🥸 “Espionage Advertising” — Bilt’s comedy series. Taco Bell’s everything plan. Hertz’s Amazon deal. +Summer Song Recession.

Summary

The Best One Yet – "Espionage Advertising"

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

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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.

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Key Stories & Segments

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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).

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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)

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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).

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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)

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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)

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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

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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)

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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.

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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.

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Transcript

[A]

This is Nick. This is Drag. It's Thursday, the new Friday, August 21, and today's pod is the best one yet. This is a T Boy. The top three pop business news stories.

[B]

You need to know today.

[A]

You know if you're a new listener to the show right now. Welcome. You're either a yeti or a bestie. It's up to you to decide in the next few days.

[B]

And also, we'd love you to jump into our show notes and fill out.

[A]

A two minute survey.

[B]

Where'd you come from?

[A]

Who are you?

[B]

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

[A]

We want to get to know you. This is Nick. That's Jack. He was born in flannel, and I have an affinity for not jeans. So, Jack, we got three fantastic stories.

[B]

For today's T Boy.

[A]

What do we got on the pop biz pie?

[B]

For our first story, Taco Bell is officially the winner of fast food in 2025. Get this. They launched twice as many products this year as last year.

[A]

So Jack and I dove in T boy style and got the recipe for instant gratification.

[B]

For our second story, this one's Wild Hertz is now selling cars on Amazon. You could drop them in your shopping cart right now.

[A]

But this is Wild Hertz is now the second biggest car seller in America.

[B]

And our third and final story is Bilt. The $10 billion credit card startup that gives points for rent just launched a comedy show.

[A]

I'm sorry, Jack. A covert comedy show. If I will.

[B]

We'll tell you why a credit card company made a comedy series and kept their role a secret.

[A]

Shh. Jack, we're not supposed to talk about this, but Yetis, before we hit that.

[B]

Wonderful mix of stories.

[A]

Fantastic mix of stories, Jack. No one else doing the mix today. Love the mix.

[B]

It's not just you. It's not just your ears either.

[A]

No, no, no, no, no. Yetis. There is no song of the summer.

[B]

2025, and we have numbers to prove it.

[A]

Hey, DJ, play that data.

[B]

Shaboozy's a bar song, aka Tipsy. It's in the top 10 right now in the Billboard Hot 100.

[A]

But Jack, it's been there for 62 weeks since 2024.

[B]

Teddy Swim' also a top 10 track.

[A]

Right now, but it's been up there 70 weeks since 2023.

[B]

Benson, Boone, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, all top 10 right now with songs from last year.

[A]

Besties. Add it all up in the song of the summer. 2025 is all songs of the summer from 2024.

[B]

What's next last year's fashion trends. This year's fashion trends.

[A]

Skinny jeans are the denim of the summer. I'm sorry, Jack, one sec. Let me just change into some bell bottoms for the rest of the pod.

[B]

Well, you would know because you don't wear jeans.

[A]

It was a trick question, Jack.

[B]

But, Yetis, if you object to our thesis that there's no song in the summer, drop your song in the comments.

[A]

But here is the wildest part. The music industry executives, they think that this is the new normal.

[B]

They think there may never be another song of the summer again.

[A]

And for that, who can we all blame? Jack TikTok.

[B]

Because old songs are trending so much on social media that they're hanging out.

[A]

In the top charts longer than ever.

[B]

These days we spend so much time on social media.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What's trending there is trending everywhere.

[A]

That's why you keep hearing that it's a thrill to have a Jet2 holiday.

[B]

And that's also why you're dancing on Montauk right now to a Miley Cyrus.

[A]

Hit from your senior year in college, man.

[B]

But Yetis, Nick and I do have a song of the summer for you. And we think it's number one.

[A]

In fact, we got legal permission from the artist to play it for you right now.

[B]

Push and play.

[A]

Hey, dj, hit the track.

[C]

Fifteen years before this song, two boys from the northeast met in the dorm. They had an idea to cause a cultural storm. It's the best one yet, but the best is the norm. Jack, Nick, that's it. I don't even think they need to practice. 50%. That's a fat tip. T Boy City on your @ Liz, if you know, you know. Cause we read to go. We can't wait no more.

