🏟️ “Football = Housing” — Stadiums’ apartment strategy. Nutella’s Americanization. Hotels’ junk fee ban.

Summary

Episode Summary: 🏟️ “Football = Housing” — Stadiums’ Apartment Strategy. Nutella’s Americanization. Hotels’ Junk Fee Ban

Podcast: The Best One Yet
Host: Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell
Release Date: May 14, 2025

In this episode of The Best One Yet, hosts Jack Crivici-Kramer and Nick Martell delve into three compelling business stories shaping the current landscape: the innovative integration of housing within new sports stadiums, Nutella's strategic pivot to cater to American tastes, and the recent regulatory changes targeting hidden junk fees in the hospitality and ticketing industries. Packed with insightful discussions and notable quotes, this episode provides listeners with a rich understanding of these evolving trends.

---

1. Football Tackles the Housing Crisis: The Rise of "Arena Hoods"

Jack and Nick kick off the episode by exploring a groundbreaking trend where major cities are addressing the persistent housing shortage through the development of multi-billion-dollar stadiums that incorporate residential units. These expansive projects, dubbed “arena hoods,” are transforming how urban spaces are utilized and revitalizing city centers.

Nick introduces the concept by stating, “Washington, D.C., Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia are all getting new multi-billion dollar stadiums with apartments” [06:19]. This integration goes beyond mere sports venues; these arena hoods encompass hotels, office buildings, and extensive housing developments, aimed at creating vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods.

Jack emphasizes the economic implications, noting, “Football could end the housing crisis” [07:01]. The hosts explain that by bundling stadium construction with substantial housing investments, cities ensure that these projects contribute to long-term urban sustainability. For example, the new Washington Commanders stadium includes 5,000 to 6,000 brand-new housing units, with a commitment to at least 30% affordable housing [07:08].

A significant point of discussion revolves around permanence in urban development. Jack elaborates, “Real estate developers love one word. Permanent” [09:43], highlighting that stadiums, akin to permanent infrastructure like train stations, attract continuous real estate investments. This permanence incentivizes developers to build sustainable housing solutions around these fixed landmarks, fostering community growth and stability.

The hosts also reflect on historical precedents, referencing Detroit's successful transformation through similar initiatives. “Detroit turned a doom loop into a boom loop and it's a big success story” [06:42]. This case study underscores the potential of arena hoods to revitalize cities struggling with economic and housing challenges.

---

2. Nutella’s American Makeover: Embracing Peanuts

Shifting gears, Jack and Nick delve into Nutella's bold strategy to penetrate the American market by introducing a new flavor variant. “Nutella Peanut. Because the greatest economic divide between Europe and America is nuts” [00:54] Nick quips, setting the stage for a discussion on cultural adaptation in international business.

Nutella, traditionally a hazelnut-based spread beloved in Europe, is now adding peanuts to align with American consumers' preference for peanut butter. This marks Nutella's first flavor change in 61 years, signaling a significant shift in its product strategy. “Nutella is adding peanuts. It's their first new flavor in 61 years and it's just for Americans” [22:41] Jack summarizes.

The hosts explore the cultural nuances that necessitate such a change. Nick points out, “Peanut butter has major household penetration in America. 90% of American families have a jar of peanut butter somewhere in their pantry” [13:15], contrasting it with European consumption patterns where only 10% indulge in peanut butter. This stark difference in nut preferences underscores the necessity for Nutella to adapt its offerings for the U.S. market.

Moreover, Jack humorously notes, “Bruce Springsteen is pounding peanut butter. Andrea Bocelli only eats hazelnut butter” [13:29], illustrating the deep-seated cultural connections Americans have with peanut-based products. Nutella’s adaptation includes not just the addition of peanuts but also rebranding efforts like changing their iconic Ferrero Rocher chocolates from spherical to square shapes to better resonate with American aesthetics [13:39].

However, Jack and Nick raise critical questions about the extent of brand adaptation. Drawing parallels with Walmart's failed attempt to impose artificial smiles on German consumers, “Remember those Walmart greeters who smiled at every customer? Germans found it creepy and forced Walmart to withdraw” [15:02], they caution Nutella against overstepping cultural sensitivities. Instead, they advocate for a balanced approach that honors Nutella's European heritage while thoughtfully integrating American preferences.

