The Best One Yet – "Espionage Advertising"

Podcast by Nick & Jack Studios | Hosts: Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell
Date: August 21, 2025 | Length: ~26 minutes

Overview:

This episode dives into the week’s top pop business stories with classic Nick & Jack energy. The main theme: innovative business strategies, from Taco Bell’s relentless menu updates, to Hertz’s surprising Amazon partnership, and the sneaky rise of “espionage marketing” as demonstrated by fintech startup Bilt’s covert comedy series. There’s also an exploration of this summer’s peculiar lack of a standout song, plus quick updates on Target, AI, and viral collectible dolls.

Key Stories & Segments

1. The “Song of the Summer” Recession

(00:39–03:23)

• Observation: There’s no defining “song of the summer” for 2025; the charts are dominated by last year’s hits like Shaboozy’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Teddy Swims, and others, all carried over from 2023–2024.
• Main culprit: TikTok, where old songs keep resurfacing and dominating.
• Quote:
  • “The song of the summer 2025 is all songs of the summer from 2024.” – Nick (02:14)
  • “They think there may never be another song of the summer again. And for that, who can we all blame? TikTok.” – Jack (02:46)
• Memorable moment: Nick and Jack debut their own “Song of the Summer” parody — “Start the Show” (03:23).

2. Taco Bell: America's Fast Food DJ

(05:41–10:07)

• Key Point: Taco Bell is outperforming all other fast food chains in 2025 by doubling down on rapid-fire innovation—launching a new menu item nearly every month.
• Strategy Explored: Rather than perfecting a single menu creation (artist), Taco Bell acts as a remixing DJ, offering endless variations using their staple ingredients.
• Supporting Stats: Revenue up 6% last quarter, outpacing rivals including brand siblings Pizza Hut and KFC.
• Innovation Lab: 72 “scientists” in Irvine, CA; source of viral food hits like Doritos Locos Tacos.
• Quote:
  • “Taco Bell isn’t an artist, it’s a DJ. It doesn’t create, it remixes.” – Jack (09:00)
  • “Every option is a variation on a three key ingredient list: cheese, carbs, meat, and a surprise.” – Jack (09:19)
• Memorable moment:
  • Nick lists absurd menu items: “Birthday Cake Churro…Tropical Punch Rockstar Refresca…Beef Canoe.” (07:25–07:49)

3. Hertz Sells Cars on Amazon: The Asset Game

(10:07–14:43)

• Overview: Hertz partners with Amazon to list used rental cars for sale, making them the second-largest car seller in America.
• Why it matters: Expanding sales channels is part of Hertz’s “back to basics” recovery after failed EV investments—stock is down 85% from all-time highs.
• Behind the business:
  • Hertz makes money in three main ways: renting cars, buying cars in bulk at discounts, and selling cars after 12–18 months or 20K miles.
• Quote:
  • “Hertz went on a blind date with electric cars... High expectations, but no second date.” – Nick (13:06)
  • “Every business makes money in at least three ways.” – Jack (13:46)
• Memorable moment:
  • Joking about adding a used Nissan Altima to their Amazon cart between baby lotion and paper towels (11:23).

4. Bilt’s Secret Comedy Series and ‘Espionage Advertising’

(16:21–20:43)

• The Twist: Bilt, a $10B credit card startup, produces a TikTok/Instagram mini-comedy called “Roomies” — but hides its involvement.
• Details:
  • The show (about newcomers navigating NYC roommate chaos) has 3.2M+ views, no ads or product placements for Bilt in the first season.
  • Only a subtle mention in the show bio reveals Bilt behind the production.
  • Season 2 will include “soft” product placement (main character uses Bilt card rewards).
• The Trend: Brands are increasingly acting as stealth content creators to win younger audiences' trust.
• Quote:
  • “Espionage advertising is the new ad hack.” – Jack (19:30)
  • “Like James Bond, brands establish a cover, they develop access, they gain trust, and then they go in for the kill.” – Jack (20:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Taco Bell’s Approach:
  • “They're going to end up in the trash, man. But that's okay, because with recipe roulette at that speed, it keeps Gen Z coming back in just to try it out for fun.” – Nick (08:35)
• On Hertz’s EV Gamble:
  • “So to quote Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman: huge mistake.” – Nick (12:35)
• On Bilt’s Marketing Strategy:
  • “Every marketer wants the same thing: the eyeballs of 18 to 34 year olds with disposable income.” – Jack (19:34)
• On TikTok and Music:
  • “What's trending there is trending everywhere.” – Nick (03:05)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• No Song of the Summer discussion: 00:39–03:23
• Custom "Song of the Summer" bit: 03:23–03:57
• Taco Bell discussion: 05:41–10:07
• Hertz & Amazon cars: 10:07–14:43
• Bilt & Espionage Advertising: 16:21–20:43
• Recap of takeaways: 20:43–21:25
• Quick news hits (AI, Target, Pop Mart): 21:25–22:50

Quick News & Best Fact Yet

(21:25–23:48)

• AI Hype Weakens: MIT says 95% of enterprise AI pilots fail; market jitters.
• Target’s New CEO: Mark Fidelke started as an intern 22 years ago.
• Labubu Dolls Go Viral: Pop Mart, the maker, doubles revenue/profits on the collectible toy craze.
• Fun Fact: Stone for the Brooklyn Bridge came from Vinalhaven, Maine, where Jack will vacation. (23:02)

The Takeaways Recap

(20:43–21:25)

• Taco Bell is thriving by remixing rather than inventing from scratch.
• Hertz shows most businesses' revenue strategies are multi-layered (rental, acquisition, sale).
• Bilt demonstrates stealth, content-first ("espionage") marketing is the ad hack of 2025.

Final Thoughts:

This episode blends business insight with humor and memes (“DJ not artist,” “espionage advertising”) while spotlighting creative pivots—whether that’s fast food remixing, asset monetization, or stealth marketing. If you crave pop culture context and business smarts, Nick and Jack are a morning must-listen.