[A]

So just start the show.

[C]

Start the show.

[A]

Start the show. First, a quick word from our sponsor.

[B]

Airbnb.

[A]

Yetis, our show actually started as a side hustle over 10 years ago. It began in secret outside of our bank jobs. We were worried we'd get fired, so.

[B]

We didn't tell our bosses, and we even left our names off the website.

[A]

Now, that was our side hustle, a media startup. But there are other side hustles that are a lot less risky than that.

[B]

And that have 0% chance of getting you fired. Like being a host on Airbnb.

[A]

In this economy, it's a fun and rewarding way to make money off the thing you're already paying for your house or your apartment.

[B]

I've hosted two previous apartments and my current chalet on Airbnb.

[A]

And when no one's using it. Why not welcome a family, a couple that just got engaged?

[B]

You already have an Airbnb. You just didn't realize it yet.

[A]

Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how [e-mail] host and now a word from our sponsor, Netsuite.

[B]

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[A]

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[A]

Pivot fast if your revenues are at least in the seven figures. Download the free ebook Navigating Global Trade. Three insights for [e-mail] tboy for our first story, Taco Bell is having its biggest year ever because it's launching a new menu item every single month.

[B]

Taco Bell keeps your attention more than any other restaurant because it's not a musician, it's a dj. Now.

[A]

Yetis, earlier this week, Jack and I warned you about the fast casual bowl recession.

[B]

Sweetgreen, Chipotle and Cava, they've all stopped growing.

[A]

A few months ago, we warned you about the fast food slowed down.

[B]

McDonald's, Wendy's have started shrinking.

[A]

Jack and I got curious and we found one exception in food right now, and it's led by a retired Chihuahua. Jack, can you tell us mas please?

[B]

Yo kero. Taco Bell stock. Taco Bell is part of Yum Brands, but it is outpacing its sister brands, Pizza Hut and kfc.

[A]

It's beating them down like a big burrito. Taco Bell is even seeing more diners from all income spectrums.

[B]

They just told us Taco Bell revenue grew 6% last quarter like we said, while other restaurant chains are shrinking now.

[A]

Jack, could you turn off the fryer and sprinkle on a little context for us like it's queso.

[B]

Taco Bell is the number four biggest restaurant chain in America. 16 billion in sales. They're only behind McDonald's, Starbucks and Chick Fil?

[A]

A.

[B]

The CEO credits Taco Bell's magic formula for their growing while everyone else shrinks.

[A]

So, Jack, I gotta ask. I know you quiero Taco Bell stock, but yo quiero, what's the recipe for their innovation formula? Here it is.

[B]

Taco Bell has doubled the number of new product launches this year. Yeah, they launch a new thing on the Menu every four to five weeks.

[A]

It's like Jack and I love to tell you. Yeti's a B L E able always be launching everything.

[B]

McDonald's took six months to announce and launch their snack wrap, which is just an old menu item they brought back. Meanwhile, Taco Bell launched six brand new things.

[A]

Jack. The Birthday Cake Churro. The Calienta Cantina Chicken. The Tropical punch Rockstar Refresca. I feel like I'm playing a game of like mad lib calories right now.

[B]

The chefs feel the same way.

[A]

Also, they're testing a beverage focused cafe called the Live Moss Cafe at Taco Bell.

[B]

That's right. Starbucks. A Mexican themed cafe within Taco Bell restaurants.

[A]

Did you see they launched a beef canoe? You know what that is?

[B]

I've heard about that. What is it?

[A]

It's a story for another pod.

[B]

It's like the most diesel item on the menu.

[A]

But besties. Jack and I gotta share a reminder with you. Remember the Taco Bell Innovation Lab?

[B]

72 scientists work at the Taco Bell headquarters in Irvine, California, whipping up inventions.

[A]

We did an entire the best idea yet episode on it. This innovation lab was created in 2009. They invented the first ever viral social.