---

3. Eliminating Hidden Junk Fees: A New Era for Hotels and Ticketing

The final story addresses a significant regulatory overhaul impacting the hospitality and ticketing industries. Jack and Nick discuss the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) new regulations aimed at combating the ubiquitous issue of hidden junk fees—mandatory charges that customers often discover only at the final stages of a purchase.

Nick succinctly defines junk fees: “Mandatory fees you don't see until the very end” [18:10], contrasting them with optional fees like those for checked baggage. These hidden charges have long plagued consumers, leading to frustration and mistrust. The new FTC rule mandates full disclosure of all such fees upfront, enhancing transparency and allowing consumers to make more informed decisions.

Jack highlights the immediate impact on major companies: “Airbnb made the move first, last year they started giving us the option of seeing all in pricing upfront” [19:10]. This shift means that platforms like Airbnb, Ticketmaster, and hotel chains must now display all mandatory fees at the point of booking, eliminating the element of surprise that previously marred the customer experience.

The hosts delve into the psychological underpinnings of junk fees, explaining, “We are anchored to see the first price and remember that first price. Even if later we learn there are more fees” [21:17]. This cognitive bias often leads consumers to feel deceived and undervalued when additional charges emerge post-purchase.

Despite the regulatory advancements, Jack and Nick express skepticism about the broader implications. They question the rationale behind maintaining mandatory fees altogether, suggesting, “Why have a fee in the first place if it's mandatory? Just include it in the price” [21:59]. This critique points to a deeper issue within pricing strategies, where bundling all costs transparently could potentially foster greater consumer trust and satisfaction.

Moreover, they discuss the limited scope of the FTC's regulations, noting that while it addresses short-term rentals and ticketing services, other industries like banking and telecommunications continue to exploit similar tactics without repercussions. This selective enforcement underscores the need for more comprehensive policies to tackle hidden fees across all sectors.

---

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Jack and Nick effectively navigate through complex business strategies and regulatory changes, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on how major brands and industries are evolving. From leveraging sports infrastructure to address urban housing challenges, adapting beloved products for new markets, and enforcing transparency in pricing, the hosts provide a thorough analysis enriched with engaging dialogue and pertinent quotes.

For those seeking to understand the interplay between business innovation, cultural adaptation, and consumer protection, this episode serves as an essential guide, encapsulating the dynamic nature of today’s business environment.

---

Notable Quotes:

• “Football could end the housing crisis.” — Jack [07:01]
• “Peanut butter has major household penetration in America. 90% of American families have a jar of peanut butter somewhere in their pantry.” — Nick [13:15]
• “We are anchored to see the first price and remember that first price. Even if later we learn there are more fees.” — Jack [21:17]
• “Why have a fee in the first place if it's mandatory? Just include it in the price.” — Jack [21:59]

---

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of The Best One Yet episode, providing a clear and engaging overview of the key topics discussed. Whether you're a regular listener or tuning in for the first time, these insights offer valuable perspectives on current business trends and consumer dynamics.

Transcript

[Nick]

This is Nick, this is Jack.

[Jack]

It's Wednesday. Celvice Wednesday, May 14th. And today's pod is the best one yet. This, this is a T. Boy.

[Nick]

The top three pop business news stories you need to know today.

[Jack]

Well, yeah, it is. It's official. Stocks are now up in 2025, thanks to the trade war cooldown.

[Nick]

The s and P500 is now down just 4% from its all time high.

[Jack]

Not too shabby. And great timing too, because we've got three fantastic stories for you. Jack, what's on Today's T?

[Nick]

Washington, D.C. nashville, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia are all getting new multi billion dollar stadiums with apartments.

[Jack]

True story.

[Nick]

We call them arena hoods.

[Jack]

Arena hoods. Because the solution to America's housing crisis may actually be American football.

[Nick]

For our second story, Nutella has a wild new plan to expand in the United States. Nutella Peanut butter.

[Jack]

Because the greatest economic divide between Europe and America is nuts.

[Nick]

Literally.

[Jack]

Actually, it's nuts.

[Nick]

And our third and final story. Hidden junk fees are now illegal.

[Jack]

So Jack and I will tell you what to do when that hotel surprises you with the $50 a night resort fee.

[Nick]

Well, it's illegal now, so destination fee.

[Jack]

Yeah, I would like to speak to a manager, please.

[Nick]

But Yetis, before we hit that wonderful mix of stories.

