecting global markets and investor confidence. Despite the U.S. being a net oil producer, global oil prices would inevitably rise.
  Jack notes: “The price of oil has risen to a five-month high because of the conflict.” (20:58)

• Uncertainty and Speculation:
  The hosts ponder whether Iran will act as an innocent victim or escalate the conflict, emphasizing the unpredictability of the situation.
  Nick questions: “Will Iran play the innocent victim, or will it play the revenge seeker?” (20:58)

Notable Quote:

“The Strait of Hormuz is like one of the five checkout lanes in the world's energy store. If it gets shut down, all the other lines are going to get longer and everyone's going to have to pay more at the pump.” — Jack (07:41)

2. Tesla’s Robotaxi vs. Waymo: A Battle of Master Plans and Transparency

The second story covers the advancements and strategic moves of Tesla and Waymo in the burgeoning robo-taxi industry, highlighting their distinct approaches and the potential implications for the future of self-driving technology.

Key Points:

• Tesla’s Launch in Austin:
  Five years after Elon Musk’s announcement, Tesla has launched its RoboTaxi service in Austin with 10 Model Y vehicles operating within a geo-fenced area. The initial phase includes safety-focused operations with Tesla employees overseeing rides.
  Nick mentions: “Tesla's Robo Taxi just launched in Texas.” (09:57)

• Waymo’s Expansion to New York City:
  In response, Waymo is testing its robo-taxi service in Manhattan, navigating the complexities of dense urban traffic, weather conditions, and pedestrian behavior.
  Jack states: “Waymo’s Robo Taxi is launching in Manhattan.” (09:57)

• Strategic Differences:
  Tesla leverages its existing fleet of 3-4 million cars to scale quickly, utilizing data gathered from its customer base to enhance its self-driving algorithms. In contrast, Waymo invests heavily in mapping and upfront costs, with each vehicle costing around $200,000.
  Nick compares: “It's the clone army in Star Wars. All these Teslas can just be switched on in a second to turn into robo cab mode.” — Jack (13:05)

• Business Models:
  Tesla’s approach is described as a “master plan,” focusing on rapid scaling and internal data utilization. Waymo follows a “transparent plan,” emphasizing meticulous mapping and gradual expansion.
  Jack summarizes: “Tesla versus Waymo is a case study in master plans versus transparent plans.” (12:51)

Notable Quote:

“Tesla's Robo taxi project has been criticized for being opaque, but it's been stealthily underway for 10 years.” — Jack (14:03)

3. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ 400% Pay Raise: Leverage in Action

In the final major story, Jack and Nick explore the significant pay raise awarded to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, examining how the squad leveraged media exposure to negotiate better compensation.

Key Points:

• Historical Context:
  Founded in 1960, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders evolved from local high schoolers to a globally recognized brand, especially after their pivotal appearance in the 1976 Super Bowl.
  Nick recounts: “The inflection point for their brand was in the 1976 Super Bowl.” (17:51)

• Monetization Beyond the Field:
  The cheerleaders have diversified their income streams through swimsuit calendars, merchandise, a Barbie doll line, and television shows on CMT and Netflix. These initiatives generated between $1-2 million annually.
  Jack explains: “They got a swimsuit calendar, they got merchandise sales.” (18:32)

• Media Influence:
  The Netflix docuseries spotlighted the cheerleaders’ demanding roles and low pay, garnering over 2 million viewers in the first week. This exposure created public pressure, enabling the cheerleaders to negotiate a 400% salary increase.
  Nick observes: “Netflix's show just gave the cheerleaders the most valuable asset in business: leverage.” (19:34)

• Negotiation and Leverage:
  The hosts discuss the importance of leverage in career advancement, using the cheerleaders' success as a case study. By harnessing publicity and public support, the cheerleaders effectively negotiated higher wages.
  Jack advises: “Find your leverage point.” (20:49)

Notable Quote:

“These media opportunities were the third inflection point because season one was a top 10 show on Netflix and season two just dropped.” — Nick (18:59)

Additional Highlights

• Trivia Segment:
  The hosts shared a fun trivia question about the invention of Dr. Pepper 140 years ago, engaging listeners with historical insights and personal anecdotes.
  Jack quips: “It tastes like a soda that couldn't decide what it wanted to be when it grew up.” (03:02)

• Listener Shoutouts:
  Celebrations included birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones within the Yeti community, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation among listeners.

• Interesting Fact:
  An intriguing fact was shared about the number 18 being a lucky number in both Chinese and Hebrew traditions, tying back to the success of Din Tai Fung restaurant.
  Jack notes: “In Chinese, 18 is associated with success because saying 18 in Chinese sounds like the term get rich.” (23:14)

Conclusion

In this episode, Jack and Nick provided a comprehensive overview of critical business news, blending in-depth analysis with entertaining commentary. From geopolitics and technological advancements to impactful labor negotiations, the hosts delivered valuable insights and actionable takeaways for their audience.

Notable Quotes Timeline:

• 03:02 Jack: “It tastes like a soda that couldn't decide what it wanted to be when it grew up.”
• 06:32 Jack: “If they close the strait, it could stop one fifth of all exported oil in the world.”
• 07:41 Jack: “The Strait of Hormuz is like one of the five checkout lanes in the world's energy store. If it gets shut down, all the other lines are going to get longer and everyone's going to have to pay more at the pump.”
• 13:05 Nick: “It's the clone army in Star Wars. All these Teslas can just be switched on in a second to turn into robo cab mode.”
• 17:51 Nick: “The inflection point for their brand was in the 1976 Super Bowl.”
• 19:34 Nick: “Netflix's show just gave the cheerleaders the most valuable asset in business: leverage.”
• 20:49 Jack: “Find your leverage point.”

For more detailed discussions and insights, listen to the full episode of The Best One Yet.