[B]

Media food when Doritos Locos Tacos launched in 2011. It was the first food to go viral on social media.

[A]

And one key reason for Taco Bell's innovation success is that they don't care about being successful at a speed of.

[B]

12 new menu items per year. Oh boy. Most of those are going to miss. Like if they were gonna invent them, they'd be here right now. You know what I mean?

[A]

They're gonna end up in the trash, man.

[B]

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.

[A]

Chipotle's guac. Yeah, same recipe. Still extra Taco Bell. They're putting Skittles in that guac, Jack.

[B]

I wouldn't call it guac. Actually, I'd call it avocado Adjacent product.

[A]

One sec, I think I found a Starburst in here. So, Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies over at Taco Bell?

[B]

Taco Bell isn't an artist, it's a dj. It doesn't create, it remixes. So, Yetis, what's Taco Bell's real secret.

[A]

Recipe for successfully scaling one crazy concoction a month?

[B]

Taco Bell knows it isn't an artist. It just isn't. No, it's a dj because every item is a Remix.

[A]

Every option is a variation on a three key ingredient list. Cheese, carbs, meat and a surprise.

[B]

This year's surprise was Cheez its milk bar cakes and rockstar energy drinks.

[A]

Or Jack, how about the Cheez it tostada? It's just cheese, salsa, beef on a.

[B]

Giant Cheez it, make it a supreme. Then you add some sour cream and wrap the whole thing in a grilled tortilla.

[A]

But besties, you must respect this because like Diplo, the DJ works with someone else's songs. Remixing is still a skill and while.

[B]

Many don't respect the remix, it's faster and it's beloved both in music and.

[A]

Apparently in quasi Mexican inspired fast food.

[B]

Taco Bell is the only fast food chain thriving right now because it's okay being a dj, not a musician.

[A]

For our second story, one of the biggest car sellers in America. It's Hertz. That's right. Hertz buys 300,000 rental cars every year. Which means they also sell 300,000 rental cars every year.

[B]

And you can now buy those Hertz used cars on Amazon.

[A]

Shocker. But first, Jack, how do we start? With some trivia. You want to kick us off? I know you're a trivia guy.

[B]

Who owns the most vehicles in the United States.

[A]

I want to sprinkle on a hint here. It's not Jay Leno and it's not the US Government.

[B]

Jay Leno is constantly boasting about how many cars he owns.

[A]

But the answer to the owner of the most vehicles in America is not Hertz, it's Enterprise.

[B]

It's a bigger rental car company with 2 million cars.

[A]

But Hertz is right up there. Because Hertz owns 550,000 vehicles and because.

[B]

Those bachelor and bachelorette party weekends put serious wear and tear on Hertz's Nissan Altima pull over. They gotta replace their cars every 12 to 18 months.

[A]

Oh, you need a new chassis. And here's the news. Hertz just announced you can buy one of their old rental cars on Amazon.com Amazon autos.

[B]

It launched in December with new Hyundais. But now you can add used Hertz cars to your shopping cart.

[A]

That's right. I'm getting some baby lotion. I'm getting some paper towels. And one pre owned Hertz used Nissan Altima besties. This program, starting in four cities, you buy it on Amazon, you pick up at a Hertz location. It's coming to 45 more cities soon.

[B]

They're not going to drop it off at your door in two days with Amazon Prime.

[A]

And it's all part of Hertz's back to basics business turnaround plan. You know why it's called back to Basics, Jack? Why? Because they're basically trying to make money any way they can.

[B]

Because yet he's. For a couple years, Hertz wasn't in the car business. They were in the roller coaster business.

[A]

Yeah, because Hertz went from bankrupt to meme stock zero to 60. Back to zero again, baby.

[B]

We covered it on our pod. In early 2020 as the economy and travel shut down, Hertz had to pretty much shut down too. They declared bankruptcy.

[A]

But by late 2020, road trips were all the rage as people got pandemic wonderlust and cars beat flying.

[B]

Planes were scary back then. Renting a car was totally fine.