[Jack]

Fantastic mix of stories. Love the mix.

[Nick]

Jack, we just got the most anticipated list of the year. This is a fun one.

[Jack]

Ding, ding, ding. Yetis, we just got the most popular.

[Nick]

Baby names in America straight from the Social Security administration.

[Jack]

Which name are you? Nam. And your new kids these days.

[Nick]

Here it is. Moms and dads across America chose the same top two names for the sixth straight year.

[Jack]

Congratulations. Liam for boys and Olivia for girls. You are the most popular.

[Nick]

That's right. Since 2019, Olivia and Liam have been the top baby names in America.

[Jack]

Followed by Noah, Oliver, Theodore and James.

[Nick]

For boys and followed by Emma, Amelia, Charlotte and Mia for girls.

[Jack]

I mean, Jack and I are looking at the numbers. At this rate, odds are statistically speaking, there will be a president Olivia and Vice President Liam in the year 2063.

[Nick]

Ancestry DNA says you're 30% Western European. You're 3% Olivia.

[Jack]

The entire world is Olivia or Liam. But besties? There is a different stat that Jack and I find more interesting.

[Nick]

Not the most common name for babies in America, but the fastest growing baby names in America.

[Jack]

Because for boys, the fastest growing name in America is Truce. Truce. Is that trade war inspired of the moment du jour. Followed by Colson, Breyer, Halo, and Isaiah with a Z.

[Nick]

Okay, Breyer and Halo are both ice cream brands. Just pointing that out.

[Jack]

Delicious names, delicious names. But for girls, the fastest growing name is actually Alani. Alani. Followed by Alani, Marjorie, Scotty, and Analia.

[Nick]

Scottie for girls. Yeah. I haven't met a girl Scotty yet.

[Jack]

Maxi's friends with a Scotty. She's fantastic. Very cool.

[Nick]

Now, each of those names we just mentioned jumped 1000 spots on the baby name rankings for 2024.

[Jack]

Can I buy a vow because I can't spell Elainey? But man, do I respect that name.

[Nick]

Now they really squeeze the I in there, don't they?

[Jack]

I love how they did it. Honestly, Elainey, that's gonna win LinkedIn in like 15 years.

[Nick]

So, besties, if your baby is named Colson or Scotty, then congrats, you're trending.

[Jack]

Liam and Olivia. Yeah, they may be the most popular, but Truce and Elainey, they're the most trendy.

[Nick]

I think it's Alani. Right? Is the most trendy.

[Jack]

We're still workshopping this one. Although we should point out Nick and Jack, they aren't even on the list.

[Nick]

Not even on the list.

[Jack]

Top 700, Jack. Let's three stories daily.

[Unknown]

15 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.

[Nick]

Best is the norm.

[Unknown]

Jack, Nick, that's it. I don't even think they need to practice. 50%.

[Jack]

That's a fat tip.

[Unknown]

T Boy City on your @ Liz, if you know, you know. Cause we read to go we can't wait no more so just start the show.

[Jack]

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

[Nick]

This podcast is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual yeti.

[Jack]

Lots of financial companies want to talk to you, but Northwestern Mutual wants to listen to you.

[Nick]

Some companies say they have all the answers, but Northwestern Mutual has better questions.

[Jack]

Yeah, the financial pros, they are going to ask you questions about your financial situation that honestly, you never asked yourself a big one.

[Nick]

What's your ideal retirement? It's half therapy session, Half financial conversation. Half therapy session.

[Jack]

Because that's how Northwestern Mutual designs a strategy that'll be uniquely yours. So come lie down on the couch. Find a better way to [e-mail] that's.

[Nick]

Nm.Com the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Airbnb. Nick, can you share that wonderful quote about hospitality we heard recently?

[Jack]

Jack, I think I read this in the Danny Meyer book, but he said something like hospitality is anticipated. Someone's needs beyond expectations.

[Nick]

I love that Quote, when I have a guest booked to stay at my place, I try to meet that hospitality standard. And I do so by letting them know ahead of time events happening in the area.

[Jack]

Pro tip. Your favorite jam band is playing at your favorite burger place Wednesday night. Probably let your guests know about that one.

[Nick]

I also completed a full travel guide within my Airbnb listing, sharing my personal favorite recommendations and secret spots.

[Jack]

What kind of stuff's in that travel guide, Jack?

[Nick]

That swimming hole is so remote. You can definitely swim in the nude and you won't get any issues.

[Jack]

Yeah, no George Costanza shrinkage that we know of. Yetis your actual house, your apartment, your condo is just one part of the Airbnb hosting experience.

[Nick]

I really enjoyed the soft parts of hospitality, anticipating my guests needs beyond their expectations.

[Jack]

If this sounds your style and you enjoy a naked jump into a stream, you can become an Airbnb host too. As long as you got a place.

[Nick]

I'm proud of my 4.92 rating and my wife is proud of the revenue we're generating with that rating.

[Jack]

Yeah, it is. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how [e-mail].

[Nick]

For our first story.

[Jack]

A new real estate class is booming right now. And Jack and I call them arena hoods.

[Nick]

With billion dollar stadiums at the core, hotels, office buildings and new housing are saving America's cities.

[Jack]

Football could end the housing crisis. We'll explain. But Jack, just over a year ago we covered that fascinating story about the city of of Detroit, baby.

[Nick]

Detroit turned a doom loop into a boom loop and it's a big success story.

[Jack]

And how did they pull this off, man?

[Nick]

With sports stadiums? Actually, not just sports stadiums. Sports stadiums with housing.

[Jack]

That's right. Yet he's Detroit. They have a new NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB stadiums that are all within walking distance of each other.

[Nick]

But it's not just Detroit. Last month the Washington Commanders announced a $4 billion new stadium in Washington D.C.

[Jack]

Oh, and then, Jack, yesterday Atlanta announced a new 5,000 three person concert venue is coming to a $5 billion stadium district.

[Nick]

Now, when Nick and I read those price tags, we were shocked.

[Jack]

Oh, we were shocked.

[Nick]

We remember when world class stadiums were just a billion dollars to build.

[Jack]

But Atlanta and D.C. are spending four or five times that. I mean, for that price, they could buy Lyft, Jack.

[Nick]

Even the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. Their new stadium cost $2.2 billion, which is double what the Dallas Cowboy stadium cost.

[Jack]

Sebasti's. Jack and I saw this. We got curious, we jumped in. T Boy Style. Jack, what's the reason for the huge price tags? Is it inflation? What's going on?

[Nick]

The reason is that these aren't just stadiums. These are entire arena hoods.

[Jack]

Arena hoods, arena neighborhoods. Yetis the housing crisis. It's the most consistent issue across America's cities.

[Nick]

The number one reason people leave a city is that they can't afford to live there.

[Jack]

So here's what's happening. If you want a city government to approve your new sports stadium, well, it had better include some new housing.

[Nick]

Here's the key. At the same time that America has a nationwide housing crisis, our love and demand for live sports, especially football, extra football, has never been bigger.

[Jack]

I mean, so cities are telling NFL owners you can build a new stadium if you build new housing as well.

[Nick]

That's why the Commander stadium in Washington D.C. will include 5 to 6,000 brand.

[Jack]

New housing units, including at least 30% affordable housing. And Jack, what about that Atlanta stadium we just mentioned?

[Nick]

They're building a thousand new housing units, and in Tennessee, they're building 1,550 new housing units around the new Titans football stadium.

[Jack]

Now, we should point out you're still going to see the occasional suburb stadium that, you know, we've all seen before.

[Nick]

The arena, that's just an island surrounded by a sea of a vast sea of parking lots.

[Jack]

Philadelphia, we can do better. We can do better.

[Nick]

But more often these days, we're building entire victory villages right downtown in the city center.

[Jack]

We're talking a stadium plus hotels, plus apartments, plus casinos, plus a shopping mall, all built in.

[Nick]

That's why they cost $5 billion. It's way more than just a stadium.

[Jack]

And financially it works for the stadium revenues too, because instead of a stadium being used twice a week for one concert in one game, what do you get?

[Nick]

Jack, you get 24, seven living, playing, shopping and working in these arena hoods.

[Jack]

We'Re calling it right now. Atlanta is probably going to add a kindergarten to that arena hood, right, Jack?

[Nick]

Definitely.

[Jack]

Absolutely. So, Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies seeing all these arena hoods pop up?

[Nick]

Real estate developers love one word. Permanent.

[Jack]

Now, yetis. There's this story that Jack told me when he was in public policy school about like the difference between bus stops and train stations when it comes to real estate development? Jack, why don't you share it with.