[A]

So meme stalkers correctly picked Hertz as a pandemic winner. And then Hertz stock emerged from bankruptcy with a heck of a lot of mojo, baby.

[B]

But then, like the cool guy in your neighborhood, Hertz got a little ahead of itself. It went all in on Teslas and electric cars.

[A]

Yeah. So Jack, to quote Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, huge mistake.

[B]

Because, Nick, when do you need a rental car after flying somewhere? And if you just flew to like Boston Logan Airport, you rent a Hertz car to drive to some Airbnb in the woods. You don't want an electric car. You don't know where to charge that thing.

[A]

So the electric vehicles. Yeah, they didn't really work for the rental car company.

[B]

No, they didn't. So Hertz announced they were selling all of those electric cars at a steep discount and the Stock is down 85% since their all time highs.

[A]

Jack, it's kind of like Hertz went on a blind date with electric cars. Like, high expectations, but no second date.

[B]

Yeah, everyone told me these Teslas were awesome, man.

[A]

And besties. That is why Hertz is going back to basics. Fleet management, the efficient buying and selling.

[B]

Of their rental cars.

[A]

And now Amazon is opening up a huge new market for Hertz because they could probably sell that Nissan on Amazon for a higher price than a car auction could.

[B]

The only remaining question.

[A]

Yes, Jack.

[B]

Will there be a cyber Monday Amazon discount on that Prius that Hertz is trying to foist on us?

[A]

One can only hope, Jack. One can only hope. So what's the takeaway for our buddies over at Hertz?

[B]

Every business makes money in at least three ways.

[A]

Yetis, let's talk numbers. First, Hertz has $15 billion worth of cars on their balance sheet, and they make their money mainly from renting them.

[B]

But Nick, that's just One way they make their money. They also make money acquiring and disposing of those assets.

[A]

Yeah, hurts. They have to buy their cars. A lot of them. Like 300,000 cars every year. But if they can negotiate bulk deals to get those cars at a discount, that's another way that they make money.

[B]

And they have to sell cars every 12 to 18 months or 20,000 miles. If they can sell them at a higher price, that's another way Hertz can make money.

[A]

So the way we see it, Besties every company's bio describes just one of the three ways that they actually make money.

[B]

What they usually leave out is the acquiring and selling of assets.

[A]

The unsexy part, which can be just as important. Now a quick word from our sponsor.

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[A]

I threw some into a pancake mix because like, why the heck not, Jack?

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For our third and final story, It's Roomies. The new comedy series is actually made by Bilt, the credit card company.

[B]

It's espionage advertising. Bilt has earned 3.2 million views on TikTok and Instagram with his show without paying TikTok or Instagram a dime.

[A]

All right, Jackie, we're gonna talk about roommates. There's a couple guys who have roomed together for like half of our lives. I mean, are there few dramas any more dramatic than trying to find an apartment in New York City? Do you remember what that was like in the east village, like 15 years ago?

[B]

It's somewhere between a safari and Hunger Games. And you need like a $6,000 cashier's check in your pocket at all times.

[A]

People moving out are warning you about bedbugs. You need a guarantor 20 minutes ago. And management wants your unborn future child as part of the deposit.

[B]

I'm sorry, my guarantor needs to make 120 times my monthly income.

[A]

Remember our buddy Timmy called us and said there's a problem story for another pod. But besties, there is a new show on social media right now about this topic and it's called Roomies.

[B]

Two minute episodes. They're very short. It's basically quibby because these episodes are published only on Instagram and TikTok.

[A]

Jack, what is a typical episode Roomies like? Well, it starts with a wide eyed.

[B]

Country girl from Ohio moving to the big city of New York.

[A]

No job, no apartment, but she's got a can do attitude.

[B]

Although the Times Square spider Man mascot steals her phone on day one and then scampers away in his spider man outfit.

[A]

Classic besties. This show, this comedy we just described, it is racked up 3.2 million views. Not too shabby.

[B]

But here's the kicker. The company behind the show isn't Comedy Central, NBC, and it's definitely not Quibi.

[A]

It's Bilt.