[Nick]

The Yetis, Nick, If a city adds a subway station or a train stop, that is a permanent move. And real estate developers will build housing around those stations. But if a city adds just a bus stop, that does not spur investment, because bus stops can be changed anytime. A bus stop is just a sign next to a road.

[Jack]

It could switch. Like what you're saying, Jack, is there's a huge difference between train rails and bus lanes because train rails are permanent.

[Nick]

And around permanent things like train rails, you get huge development from real estate.

[Jack]

It's the same thing with stadiums, right? Stadiums are permanent. Real estate developers love permanent.

[Nick]

So cities are using sports stadiums to attract real estate developers to make long term investments in new housing.

[Jack]

Or like, another way to put this, is this wild? But America's love for football is the key ingredient to solving the housing crisis.

[Nick]

Because real estate developers love permanence.

[Jack]

And a $5 billion football stadium is very, very permanent. For our second story, Nutella is adding peanuts to cater to American taste. Its first flavor change in 61 years.

[Nick]

But this brings up a question from kindergarten.

[Jack]

Yeah, it does.

[Nick]

Should you change who you are just to make friends?

[Jack]

Ah, the Nutella story. It brings us back to the year 1800. Jack, could you take us back in time, please?

[Nick]

Napoleon Bonaparte caused a chocolate shortage across Europe because of all the. He was raging.

[Jack]

Wait, wait.

[Nick]

So Italian said, hey, we got plenty of hazelnut. Can I make candy out of this?

[Jack]

The answer is yes, Jack. Necessity is the mother of invention. And Italians got inventive. They added hazelnut to chocolate, and voila. Nutella.

[Nick]

Nutella is owned by Ferrero today. And Ferrero buys 25% of the world's hazelnuts just for their Nutella.

[Jack]

That's right. One out of four hazelnuts ends up in a jar of Nutella.

[Nick]

Nutella. Europeans spread chocolate butter on their bread every morning. And they're still somehow in better shape than we are.

[Jack]

I don't know how they do it, but it works. Yeti's Nutella. It actually arrived in the United States actually, a few years ago, we should point out.

[Nick]

In fact, US sales of Nutella have doubled since the year 2020.

[Jack]

But here's the update. This Italian treat is now attempting an historic American invasion.

[Nick]

Here's the news. Instead of forcing Americans to adapt to this European spread, Nutella is creating a version made specifically for Uncle Sam.

[Jack]

Nutella is pivoting to the peanut.

[Nick]

It's a new product called Nutella Peanut. It hits shelves next spring. And warning. Yes, Jack, this product contains nuts.

[Jack]

Also, full disclosure. Jack's son Wilder consumes enough Nutella to be its own food group. At this point, I think, dude, I've.

[Nick]

Actually weaned him off with Nutella. We haven't had it in the house for, like, six months, and he still asks for it.

[Jack]

Well, I think that's bad parenting, but we'll save that for another pod. Jack. Yetis, this is a big deal because it is Nutella's first flavor in 61 years, and it is also highly controversial.

[Nick]

The Europeans are basically trying to zuck Reese's peanut butter. Plus chocolate is our flavor.

[Jack]

But here's what Jack and I found fascinating when you look at the numbers behind the nuts used in these chocolates. Nut choice is the biggest cultural divide between Americans and Europeans.

[Nick]

Peanut butter has major household penetration in America.

[Jack]

Everyone eats it. Get this. 90% of American families have a jar of peanut butter somewhere in their pantry.

[Nick]

But In Europe, just 10% of people eat peanut butter. Americans eat 8 pounds of peanuts per person per year. Europe has a quarter as much.

[Jack]

But here's the wild part about these numbers. For hazelnuts, it's the identical reverse situation.

[Nick]

Europeans eat four times more hazelnuts than.

[Jack]

Americans do, just like we eat four times more peanuts than Europeans do.

[Nick]

So Bruce Springsteen is pounding peanut butter. Andrea Bocelli only eats hazelnut butter. They're doing a full American makeover. They're changing their famous Ferrero Rocher chocolates from sphere shaped to square shaped. For some reason, didn't like an old.

[Jack]

Girlfriend give you one of those, Jack?

[Nick]

Yeah. Yeah. A girl I had a crush on in high school gave me them.

[Jack]

But now these are not gonna be spheres. They'll just be squares for Americans.

[Nick]

This brand is also gonna start attending U.S. sporting events.

[Jack]

That's right. If you go to Yankee Stadium soon, you might be getting Nutella on your hot dog.

[Nick]

And that's not innuendo.

[Jack]

No, it's not. But here's the question, Jack and I want to know, with this Nutella invasion.

[Nick]

How far to enter a new market? How much should a brand change to adapt to local tastes?

[Jack]

Interesante. So, Jack, what's the takeaway for our spreadable buddies over at Nutella?

[Nick]

Beware of the Walmart smiles.

[Jack]

Yetis, entering a new country is complex. You gotta make some changes for the local culture.

[Nick]

Netflix and McDonald's have done this really well.

[Jack]

They have.

[Nick]

They've adapted a portion of their content, and they've adapted part of the menu for the local tastes.

[Jack]

Or Jack, the Duolingo CEO told us last month that Japanese people don't like their owl's sense of humor, so they changed the owl mascot just for Japan.

[Nick]

But there's a famous failure for international expansion, and the culprit is Walmart.

[Jack]

Yeah, like, remember those Walmart greeters, they used to hand out smiley face stickers at the door when you walked in.

[Nick]

Yeah. So when Walmart entered Germany, management told the greeters to smile to the German customers as they entered the Walmart.

[Jack]

But get this, Germans hated it. They thought the Walmart smiles were creepy fake. Like they were like, why are you smiling at me at this new Walmart store Now?

[Nick]

Eventually, Walmart failed in Germany. They pulled out in 2006 and the new York Times blamed it on the smiles.

[Jack]

So the big question for Nutella is finding the right balance as they push into America. Maybe peanut butter flavor really does cater to Americans.

[Nick]

Or maybe they should maintain the foreign feel of Nutella, that unique hazelnut flavor.

[Jack]

Either way, expanding to a new country requires adapting. But not too much adapting. Now a quick word from our sponsor.

[Nick]

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[Jack]

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[Nick]

Their chocolate flavored collagen powder turns a coffee into a mocha. It also adds 18 grams of protein and no sugar.

[Jack]

That's how I know you've been drinking this stuff. You caught that fact check right there, Jack. I'm a vanilla guy though. And honestly, the vanilla flavor tastes like it was flown in in from Tahiti on those beans.

[Nick]

Yetis, you don't want your body to fall into a collagen recession, especially after you hit 30.

[Jack]

No, you don't. Well, by taking Collagen Peptides daily, you can help support your hair, skin, nail, bone and joint health.

[Nick]

Get 20% off by going to vitalproteins.com and entering promo code T Boy at checkout.

[Jack]

That's vitalproteins.com promo code T Boy for 20% off.

[Nick]

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.

[Unknown]

If you're an NBA or WNBA fan who loves keeping up with pop culture, you've gotta check out the six Trophies podcast presented by aura. In this weekly basketball show, hosts Jason Concepcion and Shay Serrano comb through the spiciest news from the past week, handing out six pop culture themed trophies to six basketball related activities like the Sixth Sense I See Dead People trophy given to the player with the biggest comeback of the week or the Denzel Washington in Training Day trophy for the most dominant performance of the week. And if upping your personal performance is on your mind, our sponsor OURA can help with that. OURA ring gives you personalized Updates about your sleep, stress, activity, recovery, and more. All from a sleek, smart ring so you can win the hackin. You life better than Bradley Cooper and limitless trophy. Check out six trophies presented by Aura. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jack]

For our third and final story, this week begins a brand new era for hotels and ticketing sites. No more sneaky fees.

[Nick]

Hotel resort fees, Airbnb cleaning fees, and Ticketmaster service fees. Fee fees you now must legally reveal thyself. Reveal thyself.

[Jack]

Yeti is back. In October of 2023, regulators gave an official term to something universally hated.

[Nick]

Junk fees. What are junk fees, Nick?

[Jack]

Well, junk fees, Jack, would be mandatory fees that make you furious because you don't see them until the very end.

[Nick]

You hate your checked bag fee that United Airlines charges, but at least that's an optional fee, you know.

[Jack]

Yeah, and I know to expect it up front, Jack. It's annoying, but it is fair.

[Nick]

Technically, there's a special place in hell for mandatory fees.

[Jack]

Yeah, junk fees or fee fees. We're talking like Ticketmaster fees, right, Jack?