[B]

Yeah, a $10 billion credit card company for startups.

[A]

But here's the kicker to that kicker. What is it?

[B]

Jack Bilt isn't mentioned anywhere, anywhere in any of the first 10 episodes.

[A]

We're talking no product placements, no ads. It's just a free, fun, short form show. But produced and paid for by Bilt.

[B]

Now, the social media handle that publishes this show on social media is oomiesroomiesroomies.

[A]

The only mention of Bilt is is subtly in the show's bio.

[B]

But what's happening here is actually a trend. According to reporting from the Wall Street.

[A]

Journal, Little Caesar, Sephora, they are also making shows seemingly for our viewing pleasure.

[B]

But for them, their ulterior marketing motive is clear.

[A]

Hashtag ad. Little Caesar's branding. Yeah, it is gonna be all over that spoof of Survivor.

[B]

And eventually this Bilt show will be like that too. A Bilt executive told the Wall Street Journal that for season two, they do plan to include some product placement.

[A]

Yeah, the main character in this show, roomies, will cash in on her Bilt credit card points earned through her rental payments.

[B]

And she'll redeem those points at Barry's.

[A]

Boot camp, which is, shocker surprise, a Bilt Rewards partner, of course. So, Jack, we do kind of love this Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies over at Bilt?

[B]

Espionage Marketing is the new ad hack Yeties.

[A]

Every marketer wants the same thing. The eyeballs of 18 to 34 year olds with disposable income.

[B]

And where do those young, young people spend their time? Nick TikTok and Instagram, that's where.

[A]

But here's the problem. Demand from advertisers is so high these days, the economics of social media ads are tough. They are expensive.

[B]

So brands try to reach us organically. But our knee jerk reaction as users of social media is to swipe past branded posts.

[A]

So instead, brands now have a new cover to get your attention and trust. And Jack and I call it espionage advertising.

[B]

It's risky because producing good content is pricey. And again, they barely show their logo anywhere.

[A]

But, but, but, but if it works like a spy, you can achieve your true objective subtly marketing to them.

[B]

Like James Bond, brands establish a cover, they develop access, they gain trust, and then they go in for the kill.

[A]

So to earn free marketing views, besties add teams are like double agents.

[B]

And for roomies, Roomies, roomies. They're going to go in for the kill in season two.

[A]

Jack, could you whip up the takeaways for us for the new Friday?

[B]

Taco Bell is the only fast food business growing right now because they launched twice as many products this year as they ever have.

[A]

Taco Bell, they don't create, they remix. They're DJs not musicians.

[B]

For our second story, Hertzstock jumped yesterday on news they're now using Amazon to sell their used rental cars.

[A]

It's a reminder that every business really makes money in at least three different ways.

[B]

And our third and final story is Bilt. It's the low key, almost silent producer behind a popular comedy series on social media called Roomies.

[A]

We call it espionage marketing. And this is the new ad hack. But yetis, this pod's not over yet.

[B]

Here's what else you need to know today.

[A]

First, stocks fell for a fourth straight day on Wednesday. The reason, AI bubble bursting concerns.

[B]

MIT published a report. 95% of corporate tests to use generative AI have failed.

[A]

And our economy and our stock market right now are riding on the backs of a huge AI investments nationwide.

[B]

If AI isn't what it's panned out to be, we're due for a huge correction.

[A]

So investors, they've been cashing out. And second, Target just named their new CEO who started as an intern 22 years ago.

[B]

Mark Fidelke was a senior at Northwestern University. He graduated with a degree in Finance in 2003.

[A]

The Fighting Wildcats. That's when he got a summer internship gig at target. And 22 years later, he's now the top wildcat at Target.

[B]

He's the top dog, but he's got a tough job as the CEO he needs to make Target Tarjay again.

[A]

Yeah, the Stock is down 62% from its all time high.

[B]

And finally, Labubu, the little monster dolls, they are only accelerating. And we just got the numbers to prove it.

[A]

Get this. Pop Mart, the maker of Labubu dolls, said revenue is up 200% and profits popped 400% in just the first half of the year. You just ordered one on Shein because.