[Nick]

The $40 service fee for just processing my payment.

[Jack]

Or, Jack, how about delivery fees when the tickets are digital and it just got delivered to the screen of your computer?

[Nick]

Or Airbnb and vrbo, they have cleaning fees that are sometimes called junk fees because they're not shown in the upfront pricing.

[Jack]

But Jack, I gotta say. Pause the pod. The worst, I mean, worst of all the fee fees is the hotel fee.

[Nick]

Have you encountered a resort fee at a hotel Yetis?

[Jack]

Yeah, yeah. Marriott's $50 a night resort fee, purportedly for Wi Fi gym and complimentary bottle service.

[Nick]

It's not complimentary if you're making me pay for it.

[Jack]

I didn't use the gym. I. I didn't use the hotspot. Honestly, Jack, I fight this fee every time. This is my Everest, to be honest.

[Nick]

Do you succeed? And if so, how?

[Jack]

I honestly just keep talking to them until they eventually get rid of the destination fee, the resort fee, or the hospitality fee. That makes absolutely no sense.

[Nick]

Ah, the public scene approach always works.

[Jack]

I'm not proud of it, but I don't like paying $50 extra at night. So, Yetis, you, like us right now, might be seeing a whole. A whole bunch of headlines about the ban on junk fees.

[Nick]

Unfortunately, that's not what's actually happening. Junk fees are still here, but as of this Monday, they cannot be hidden anymore.

[Jack]

That's the new rule change from the FTC that you should be aware of.

[Nick]

Now, Airbnb made the move first, last Year they started giving us the option of seeing all in pricing upfront.

[Jack]

But now Airbnb shows all pricing upfront standard with the mandatory fees included.

[Nick]

Same with Ticketmaster, same with hotels, and same with other ticketing sites.

[Jack]

No more surprise resort fee dropping on you when you check out of the room.

[Nick]

So get ready for sticker price shock to be up front because the mandatory fees, you'll see right at the beginning.

[Jack]

What we're saying is that the hotel down in Cabo is still going to charge you that annoying destination fee, but they'll just show it to you when you're booking the place three months in advance.

[Nick]

And if you're willing to stand there for 20 minutes and say, I won't pay like Nick, they might waive the fee. I would like to speak to a manager. Yeah, we wish junk fees had a broader definition, actually. Because banks, car rental companies, Internet providers, wireless companies, they're notorious for charging us mandatory fees.

[Jack]

Killing the fee fee could apply to a whole bunch of industries out there.

[Nick]

But the FTC's new rule applies only to short term rental and live event ticketing companies.

[Jack]

This isn't just a junk fee. We call it a fake fee because again, I'm already staying at the resort. I don't understand why I'm also paying a resort.

[Nick]

I don't want the water bottle.

[Jack]

I didn't even ask for it. So Jack, what's the takeaway for our buddies with the fee fees and the junk fees?

[Nick]

In this economy, to separate or not to separate. That is now the question.

[Jack]

Yetis the interesting reason why hidden junk fees actually exist. It's consumer psychology.

[Nick]

In our minds, we are anchored to see the first price and remember that first price. Even if later we learn there are more fees.

[Jack]

So we're more likely to buy something because we remember that first lower price.

[Nick]

We remember it's 200 bucks a night, not 300 bucks a night after you add in all the fees.

[Jack]

But only certain industries use these junk fees. Like, can you imagine if your shoe companies charged a shoelace fee on you?

[Nick]

Or if a car company charged you a seatbelt fee at the last second during the checkout.

[Jack]

But here's what Jack and I find curious now. That fees must be shown up front. Why have a fee in the first place if it's mandatory?

[Nick]

Just include it in the price.

[Jack]

And maybe, just maybe, bundling in the fee is better. Because the concept of a fee is such a turnoff.

[Nick]

So now that junk fees can't be hidden, fee loving companies face a new question.

[Jack]

Ah, to separate or not to separate. That is the question. Jack, can you whip up the takeaways for us for ceviche Wednesday?

[Nick]

New Sportsports stadiums are $5 billion these days, but they include shopping, offices and housing, too.

[Jack]

They're arena hoods because to get real estate developers to invest in housing, you gotta show em permanence.

[Nick]

For our second story, Nutella is adding peanuts. It's their first new flavor in 61 years and it's just for Americans.

[Jack]

Nothing divides Americans and Europeans like nuts. Not politics, nuts. International adaptation. It is a balancing act. Don't overdo it like Walmart smiles.

[Nick]

And finally, starting this week, it is illegal for hotels, short term rentals or ticketing sites to hide mandatory fees.

[Jack]

To separate the fees or not to separate that. What is the new question?

[Nick]

But yetis, this pod's not over yet. Here's what else you need to know today.

[Jack]

First, we got two IPO updates for you. Get this. Hinge Health is planning to IPO this week.

[Nick]

That's a digital physical therapy company. And Chime, a fintech company, also filed to IPO this week.

[Jack]

Now, StubHub, the ticketing service, their IPO is still on pause because it got delayed because of the whole trade war.

[Nick]

But with stocks up again, we could be popping IPO champagne for all of Q2.

[Jack]

Not too shabby. And second, for the first time ever, sports fans came and subscribe to Just espn.

[Nick]

Just espn. Because the newest streamer is called simply espn.

[Jack]

ESPN already exists, but they don't get the best live sports. So this new version is just called ESPN.

[Nick]

It's a lot pricier though. 30 bucks a month for the best live sports on TV.

[Jack]

And finally, United Airlines just made a strategic move for super premium travelers. Get this. Caviar and jammies, luxury pajamas.

[Nick]

They will give you luxury PJs to sleep in if you're the highest class on the United flight.

[Jack]

United, they know that business class is a profit puppy in the airline industry. So they're trying to make it feel a little bit like a private jet.

[Nick]

If you're flying to Europe. You don't want the first day and the last day to be all about travel. You want that to feel like a vacation, too.

[Jack]

So now they will give you a bump of caviar on your hand while you relax in a pair of silk pajamas. Now time for the best fact yet, which is the answer to the trivia question Jack and I whipped up this week.

[Nick]

We asked you what app made Steve Jobs declare, and I quote, thermonuclear war on the company that launched It?

[Jack]

Yeah. What tech product caused Steve Jobs to get so angry and upset that he zucked it?

[Nick]

The answer is Google Maps.

[Jack]

That's right. When Google unveiled Maps, they reserved the turn by turn directions only for Android phones. So iPhones got a worse experience.

[Nick]

Steve was so furious, he declared tech war on Google and told his team to start making a map app.

[Jack]

And Jack, why are we telling all the yetis out there about Google Maps?

[Nick]

Because Google Maps is our latest episode of the Best Idea Yet.

[Jack]

That's right, our weekly show where we go deep on the most viral products of all time. This week, we'll tell you all about Google Maps, which you had no idea about.

[Nick]

You think Copernicus was innovative? Give Google Maps a try.

[Jack]

Google Maps, like, literally walked every road on Earth, so check out the best idea yet later today.

[Nick]

Yetis.

[Jack]

You're gonna love it. It's fantastic.

[Nick]

We got a link in the episode description.

[Jack]

Can't wait. And before we go, a happy birthday to legendary yeti Carolina Tiki Corkera, turning seven years old down in Roswell, Georgia.

[Nick]

Celebrate that huge birthday today with all those Axelitas.

[Jack]

They're adorable. And Caitlyn latompson over in Chicago, Illinois, loves their dog Finney and their new fiance, Andre. And hopefully coming towards our live show. Hope to see you there, Caitlin.

[Nick]

And happy birthday to Jennifer Du, also in Chicago, also attending our live show.

[Jack]

Yeah, either way, you better be doing logistics. Oh, and a shout out to legendary bestie Helene Zelby, a yeti founder of the company Tofu. Met her over the weekend, Jack. She and her family are fantastic.

[Nick]

And a big shout out to McOry 88 over in the Middle east, who says we're definitely not pronouncing Cutter or Qatar. Or Qatar wrong.

[Jack]

We're gonna go with the former. So thanks for jumping in T boy style.

[Nick]

And to anyone else who celebrates something today, make it a T boy.

[Jack]

Celebrate the wins.

[Nick]

This is Jack. I own stock of Netflix. Nick and I both own stock of Airbnb. And we both own ETFs of the S&P 500. If you like the best one yet, you can listen ad free right now by joining Wondery plus and the Wondery app. Or on Apple Podcast prime.

[Jack]

Members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

[Nick]

And before you go, tell us a little bit about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail] survey.

[Jack]

We want to get to know you.

[Unknown]

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