[B]

We want one D from your IV Birkin bag thing, right?

[A]

Yeah, I've got my blood bag of Birkin right here. My Hermes iv. And yeah, the Labubu doll arrives on Friday. Jack, I'm excited.

[B]

We gotta unbox it on the pod.

[A]

All right, I ordered six of them. Now time for the best fact yet. This one whipped up by Jack because we had so many questions and comments about our marble episode yesterday.

[B]

Yeah, so we did that story yesterday about marble quarries, Italian marble. So I ended up in a deep Wikipedia rabbit hole and I discovered that my favorite st. The Brooklyn Bridge. Do you know where that stone came from?

[A]

I know you're a granite guy. I know you're a granite guy, Jack. So where did it come from? Where did the Brooklyn Bridge stone come from?

[B]

Not Vermont.

[A]

No, not New Hampshire.

[B]

But the place I'm gonna be vacationing at in two weeks in Maine, Vinalhaven, Maine, a place I used to vacation at. They have three granite quarries there that you can swim at. And that's where the Brooklyn Bridge originally came from.

[A]

It all comes full circle. Two years ago, you read a book about the Brooklyn Bridge. Now you're going on vacation where the bridge was really born.

[B]

And I'm gonna swim where the Brooklyn Bridge used to be.

[A]

I'm just gonna shed a tear right now. Yetis, you look Fanta. Oh, one sec. Taco Bell just launched a giant burrito rib McSandwich thing. Oh, my God, that's like the third one this month. Yetis, you look fantastic. Daddy, you look fantastic. And if you're a new yeti or bestie, Jack and I have quick request for you.

[B]

Fill out the new listener survey. The link is in our show notes. It takes two minutes.

[A]

We love getting to know you. And Jack and I, we'll see you as always tomorrow. And before we go, a shout out to our talent agents, Oren Rosenbaum and Rebecca Steinberg from uta, who were just listed on the Hollywood Reporters podcast power players list. Congrats, guys. Although if they were really doing their.

[B]

Job, we'd be on that list too.

[A]

Jokes, jokes, jokes. And Lila Adler down In Venice Beach, California just got a dream job with the U.S. olympic and Paralympic Committee.

[B]

Congrats, Lila, L.A. 2028. Lila will be there.

[A]

And Chloe Zoe is turning 12 years old. Congratulations. In Chicago doing logistics.

[B]

Happy birthday to Rico Garcia in Austin, Texas, who's walking their dog Paloma right.

[A]

Now to some T boy who's a good boy. And Caruso Pacelli is turning one year old just outside Boston, rocking that T boy onesie. Caruso, you look fantastic.

[B]

And a big shout out to Brooke Morgan, who got a new job in.

[A]

San Diego, California and all those Detroit teachers who are coming back to school. Congratulations. Welcome back.

[B]

Happy 10 year work anniversary to Courtney Reber in Orlando, Florida, who's also celebrating a five year T boy anniversary.

[A]

Love that bestie. And Kat and Tyler enjoy the anniversary in the dry heat of Phoenix, Arizona.

[B]

Happy 11 year anniversary to Ryan and.

[A]

Tia Brooks in Houston, Texas and Juan Lefeld in Miami, Florida is just having the best day yet. And to anyone else who's celebrating something.

[B]

Today, make it a T boy.

[A]

Celebrate the wins.

[B]

This is Jack. I own stock of Amazon and Cava. And Nick and I both own stock in Chipotle. If you like the best one yet, you can listen ad free right now by joining Wondery and the Wondery app.

[A]

Or on Apple Podcast Prime. Members can listen ad free on Amazon Music. And before you go, tell us a.

[B]

Little bit about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail] survey we want to.

[A]

Get to know you Wix.

[D]

It's where website creation meets AI and where your boldest ideas become real. It just takes one platform to build a site that looks great and does everything you need it to. And it just takes one person you to start taking care of business. Like a 10 person team with AI tools for creating an entire website from scratch or testing new ways to make money. WIX is there with you from day one. Try it out [e-mail].